Men's Rosary

I have discovered that most of us tend to complicate things. People over-think things, worry about problems that “may” occur, walk on eggshells around certain people, etc. This is the stuff that makes life crazy and annoying! Well, it looks like the same thing happens in matters of faith.

I have met many devout and well-intentioned people that struggle with their faith, with prayer and worship. The root cause seems to be the complication of something simple. We are told by Jesus to detach from the world and to follow his teaching. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth or rust consumes, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) So it really is about where our heart and mind are. Are we thinking of Jesus? I liken it to being at work and away from my wife. I can’t be with her, but I don’t forget about her for the day until I get home! Rather, while being involved in my work, my heart and mind goes to her. The same with our faith. While we are physically “in” the world we can be united to Christ in mind and body at all times.

There are too many things to distract us from this. Even seemingly good things can be used by the devil to keep us from Christ. Scrupulosity in prayer and worship can be a significant distraction. It can be like an attachment to “things”. God simply wants us to include him in our lives and give him priority in everything. When constantly looking for the perfect prayers, litanies, sermons, etc., we can be led down a path that takes us away rather than toward. “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

It is all about Jesus. Spending time in Adoration, quiet prayer alone with him to hear his voice, Mass well prepared for and attended and being aware of the presence of God in every minute and aspect of our life, are the most important things. Everything else will flow out of that in the way that God intends it for us, regardless of what we may think. It is not difficult. Take care not to make it so. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Let us detach from the cares of the world, humble ourselves in knowing our dependence on God for everything, and place ourselves before Christ in the Eucharist asking him to take us where we are to be. And then let us cooperate in his plan for us.

“Because your soul is extremely simple, but when you will be perfect you will be even more simple; the closer one approaches to God, the simpler one becomes.” (St. Therese of Lisieux)