Being Spiritually Active in Everyday Life

I was pleasantly surprised by the response that my previous article, entitled The Devil Preys on Idle Souls, received from viewers. As a result, I want to continue this theme and offer insight into one specific method when it comes to defending ourselves daily against the devil’s tactics. A strong defense is just as essential as a strong offense when being spiritually active. (And who better to help us to remain spiritually active than our Lord and His army of saints.)

I love our holy ancestors in faith and have never found one I did not embrace. I enjoy reading about the feast days celebrated in our Church throughout the year (especially on such days as May 26^th). These holy men and women, enjoying their eternal reward, never cease to offer us aid in our desires to defend against sin and evil, and attain heaven. Among one my favorites is St. Philip Neri.

St. Philip Neri provides us with sound advice on remaining acquainted with them, especially during “dry” and idle times:

The best remedy for dryness of spirit, is to picture ourselves as beggars in the presence of God and the Saints, and like a beggar, to go first to one saint, then to another, to ask a spiritual alms of them with the same earnestness as a poor fellow in the streets would ask an alms of us.

The Ordinary and The Extraordinary

These ambassadors of truth emulate both the natural and the super-natural elements of our Catholic faith. They were ordinary individuals, but they possessed extraordinary gifts. We, as fellow members of the Communion of Saints, are encouraged to engage in spiritual dialogue with our heavenly brothers and sisters whenever and wherever necessary. We honor them daily, proving that we should let them into our lives.

I feel we should constantly seek their guidance. They are our “holy counselors,” who point us in the right direction – always towards God. Their ways come from Him, and Him alone. We are one family, united in Christ, called to look out for one another. This is exactly what the saints do.

So, Why the Hesitation?

Our heavenly heroes and heroines know where we are today and can offer much in regards to our present (and future) circumstances. They have experienced loss, temptation, sin, and suffering. (Even more compelling are the stories of those who battled with the evil one.) Their lives often amaze me, and I am inspired by their steadfast courage and devotion to Our Lord, even in the face of peril.

St. Philip Neri’s image of a poor beggar is a perfect example of how we should act during moments of trial. A beggar is in dire need of something. He lacks something essential; and many around him possess it (i.e. food, clothing, money, etc…). Furthermore, we recognize his emptiness, and upon noticing him, can predict what he needs.

In seeing ourselves as poor beggars, as St. Philip Neri infers, we become humble and honest with our sense of loss and helplessness. Yet, rather than approach a stranger, we are privileged enough to reunite with our family, who are all ready (and all-willing) to help. They know us and know our needs. They are best suited to accommodate us in our struggles. Therefore, why would we hesitate? On the contrary, we should run to them with joy and open arms.

A Match Made in Heaven

St. Philip Neri writes:

Do not grieve over the temptations you suffer. When the Lord intends to bestow a particular virtue on us, He often permits us first to be tempted by the opposite vice. Therefore, look upon every temptation as an invitation to grow in a particular virtue and a promise by God that you will be successful, if only you stand fast.

Many are often reluctant when it comes to asking for help (let alone believing we need it in the first place). This is a trick of the devil. We fear a sense of vulnerability because we are unable to fulfill our own needs. We also fear being shunned or turned away just as a beggar would. This is false. The beauty comes in knowing that the saints anticipate our needs and have set a course leading to spiritual virtue and success.

Our True Mediator and Advocate

Even though we are assured of a proper response to our prayers and petitions, we never overlook Christ, our True “Mediator and Advocate.” Saint Charles Borromeo reminds us of this:

Behold Jesus Christ crucified, Who is the only foundation of our hope; He is our Mediator and Advocate; the victim and sacrifice for our sins. He is goodness and patience itself; His mercy is moved by the tears of sinners, and He never refuses pardon and grace to those who ask it with truly contrite and humbled heart.

I am reminded of those stories we occasionally hear about when someone does something wrong and has to eventually own up to it. They usually ease their way into this process, first by encountering a close friend or family member, and then presenting themselves to those in authority to accept the consequences.

Keeping it in the Family

The saints present a consistent approach to staying on the right path. However, they also impress upon us a sense of humility. They show us that when we stray too far, we must make amends with the Father, Who is in authority. Whereas the devil deceives us into believing we can just move on, the saints help us to recognize our need for true forgiveness and contrition. This can only come from God. The devil desires to separate us from family. Not so with the saints.

Saints are there to put us back on the path illuminated by the light of Christ that leads us towards our eternal destination. This journey takes many twists and turns along the way, but Our Lord’s grace is always present. The saints help us properly navigate when times get challenging and “dry.” However, we are the ones who make the final decision in the end.

Let us pray to remain spiritually active, striving to live in God’s grace, and never ceasing to ask for spiritual alms from those who have always done likewise.