It’s that time again, when we embark upon yet another campaign to improve ourselves. “This year,” we vow, “I will lose weight, exercise more, save more money than I spend.” And sometimes we do just that….for a week, and then we give up. Self-improvement is just too much work. Is it asking too much that we undertake spiritual resolutions, as well?
No, not really. Here’s why: God wants to see our spiritual improvement, and He’s willing to meet us more than half way to help us. He has given us Holy Mother Church and Her treasury of prayers and devotions. He has given us the Saints and Blesseds to guide us.
Why not try at least one of these “Spiritual Resolutions” and watch how God lifts you up.
1. Increase your devotion to the Blessed Mother. Nothing will deepen your prayer life faster, or bring you closer to God. If you don’t pray a daily Rosary, start there. If the Rosary is already a beloved habit, take the next step: do a Total Consecration to Mary. St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Consecration can be done in seven days. St. Louis de Montfort’s is a more rigorous Consecration that takes thirty-three days. Whichever you choose, you will notice that your quiet time becomes more intimate, your prayers more flowing.
2. Befriend the Holy Souls in Purgatory. They are hungry for your prayers and Masses on their behalf, and will eagerly respond with prayers of their own to help you on your way. Many times, we sense a certain ‘coincidence’ that seems to be an answer to prayer. The Holy Souls are cheering us on, pleading with God to open doors for us, even before we think to ask for such doors to open. Quench their thirst, and they will shower you with their
gratitude.
3. Read the Bible daily. Get a good Catholic translation, such as the NAB or the Ignatius Bible. The Bible is God’s love letter to His children. Start with the Psalms or the Gospels. Read just a few verses, and rest yourself in the embrace of Your Savior. Let Him do the work. Sit quietly at His feet as Mary did, and allow Him to speak to your heart, and to bring you peace.
4. Visit the Adoration Chapel. We are so blessed in Franklin County to have 24-hour Adoration every day of the week. Sign up for a regular hour if you can. Even without a regular hour, you can make a visit as your schedule allows. As you enter the Holy of Holies, remind yourself that God is truly present in the Monstrance. Bow low before Him in homage and adoration. Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe waits for you, like a prisoner waits for a visitor to come and spend time with him. Are you lonely? God is lonely, too. He waits for you, you alone, to come to Him. Do not deny Him the gift of your time.
If you do even one of these ‘resolutions,’ next New Year’s Day will find you with renewed joy, peace, and intimacy with God….benefits you can take with you into Eternity.
No comments:
Post a Comment