Building Spiritual Muscle

[michelleds]

I’m not sure where to ask this, but since I spend most of my CAF time here (or on the BAN thread), this seemed like an optimal place.

Let’s say your priest or SD or someone you respect tells you that you need to build or put on “spiritual muscle”. You don’t have the chance to ask exactly what that means.

What would this phrase and advice mean to you? How would you go about it? (I think that frequent Mass and confession go without saying.)

 

[Scott_Lafrance]

I’m not sure where to ask this, but since I spend most of my CAF time here (or on the BAN thread), this seemed like an optimal place.

Let’s say your priest or SD or someone you respect tells you that you need to build or put on “spiritual muscle”. You don’t have the chance to ask exactly what that means.

What would this phrase and advice mean to you? How would you go about it? (I think that frequent Mass and confession go without saying.)

I would say next, read the catechism. Then work to understand it completely. Have a good bible that you can and are willing to read daily. My preference is the Ignatius Bible (Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition). When the Catechism refers to a bible passage, get out your bible and read it, read the paragraph before, the paragraph containing, and the paragraph after the quoted passage so that you get a feel for the context of the passage as it relates to that part of the Catechism.

Just like going from being a couch potato to being a fit, lean, muscular, in shape person takes a long time and required many many changes, so will building up your spiritual muscle. An athelete makes changes to his daily routine, prioritizing his life around his diet and training. He forgoes other things that will rob him of the critical time it takes to rebuild his body. Examine your habits. Eliminate those that are counter productive. Maybe you like watching a certain TV show. Take a critical look at that show and decide if the content of the show are building spiritual muscle OR are they making you spiritually fat.

That is what I have done and it has worked for me.

 

[michelleds]

I would say next, read the catechism. Then work to understand it completely. Have a good bible that you can and are willing to read daily. My preference is the Ignatius Bible (Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition). When the Catechism refers to a bible passage, get out your bible and read it, read the paragraph before, the paragraph containing, and the paragraph after the quoted passage so that you get a feel for the context of the passage as it relates to that part of the Catechism.

Just like going from being a couch potato to being a fit, lean, muscular, in shape person takes a long time and required many many changes, so will building up your spiritual muscle. An athelete makes changes to his daily routine, prioritizing his life around his diet and training. He forgoes other things that will rob him of the critical time it takes to rebuild his body. Examine your habits. Eliminate those that are counter productive. Maybe you like watching a certain TV show. Take a critical look at that show and decide if the content of the show are building spiritual muscle OR are they making you spiritually fat.

That is what I have done and it has worked for me.

Thanks, Scott. check and double-check. I’m working on going thru the Catechism again actually. I’m praying the LOTH morning and night daily, and trying hard to get midday and evening in as well. I also try to spend a minimum of 30-60 minutes per day in spiritual reading, besides reading my Bible. I like the older stuff, the source materials. I just finished The Sinner’s Guide and started The Way of Perfection.

I am absolutely in agreement with you on the tv shows. I wasn’t a big tv watcher anyway, but over the last 9 months, I’ve pretty much cut out everything except a couple of news/commentary shows.

So, if you were to define “spiritual muscle”, it would be living and practicing a prayerful, virtuous, Christian life?

In Christ,
Michelle

 

[Scott_Lafrance]

Thanks, Scott. check and double-check. I’m working on going thru the Catechism again actually. I’m praying the LOTH morning and night daily, and trying hard to get midday and evening in as well. I also try to spend a minimum of 30-60 minutes per day in spiritual reading, besides reading my Bible. I like the older stuff, the source materials. I just finished The Sinner’s Guide and started The Way of Perfection.

I am absolutely in agreement with you on the tv shows. I wasn’t a big tv watcher anyway, but over the last 9 months, I’ve pretty much cut out everything except a couple of news/commentary shows.

So, if you were to define “spiritual muscle”, it would be living and practicing a prayerful, virtuous, Christian life?

In Christ,
Michelle

Absolutely. Use St. Francis of Assisi’s maxim “Preach the Gospel constantly, when necessary, use words.” Your entire life should be seen as a prayer and offering to God. Everything.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you see someone who is in excellent physical shape. Typically, the phrase “Wow, she works out!” I don’t mean that to be sexist or anything, but the fruit of that person’s effort becomes obvious to anyone. They don’t need to know her personally or know how often she goes to the gym. They just know by looking at her.

Can the same be said for us and our walk with Jesus? Can someone tell that we follow the Gospel just by looking at us, seeing us interact with other people, or when we are sitting quietly alone?

 

[Bruised_Reed]

Think of spiritual muscle as something to help you when life throws some challenge in your path. Having a consistant, deepening prayer life will help you throught these times. Practicing trust in God in the little things will help you as bigger things come your way.

The saints lived this way. St.Therese had her “little way” for example. Or like when my mom was diagnosed with ALS she felt it was a blessing (she just wanted confirmation for what she already knew). She never complained, she knew her suffering had merit and offered it up for the souls in purgatory and the conversion of sinners. Jezu ufam Tobie.

Also a family friend fell off a roof and suffered a head injury and lost much of his memory and has lots of other neurological issues (can’t feel hot or cold). But. He can remember all the scripture he memorized. I could go on about how generous he and his family are but I’ll sum it up he: still lives the faith he had before his injury.

Consistant prayer (including listening), spiritual reading and faith building (like the Catechism) are workouts.

 

[Cable]

In addition to sacrifices and devotions, you could always just ask Him (during Eucharistic adoration) what else He wants you to do at this point. He’ll know how to get you fit for the Kingdom. - peace

 

[Celticnovice]

Spending time in quiet, contemplative prayer is good too. Focus on loving the Lord…

 

[John21652]

I see building spiritual muscle slightly differently. To me, spiritual muscle is what gives someone Moral Courage. Moral Courage can manifest itself in many different ways. Someone whom accepts their afflictions while trying not to be a burden to others, or someone who stands up for what they believe in despite fierce opposition and even at the risk of personal wellbeing and reputation is showing moral courage. Somoene who stands up for others is showing moral courage. Moral Courage requires a firm belief system founded in a strong knowledge and understanding of the morality which is a guide to life’s choices.

So many people today only pay lip service to displays of moral courage. To all intents and purposes, there are many who are well grounded in their religious and moral beleifs. They could be said to be spiritually muscled, but when faced with the choice of firmly showing that spiritual muscle in the face of opposition, they are found wanting. Moral Courage is sorely lacking in todays world, at many and various levels of society. The extra ingredient required for individual acts of moral courage is something more than well grounded theology. It requires a fierceness of mind to uphold a system of values in the face of distractions, hardship and even possible ridicule.

In my opinion, our own OP is a shining example of someone who is already displaying great moral courage. I’d say the spiritual muscle is already there.