Let’s foster optimism

WITH all the pressures, challenges, trials, etc., that we have to face every day, all of them corrosive of our composure, we need to deliberately foster optimism if only to survive the day, if not to do well, what with all the possibilities that are actually staring at us also every day.

            It’s really a matter of attitude, a matter of choice. We can choose to succumb to these negative elements, or to be hopeful, patient and optimistic, looking beyond the here and now and detaching ourselves from the unreliable play of our emotions, knowing that there is always meaning in everything that happens in life.

            We need to build up our conviction of optimism and create its corresponding atmosphere and culture around, since we cannot deny that many people and a growing part of the world today are sinking into depression and despair.

            Recent medical statistics indicate an increase all over of the world of mental illnesses that have as their root the loss of hope and purpose in life. Erratic and dysfunctional lifestyles, marked with all forms of escapism, have also multiplied. These, and other anomalous behaviour, are also reflective of depression.

            We need to acknowledge the problem and take the bull by its horns. But we have to see to it that our effort to shore up optimism worldwide be built on the proper foundation. And that is none other than God.

            A sense of optimism that is based on other things will always be undependable, and even dangerous. It cannot last long. It cannot cope with all the tests we can meet in our lifetime. It will work only under some controlled conditions.

            That is why, we need to stimulate and energize our spiritual life, our relation with God, our life of faith, hope and charity. Only in this way can we truly be optimistic in a manner that is realistic and wholistic, and capable to leading us to our ultimate end, our eternal life with God.

            In the gospel, many are the instances where Christ told us to be hopeful and optimistic. “In the world you shall have distress,” he said, “but have confidence, I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16,33)

            We need to revisit these words and probe its basis more extensively. Thing is, we should not just be good at citing gospel passages. We should also try to fathom as much as we can the truth and wisdom of these divine words, so that these words can also be truly ours.

            Christ, of course, has conquered everything that is detrimental to our dignity as children of God through his passion, death and resurrection. This should be the core belief to have, to which everything else in our life, whether it is a success or failure, should be referred.

            We need to be clear that what is truly harmful to us is sin that can deal a death blow to our spiritual life, to our relation of love with God and others. Everything else, whether we succeed or fail in a business venture, etc., only has a relative value, which can be use for good or for evil.

            That is how we should understand what is truly evil to us, to save us from unnecessary worries over things that at best only have relative value. In our earthly affairs, we should learn to be sport, to be tolerant and patient, and not to be easily taken by twists and turns of life.

            If we succeed, good and give thanks to God. If we fail, it’s still good and we should never fail to thank God just the same. But also we should try to learn the precious lessons occasioned by our failures and defeats.

            Let’s remember that Christ has assumed our sinfulness and all its consequences—our failures and defeats—and has given them a certain quality to make themselves our path to our salvation.

            So, we just have to trust in God’s providence, ever so mysterious but also always wise and merciful. While we have to be 100% responsible for our life, we should neither forget that it is also God who is directing and drawing us to himself. All we have to do is to be open to his will and ways.

            “Be not therefore solicitous for tomorrow,” Christ told us. “For the morrow will be solicitous for itself. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. (Mt 6,34)

What we have to do is follow Christ’s command: “Seek first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Mt 6,33)