Liturgy Strengthens the Spiritual Life

Every January, gyms are filled with people who promised themselves to become fit in the year ahead.

Anyone who has attempted to bench press, run, or kickbox their way to better health knows that getting in shape and staying in shape requires more than showing up at the gym. Staying in shape is as much about what happens outside the gym—for example, eating the right foods and getting enough sleep.

Whenever the liturgy is celebrated, participants strengthen their spiritual lives. Just as the result of a physical workout demands more than showing up at the gym, a strong spiritual life depends on more than arriving at church weekly.

Getting the most out of liturgy depends, first, on preparation just as a warm up is required for exercise. The Church’s liturgical documents state that the faithful should come to Mass with “proper dispositions,” with hearts ready to pray, with minds focused to pay attention, and with spirits hungry to feast on the living God. The following are ways to prepare for Mass:

• Read the Scripture readings beforehand.

• Allow yourself and/or your family enough time to get to Mass.

• On the way to Mass, think about everything for which you have to be thankful.

• When you get to church, look for and welcome newcomers.

• Reach out to someone who is going through a tough time.

During Mass, participate with your whole being. Sing the songs and pray the prayers from your heart. Listen attentively. Allow the readings, the music, the symbols, and the rituals to engage your spirit, move your soul, soften your heart, and transform your way of being.

Just as athletes continue to exercise during the cool down after their workout, Catholics should spend time in reflection after the Mass. For the liturgy to penetrate lives, it should be pondered after leaving the church. An individual might begin reflecting by considering what words in the readings, homily, or prayers affected him or her. Perhaps they were drawn particularly to the music or a ritual. Consider what affected you the most. Discuss questions that arose from the readings. Sing the psalm refrain.

Continue throughout the week to be attentive to the liturgy. This can be done in many ways. Pray Morning or Evening Prayer. Participate in the celebration of weekday Mass. Read the daily Scripture readings. Study the faith. Take an adult education class. Practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

A good physical workout leaves people exhausted and exhilarated, with a sense of accomplishment. Participating in the liturgy and reflecting on it brings worshippers the sense that God has accomplished something in them.

Five Minute Jesus

Using the Gospel for Prayer - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time June 25, 2023

It’s simple. 1. Read the Gospel for the following Sunday slowly, reflecting on the story it tells. 2. Reflect on the questions assigned for each day. 3. Make some resolution about how what you read can be lived that day. 4. Then thank God for speaking to you through this reflection.

Gospel Matthew 10:26-33

Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever desires me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.

Monday, June 19th

In today’s Gospel Jesus reminds me that I do not have to reveal everything or convince everyone. In God’s time, all will be known. How do I let my experience of God be evident in my life?

Tuesday, June 20th

Will I get a chance to acknowledge Jesus before others today? Maybe there is a kind act I can perform? Perhaps I can find words to comfort someone? Let me think of something.

Wednesday, June 21st

‘Fear,’ as a concept, plays a role in today’s Gospel. Does fear sometimes make me abandon the truth? Do I know sometimes know what to do in a situation but do nothing for fear of the reactions of others? Let me think of at least one time that fear made me abandon the truth.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Do I resist being distracted by the number of sparrows or the quality of the hairs on my head and, instead, focus on Jesus’ love and appreciation of me? How has Jesus’ love and appreciation of me manifested itself?

Friday, June 23, 2023

In the last few lines of the Gospel, Matthew speaks of the importance of the public professions of faith. What have I learned that Jesus will do before his Father? Under what conditions will I be either acknowledged or denied?

Saturday, June 24, 2023

In today’s Gospel, which words comforted me the most? challenged me the most? changed me? What were these words? Why did they have this effect on me?