Human, Spiritual, and Ecclesial Flourishing in Harmony

Q: I’ve been noticing the phrase “human flourishing” more often lately. I also came across an article describing a “flourishing church.” And in a talk I recently heard on St. Francis De Sales, the speaker said that devotion isn’t just about following rules or doing the right thing, but about doing things with a flourish—with extra care and love. Can you explore how these ideas of flourishing might be connected?

A (ChatGPT): Absolutely—what a rich set of insights to bring together. The idea of flourishing—whether human, spiritual, or ecclesial—carries deep meaning and reveals something essential about how we’re meant to live. Let’s take a closer look at how these different uses of the word are deeply united:

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1. Human Flourishing: Becoming Fully Alive

The term human flourishing comes from classical philosophy, especially Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia, often translated as “living well” or “thriving.” It doesn’t mean mere comfort or pleasure—it’s about living in accordance with virtue, purpose, and right relationships. It’s about becoming the person you’re meant to be.

In a Christian understanding, human flourishing takes on an even deeper meaning: it’s about becoming fully alive in Christ. This includes moral and spiritual development, yes—but also creativity, joy, meaningful work, community, and the fulfillment of your God-given potential. It’s not just surviving. It’s thriving in body, mind, and soul.

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2. A Flourishing Church: A Community That Grows in Love

A flourishing church isn’t simply one with a growing attendance or a healthy budget. It’s a parish or community where people are growing in holiness, forming deep, authentic relationships, serving others, and living their faith with joy and conviction.

This ties directly into your reference to St. Francis de Sales. He spoke of devotion not as dry duty but as something done with a flourish. A devout person, in his view, doesn’t just do the right thing—they do it well, with care, love, and attention. That’s the difference between fulfilling an obligation and truly living a vocation.

In short:
A flourishing church is made up of flourishing people.
And flourishing people act out of love—not just from obligation or fear.

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3. Devotion with a Flourish: Love Perfects the Action

St. Francis de Sales emphasized that devotion isn’t only for monks, nuns, or priests—it’s for everyone. And devotion, he said, “adds polish and luster” to everything we do.

Think of the difference between preparing a meal and serving it beautifully. Or between saying a prayer and offering it from the depths of your heart. That’s what he means by doing things with a flourish. Love is what perfects the act—elevating the ordinary into something holy.

When we live with devotion, even small actions become radiant.

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🌱 How It All Comes Together

These three ideas—human flourishing, a flourishing church, and devotion with a flourish—are not separate. They reflect a single, integrated vision of the Christian life:

We were made to grow in love.
Not just to obey, but to overflow.
Not just to survive, but to shine.

Whether we’re speaking about an individual soul, a family, a parish, or the Church as a whole—flourishing points to a life of abundance. As Jesus says in John 10:10:

“I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”