“Prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trail as well as joy; finally, it is something great, supernatural, which expands my soul and unites me to Jesus.” --St.Therese of Lisieux

Prayer is essential to living a holy life, to becoming a saint. Praying is not about a method - there are many fine ones - prayer is about showing up with the proper inner dispositions. Prayer is a work of grace - it’s less about us and more about Him. Those inner dispositions are faith and trust that God is present with me in this time of prayer - begin prayer with a prayer: “Lord, I trust that you are present with me in this moment and that you look on me with great love.”

Are you like me? Have you ever made a New Year's resolution to lose ten pounds, and realize on June 1st you only have fifteen to go? New Year's resolutions can often follow this path. They are mostly directed to some type of desired physical change or activity. There is nothing wrong with wanting to get physically healthier; that is a good thing. As a spiritual father though, I want to propose a plan to help your spiritual health in 2016 and beyond.

The sacrifice of the Mass is the greatest and most necessary of prayers for our spiritual growth. The Mass is how God desires to be worshipped. The Mass is not man-made, but God-given. The Church has been doing it, since Jesus instituted it at the Last Supper – “Do this in remembrance of me.” Mass is the re-presentation (making present) of the once-for-all sacrifice offered on Calvary by Jesus to save us from our sins. This sacrifice saves us, if we allow it. When we receive communion we are receiving the very Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus. He transforms us into Himself – He is continually perfecting us so that we may be “perfect as the Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).