“Magnanimity by its very name denotes stretching forth of the soul to great things” St. Thomas Aquinas

Greatness of soul. That is the exact Latin translation of the word magnanimity. But how do we strive for greatness of the soul? That is the key question. Striving for this kind of greatness is a lifelong pursuit, one that begins with understanding the how. We’ve often spoken about growing in virtue, putting knowledge into action, and finding ways to draw closer to God every day. But without striving for greatness—or, we could say, living magnanimously—our efforts can become stagnant, lacking the boldness and trust that true magnanimity requires.

To be magnanimous is to live with a spirit of noble ambition, not for personal glory, but for the glory of God. It is a willingness to undertake great things, to dream boldly in service of truth and goodness, and to rise above mediocrity with courage and perseverance. This pursuit is not about exalting ourselves but about responding generously to the call God places in our hearts. True magnanimity pushes us beyond fear, beyond self-imposed limitations, and into a life of deep faith and action.

Magnanimity is the humble pursuit of the greatness God calls each of us to. It is not centered on pride, self-exaltation, or personal ability alone; rather, it is rooted in the profound trust that, with divine assistance, we can accomplish great things for His glory. It is a virtue that calls us to recognize our gifts as given by God and to use them boldly in service to others. In this way, magnanimity is inseparable from humility, as it acknowledges that all greatness comes from and returns to God.

Magnanimity is not just an ideal but a way of life, one that calls us to rise above complacency and embrace the greatness God intends for us. So, ask yourself: Where is God calling you to be bold? How can you step beyond comfort and strive for excellence in virtue, service, and faith? Do not be afraid to dream big for His glory! Live magnanimously, trust in His grace, and pursue greatness of soul each day. 

In the life of Christ, we see the ultimate example of magnanimity. Jesus, in His mission to redeem humanity, undertook the greatest task imaginable, to suffer and die for our salvation. His magnanimity was not about His own greatness but about the greatness of His mission to bring about the Kingdom of God. His actions were driven by love, not pride or self-interest. When Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24), He invites us into the same spirit of magnanimity—one that embraces challenges, sacrifices, and struggles for the sake of a higher purpose, with an eye always toward the good of others and the glory of God.

So how do we live Magnanimously?

Living magnanimously involves striving to cultivate a greatness of soul that aligns with God’s will and to seek a life that reflects His love and mercy. Here are some practical ways to live magnanimously:

  1. Seek God’s Glory, Not Your Own
    Magnanimity is rooted in a desire to please God and to live for His glory. In all our actions, we must ask ourselves: “Am I seeking greatness for my own ego, or am I seeking to serve God and others?” Magnanimity involves the humility to recognize that any greatness we possess is a gift from God, and we are called to use it for His purposes. By living with a deep awareness of God’s presence in our lives, we can remain focused on His will and make choices that reflect His love and holiness.
  2. Take on Noble Challenges
    Living magnanimously means being willing to pursue great and noble undertakings, even if they are difficult. This might mean committing to a life of service, taking on a challenging ministry, or offering our time and talents to help others in need. It involves facing challenges with courage and hope, trusting that God is with us in our efforts. Whether it’s striving to build a strong family, pursuing justice in society, or helping those in need, we are called to engage in efforts that are truly worthy and impactful.
  3. Be Generous in Spirit
    A magnanimous person is generous in spirit, showing mercy and kindness to others. Magnanimity involves using our resources—whether time, energy, or material wealth—to bless others. It is not about hoarding blessings for ourselves but about sharing what we have been given for the good of others. This generosity can take many forms: offering a listening ear, volunteering, providing for the needy, or simply being present for others in times of difficulty.
  4. Cultivate Humility and Detachment from Vanity
    Magnanimity is not about seeking personal glory or recognition. It is essential to remember that while we are called to great things, those things are never about exalting ourselves. Living magnanimously means recognizing that our worth is not in the accolades we receive or the power we wield, but in the humble service of God and others. Detachment from vanity allows us to remain focused on the true purpose of our lives: to love and serve God with all our hearts.
  5. Strive for Holiness
    True greatness is found in the pursuit of holiness. Magnanimity involves not just striving for greatness in worldly matters, but striving to grow in virtue and holiness, emulating the virtues of Christ. It means having the courage to tackle the challenges of living a moral life, cultivating patience, perseverance, and charity. The goal of magnanimity is the transformation of our hearts and minds so that we may reflect the goodness and love of God in all we do.
  6. Accept Trials with Grace
    Part of living magnanimously is accepting suffering and trials with grace, as part of the journey toward sanctity. Challenges in life are inevitable, but a magnanimous person faces them with a generous spirit, knowing that through God’s grace, suffering can lead to greater holiness and deeper love for others. Just as Jesus endured His Passion for the salvation of humanity, we too are called to endure hardships, trusting in God’s plan and grace.

By living magnanimously, we grow in virtue and fulfill our true calling to become more Christlike, embracing both the triumphs and struggles of life with grace, courage, and an unwavering trust in God’s providence.