FAITH MATTERS
To be fully alive humans need to do more than take care of their physical and mental health, writes Bishop Gerard Bergie
By Gerard Bergie Contributing Columnist
March 2, 2024
“Gloria Dei est vivens homo”: the glory of God is a living human being.
This statement was made by St. Irenaeus of Lyons in the second century. He was expressing a fundamental Christian belief that we reach our full potential in life when we turn towards God. When we do this, we give God the greatest glory.
Another way to say this is that the glory of God is man and woman fully alive!
St. Irenaeus reminds us that God gives life through creation, and the created world is a reflection of the divine in all its glory. The highest expression of this glory is man and woman made in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). Life is a gift given to us for the glory of God and creation.
What is found in Genesis is amplified by another spiritual writer of the early Church.
St. Athanasius was born approximately 100 years after Irenaeus. In his writings on the Incarnation, he stated that God became human so that humans could become like God. This is called theosis.
This theme is found in many of the writings of early Church Fathers. They stressed that we do not become God; however, we share in the divine nature of becoming the image or icon of God. We are given goodness, holiness and love, but not God’s power, omnipotence and omnipresence.
We have a unique dignity in God’s creation that not even the angels can claim. What an incredible gift that has been given to us — the glory of God is man and woman fully alive!
Do you feel fully alive? Are you thriving or simply surviving?
St. Paul states the following in his letter to the Thessalonians: “May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Thessalonians 5:23)
In this passage of scripture, we are reminded that the human person is comprised of body, spirit (mind) and soul. St. Paul states we need to keep these sound and blameless in this life in order to prepare us for the next life. Having a balance between all three impacts our wellbeing, helping us to thrive and feel alive.
The majority of health-care professionals are telling us that when it comes to our overall health, we need to be more proactive than reactive.
For many years now we have been told about the importance of physical health. Countless studies indicate that a balanced diet, exercise, adequate sleep and relaxation, contribute to ensuring a long and healthy life. Many are heeding the advice to have a fit body.
We also know that maintaining mental health is important. We are encouraged to reduce stress levels, spend time with friends and family, talk freely about our struggles, and get help if needed. Fortunately, maintaining mental health is becoming more of a priority because people value having a sound mind.
What about the soul? What is the measure of a healthy soul?
I would say that it is related to feeling fully alive. If life is a burden rather than a gift, then you may be neglecting the soul. It may be time to promote greater harmony between your body, mind and soul.
Physicians help heal the body. Psychiatrists and psychologists help when we struggle with mental health. God is the physician of the soul.
If there is no joy and you feel overwhelmed in life, turn to God for healing.
We should take great comfort in the fact that we are wonderfully made, and that the glory of God is man and woman fully alive!