Rediscover Catholicism

1. Rediscover Catholicism to Transform Your Life

The Church (like so many other things in life) is not so much something we inherit from generations past or take over from our predecessors as it is something on loan to us from future generations.

Forgotten Story. The Catholic Church, despite recent scandals, has a rich history of global contributions, including healthcare, education, and charitable work. Many Catholics are disillusioned, and society has a low opinion of the Church due to forgotten stories and distorted media portrayals. It's time to rediscover the genius within Catholicism.

A Call to Action. Instead of disengaging, Catholics should actively explore their faith, be part of the solution, and step up their involvement. There is genius in Catholicism that can fix what is wrong with it. If 67 million Catholics in the United States stepped it up a notch, something incredible would happen.

Vision for the Future. The Church needs a vision to inspire and mobilize Catholics, young and old. This vision is not solely the responsibility of Church leaders; each Catholic has a role to play. It's time to become a people of possibility, reimagining what incredible things are possible if we walk with God.

2. Embrace Authenticity Over Appearance

Our hunger is not for appearances, nor is it for the fleeting and superficial; it is for something of substance. We are hungry for truth.

Culture of Illusion. Modern society is governed by illusion and deception, prioritizing appearance over substance. People are hungry for truth, sincerity, and authenticity, yearning for something genuine amidst the superficiality. This hunger is neither random nor accidental; it is the presence of God calling us to move beyond surface concerns.

The Church's Failure. Christianity, particularly Catholicism, has been largely rejected because people believe Christians are part of this culture of appearance and deception. Many intelligent people avoid Christianity due to hypocrisy among church members and leaders. It is a harsh truth that needs to be faced.

Show, Don't Tell. People are sending a clear message: "Don't tell me—show me!" They crave courageous examples of authentic lives, lived to the fullest despite the modern climate. The world begs for brave men and women to lead with the example of an authentic life.

3. Reject Individualism, Hedonism, and Minimalism

Individualism, hedonism, and minimalism will destroy every individual and community that practices them.

Philosophical Poverty. Our age suffers from philosophical poverty, leading to moral and ethical confusion. Instead of rigorous thought, we absorb philosophies through culture, resulting in allegiance to destructive principles. It is important to learn that ideas have very real consequences.

The Modern Trinity of Vice. Individualism, hedonism, and minimalism govern much of modern decision-making. Individualism asks, "What's in it for me?" Hedonism proclaims, "If it feels good, do it!" Minimalism demands, "What is the least I can do?" These philosophies weaken communities and destroy character.

Self-Destructive Philosophies. These philosophies are not new but failed ideologies of the past. They produce greed, selfishness, laziness, lust, and exploitation. Any community that adopts these philosophies does so at its own peril, ultimately destroying body, heart, mind, and soul.

4. Christ's Philosophy: Love Through Discipline and Freedom

Love is the core of Jesus’ philosophy. But in order to love you must be free. For to love is to give your self freely and without reservation.

The Quest for Happiness. The human heart yearns for happiness, a desire God placed within us. However, modern philosophies like individualism and hedonism lead to discontent. God sent Jesus to show us how to satisfy this yearning, offering a philosophy of self-donation.

The Attitude of Christ. Jesus never asked, "What's in it for me?" He advocated self-denial, asking, "What is the most I can do?" He invites us to a life of discipline, not to control us, but to help us share in his happiness.

Love, Freedom, and Discipline. Love is the core of Jesus' philosophy, but freedom is a prerequisite. Freedom is the strength of character to do what is good, true, noble, and right, attained only through discipline. Jesus is relevant because he offers the satisfaction of our craving for happiness through love, discipline, and freedom.

5. Reclaim Your Catholic Identity Through Love

This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

The Church's Mission. The Church's primary mission is spiritual: to proclaim the Gospel. This mission should impact the social, political, and economic order, elevating every aspect of society. The Gospel has the power to transform lives, communities, and the world.

The Adventure of Salvation. God invites us to join the adventure of salvation, becoming the-best-version-of-ourselves through a dynamic collaboration with Him. This involves discovering our unique path through our needs, desires, and talents.

A Call to Love. Catholics today struggle to establish a vibrant identity, plagued by stereotypes and scandals. Jesus offers a solution: "Love one another." This love, expressed through action, will radically alter how Catholics are perceived in society.

6. Personal Holiness: The Solution to Every Problem

Personal holiness is the answer to every problem.

Problems as Opportunities. Every faith community faces problems, which can either drain energy or become a source of renewed enthusiasm. Problems occur so that we can become better versions of ourselves.

Checking the Compass. As Christians, we should always check and adjust the compass that guides us, asking, "What are we celebrating?" We become what we celebrate, so we must celebrate life, faith, love, and virtue.

The Path to Renewal. The solution to the problems that plague our lives and the Church is personal holiness. By applying the values of the Gospel to our daily lives, we can transform ourselves and the world. The future of the Church depends on men and women who embrace this call to holiness.

7. The Authentic Life: Integrating Needs, Desires, and Talents

The authentic life begins with the simple desire to be who God created us to be and cooperate with God by playing the part he has designed for us in human history.

Surrendering to God's Will. The authentic life begins with a desire to be who God created us to be, surrendering our will to His designs. God calls us to live an authentic life, integrating our legitimate needs, deepest desires, and unique talents.

Fostering the Inner Life. The authentic life is compatible with any honest human activity. The transformation of ordinary activities into prayer is the essence of the inner life. Every activity can lead us to experience God.

Modern Despair. Modern society is plagued by quiet desperation, cultural fatigue, and hopelessness. The loss of our essential purpose is the cause of this great modern madness. The authentic life orients us toward the goal of the Christian life: living holy lives.

8. The Saints: Guides to an Authentic Catholic Life

I said to the almond tree, ‘Sister, speak to me about God,’ and the almond tree blossomed.

Spiritual Champions. The saints are extraordinary examples of the Christian life, serving as role models, guides, and mentors. Their stories provide a living legacy of spiritual wisdom, helping us navigate the path to holiness.

Overcoming Objections. Some modern Catholics have turned their backs on the saints due to false stereotypes and superstitions. However, the solution is not to abolish the good but to rediscover the valuable contribution the saints make to our spiritual lives.

The Pedestal Syndrome. We often place saints on pedestals, believing they are different from us. However, the great danger is that veneration can become more important than imitation. The saints challenge us to reject the spirit of the world and embrace the Spirit of God.

9. Seven Pillars: Cornerstones of Catholic Spirituality

Only one thing is necessary for Catholicism to flourish—authentic lives.

The Disciples' Request. The people of every age yearn for God, and the request modern Catholics have of Jesus is the same as the disciples': "Teach us to pray." Catholicism needs to be more than a religion; it needs to be a dynamic transformation.

Building a Spiritual House. The seven pillars of Catholic spirituality combine two thousand years of wisdom into a handful of spiritual exercises. These practices are designed to help us build a strong spiritual foundation, capable of weathering any storm.

Deep Roots. Like trees with deep roots, those who dedicate themselves to the basics of Catholic spirituality will thrive. These seven pillars are the cornerstones of a life lived in harmony with God, self, and others.

10. Confession: A Path to Self-Knowledge and Freedom

The surest signs of holiness are not how often a person goes to church, how many hours he spends in prayer, what good spiritual books he has read, or even the number of good works he performs. The surest signs of holiness are an insatiable desire to become all God created us to be, an unwavering commitment to the will of God, and an unquenchable concern for unholy people.

Identifying Weaknesses. Like world-class athletes, we must identify our weaknesses and work to transform them into strengths. This process of self-assessment is central to Catholic spirituality.

Turning Back to God. Confession is not merely about confessing sins; it's about turning back to God. It's an opportunity to reassess our journey, identify obstacles, and continue along the path.

A Sacred Encounter. Confession is a sacred encounter with God, a humbling yet liberating experience. It's an integral part of the genius of Catholicism, nurturing the whole person and transforming the world.

11. Daily Prayer: Connecting with God in Silence

I have come that you may have life and have it to the fullest.

The Role of Discipline. Discipline is the path that leads to "fullness of life." When we embrace a life of discipline, we awaken from our philosophical stupor and refine every aspect of the human person.

The Attitude of Christ. Jesus never asked, “What’s in it for me?” He was not motivated by the individualist creed; he was motivated by a spirit of service. Far from advocating a hedonistic deification of pleasure, Jesus gently proclaimed a life of selfdenial, saying, “Whoever wishes to follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross.”

The Core of His Philosophy. Jesus opened his divine lips slowly, with the calm assurance of somebody who knows what he is talking about, and replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole mind, and your whole soul. This is the first and the greatest of the Commandments. And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Upon these two rest the whole law and all the prophets.”

12. The Mass: A Profound Encounter with Christ

The spirit of Catholicism is predominantly one of celebration, which is the genius and the fundamental orientation of our faith.

Beyond Boredom. The Mass is not inherently boring; it's a profound encounter with Christ. To rediscover its power, we need to change our approach and renew our understanding of its workings.

Preparation is Key. Just as athletes train for a game, we must prepare for Mass. Reading the readings beforehand and arriving early to place ourselves in God's presence are essential.

A Personal Journey. The Mass is a journey of transformation, guided by the Holy Spirit. By engaging with the music, readings, and prayers, we can allow God to speak to us and become the-best-version-of-ourselves.

Last updated: February 22, 2025