Habits 

   “Be a Catholic:  When you kneel before an altar, do it in such a way that others may be able to recognize that you know before whom you kneel.” (St. Maximillian Kolbe) 

   Habits in life can serve a valuable purpose.  For instance, developing good eating habits can help avoid obesity and the medical complications that often accompany it.  An exercise regimen can improve health, both physical and, many believe, mental.  However, habits in our spiritual life can be detrimental rather than helpful.

   When we, as Catholics, enter the sanctuary we dip our finger in holy water and make the sign of the cross.  This is a prayer, a way of remembering and renewing our baptism, when our sins were washed away.  Yet, for many it seems to be nothing more than a habit, something done because we’ve always done it.

   The same applies to so many aspects of our spiritual life.  The Rosary is intended to be a contemplative prayer, one in which we are to consider many aspects of the life of Christ and the early Church.  Yet, many recite it so fast that there is no way to even mention the mysteries, never-the-less consider them prayerfully.

   Worst of all, in my mind, is the disrespect with which many seem to present themselves to receive the Eucharist.  It is as if they are receiving a mint, or a piece of candy rather than the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ.  St. Paul warns, “Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord." (1 Cor 11: 27).

   There are many good habits that can help us in secular life, but our spiritual life is to be one of respect and faith in God.  Leave habits at the door of the church and enter the spiritual realm. 

We act without thought.

We make our faith a habit.

Help us renew the fire within.

To live our faith to the fullest. 

Amen