Johnny Bosco's Dream and the Dreams of St. Joseph

Dear Confreres,

The bicentenary celebration of little Johnny Bosco’s dream at the age of nine urges us to continue dreaming, as encouraged by His Eminence Card. Angel Fernandez ARTIME our beloved Rector Major through this year’s Strenna. The dream that initiated Johnny Bosco’s vocation story reveals a recurring theme throughout his life: the transformation of wild animals into meek lambs. This sequence is evident in his mission. The dream of 1844 is connected to the one he had in 1824. In the dream at the age of nine, a dignified person advises him to win friendship of the quarrelling youngsters with gentleness and love rather than blows. Johnny receives Mary as his guide to fulfil his mission. The dreams of 1824 and 1844 reveal a progression in which the guide prompts the dreamer to observe changes in wild animals, symbolizing spiritual transformation. In the 1824 dream, animals like wolves, goats, cats, dogs, and bears turn into meek lambs/sheep, with the dreamer assuming the role of a shepherd. In the dream of 1844, these meek lambs or sheep evolve into shepherds themselves, assisting John Bosco in his mission. This progression prompts us to reflect, in this circular, on the traits of wolves and in the next circular on sheep, and how they relate to human relationships and religious life. As we are in the month of March, I shall conclude the reflection part with spiritual insights from the dreams of St. Joseph and St. John Bosco.

Wolves and their Traits

Wolves, unlike herbivorous animals, are carnivorous creatures, preying on flocks rather than pastures, often disguising themselves as sheep according to Jesus in Matthew 7:15. Therefore, pastors and elders as shepherds of the flock must be vigilant against them, as St. Paul warns in Acts 20:29-30, emphasizing that the sole desire of wolves is to devour the flock. The traits of wolves and their predatory nature could be depicted with following characteristics:

Wolves manifest Pack Dynamics and Lack of Mutual Respect: Despite operating in packs, wolves lack genuine respect for each other, often turning against their own kind with ease.
Wolves avoid Shepherd’s Vigilance: Wolves actively avoid pastoral vigilance, but may infiltrate sheep herds if the shepherd is negligent, posing as sheep to evade detection.
Wolves are stimulated by Bestial Hunger: Driven by their primal instincts, wolves relentlessly pursue the flesh of sheep, exhibiting a bloodthirsty nature to satisfy their bodily hunger.
Wolves are Agents of Unity Destruction: Wolves disrupt unity and togetherness among sheep, scattering them through attacks, thereby enabling easier consumption of isolated individuals.
Wolves render the Sheep Vulnerable: When separated from the protection of the shepherd and the support of the herd, individual sheep become defenceless against wolves, lacking the physical capabilities to fend off attacks.

Some Wolfish Traits that could Echo in our Relationships

When translating wolfish traits into human relationships, one must be however doubly cautious as not to generalize or stereotype individuals. Here are some parallels that could be drawn:

Lack of Respect and Betrayal: In human relationships, some individuals may exhibit a tendency to form groups or cliques but lack genuine respect for others within those groups. They may easily turn against their peers or allies for personal gain or advantage.
Manipulation and Deception: As wolves try to deceive shepherds or members of their pack, certain individuals in human relationships may employ deceptive tactics to manipulate others for their own purposes. They may feign loyalty or friendship while harbouring ulterior motives.
Carnality and Exploitation: In human relationships, there may be individuals who are quick to exploit weaknesses or vulnerabilities in others for their own gratification or benefit. They may prey on others’ desires, fears, or insecurities to further their own agenda.
Discontent and Rebellion Against Authority: Some individuals may harbour grievances against authority figures, such as Leaders or Rectors or Major Superiors. They may use past experiences of perceived injustice or rejection as justification for rebelling against or undermining those in positions of power.
Charismatic Charm and Manipulative Influence: Certain individuals may possess charismatic personalities that they use to charm or manipulate others into trusting them or following their lead. They may leverage their charisma to exert influence and control over those around them.
Destructive Intentions and Harmful Actions: Just as wolves are portrayed as agents of destruction in nature, some individuals in human relationships may exhibit behaviours or actions that cause harm or discord within groups or communities. They may seek to undermine cohesion, sow discord, or cause harm to others for their own gain.
Subversion and Division: Individuals who exhibit wolfish traits in human relationships may seek to undermine group cohesion or unity by sowing seeds of doubt, distrust, or division among members. They may attempt to draw others away from established norms, values, or leadership structures in pursuit of their own agenda.

It’s important to remember that while these traits may be manifested in certain individuals, however, not everyone who exhibits such behaviours is necessarily a “wolf.” Human relationships are complex, and motivations for behaviour can vary widely. It’s crucial to approach individuals with empathy, understanding, and discernment rather than jumping to conclusions based solely on their behaviours.

A Way out for the one suffering with Wolfish Traits

To navigate and potentially mitigate wolfish traits in human relationships, it’s crucial to approach individuals with compassion, kindness and sensitivity rather than generalizing or stereotyping them based on their behaviour. Here are some suggestions for addressing these wolfish traits:

Promote Genuine Respect: Encourage a culture of genuine respect where individuals value and honour each other’s perspectives, feelings, and contributions.
Foster Transparency and Trust: In our mission, create an environment where honesty and authenticity are valued, making it more difficult for manipulation and deception to thrive. Encourage open communication and discourage hidden agendas.
Empower Vulnerable Individuals: Support and protect those who may be vulnerable to exploitation, ensuring them that they are not taken advantage of by those seeking personal gain. Offer resources and assistance to help them assert themselves, their boundaries and rights.
Address Grievances Constructively: Provide channels for individuals to address grievances and concerns they may have with authority figures or leadership, by fostering a culture of dialogue and problem-solving rather than rebellion and division.
Promote Critical Thinking and Awareness: Encourage individuals to critically evaluate charismatic personalities and be mindful of manipulative tactics. Educate them on recognizing signs of manipulation and how to assert their autonomy in relationships.
Encourage Positive Conflict Resolution: Teach individuals constructive ways to address conflicts and disagreements, focusing on finding mutually beneficial solutions rather than resorting to destructive behaviours.
Strengthen Community Bonds: Build a sense of belonging and unity within communities, making it more difficult for divisive individuals to undermine cohesion. Foster inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected.

By promoting these approaches, individuals can work towards mitigating the negative impact of wolfish traits in human relationships and fostering healthier, more supportive environments based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.