Salesian Reflection: Holiness consists in being cheerful

Image: Salesians Schools UK

Source: Salesians Schools UK

Don Bosco used to say, "here we make holiness consist in being cheerful." At first sight this seems like a throwaway line, but Don Bosco was convinced it was literally true. He saw moaning, gossip and constant dissatisfaction as signs that someone (adults or young people) had lost touch with an inner spirit and the energy to cope with life. Recognising when we get overly pessimistic and miserable is therefore a warning that we need to re-balance ourselves to work with young people, perhaps by reflecting on the Salesian compass at the end of this blog.

Recognising the tendency to misery, to complaining and to fault finding by young people can help the adult remain objective in dealing with the deep sadness that many young people feel from time to time. One Vatican document challenges us as educators to help future generations find new reasons for living and hoping. As an adult I need to avoid being manipulated by the dissatisfaction of young people and challenge them to dig deeper into their own spirit for dreams and motives that will deepen their understanding of life. As an adult I need to be reasonable, respectful, warm-hearted and cheerful in working with the young. In other words, I need to be a saint that models control over moods and sadness.

We can use the RUAH model in Salesian spirituality to help navigate through the moods that come on all of us, but especially in the time of adolescence. Reflect on those compass points to manage your own way through your own adolescent's moods.

To read on see: www.salesianschools.com/post/holiness-consists-in-being-cheerful