6 Ways to Live a Good Life and Reach Eternal Happiness
Born in 1815, Saint John Bosco was a man of extraordinary intelligence, charm, and physical strength—gifts he used exclusively to serve his neighbor in tireless efforts to win souls to God, especially those of young boys. He founded the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, a school and refuge for boys, and, in 1859, the Christian education of youth.
His teaching style was candid, simple but filled with wisdom. We present here what he called “medicine” for the soul. The simplicity and efficacy of these “prescriptions” remind us of those good old-fashioned homemade remedies made by our mothers and grandmothers. They help young and old alike.
Prescription #1: Give
God the greatest possible glory and honor Him with your whole soul. If
you have a sin on your conscience, remove it as soon as possible by
means of a good Confession.
Prescription #2: Never offend anyone. Above all, be willing to serve others. Be more demanding of yourself than of others.
Prescription #3: Do not
trust those who have no faith in God and who do not obey His precepts.
Those who have no scruples in offending God and who do not give Him what
they should will have many fewer scruples in offending you and even
betraying you when it is convenient for them.
Prescription #4: If you
do not wish to be ruined, never spend more than you earn. You should
bear this in mind and always measure your true possibilities accurately.
Prescription #5: Be
humble. Speak little of yourself and never praise yourself before
anyone. He who praises himself, even if he has real merit, risks losing
the good opinion of others. He who seeks only praise and honors is sure
to have an empty head fed only by wind… will have no peace of soul and
will be unreliable in his undertakings.
Prescription #6: Carry
your cross on your back and take is as it comes, small or large, whether
from friends or enemies and of whatever wood it be made. The most
intelligent and happiest of men is he who, knowing that he is doomed to
carry the cross throughout life, willingly and resignedly accepts the
one God sends him.
Promise of HappinessDon Bosco concludes: “Dear friend, I am a man who loves joy and who, therefore wishes to see you and everybody happy. If you do as I say, you will be joyful and glad in heart.”
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