How to Become Better Catholic

Adapted from St. Thomas More Catholic Parish,  Colorado USA.

Each year the secular nature of the holiday especially Christmas seems to gain ground. The ancient Israelites had the same problem. They had been waiting for about two thousand years for the coming of the Messiah. Of course, we’ve been waiting for almost two thousand years for the return of Jesus. They were surrounded by pagan nations that seemed to be more successful than theirs. We’re surrounded by a secular culture that belittles Christianity as a failed religion. The British intellectual and Catholic convert G. K. Chesterton, said, “Christianity isn’t a religion that has been tried and failed; it is a religion that we have failed to try.”

The Israelites kept the expectation of the Messiah alive through the preaching of the prophets and one of the greatest of these was Isaiah. In his book, he described a blessed existence that will only be completely achieved at the second coming, but is in the process of becoming in the Church today. He spoke to the “people of Zion who live in Jerusalem.” The Temple of Israel was built on the rock of Zion just as the Church is built on the rock of the Papacy and the Church is the “New Jerusalem.” (Rev 21:2). Israel’s waiting was over with the coming of Christ. Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. It will be completed at the time of the second coming when the church on earth will be joined with the church suffering in Purgatory and the church triumphant in one glorious heavenly chorus. But the question is, what should we be doing in the meantime?

So here are four guidelines for becoming better Catholics from Catholic speaker and author Matthew Kelly from his book, The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic.

1. Pray  
Kelly says that prayer must be directed at developing an intimate relationship with Christ. There are many ways to pray, including the prayers of the Mass, the Rosary, the prayers we have memorized since childhood, and simply sitting down, imagining that Jesus is sitting next to you and speaking with him. St. Thérèse of Lisieux describes this sort of prayer as “a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” This prayer, as is all prayer, is a response to God’s love. It is most appropriate when we receive the Eucharist, our highest form of prayer. Use all forms of prayer.

2. Study
We need to know our faith. Our parish offers us several ways of doing this through religious education classes but I would also like to recommend getting a subscription to the National Catholic Register to learn from a faithful Catholic source just what is really going on in the Church worldwide. You won’t learn that from the Denver Post. Find out where to find the answers to questions.
We should have religious symbols in our homes. When you enter the house of most Jewish  people, the first thing you see is a mezuzah on their doorpost. They have Menorahs and Hebrew writings in their homes. They are fighting for the survival of their faith. Let’s be honest, in our families, we are, too!

3. Be Generous
I won’t elaborate on this because our stewardship program does a great job of developing a spirit of engagement with others. We should be generous not only with our parish but with our neighbors and friends and even those we don’t particularly like. Jesus tells us that our Father sends the rain on the good and the bad. (Matthew 5:45) and that we are to be perfect just as our heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48).

4. Evangelize
Proclaim the kingdom of heaven. In the Gospel, Jesus sent out the twelve apostles as an example for us. (Mark 6:7). St. Peter tells us that we should “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do so with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15). We must evangelize with faith and humility.
I would like to quote some tips for evangelization from Steve Ray, an apologist working for Catholic Answers in California.

First, don’t argue. Arguing breeds emotions and builds walls. If you win the other person loses and that is frequently the end of the communication.

Second, make a decision right up front to love the person you are dealing with. Loving the other is especially important between spouses separated by religion.
Next, show the Lord’s joy in your life. St. Teresa of Avila said, “Lord, protect me from gloomy saints.” People in love are happy. Christians are in love with God. No one wants to join the Pessimist’s Club.

Finally, ask God to bring someone else to influence the other for the faith. The entire job of conversion is not on your shoulders. Don’t feel that this
is a race that only you can win. Conversion is ultimately the job of the Holy Spirit. Frequently it is a long-term process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
The only way we will bring peace to the world is to bring Christ to the world.