Following Jesus

For Catholics who want to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, daily habits can help deepen their faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and guide them to live out their vocation in love and service to others. Here are some daily habits that can aid in that journey:

1. Daily Prayer

• Morning Prayer: Begin the day by offering it to God. A simple prayer of gratitude, such as "Good morning, Lord. I offer this day to you," helps set the tone for the day.
• The Our Father: Recite the Lord’s Prayer daily, connecting with the words Jesus taught His disciples.
• Personal Prayer Time: Spend 10-20 minutes in quiet prayer, talking to God, listening, and asking for His guidance.
• Night Prayer: Reflect on the day before sleep, thanking God for blessings and asking for forgiveness for mistakes.

2. Reading Scripture

• Daily Bible Reading: Set aside time to read a passage from the Bible, especially the Gospels. The liturgical readings (which can be found in the My Parish and/or Amen app) can guide you each day.
• Read one of the Gospels.  The Gospel of Mark is 16 chapters, (2 chapters a day, complete in 8 days), then read Matthew, Luke and John.
• Meditation on the Word: Don’t just read the text; take time to reflect on it. Ask, "What is God saying to me through this passage?"
• Learn the story of salvaion through 14 Narrative Books of the Bible.  

3. The Rosary

• Daily Rosary: This prayer, which involves meditating on key events in the lives of Jesus and Mary, can be a powerful way to invite Mary’s intercession and grow closer to Christ. If you can't do a full rosary, even a decade a day is beneficial.

4. Eucharistic Adoration

• Visit the Blessed Sacrament: If possible, make a short visit to the church to adore Jesus in the Eucharist. Even a brief moment can strengthen your faith.
• Silent Time in God’s Presence: Reflect and let Jesus speak to your heart. You can also use this time to pray for others.

5. Daily Acts of Kindness and Charity

• Service to Others: Actively seek ways to serve those around you. This could be as simple as helping a neighbor, offering encouragement, or being patient with those who test your patience.
• Offer a Sacrifice: Every day, offer a small sacrifice for the good of others, whether it’s for someone in need or for a specific prayer intention.

6. Examination of Conscience

• Daily Reflection: At the end of the day, reflect on your actions. Where did you live out Christ's love? Where did you fall short? This habit of self-examination helps you stay aware of areas in need of growth.
• Confession: Make regular use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation to stay in a state of grace and continue on the path of holiness.

7. Practicing the Virtues

• Cultivate Humility and Patience: Strive each day to grow in the virtues. Make an effort to practice patience, kindness, and humility in all interactions.
• Forgiveness: Forgive others daily, just as Christ forgives you. Holding onto grudges hinders spiritual growth.

8. Spiritual Reading

• Read Spiritual Books: Set aside time to read Catholic literature that can deepen your faith. Books like the Imitation of Christ, works of the saints, or contemporary spiritual writers can inspire and challenge you.
• Follow the Lives of the Saints: Learn about the saints, as they serve as examples of how to live out the Christian life. Saint biographies often give practical insights into discipleship.

9. Fasting and Penance

• Small Acts of Penance: You don’t need to wait for Lent to fast or practice penance. Offer little sacrifices each day—whether it's denying yourself something you enjoy or choosing a more difficult course of action out of love for Christ.
• Fasting from Sin: Focus on fasting from sinful habits, such as gossip, anger, or pride.

10. Active Participation in the Sacraments

• Attend Daily Mass: If possible, try to attend Mass during the week. Daily Mass offers an opportunity to receive the Eucharist more frequently and encounter Christ in a profound way.
• Make a Spiritual Communion: If you're unable to attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion by inviting Jesus into your heart, uniting yourself to His sacrifice.

11. Share Your Faith

• Evangelize in Small Ways: Whether it’s a conversation, a social media post, or a simple witness to others, sharing your faith can help you grow in discipleship.
• Be a Witness of Joy: Let others see Christ’s love through your actions, especially during difficult times. Being joyful and loving in everyday situations is a powerful form of evangelization.

12. Live a Life of Gratitude

• Gratitude Journal: Write down at least three things you are grateful for each day. Thank God for His constant presence and blessings.
• Grateful Heart: Foster a heart that acknowledges God’s grace in every part of life, whether the good or the challenging moments.

13. Community and Fellowship

• Read the Bulletin:  This is a great resource to know what is going on in the parish
• Visit Parish Website:  This is the place to learn about what is going on in the parish and to direct others to our faith. 
• Join a Faith Group: Being part of a small group, Bible study, or prayer group can help you grow spiritually in community.
• Support Others: Reach out to fellow believers. The body of Christ is made stronger when we encourage and support each other in our spiritual journey.

By consistently integrating these habits into your daily routine, you can deepen your relationship with Christ and live a life more fully dedicated to His service. It’s about small, intentional steps each day toward greater holiness.