With the coming of September, we in the Northern Hemisphere start to put summer behind us and focus more on the new school year and the work world.

As the schedule revs up, it is a good moment to see where the Holy Spirit is inviting us to go deeper in our relationship with our Lord.

We might have felt the nudge to attend daily Mass more often, or to read the Catechism cover to cover.

Or perhaps we feel compelled to do more for the parish or the community. This could involve reaching out to the poor, launching a Bible study group, or helping with a renovation project. There is always something to be done.

This week, the Church observes the memorial feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa had a famous response to those who hesitated about trying to help others: “Do it anyway.”

Since charity begins at home, our efforts in the spiritual life should include our immediate and extended families. This can include a range of practices.

Pray for and with family members. Pray together before every meal. And offer up sacrifices for the conversion of those who stopped attending Mass or going to confession.

Make religious themes a common topic of conversation at the dinner table or in the car. Be careful about the kinds of TV shows and movies you allow in your home.

And think of inviting family members to join you in volunteer work. Their participation could help them to rediscover their faith and realize how much they can contribute.

For inspiration, try praying with our Retreat Guide on Mary Magdalene, the apostle who told the apostles that the risen Jesus still wanted their collaboration.

Even if we come away with only partial ideas about how to live the faith more fully, do it anyway. The Holy Spirit will work with that.

In Christ,
Father Edward McIlmail, LC

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