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We become what we read: What we read can transform us and the world
Monday, August 5, 2024
*Dolores Hanley McDiarmid
In this third year of the Eucharistic Revival, we are called to be Eucharistic Missionaries. We are called to bring others to Christ, to let them know about the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, in the Blessed Sacrament. In addition to receiving the Eucharist regularly in a state of grace, another way to prepare ourselves to be Eucharistic Missionaries is to work toward our personal transformation by reading.
It is important for us to make time to read spiritual material by Catholic authors.
I was reminded of this when I received a bookmark in the mail that read, “Don't neglect your spiritual reading. Reading has made many saints. (St. Josemaria Escriva)
A perfect example of how someone's life was changed by reading a good Catholic book is St. Ignatius of Loyola. He was a man interested in being a great soldier, until he injured his leg and became bedridden. After reading The Imitation of Christ, he and the way he lived his life were transformed. He lived to serve Christ.
When was the last time you sat outside in the fresh air, or in a peaceful environment, to read or listen to a book that inspired you to be a better person? When was the last time you read or listened to a book written by a Catholic author that brought you closer to Jesus?
A nun visiting our parish shared her personal faith journey toward developing a personal relationship with Jesus. She told us that while she was reading the Scriptures daily and looking at Jesus’ relationship with each person He met, she came to know Him better. Once she knew Him on a more personal level, all she wanted to do was love and serve Him. She said the Scriptures are alive! God spoke to her heart through the scriptures.
The Bible and other Catholic books written by people who have lived or continue to live virtuous lives can help us on our faith journey toward a closer relationship with Jesus and on our way to Heaven.
What exactly is virtue and why is it important for us to live a life of virtue? The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1803) tells us that “virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.” Matthew Kelly, in his book 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory, tells us that “Jesus is virtue personified.” (Kelly, 2023, page 194)
Kelly also emphasizes the importance of living a life of virtue. He tells us that there is a clear connection between a life of virtue and human flourishing, and that virtue leads to better people, better living, better relationships, and a better world. (Kelly, 2023, page 194) Calling upon the Holy Spirit and receiving the Eucharist in a state of grace helps us to have the strength to live a virtuous life.
There are cardinal virtues and theological virtues. The cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance, while the theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity. Additional information about these virtues can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church on pages 443-450 (Article 7.)
Our world needs people to live a life of virtue. We need to learn or be reminded of how we can live a virtuous and holy life. One way to learn how to live a virtuous life is by reading about the saints and other people who have lived virtuously and imitating them.
When was the last time you and your family read together in your leisure time? You and your family can do something different by taking a break from social media, television and video games, and replacing it with family reading time. Why not ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in selecting a book by a Catholic author and have each family member share what they have learned with family and friends
God desires that each one of us continues to grow in our relationship with Him and live a virtuous life, a holy life, which can help transform our families, communities, and the world. Reading spiritual books helps us to know God, to grow in holiness and live a holy life, thus transforming the lives of others we encounter.
While watching the10th National Eucharistic Congress on television, one of the speakers, Chris Stefanick, said that the first two letters in God are ‘go’ and that is what God wants us to do, to go out into the world, to bring people to Him, and transform the culture and our world.
“Only God knows the good that can come about by reading one good Catholic book.” —St. John Bosco
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