Guides

I’ll be the first to admit. I’m not a good Catholic.

On the surface, I’m not a bad person. At least I don’t think so. But scratch that surface, and I have neither the peace nor the joy nor the lifestyle that true faith, hope, and love engender. And let’s not get started with surrender and trust. Never been the surrendering type.  

You could say that self-awareness is the beginning, and I’m good with that. It’s God’s hand that has led me to this place, and it will be his grace that leads me to what I need next.  

What has transformed my faith?

First, the realization that not everyone’s interpretation of faith and religion is the same. What touches me is unique. As long as I’m moving forward, towards a deeper relationship with God, that works for me. Discernment is key. And a rigid definition of “good vs. bad” is at best a detractor.

Second, the knowledge that some kind of shedding of my old skin is necessary for positive change. I realize we live in a culture of “happy.” Of self-comfort and self-gratification. But there is seldom forward movement in that kind of “happy.” The things I cling to – pride, control, the need for approval – lurk in the most seemingly innocent of actions. Seeking “better” and understanding the self-inflicted pain points in my suffering has been the door to forward change. 

Last but not least, finding my people.  Yes, the friends and family that feed my soul, but also the role models that not only speak to me, but can meet me where I am, without shame or guilt, and gently guide me to loftier goals and higher places. These have been my people: 

Father Mike Schmitz. I started with his Bible in a Year podcast and have gotten hooked on his Sunday homilies and basically anything he’s involved in. A message of love and hope and God’s goodness and love for us. No judgment, hate, rules, or damnation.  My faith felt at home here.

Father Richard Rohr. A Franciscan friar, prolific author, even a fan of the Enneagram, it was his book, “Falling Upward,” and later “Letting Go,” that led me to take early retirement. I haven’t looked back.  

Father Greg Boyle. A Jesuit priest who ministers to gang members in LA, his outlook on people and their actions is truly God-like. I was gifted “Tattoos on the Heart” and was hooked on this man’s humanity and outlook. I have “Barking to the Choir” and “The Whole Language” on my to-read list. Check out this Ten Percent Happier podcast interview for a quick peek at his philosophy.  

The Rescue Project. Compellingly presented by Fr. John Ricardo, is a series of 9 videos that can be streamed here. If you want to get back to the true core of the Christian faith, just watch them. The discourses of our time will fall away and you might just fall in love with the faith again. Or at least understand its true heart.

The Chosen. The portrayal of Jesus’ and the apostles’ daily lives joined together with our most loved New Testament stories is nothing short of inspiring. Sweet, accessible, heart wrenching, magnificent. 

Mother Mary. I’ve always had a connection with Mother Mary. I have felt under her protection even at the times when I was the farthest away from the faith. The Rosary – in many incantations – has been a companion and source of centeredness for me the last few years. And this prayer from St. Louis de Montfort has become my reminder of how much lies under her protection.

Litany of Humility. I really should be praying this every day. Every single day. When I do, talk about grounding and true peace.  

St. Ignatius Prayers. I will leave you with the two that touch my heart:

A prayer for generosity

Lord, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve.
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to heed the wounds,
To toil and not to seek for rest,
To labor and not to ask for reward
Save that of knowing that I do your will.

Amen.

A prayer against depression

O Christ Jesus,
When all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
Give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power,
So that nothing may frighten or worry us.
For, living close to You,
We shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things.

Amen.

I hope you will be moved to try one of these resources, and like me, that you will discover a truth much deeper, much more personal, than what we’re exposed to every day.