Greatness of Soul
I am not a fan of committing to a New Year’s Resolution. It always sounds like a great idea in theory, but rarely can I settle on a meaningful and sustainable one. Quite by accident, I was recently reacquainted with a not-commonly used word – at least not in my vocabulary. I thought I understood its meaning but had failed to appreciate its value as a virtue. Bingo! I just found my 2024 Virtue Resolution.
MAGNANIMITY.
Striving for greatness is at the heart of this virtue called “magnanimity.” Its meaning is “greatness of soul.” This is the virtue by which we pursue what is great and honorable in our lives, even if it is difficult. Saint Thomas Aquinas described it as “stretching forth of the mind to great things.” The magnanimous person seeks to do great acts, “things as are deserving of honor.”
A magnanimous person pursues greatness in proportion to her ability. She humbly takes stock of all the gifts that God has given her and seeks to use them as best she can. As Aquinas explains, "Magnanimity makes a man deem himself worthy of great things in consideration of the gifts he holds from God.”
Surprisingly, magnanimous people fly “under the radar.” They live quiet, simple lives, different than most others. The person who daily endeavors to be a better spouse, parent, friend, or child of God is truly seeking “greatness of soul”/the virtue of magnanimity.
This weekend’s liturgy celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family, an awesome example of magnanimity. Mary’s Magnificat, her great YES to God’s plan, is a wonderful model of a humble, trusting, and generous spirit. Such magnanimity of heart! The example of Joseph agreeing to take Mary as his wife while knowing that the child she is carrying is not his flesh and blood is a noble and courageous act, the very definition of magnanimous. Then there is Jesus who both completes and embodies the trinitarian nature of family. How magnanimous of our God to send His Son to earth as our savior! How magnanimous of Jesus to accept living with the constraints of a human body and then give it up to redeem us from our sins.
My heart was touched as I read Colossians 3:12-21 which we will hear this weekend. It offers beautiful examples of how to practice the virtue of magnanimity.
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.
And over all these, put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…singing…with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Following the example of the Holy Family, may we enter a new year of magnanimous living.
Abundant blessings to you and your loved ones.
