Men's Rosary

Another year has passed. In a couple of days we will usher in 2024. The question I ask myself is, what will be different for me? What will the New Year bring?

Being a student of personal development of all the prominent business philosophers, I routinely made resolutions and set goals every year. While these are extremely important, I grew to learn that they were not the most important, nor the most essential.

Spiritual resolutions are the most critical.  It is upon these that all other resolutions and goals in our lives are built. Our spiritual life is the very foundation of our existence. So in the chaos of the world, with all the focus on material measure of one’s life and success, or lack thereof, we need to step back and go inward. 

Some time in prayerful quiet will allow us to examine our spiritual health. How are we doing? Where can we improve? Most importantly, where may God be challenging us and asking us to grow. 

An interior life is essential to our spiritual health. The rub is that in today’s world it is increasingly harder to develop. For this reason we must remain vigilant and purposeful in our faith and spirituality. 

There are many things that lend to building a strong interior life. Things like daily reading of scripture, daily Mass when possible, the Rosary, Adoration, reading of the Saints, daily examination of conscious, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, etc.

However, the single most important thing, in my opinion, is quiet time with the Lord…mental prayer. I try for 30 minutes a day. Unfortunately, life gets in the way and many times I don’t get it. But it is VERY important. This is when God can speak to you. We come to be in His presence and listen. If I can do nothing else in the coming year for my spiritual health, I want to take this time EVERY day without fail.

So take some time with yourself and honestly ask how you have been doing. Thank God for any successes and ask His pardon in any failing. Above all, ask for His help in improving and growing closer to Him.

As men, we are called to be strong spiritual leaders. Let us pray for one another.

St. Joseph, patron Saint of workers and families, pray for us!