The Practice of My Faith

   We all reach a point in our lives when we make choices about our faith journey.  We decide for ourselves if and how we will continue to be a follower of Jesus.  At that point in our lives it is no longer our parents who make the decision about going to Church and our on-going faith formation.  Your experience of Church from that point on will be part of what you choose.  Will you be a disciple who accepts the invitation and challenge to walk with our Lord?

   That point may be a conversion for some, or for others a continuation of what had been there all along.  In either case there may not be any miracles happening, with life suddenly becoming simple and easier.  Jesus never promised a painless journey.  But there can be many blessings when we keep God in our lives.

   Our faith journey can be like a team preparing for a competition.  We practice the plays (learning about our faith, loving one another, service, etc.), learn some strategies to continue living faithful lives, develop the skills to share our faith and build each other up with strength and encouragement to be ready to face the challenges ahead.

   We gather together at Mass to learn God’s message, praise and glorify God and celebrate as Jesus showed us.  We should not come together at these times to merely be present at the celebration.  Rather we must join one another in communion.  We are the Church, the Body of Christ everyday, by living the example that Jesus gave us.

   One of the most important things that Jesus taught us is to have a support system.  We help each other stay strong in our faith.  There will always be attacks on our faith and the rough spots will be nearly impossible to get through if we try to do it alone.  Our faith is not lived in isolation.  We are an inter-dependent people who rely on each other in so many ways.

   The practice of our faith is all about building up our team, the family of God.  Our connection with God cannot be strong if our connection with each other is suffering.  In our kind, caring, merciful and loving actions, the kingdom of God is also strengthened.  So practice, practice, practice!