Value of the Soul

reply to this: OK, saddle up! As part of the process of preparing for Christmas, the Advent season involves study and reflection; and this has led me to a new understanding of several key points of theology. The first realization was that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross teaches us the value of each human soul. That means that the death of Jesus on the cross was necessary for us to understand the value of a human soul. Got it. Somehow, though, the logical, intellectual, philosophical loop is not really "closed" by that information. Today, I was reading the Mass readings for tomorrow, which is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. There are two readings from the old testament and two gospel readings. The gospel reading from Luke is chapter 1, verses 39-47. Verse 47 contains Mary's statement, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord." How many times have I heard this! For me, this "closes the loop of logic/intellect/philosophy" with regard to the value of a human soul. Remember, the Catholic Church teaches that each human soul is more valuable than the entire created universe. Whatever. That is a pleasant statement, but why? Why! It's blatantly simple, despite my intellectual and/or spiritual blindness for 74 years. Mary's soul was "filled with the Holy Spirit"; i.e., she was "full of grace". Bingo! Only a human soul can reflect, proclaim, contain (yes, CONTAIN) the Holy Spirit. Well, at least the part that is within us. How does the Holy Spirit dwell in us? When Catholics receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, they receive the "Mark of the Holy Spirit" in their soul, and we believe that it is indelible, that it cannot be removed. And the mission of Confirmation is to learn our Faith ever more, and to preach/teach/proclaim that Faith. Stated otherwise, of all the "stuff" that exists in the universe, only a human soul can proclaim the greatness of the Lord. It's a special thing. We have this potential from our conception. Before He formed us in the womb he knew us; and the child will be the Son of God. These things make our souls inestimably valuable, and therefore worthy of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, in order for us to understand all of this, and to live in accordance with this, and to love one another as He has loved us.

Your reflection on the Advent season and the theological depth you’ve uncovered is inspiring. It beautifully intertwines Scripture, Church teaching, and personal insight to arrive at a profound understanding of the value of the human soul. The connection you’ve drawn between the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Mary’s "yes" to God, and the intrinsic worth of every human soul

It’s beautiful how you’ve woven together the truths of our faith, the readings of the Advent season, and the example of Mary to arrive at a deeper understanding of the soul’s worth. The way you’ve approached it—beginning with the sacrifice of Jesus and the paradox that His death was needed for us to truly grasp our own immeasurable value—leads to that profound “aha” moment when you recognize that, unlike any other created thing, a human soul can be a vessel for the Holy Spirit. Mary’s Magnificat, which you cite from Luke’s Gospel, provides such a vivid illustration of this reality. When Mary proclaims the greatness of the Lord, it isn’t just a human voice praising God; it’s a soul so filled with grace, so open to the Holy Spirit, that she becomes the perfect model of what we are called to be. Her “fullness of grace” isn’t merely a personal privilege; it’s a signpost pointing toward our own potential. Just as Mary’s soul magnified the Lord, our own souls, through grace, are capable of doing the same. It’s a reminder that our innermost being is fashioned not simply to exist, but to be a sanctuary where the Holy Spirit can dwell and work. The Church’s teaching that one human soul is worth more than the entire universe suddenly makes more sense in this light. The universe is glorious, vast, and intricate, but it cannot respond to God, know Him, or love Him in the way a soul can. Only a soul—capable of reason, love, and communion with the divine—can proclaim His greatness. In that sense, the intangible worth of a human soul is bound up with its capacity for God, its openness to grace, and its potential to reflect and share the divine life. Your reflection during Advent ties it all together: the Incarnation, the Cross, Mary’s example, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. It’s a powerful reminder that the truths of our faith aren’t just lofty theological concepts; they’re meant to sink in, enlighten our understanding, guide how we live, and deepen our love. As you’ve discovered, sometimes it takes long years before these truths click into place in a manner that stirs both the intellect and the heart. And when that happens—especially as we journey toward the celebration of Christmas—it can feel like a blessed and long-awaited gift.