Catholic Tips on Studying

[brickwall]

Hi all,

I need some Catholic motivation (quotes, doctrines, exerpts, personal revelations, etc.) from Catholic sources that would help me get motivated to study and allow me to understand that achieving high grades in my academics is a part of His Will.

I’ve been procrastinating a lot lately by delving into the world of Catholicism (through the internet) when I should be doing my work. But I need to get back to work and I need to know that God wants me to succeed in my academics. (I understand that He might be using this as an opportunity to make me more learned about my faith but I also need to get some work done).

Thanks.

 

[Samuel63]

This is a tricky question.

If you study, and do well academically, will you then be more influential in doing the will of God? Usually, the answer is “yes.”

In a few instances, God may want you to take a detour into the religious life before finishing academic pursuits.

I would guess, if God led you this far, He then wants you to follow through and study hard and achieve good academic results.

I therefore recommend the academic track along with prayer, spiritual direction, and growth in holiness. After the academics are completed, then consider the options that are available to you.

Be aware, there is one lurking about that wants to derail your progress. Pray!

 

[familyof4]

Think of all the Catholic universities you’d be able to attend if you got good grades! University of Notre Dame, University of Santa Clara, anything that starts with “Loyola”.

Look (later, after finals) at some of the writings of the Saints you most admire. The theological works of great popes, like our Blessed Pope John Paul II. Those beloved people, the vanguards for our faith had brilliant educated minds. It is through their ability to teach that our traditions and faith have been codified and can be shared.

 

[if_youCthispray]

Hi all,

I need some Catholic motivation (quotes, doctrines, exerpts, personal revelations, etc.) from Catholic sources that would help me get motivated to study and allow me to understand that achieving high grades in my academics is a part of His Will.

I’ve been procrastinating a lot lately by delving into the world of Catholicism (through the internet) when I should be doing my work. But I need to get back to work and I need to know that God wants me to succeed in my academics. (I understand that He might be using this as an opportunity to make me more learned about my faith but I also need to get some work done).

Thanks.

God cares more about the state of your soul then your grades.
I would think He is happy you would rather move closer to him then gain secular knowledge.

 

[vince2paul]

God cares more about the state of your soul then your grades.
I would think He is happy you would rather move closer to him then gain secular knowledge.

But the OP might have use this excuse as a way to avoid studying as learning Catholicism through Internet is more fun. The devil might be trying to distract you from your responsibility.

About achieving high grade, yes, you can see God in the bigger picture. But try to remember that studying requires money and you are responsible for whoever pays your school fee (could be your parents, yourself, or the school if you’re on scholarship).

There are many children who wanted to go to school, but they can’t because they don’t have opportunity or the money. If you are doing very well in your academic, you might have a better chance to do something for them.

 

[xcbaz]

Are you me?? Haha, I am a college student in the midst of finals and having the same troubles.

Yes, it’s great to be excited about increasing your spiritual knowledge right now. Nothing is more exciting than drawing closer to Him, and that is of course more important than your studies. However, when I procrastinate too, too much, I’m not sure if He is pleased with me.

You see, there is a time for everything, and God also made you a great student, and he wants you to glorify him in your schoolwork as well. That schoolwork might be preparing you for a special calling that He has for you. Works that glorify Him are necessary as is study and prayer.

My advice? Spend some time each day increasing your spiritual knowledge and getting closer to God. But also pray (the Rosary is amazing), and ask God to guide you and to help you glorify Him with everything you do, including your studies.

Best wishes!

 

[brickwall]

Excellent replies guys, I really appreciate them.

I will try to get back to my studying tomorrow, in the meantime I’ll just ask God to help me succeed in this endevor if it is His will.

It’s the bluriness of the situation that kills me though because I don’t know which direction to take, i.e. should I give 100% attention to my studies or is God telling me to look in this other direction? Would God blame me if I took the wrong route? If I asked him to guide me through the right path, will He take me down the failure route before eventually showing me success (to teach me a lesson)?

I know some of you can relate to these questions. To me they’re extremely challenging to deal with even when I try hard to put my trust in God. I end up yearning for some tangible signs of assurance that I hope would encourage me.

 

[odile53]

Generally speaking, for ordinary laymen and laywomen, the will of God includes paying due attention to the duties required in our state of life. In other words, it doesn’t fly if you have a job and call in sick frequently to spend time in prayer! We are supposed to find God’s presence in all things. And by the way, finding God in all things is part of the charism of St. Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Jesuits.)

How’s that for some Catholic academic motivational thought?

He has given you academic talent and set before you the task of acquiring knowledge for His glory and the greater good of His kingdom in this world. Ad majorem Dei gloriam (more St. Ignatius!) Think of the parable of the talents–the master rewarded the servants who invested the talents, but took away the one talent of the servant who hid his talent in the ground.

So, crack the books! You can promise yourself some excellent Catholic reading material, or even save up and go on a weekend retreat—AFTER final exams!

 

[Catholic90]

God cares more about the state of your soul then your grades.
I would think He is happy you would rather move closer to him then gain secular knowledge.

God also wants us to use and develop our gifts and talents, including being educated!!

To the OP, go study!

After finals, you can surf.