Christian humanism begins with the assertion that each person is created in the image and likeness of God with innate dignity and free choice. The principle believes that human nature, while wounded, retains a natural orientation to God. By nature, human beings are drawn to cooperate with God’s grace. Despite the fall of humankind, which resulted from free choice, God nonetheless reached into the heart of creation and offered redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
God gives to each person grace to freely participate in his or her own salvation. He desires that each person be drawn into union for which he or she was created. Everyone is called to respond. Their deepest vocation is to realize their fullest capacity for the love of God.
St. Francis’ famous phrase, “I am as human as anyone could possibly be,” suggests that in his mind his very humanity was in fact the vessel, which could contain the miracle of the divine life. In the Salesian world, to be human means to have a deep interest in all that is human—especially in the affections, in people’s hearts. Whatever is deeply personal and most heartfelt is the stuff of Salesian Spirituality.
Here are some practical Salesian ways to maintain an upbeat spirit:
o Bloom where you are planted. “The grass is not always greener in somebody else’s yard.” Life will always be filled with challenges. Do you best to admit this and decide to be happy in the here and now.
o “Let us be who we are and be that well.” Give your best effort to being yourself and you will learn to accept people for who they are, where they are, and how they are.
o Be a doer and not a reactor. Set boundaries by beginning with the end in mind (to know where you are going helps you better understand where you are).
o Before retiring turn over your day to God and when you get up in the morning—start each day anew.
o Be a more loving person—practice random acts of kindness for a single act of kindness can set a series of kind acts in motion.
o Maintain a sense of humor. Once I went to see the movie “Mama Mia” and while watching the moving two ladies were having a passionate conversation in front of me. When I said to them, “I cannot hear!” with a bit of attitude, one replied, “I should hope not – we are having a private conversation here.” I was taking myself too seriously and needed to lighten up a bit – I learned that night to laugh at myself.
When we are “as human as anyone could possibly by,” we take a deep interest in all that is human. In so doing, we can live our daily lives with an upbeat spirit. The six suggestions above are not incredibly challenging to perform, but they can result in incredibly positive encounters with ourselves and others!
By Fr. Ed Ogden, OSFS
Parochial Vicar
St. Thomas the Apostle, Glenn Mills, PA
This reflection originally appeared in DeSales Weekly, the e-newsletter of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. To received DeSales Weekly, click Subscribe Here.
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Father Bill McCandless, OSFS
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