Today I want to share with you some words of comfort and guidance that I have read about St. John Bosco, a saint whose wisdom and love for God have been a constant source of inspiration for many Catholics.
In a world where melancholy often surrounds us, these six simple but powerful pieces of advice can help us find joy and inner peace.
1) Live only for God
St. John Bosco reminds us of the importance of giving God the greatest glory possible and honoring Him with all our soul, saying: “Give God the greatest glory possible and honor Him with all your soul. If you have a sin on your conscience, remove it as soon as possible through a good Confession.”
When we give ourselves completely to God, we find a peace that transcends all earthly concerns.
2) Be a servant
One of St. John Bosco’s most striking teachings is the call to serve others. He reminds us to never offend anyone and to always be willing to serve, stating: “Never offend anyone. Above all, be willing to serve others. Be more demanding of yourself than of others.”
By placing the needs of others above our own, we find a greater purpose in our lives.
3) Choose our companions carefully
The saint warns us not to trust those who do not have faith in God and do not obey His commandments, saying: “Do not trust those who do not have faith in God and who do not obey His precepts.”
He reminds us that people who do not respect God may not respect us either. By surrounding ourselves with people who share our faith and values, we find support and security on our spiritual journey.
4) Be prudent with our spending
St. John Bosco advises us to live within our means and never spend more than we earn, stating: “If you do not wish to be ruined, never spend more than you earn.”.
By being prudent with our finances, we avoid unnecessary worries and can live simply and generously.
5) Cultivate humility
Humility is a virtue that St. John Bosco values deeply. He reminds us not to talk too much about ourselves or to praise ourselves in front of others, saying: “Be humble. Speak little of yourself and never praise yourself in front of anyone.”.
By being humble, we gain the respect and trust of those around us, and we find true inner peace.
6) Embrace the Cross
Finally, Saint John Bosco reminds us of the importance of accepting the crosses we encounter in our lives with resignation and faith, stating: “Carry your cross on your back and accept it as it comes, small or large, whether from friends or enemies and whatever wood it is made of.”
He encourages us to carry our cross with courage, whether it is small or large, whether it comes from friends or enemies. By embracing our crosses with faith, we find strength and consolation in the love of God.
May these words of Saint John Bosco inspire us to live with joy and courage, even in the midst of life’s difficulties. May we always seek God in all things and find solace in His infinite mercy and love.
