Use the Fine China

If you are like me, you grew up in a household where older family members passed down their fancy dishes. They were only taken out at holidays, and on very special occasions. Otherwise, some sat on display, and most were tucked safely in a cabinet to ensure they wouldn't break. You might even have some in your home, if you care to keep them. I have two sets currently, and they are beautiful! Sometimes I open my cabinet and think, why aren't we using these more? You might know where I'm going with this by now.

Are we "using" our faith, or is it sitting on a shelf, waiting for its shining moment in daylight? Catholicism isn't simply a religion, it's a full lifestyle laid out right before us. Are we taking advantage? I didn't grow up Catholic. I didn't know what it was like to have all of these tools and opportunities to grow closer with God presented daily. Now I do, and I want to shout how amazing living as a Catholic is from the rooftops! Nothing fills my cup more. Nothing is better. I truly don't believe some of us realize what we have. I have to write about this, because I do know what it's like to live lukewarm. I don't want to go there again, and I don't want other people to be there without even realizing it.

Do you know how fortunate we are to be Catholic? We have open churches any day of the week. Many other churches are locked down throughout the week. You have to buzz in to enter, and that's if someone is even there to let you in. We get to go inside to pray, to sit with Jesus, any time we want. Are we doing that?

We have the sacraments, which are in some cases, daily opportunities to experience grace and move closer to God. I grew up going to church and praying, but the faith alone ideal of my childhood left it at that. Are we approaching the sacraments every chance we get with the joy and reverence they deserve?

We get to have Mass every single day, are we going?

We are presented with constant avenues from which to learn, and guidance when we feel overwhelmed or confused. Are we reaching for it?

We have opportunities to help another through countless charities and organizations. We have built in community right in our parish. Are we extending a hand?

Mother Angelica once said, "If Catholics would rise up and act like Catholics, the world would change over night."

Catholicism isn’t a Sunday morning faith, it is a daily faith. A daily chance at more. A daily abundance to be grasped. We don’t have to stumble around in darkness and wonder what the next move is. The Church is our guide. Even many of her buildings are formed like a ship with wooden beams to carry us home. The Holy Spirit is our internal guide. The Saints are our examples, and Mother Mary is our helper in times of need. These things are HUGE! These things are to be celebrated and shared! These are things I didn't have, and now that I do...I am just so, very thankful.

While we walk the earth and wait for the hope of heaven, we really have nothing to want for if we are living in this beautiful truth and embracing this lifestyle we’ve been gifted. Let’s not be complacent. Let’s not forget or disregard. Let’s not be too busy, too fearful, or too ashamed to rock the boat. Let’s not let pain or laziness get in our way. Let’s prioritize.

After all the Word became flesh and walked among us, gave Himself in our place, and defeated death so we can have life and have it abundantly ( St. John 10:10). So let’s do that. While we are taking up our crosses and following Him, let's also live full, unapologetic, Catholic lives in service to this Church, which helps us grow so close to our Blessed Holy Trinity. Let’s fill the gaps in our lives and think about priorities and what really matters. Maybe we need to put some good things down so we can pick up some of the great things. It’s there for the taking. Are you feeling dull or depleted or unfulfilled? Step into the beautiful gift that is our Church and own your faith.

What if we could do two things this week in addition to our weekly obligation of Mass?

• What if we went to an extra Mass, spent a holy hour in adoration, or went to confession? What if we scheduled that in?

• What if we listened to Catholic radio (AM 820 in case you need the channel) or Hallow instead of the garbage Top 40 radio in the car. You know there hasn't been a good new song since like 2007 anyway.

• What if we read some of the Bible, the Catechism, an educational Catholic book, or a book about a Saint instead of watching TV in the evening before bed?

• How about praying a Rosary instead of scrolling on our phones? A daily Rosary is a life changer, I know firsthand.

Even the smallest exchange of material in what you’re already doing daily makes a difference. If you don't want to replace anything, you could just add simple things, like being intentional about praying at meals, when waking, and before going to sleep. Find a few prayers you love, and sprinkle them throughout your day.

What we fill our hearts, minds, and time with is what we become. Take advantage of the gift we have, the gift many have died for. I promise you will get more out of it than you put in. Nothing is more important, and nothing of this earth that’s currently taking the place of your time practicing your faith is eternal. Let's not allow the prayers we recite in Mass to be empty. Let's live them out here and now, and as we do, I am certain our lives will overflow. Don’t leave it sitting on a shelf. Your Catholic faith is not the fine china from your grandma.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:18