“Let us belong totally to God, and be of good cheer, trusting in him.”
-St. Francis de Sales
It can be hard to be cheerful during this crisis that currently
plagues the world. Stores are closed, education is online and friends remain at
a distance — at least 6 feet, to be exact. However, no trial is too trying and
no setback can obstruct progress when we trust in God. The Covid-19 crisis
presents everyone with numerous inconveniences with which we have to cope. But
the Lenten season that we just spent six weeks living teaches us that all our
struggles have a redemptive quality.
At Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, many unexpected
modifications entered the schedule, especially for seniors. From canceled
trips, digital graduation ceremonies and lack of cafeteria fries, anyone would
be right in saying the year has not gone as planned. And yet, these adjustments
present unexpected opportunities. Students have more time to spend picking up
hobbies, improving specialized skills and being with their families before
leaping into the college experience.
At Bishop Ireton, six seniors are chosen every year to become
Salesian Leaders for their senior class. Among their duties is to select a
guiding quote for the year. The quote above is a simplified paragraph from St.
Francis de Sales and highlights three important practices we can put to use,
especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. First, above all else, we are called
to belong to God fully in all things. When we belong to God, our struggles are
bearable through him and give glory to him. Second, we should be cheerful. This
does not necessarily mean we need to be happy. Happiness implies enjoyment with
our present condition whereas cheerfulness is accepting the situation and
making the best of what is given because we know there are better times ahead.
Lastly, we must trust in God because he is the driving force behind all things.
Without trust, we cannot be cheerful.
St. Francis de Sales emphasized the “little virtues,” a set of
traits he found especially profound in everyday life. These include cheerful
optimism, gentle strength and humility. These virtues can be displayed with
family at home and make social distancing just a little more joyful. Trust in
God cheerfully and belong to the plan he has for humanity. We have the mental
and spiritual fortitude to endure the Covid-19 pandemic with his help.