How do I maintain this optimism?

[StranraerHibby]

Hello everyone, I attended my fourth mass this morning. Once again, I feel a lot better in myself. I read some scripture on returning from mass and believe that I am slowly getting the hand of responses.

But I have a couple of questions.

1. How do I keep up this optimism? I am worried that it will fade come next week?
2. Can anyone point me in the direction of daily scripture suggestions?

Thanks again,

Andrew

 

[landon13]

I can recommend that you just keep praying to God and remembering his covenant with us. Also, you could try and pray the rosary if you have never tried it before.

For daily scripture readings, you should follow along with the daily mass readings so that you would get a glimpse at a large portion of the Bible this way.

One thing I would recommend for you is to ask your priest about Eucharistic Adoration. That is where you are sitting in the Church (or chapel) and interacting with Christ present in the Eucharist. Even though you are not able to now receive Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, you can still adore His presence that way.

God bless and I pray for you and your journey towards the Church!

 

[ProdglArchitect]

I’m sorry to tell you this, but your optimism probably will fade… well, not your optimism, but your enthusiasm. It’s just a natural part of life; feelings flow in and out like the tide. Some days you’ll be super excited to attend mass; other days it’ll be the last thing you want to do.

On those days, when you really don’t want to, make yourself anyways. There is no greater sign of our love for God than when we put Him above our own fluctuating moods. Also, on those days, pray to God to open your heart more, and make you more enthusiastic about the mass, and about Him in general. Don’t worry, even if your initial feelings of euphoria wain a bit, the seed is planted. It’s very much like a marriage; those initial feelings of “love” may decrease with time; but as they do they are replaced by a deeper understanding of what it truly means to love. As your initial zeal for the faith decreases with time (or increases, if you’re lucky ^^), it’ll be supplemented by a fuller understanding of our need for God, and of our devotion to him!.

Above all, continue praying!

As to your second question, I believe that Catholic.org lists the day’s readings online each day, and they also have a homily for the day you can read through.

 

[HoosMommie]

I have those feelings, too, as I get closer and closer to the Easter Vigil and reception into the Church. Specifically, I am so looking forward to my first Communion and the anticipation is killing me! Will my near-giddy anticipation of receiving the Eucharist die down after the first few euphoric weeks? Probably to some extent. But I know in my soul that the joy that fills me when I receive the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ will never die down.

 

[mountee]

For the daily scripture there are several sources that are available as apps or other media on your mobile device. I have subscribed to Living Faith. Daily Catholic devotions for a few years and simply love it. The past year I have used the kindle edition which I can access on my IPhone and my IPad and it is very reasonable. Each day there is the reading for the day with a short story or follow up by a variety of writers. As far as your optimism, I agree with ProdglArchitect, it comes and goes don’t let it phase you. Build your prayer and faith life so that during those down moments you will still have a familiar place to draw back into. Don’t ever forget that God is big enough to handle everything so let Him.

 

[Della]

Hello everyone, I attended my fourth mass this morning. Once again, I feel a lot better in myself. I read some scripture on returning from mass and believe that I am slowly getting the hand of responses.

But I have a couple of questions.

1. How do I keep up this optimism? I am worried that it will fade come next week?
2. Can anyone point me in the direction of daily scripture suggestions?

Thanks again,

Andrew

Well, Catholics are not optimists. We don’t believe that everything always turns out as we would like/hope–which is the creed of optimists. Rather, we believe that God is in control no matter our circumstances in life or how we currently feel. Our emotions should not rule our spiritual lives anymore than any other part of our lives. We may not feel like getting out of bed and going to work or caring for the kids or whatever, but we have to anyway, so we do it.

Catholicism is a way of practicing our faith, it’s not wish/feeling fulfillment. So, if the enthusiasm you have now fades, don’t be surprised. It probably will, but that’s fine. We walk with God even when we can’t feel him there. He is like the lover in the Song of Songs, peering through the lattice, not letting us see him or realize he’s there, but he is just the same. So, keep on keeping on no matter how you feel and know that as you walk with God, availing yourself of the sacraments and prayer life of the Church, you will grow in faith and virtue without having to fuss over it.

 

[WaitingForJesus]

Magnificat is a monthly publication that includes morning and evening scriptures, the mass readings for the entire month, and meditations for each day. I have found it very helpful.

It seems to me that participation in the mass is bringing you a lot of peace. I would encourage you to attend whenever possible. I have found that I almost always receive blessings of this nature when I attend mass or go to Eucharistic adoration, which is another idea someone else mentioned. Find a way to pray each day, even if you cannot make it to church.

You may not always be optimistic and there will surely be trials in your life, but as your faith in and love of the Lord grows, he wll give you peace.

 

[StranraerHibby]

Thanks everyone for the kind replies. I’ve just checked the LivingFaith website and am desperate to continue this high that I am on!

There is a mass tomorrow night at half past 6 and I am really looking forward to it.

I was probably a bit naive to think I will always be so optimistic, but as I attend Mass several times a week I’m sure I will just need to make the most of the good days.

Thanks again,

Andrew