Three simple and proven habits that change everything.
Is there really anything in the writings of the great mystics that can speak to the lives of 21st Century people? Pope St. John Paul II certainly thought so.
Three simple and proven habits that change everything.
Is there really anything in the writings of the great mystics that can speak to the lives of 21st Century people? Pope St. John Paul II certainly thought so.
Reading the writings of the saints can be overwhelming and even discouraging, particularly those on the spiritual life. Many wrote in a time and culture far removed from our own. Most lived a cloistered life, which can feel totally foreign to those of us who are married, raising a family, or working.
Is there really anything in the writings of the great mystics that can speak to people of the 21st Century? Pope St. John Paul II certainly thought so. Here are his three “infallible and indispensable” means for growth in the spiritual life.
Prayer.
Let’s face it. Living the gospel is hard. It’s not just hard. It’s impossible! Jesus himself said, “With men this is impossible…” But he didn’t leave it at that. He gave us the means to make it possible; “…but with God all things are possible.”
Pope St. John Paul II tells us that in prayer we implore God to grant us the power of the Holy Spirit, and every Divine help, to live the gospel. We can’t do it on our own. Why not ask for a little help?
The Eucharist.
One of the primary “Divine helps” that Jesus has given us is his very self in the Eucharist. With Christ himself working in us, we can be transformed.
But even with the Eucharist we must still do our part. The saints lived their lives preparing to receive the Eucharist and in thanksgiving for having received the Eucharist. Part of the transformation that we experience comes simply from the preparation and thanksgiving for receiving the Eucharist.
Penance.
But let’s be honest. We all fail from time to time and need to say we’re sorry. We need to apologize to our spouses, friends, relatives, coworkers and fellow parishioners for not always measuring up to God’s standards. And we all need to apologize to God for not being the children of God we were baptized to be.
Penance isn’t supposed to be one long, self-loathing guilt-trip. Penance is the sacrament of hope! It’s a fresh start. Through penance we recognize that in this spiritual journey we need an occasional course correction.
Too Churchy?
Still think this sounds too “churchy,” or that maybe this advice was directed to priests and religious? Think again! Pope St. John Paul II revealed these three infallible and indispensable means for growth in the Spirit while commenting on Pope Paul VI’s encyclical “Humanae Vitae” in what has popularly become known as the “Theology of the Body.” These three indispensable means for growth in the life of the Spirit were directed to married couples!
To learn more about the practical applications of theology, consider earning your Master’s degree in Theology from Catholic Distance University.
As one of the oldest and most respected online universities, Catholic Distance University has mastered the art of creating online programs that not only fit your needs, but provide a faithful Catholic education. With the flexibility and affordability that only an online university can provide, your dream of earning a degree you can be proud of is only a click away!
Copyright © 2020 Catholic Distance University | Designed by Fuzati
Photo: Rob Croes (ANEFO)