“If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.” ~ John Wooden
No one wants to be thought of by others as a loser or a failure. We do everything possible to make sure people do not think that of us. Because of that, though, there are things that we absolutely shy away from doing because we are afraid of failing. Living the faith as completely as possible is one of those things.
Some people might think that is a bit harsh to say. The would claim that they do live the faith. They pray once in a while or maybe even regularly and they go to church most Sundays. But, there is much more to living the faith than a minimal prayer life and attendance as Mass.
First of all, if we are living the faith as completely as possible, we would be trying new ways to pray so that our prayer could lead us into a deeper relationship with God. We would also increase our Mass attendance to the point where we not only go every week but several times during the week as well. We would also visit the church when Mass was not being celebrated so that we could spend some time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
On top of the deepening prayer life and Mass attendance with additional visits to the Blessed Sacrament, those who are living the faith as completely as possible will be involved in as much ministry to others as they can do. They would pray for the sick and volunteer when possible. Even in the midst of COVID, there are many things that can be done in terms of performing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
To be as committed as possible, people would want to seek out a spiritual director or spiritual companion in order to have someone else help them to keep check on their faith life. Our lives thrive when we are challenged and a director or companion would do just that.
Standing still, we have absolutely no chance at spiritual growth. Plumbing the depths and reaching out in new ways, ever knowing that we might make mistakes, gives us the opportunity to develop our relationship with the Lord in ever new and creative ways.
FAITH ACTION: Do not let fear of failure keep you from serving others today.