Do you ever go beyond the teachings?

[Befink]

I was wondering if there could be ways to deepen our spiritual relationship with God even deeper than the standards we are usually held to. *What do you think of the following?

1. Instead of “pray the rosary daily”, how about five times a day or more?
2. Practice Lent sacrifice at other times of year. *For example: If you realize in August that you play video games too much. *Try doing without them for 40 days starting right away.
3. Attend a friend’s non-Catholic religious service with them (probably means “double-duty” that weekend). *Showing tolerance and respect for their faith would probably have them warm-up more to Catholicism.
4. Give up all possessions. *Most religions including ours allow moderation but Jesus was more strict. *This is hard to do but think about how possessions can make life more complicated and harder to enjoy.
5. Refrain from alcohol and caffeine entirely. *Several religions teach this saying that while moderation works for most people, having it at all encourages a destructive culture which is particularly difficult for alcoholics to handle.
6. “Thou shalt not kill” applied to other life on earth to the extent possible, not to mention the earth itself. *All are God’s creations.
7. (Insert your favorite here)

 

[PerfectTiming]

I was wondering if there could be ways to deepen our spiritual relationship with God even deeper than the standards we are usually held to. *What do you think of the following?

1. Instead of “pray the rosary daily”, how about five times a day or more?
2. Practice Lent sacrifice at other times of year. *For example: If you realize in August that you play video games too much. *Try doing without them for 40 days starting right away.
3. Attend a friend’s non-Catholic religious service with them (probably means “double-duty” that weekend). *Showing tolerance and respect for their faith would probably have them warm-up more to Catholicism.
4. Give up all possessions. *Most religions including ours allow moderation but Jesus was more strict. *This is hard to do but think about how possessions can make life more complicated and harder to enjoy.
5. Refrain from alcohol and caffeine entirely. *Several religions teach this saying that while moderation works for most people, having it at all encourages a destructive culture which is particularly difficult for alcoholics to handle.
6. “Thou shalt not kill” applied to other life on earth to the extent possible, not to mention the earth itself. *All are God’s creations.
7. (Insert your favorite here)

1. Praying the rosary that many times is probably unrealistic for most people, due to time restraints.
2. If one does realise something in their life has become negative then I think it is good to take some time away from that thing. It can help one evaluate the negative influence - often we do not realise how something has overtaken our lives until we cut it out.
3. I would not attend a non-Catholic religious service. It gives the impression that we approve or condone their practices. There are better ways to show tolerance and respect.
4. Again, perhaps that is a bit extreme but I would say some people would benefit from trying to give up the more superfluous possessions in their life. Though as a hopeful future monastic I’m preparing for it.
5. Depends on the individual. Some people would benefit from from complete abstinence, others can manage moderation just fine.
6. Within reason, I agree we should try to respect non-human life on earth and take care of the earth God gave us.

 

[Nelka]

I was wondering if there could be ways to deepen our spiritual relationship with God even deeper than the standards we are usually held to. *What do you think of the following?

1. Instead of “pray the rosary daily”, how about five times a day or more?
2. Practice Lent sacrifice at other times of year. *For example: If you realize in August that you play video games too much. *Try doing without them for 40 days starting right away.
3. Attend a friend’s non-Catholic religious service with them (probably means “double-duty” that weekend). *Showing tolerance and respect for their faith would probably have them warm-up more to Catholicism.
4. Give up all possessions. *Most religions including ours allow moderation but Jesus was more strict. *This is hard to do but think about how possessions can make life more complicated and harder to enjoy.
5. Refrain from alcohol and caffeine entirely. *Several religions teach this saying that while moderation works for most people, having it at all encourages a destructive culture which is particularly difficult for alcoholics to handle.
6. “Thou shalt not kill” applied to other life on earth to the extent possible, not to mention the earth itself. *All are God’s creations.
7. (Insert your favorite here)

1. I do not pray the Rosary that much, I should though.
2. I am not that strong. I would have to start with 20 days or something.
3. I don’t know any.
4. I could give up most if I were single but the laptop relaxes me in the evening.
5. I like alcohol but cannot afford it. I drink a lot of tea so this would be a big challenge.
6. Not sure what you mean here.
7. Read more Scripture.

 

[CB_Catholic]

I was wondering if there could be ways to deepen our spiritual relationship with God even deeper than the standards we are usually held to. *What do you think of the following?

1. Instead of “pray the rosary daily”, how about five times a day or more?
2. Practice Lent sacrifice at other times of year. *For example: If you realize in August that you play video games too much. *Try doing without them for 40 days starting right away.
3. Attend a friend’s non-Catholic religious service with them (probably means “double-duty” that weekend). *Showing tolerance and respect for their faith would probably have them warm-up more to Catholicism.
4. Give up all possessions. *Most religions including ours allow moderation but Jesus was more strict. *This is hard to do but think about how possessions can make life more complicated and harder to enjoy.
5. Refrain from alcohol and caffeine entirely. *Several religions teach this saying that while moderation works for most people, having it at all encourages a destructive culture which is particularly difficult for alcoholics to handle.
6. “Thou shalt not kill” applied to other life on earth to the extent possible, not to mention the earth itself. *All are God’s creations.
7. (Insert your favorite here)

Nothing wrong with wanting to do a bit extra as long as it does not become a source of pride, an insistence that others do the same, or your focus is taken off of Christ and on to the thing, act, etc. you are trying to do.

I have never understood, however, why people are so down on caffeine. Medical science is now proving that it is a beneficial substance when used in moderation and not harmful to people. Why do people single it out?

 

[runningdude]

1. Instead of “pray the rosary daily”, how about five times a day or more?

We’re called to avoid vainly repeating prayers. Without a meditative vocation (such as monks in a monastery), I don’t think that most lay faithful would have the attention span to properly reflect on each mystery more than once a day.

1. Practice Lent sacrifice at other times of year. *For example: If you realize in August that you play video games too much. *Try doing without them for 40 days starting right away.

We’re called to moderation. Refraining from excess recreational activities to focus on prayer could be beneficial.

1. Attend a friend’s non-Catholic religious service with them (probably means “double-duty” that weekend). *Showing tolerance and respect for their faith would probably have them warm-up more to Catholicism.

I’ve attended other services, I can’t argue with an occasional visit.

1. Give up all possessions. *Most religions including ours allow moderation but Jesus was more strict. *This is hard to do but think about how possessions can make life more complicated and harder to enjoy.

1. Refrain from alcohol and caffeine entirely. *Several religions teach this saying that while moderation works for most people, having it at all encourages a destructive culture which is particularly difficult for alcoholics to handle.

Impossible! :coffeeread: Coffee is my precious!

Also, Jesus, affirmatively blessed the consumption of wine, even in celebration. Also, wines and beers have strong antioxidants, which improve health. Consuming alcohol, in moderation, is at worst morally neutral, at best morally good, and sometimes morally necessary (as alcohol is a component ingredient of the consecrated Blood of Christ).

1. “Thou shalt not kill” applied to other life on earth to the extent possible, not to mention the earth itself. *All are God’s creations.

The Book of Acts affirmatively states that all animals are acceptable to eat. Veganism is incompatible with Catholicism, as it claims eating animals is immoral, which flatly contradicts Saint Luke (who wrote acts). However, as with everything moderation is key to avoid unnecessary fat and cholesterol.

1. (Insert your favorite here)

 

[Philotheatoo]

If I were to perfectly remember and act on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, I think I would certainly please God!

Be careful of scrupulosity.

 

[Catholic90]

I was wondering if there could be ways to deepen our spiritual relationship with God even deeper than the standards we are usually held to. *What do you think of the following?

1. Instead of “pray the rosary daily”, how about five times a day or more?
2. Practice Lent sacrifice at other times of year. *For example: If you realize in August that you play video games too much. *Try doing without them for 40 days starting right away.
3. Attend a friend’s non-Catholic religious service with them (probably means “double-duty” that weekend). *Showing tolerance and respect for their faith would probably have them warm-up more to Catholicism.
4. Give up all possessions. *Most religions including ours allow moderation but Jesus was more strict. *This is hard to do but think about how possessions can make life more complicated and harder to enjoy.
5. Refrain from alcohol and caffeine entirely. *Several religions teach this saying that while moderation works for most people, having it at all encourages a destructive culture which is particularly difficult for alcoholics to handle.
6. “Thou shalt not kill” applied to other life on earth to the extent possible, not to mention the earth itself. *All are God’s creations.
7. (Insert your favorite here)

1. The Rosary is not required. If YOU want to do so, that is fine, but those who do not are not any less Catholic than those who do. Pride is a sin.
2. If you feel something is out of control, do what you can to regain control.
3. Why give the appearance that other religions are on equal footing? Would a Muslim attend a mass with you? How about the Jewish friend?
4. All possessions? Including computers, TVs, cars, homes, phones? How would many people communicate, learn about the day’s events, and get to work? Where would they live? Sounds very extreme.
5. Prohibition was tried. It failed miserably. Even Jesus enjoyed wine! Heck, He MADE wine! Coffee, tea, beer, and chocolate are all ways God shows us He loves us! Everything in moderation.
6. I kill creatures. I have killed ants, mice, boxelder bugs, and now mites on my kitten. I also enjoy eating meat. Eating meat and exterminating pests are not sins. Even Jesus ate lamb! All are God’s creation, yes, and He made them for us!

Spending the day praying, not eating meat, living spartanly, abstaining from alcohol and caffeine are all personal disciplines. If they make YOU feel like you are closer to God, then go for it. However, to imply that EVERYONE must do this to be closer to God would be wrong. Also, to imply that anyone who did this would be a better person than one who chose not to would also be wrong.

 

[annoellyn]

Hm, I like the theory a lot; I think what the OP had in mind was that there are many Catholics who meet the requirements of their faith but rarely try and delve deeper into their spirituality through serious and challenging devotion such as giving up all your possessions to help the poor, etc. I love this idea but it is correct to remind ourselves that we must not let it become a source of pride.

 

[Bezant]

I was wondering if there could be ways to deepen our spiritual relationship with God even deeper than the standards we are usually held to. *What do you think of the following?

1. Instead of “pray the rosary daily”, how about five times a day or more?

There is no requirement for us to pray the rosary at any time; in fact it’s a relatively new tradition (only five hundred years old). It’s time-constraining, and it may be more meaningful to do it regularly but not so often, so that it doesn’t become a rote chore. I rarely do it.

1. Practice Lent sacrifice at other times of year. *For example: If you realize in August that you play video games too much. *Try doing without them for 40 days starting right away.

It’s good to keep yourself in check throughout the year but it’s not realistic to go cold turkey (unless you have extraordinary willpower). Lenten sacrifices also emphasise the extra-importance of repentance and discipline in comparison to the ordinary year.

I observe meatless Lents (Sundays included). One year I tried the Eastern fast (basically vegan), but because I lost weight so quickly and because it took so long to gain it back, I am hesitant to try it again.

1. Attend a friend’s non-Catholic religious service with them (probably means “double-duty” that weekend). *Showing tolerance and respect for their faith would probably have them warm-up more to Catholicism.

This is complicated.

1. Give up all possessions. *Most religions including ours allow moderation but Jesus was more strict. *This is hard to do but think about how possessions can make life more complicated and harder to enjoy.

But God wants us to have them. Even monks and nuns have a few personal articles.

1. Refrain from alcohol and caffeine entirely. *Several religions teach this saying that while moderation works for most people, having it at all encourages a destructive culture which is particularly difficult for alcoholics to handle.

But there will still be alcoholics even if you don’t drink alcohol. I drink but I avoid drunkenness.

1. “Thou shalt not kill” applied to other life on earth to the extent possible, not to mention the earth itself. *All are God’s creations.

To an extent, yes. I only eat meat that IMO is ethically slaughtered and avoid killing even mice unnecessarily. I have no worries however about keeping a cat who will kill the mice.

1. (Insert your favorite here)

Before I board a vehicle I ask for God’s blessings and keeping.

 

[Catholic90]

To an extent, yes. I only eat meat that IMO is ethically slaughtered and avoid killing even mice unnecessarily. I have no worries however about keeping a cat who will kill the mice.

I also avoid killing mice unnecessarily! I just kill when necessary! If they cross my threshold, it becomes necessary!

I also think new kitten will be an excellent mouser! She pounces on her toy mice with complete glee and picks them up in her mouth and struts about! I encourage it!

 

[ConstantineTG]

I was wondering if there could be ways to deepen our spiritual relationship with God even deeper than the standards we are usually held to. *What do you think of the following?

1. Instead of “pray the rosary daily”, how about five times a day or more?

We are called to pray unceasingly. We should find God in everything we do, and pray in every moment. Prayer isn’t always verbal prayer, but in our hearts and in our actions, we should be the prayer.

1. Practice Lent sacrifice at other times of year. *For example: If you realize in August that you play video games too much. *Try doing without them for 40 days starting right away.

We are called to fast as much as we can. But do so only with proper spiritual direction. Fasting isn’t merely “dieting”. Fasting not done right is useless.

1. Attend a friend’s non-Catholic religious service with them (probably means “double-duty” that weekend). *Showing tolerance and respect for their faith would probably have them warm-up more to Catholicism.

1. Give up all possessions. *Most religions including ours allow moderation but Jesus was more strict. *This is hard to do but think about how possessions can make life more complicated and harder to enjoy.

There is a difference between ownership and attachment. Christ wants us not to have attachment to material possessions. We can certainly own. Christ has had rich disciples, Joseph of Arimathea is one. Owning an brand new tomb even back in the day isn’t for the average Jew. He was rich, but as shown by giving the tomb to Christ, he was ready to give up his possessions when God needs it.

1. Refrain from alcohol and caffeine entirely. *Several religions teach this saying that while moderation works for most people, having it at all encourages a destructive culture which is particularly difficult for alcoholics to handle.

I don’t know what good that will do. If you know how to handle your alcohol there’s no real danger. Most people do. And caffeine isn’t really that bad. Just stay away from energy drinks, coffee is fine.

1. “Thou shalt not kill” applied to other life on earth to the extent possible, not to mention the earth itself. *All are God’s creations.

The life of man is certainly not equal with the life of an animal. You can go vegetarian or even vegan if you want to, but hopefully not because of a misguided understanding of Scripture. Then it becomes harmful to your soul rather than beneficial.

 

[Befink]

Some great thoughts. *Thanks everyone! *Sorry several of you thought I was showing pride. *Reality is I don’t practice these much and some not at all. *Most are very hard.

The idea is that we all believe in the doctrine but God gives us free will to worship him in many ways. *What’s in the heart is the most important. *Would God more appreciate the efforts of the one who prays the rosary as a chore or one who prays before getting into a vehicle. *I would have to believe the vehicle even though it’s not as “Catholic”. *Here we use free will to revere Him further which helps us be even closer to Him, not to mention better ourselves.

As for myself the only one I practice in a spiritual way is visiting another church and even then it’s pretty rare. Constantine explained well my thinking. *I do it when I visit my brother who goes to an independent Christian church. *Admittedly, it’s not ideal but I can still make sure God knows I love Him. *Then when my brother visits me he usually comes to Catholic church with me. *Another example is my Jewish friend who doesn’t attend service like he should. *So when I visited him I offered to go with him to hopefully get him back into the habit. *Sure I hope they follow my example towards Catholicism but sometimes all I can do is plant the seed and let God decide how to handle them from there.

Otherwise, no my possessions don’t make me happy and no I’m not good at giving them up! *I also drink wine in moderation like most of you (agree prohibition was a disaster). *Not coffee but that’s not a religious thing. *May try that vehicle one. *Thanks for that Bezant!

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I was wondering if there could be ways to deepen our spiritual relationship with God even deeper than the standards we are usually held to. *What do you think of the following?

Before I go any further, please don’t be offended with what I say. It’s only to demonstrate how even a slight difference in lifestyle can affect the way a person acts out his/her religion. Ultimately, this is to show you how that difference between yourself and other Catholics does not necessarily determine whose holier than who.

1. Instead of “pray the rosary daily”, how about five times a day or more?

I work a total of 9 hours a day (at LEAST). I take my punctuality and how I use up my work time very seriously. I also live miles from the office and it takes me an hour just to commute. This means I have to wake up at the crack of dawn just so I can catch an early ride. Not to mention, there’s the additional 15 or so minutes I have to navigate traffic-ridden streets (it gets really filthy at some points too) to get to the office from the jeepney terminal (and back when the day’s done). It also takes a while before the jeep takes off for my subdivision (from 30 minutes to a whole hour).

So let’s do some math shall we?

9 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 13 hours give or take

Seeing as how the average human being is encouraged to have at least 8 hours of sleep, that doesn’t leave me with lot of time for rest. That means I’d have spent it a day’s total to 21 hours. Throw in miscellaneous periods such as getting ready for work and eating dinner, and I still thank the Lord for the 2-3 hours I have left for myself.

Rosaries take 15 minutes. Multiply that by your ‘five or more’ and it’ll eat up another hour. You think God would want me to burn myself out even further after all that work? We worship a benevolent deity, not a slave driver.

1. Practice Lent sacrifice at other times of year. *For example: If you realize in August that you play video games too much. *Try doing without them for 40 days starting right away.

Video games have kept me sane, if you knew what I had to do every day. In fact, I actually seemed to have improved my gaming skills even further ever since I started working. It must be cuz my need to kick back and button mash had considerably heightened as well.

*Showing tolerance and respect for their faith would probably have them warm-up more to Catholicism.

I do enough of that in my daily life, at work, and even when I was still back in college.

1. Give up all possessions. *Most religions including ours allow moderation but Jesus was more strict. *This is hard to do but think about how possessions can make life more complicated and harder to enjoy.

Jesus established the Church. The Church has decreed that man has an equal right to the goods of the Earth. The Pope himself plays classical piano and has an iPod. How can we call ourselves human beings if we subject ourselves to such inhuman self-deprivation?

1. Refrain from alcohol and caffeine entirely. *Several religions teach this saying that while moderation works for most people, having it at all encourages a destructive culture which is particularly difficult for alcoholics to handle.

Not commenting on alcohol cuz I don’t drink but I dare you to deprive me of coffee and then use religious persuasion to explain to my superiors why I’ve fallen asleep on my keyboard.

1. “Thou shalt not kill” applied to other life on earth to the extent possible, not to mention the earth itself. *All are God’s creations.

Roaches carry bacteria from Lord knows where. I have a right to defend myself and the Church will side with me on this one. sees small cockroach on desk

Die vermin! squashes with cellphone <—Actually did this at work XD

1. (Insert your favorite here)

Telling people that perhaps the greatest service you can give to God is try to live your life well as it’s been handed to you.

 

[ConstantineTG]

I work a total of 9 hours a day (at LEAST). I take my punctuality and how I use up my work time very seriously. I also live miles from the office and it takes me an hour just to commute. This means I have to wake up at the crack of dawn just so I can catch an early ride. Not to mention, there’s the additional 15 or so minutes I have to navigate traffic-ridden streets (it gets really filthy at some points too) to get to the office from the jeepney terminal (and back when the day’s done). It also takes a while before the jeep takes off for my subdivision (from 30 minutes to a whole hour).

So let’s do some math shall we?

9 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 13 hours give or take

Seeing as how the average human being is encouraged to have at least 8 hours of sleep, that doesn’t leave me with lot of time for rest. That means I’d have spent it a day’s total to 21 hours. Throw in miscellaneous periods such as getting ready for work and eating dinner, and I still thank the Lord for the 2-3 hours I have left for myself.

Rosaries take 15 minutes. Multiply that by your ‘five or more’ and it’ll eat up another hour. You think God would want me to burn myself out even further after all that work? We worship a benevolent deity, not a slave driver.

An who says we can’t pray while we’re doing something else? I commute 1hr 15m each way every day. So thats 2.5 hours walking, standing inside trains, and sitting inside the bus. I have my prayer rope and I pray. If Fr. Stephen from my favorite blog posts a new article, I read that in addition for meditation and learning.

I still have to learn to pray while I work. But I know its possible and I want to get there.

 

[Bezant]

I also avoid killing mice unnecessarily! I just kill when necessary! If they cross my threshold, it becomes necessary!

LOL!

I usually trap the mouse and put it outside.

I also think new kitten will be an excellent mouser! She pounces on her toy mice with complete glee and picks them up in her mouth and struts about! I encourage it!

Very cute.

The kitten will make good company and a good investment, better than any trap or poison, because the scent is usually enough to scare the mice away. My cat’s kept them at bay for years.

My only complaint about this arrangement is that when the cat finds something, he wants to leave it so you’ll find it. Once, mine left a half-shredded red squirrel in the conservatory,
for NO other reason than to strut IMO since he’s not that affectionate.

 

[TimothyH]

1. Attend a friend’s non-Catholic religious service with them (probably means “double-duty” that weekend). *Showing tolerance and respect for their faith would probably have them warm-up more to Catholicism.

The only think likely to happen is that you will be seen by members of the other faith and by Catholics as condoning thier Church.

People who do not have a firm grasp of the Catholic faith are putting their salvation at grave risk by doing this.

-Tim-

 

[Catholic90]

LOL!

I usually trap the mouse and put it outside.

Uh, no, has not worked at all for me. I had a cat living in my basement before I got this kitten. I had mice in my basement. I also had a cat living upstairs. The mice came upstairs. They left their calling cards…thus the trapping that ensued. The cat was amused…I think she made friends with them! Hopefully the new kitten will be more tenacious!

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

An who says we can’t pray while we’re doing something else? I commute 1hr 15m each way every day. So thats 2.5 hours walking, standing inside trains, and sitting inside the bus. I have my prayer rope and I pray. If Fr. Stephen from my favorite blog posts a new article, I read that in addition for meditation and learning.

I still have to learn to pray while I work. But I know its possible and I want to get there.

Not for me. My work involves writing content for my company. If my mind is even the slightest bit somewhere else, it risks a major delay. And since I’m still a new guy, I sure as heck don’t wanna jeopardize my productivity too often.

Now I’m growing to like my job very much. It’s helped my skills in a lot of ways. However, I will not deny the strain it puts on my mind. Pile a devotion on that with something as heavy like the rosary and I might as well snap.

P.S.

I’m also not too fond of how long it takes for me to get a ride home. I never really liked my father’s choice of location for our family. I like even less how jeepneys are deliberately slower than the average vehicle.

To summarize, my work really tires me out. I have to wait a whole hour before I can properly kick back. At the very least, listening to music during the ride makes it bearable.

The Rosary? Not so much.