Prayer is essential for our eternal salvation. Definitions abound on prayer! Saint John Damascene states: “Prayer is the lifting of the mind and the heart to God.” Saint Teresa of Avila summarizes prayer as simply, “A loving conversation with the friend that I know loves me.” Saint Alphonsus asserts with vigor: “He who prays much, will be saved; he who does not pray, will be damned; he who prays little, places his salvation in jeopardy.” Saint Augustine, in his usual original, poetic and mystical fashion pipes up: “He who prays well, lives well; he who lives well, dies well; he who dies well, all is well.” A short but substantial catechetical definition for prayer follows as such: “Prayer is listening to God, talking to God, and loving God.” Finally, prayer is of such enormous importance that it can be expressed with these moving words: “What air is to the lungs, so prayer is to the soul.” In a word, if there is no prayer inhaling and exhaling in our spiritual lungs, we will simply wither up and die in our soul!

The above are classical quotes and statements, as well as definitions on the nature and importance of prayer. In this brief essay, we would like to portray and open up a window to prayer that perhaps very few have dared to enter.

MODES FOR PRAYER.  In classical Catholic writings on prayer, there are basically four modes of prayer that usually surface and are explained. These can be summarized in a four-letter acronym: A.C.T.S. Each one of the four letters expresses a different mode for prayer, or if you like, a different means of communication. In fact, another way to define prayer is communication with God. Here we have it!

A= ADORATION: We are called to praise, glorify and worship our Triune God.

C= CONTRITION: We stumble and fall into sin! So we beg pardon and mercy for our moral transgressions, that we call sins.

T= THANKSGIVING: We render thanks to God for all the many blessings that God in His goodness has bestowed upon us.

S= SUPPLICATION: Augustine states that we are all beggars before God. We are all in dire need that God will help us when we call upon Him.

Beyond a shadow of doubt, all of the above modes, manners or various sentiments in prayer have incalculable value. However, being dead honest with ourselves, and what is going on in our daily lives with so many struggles, we should add another mode or form of prayer.

Saint Peter in one of his letters opens the gates, the door, the window, and the roof to another form of prayer that perhaps we have never utilized. It can be summed up in these few words, the title of this blog-article: “Cast your cares upon the lord, for he cares for you.” Jesus expressed it in these words:  “Come to me, all you who find life burdensome, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  (Mt. 11: 28-30)

How can we interpret these words of Saint Peter and the Lord Jesus Himself related to the modes or manners of expression that prayer can play out in our lives?

BRING YOUR PROBLEMS, WORRIES, AND TROUBLES TO THE LORD.  On a human level, if we always unload our problems, worries and troubles on someone else, before long they will do all they possibly can to avoid us. That is human nature!  We weary quickly of listening to people unload their problems to us. Listening to others’ problems stresses us out, causes us tension, can provoke irritability, can sap our energy, and at times simply bore our socks off!!!

GOD IS DIFFERENT: MODEL OF INFINITE PATIENCE AND LOVE.  With God it is very different! The Lord never gets tired of us. Whenever we come to Him, He does not turn the corner and run in the opposite direction. No matter how often and long we talk to the Lord, He never gets bored, he never yawns, looks at His watch, or scratches His scalp!  

Quite the contrary, every time we approach the Lord with faith, humility, confidence, good will, and a desire to be heard and understood, He listens to us, gives us His undivided attention, and sincerely loves us. All the baggage that we can unload and throw at His feet, He is willing to pick up and help us to carry.

Having set the stage for this perhaps new mode or form of prayer, why not make a list of certain areas of concern, worry, or anxiety that can be part and parcel of your unloading to the Lord. Take as a Biblical foundation, the words of the Letter from Saint Peter: CAST YOUR CARES UPON THE LORD, BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU!

1. HEALTH.  In his 80’s my Father was known to say: “You arrive at a certain age and your body falls apart one piece at a time.” Many of us can identify with this truism after reaching a certain age. There is no reason why we cannot talk over with the Lord our aches and pains, our ailments and sicknesses. The Lord will listen to us attentively and encourage us not to waste our pain, suffering, and ailments, but rather offer them up for the salvation of souls, for our family and other souls. Another good one related to the sanctification of suffering is the following: “Suffering can either make us better or bitter!!!” Hopefully it will make us better, rather than bitter!

2. FAMILY PROBLEMS.  Not one of us can honestly say that our family is perfect and without problems. This will be the case only when we arrive at our Heavenly Home. Why not unload to the Lord Jesus your family situation? Tell Jesus about a person in your family who perhaps is causing you indescribable suffering, anguish and pain. Jesus will definitely hear this prayer and intervene, though perhaps not in your time or manner of operation. But He will hear your prayer and He will intervene.  God is not indifferent to our family anguish.

3. ECONOMIC PROBLEMS.  Many have economic straits that are extremely critical. Jesus, Mary and Saint Joseph understand this perhaps better than us! Jesus was born in the poor stable of Bethlehem. The Holy Family had to take flight to Egypt with no promise of economic security whatever. In His Public Life that lasted about three years, Jesus had no fixed abode! He said of Himself: “Foxes have holes; the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Mt. 8: 20) Cast your cares on the Lord—and then trust!

4. SON OR DAUGHTER DISTANT FROM GOD.  One of the greatest sufferings of so many parents today is the fact that their adult children have walked away from both God and the Church. Despite their Baptism, First Holy Communion, and possibly having been an altar server or in the choir, many in the younger generation no longer want to touch even the threshold of the Church. These are the Prodigal children (Lk. 15: 11-32), the lost sheep, the ship lost at sea with no mooring, nor anchor. Talk to the Lord about these loved ones and beg Jesus for their return to the fold.

5. EMOTIONAL STRESS AND ANXIETY.  Never have we lived in a world and society so advanced technologically. But never have we lived in a world where so many of us have succumbed to anxiety and stress. Anxiety pills, psychological treatment, stress leave from work, prolonged vacations—all come as a result of anxiety and stress. Why not listen and heed to the words of Saint Peter and trust: CAST YOUR CARES UPON THE LORD, BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU!!!

6. UNFULFILLED GOALS AND DREAMS.  We should all have goals and dreams in life. Perhaps our goals and dreams have never become a reality and are still only dreams. How we long for these dreams to come true, but nothing even close to reality has occurred. Our God is a God of surprises, and also of miracles. Even the most distant hope can still crystalize and materialize with God’s intervention. The Psalmist reassures us: “Our help is in the name of the Lord who make heaven and earth.”(Ps: 124: 8)

7. THE LOSS OF LOVED ONES.  Sooner or later death will knock at the door of our lives. As John Donne, the poet expresses it: “Do not ask for whom the bell tolls; the bell tolls for you.” Many of us cannot reconcile ourselves with the fact that one of our loved ones has been taken by the phantom of death. Jesus raised Lazarus form the dead, and He Himself died and rose from the dead. Talk to the Lord about the death of your loved one and then contemplate the reality of the Resurrection. Jesus indeed is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE!!!

8. OMINOUS THREAT OF THE FUTURE AND WHAT IT PRESENTS.  None of us can deny that the world is in turmoil, confusion and upheaval. It is all too easy to look into the dark tunnel of the future and almost give into despair. Much better to heed the words of the Holy Spirit: CAST YOUR CARES UPON THE LORD, BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU! Jesus chided His own saying worry is useless; what is needed is faith in Him and trust!

9. DOUBTS AND TEMPTATIONS REGARDING OUR FAITH.  Another source of anxiety, tension and suffering is that many are assaulted with doubts regarding their faith. Why not express these doubts to the Lord? Jesus will come to you and gently rebuke you and encourage you, as in the case of Saint Thomas, the doubter, to renew your faith in His love, providence, and constant care. May the words of the Psalmist buoy up our sinking ship: “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” (Psalm 23:1)

10. OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE AND SAINT JUAN DIEGO.  Saint Juan Diego was afflicted with a very serious problem—the near death of his uncle, Juan Bernardino. On December 12^th, 1531, Juan met Our Lady on the hill of Tepeyac and she consoled him in his worries, anxieties and fears. These were Our Lady of Guadalupe’s consoling words to Juan and to us: “Do not be afraid; am I not your Mother? I have you in the very closing of my arms (my heart); you are in my shadow (I am always present); in the folding of my apron/tilma (in my very womb).

Jesus said that He is the Light of the world. He also stated that we are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. (See Mt. Chap 5)

Pope Saint John Paul II wrote a document for the Laity, CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI (December 30, 1988), a Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, meaning the Laity Faithful to Christ. The whole of this document centers around the call of lay people to be engaged in the sanctification of the world. The laity is called to accept the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount to be both light and salt. Salt gives flavor and preserves from corruption. Light casts out not only shadows, but darkness.  

Over the past few generations, in most of the world, there has been a lack of solid catechesis. The role of a catechist is indispensable in the development of a healthy Parish. In fact, the efficacy of the Sacraments depends in large part upon the solid teaching of the priests, but also the supporting assistance of a lay catechetical team. The more adequate the formation of the catechists—for children, teens, and adults, the more efficacious will be the reception of the Sacraments, as well as perseverance in living out the faith.

What are some tools or methods or tactics that we should utilize to become the salt of the earth and the light of the world? In a more wide sense of the word, all followers of Christ can teach in one form or another.

In fact, parents are called to be the first and primary educators of their children. However, Godparents must support the parents in the spiritual and moral formation of their godchildren. From Baptism, we are called to be priest, prophet and king. The role of the Prophet is that of preaching the Gospel truth by both word and example.

Of paramount importance, the priest has a double and indispensable role: that of praying to God for the people entrusted to his care. But the priest must also be the primary teacher of the flock entrusted to his care.

That said, the following are some concrete suggestions on how all of us can become the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and to exercise our teaching role in the best way possible. Perhaps the salvation of immortal souls depends upon our being the light pointing them to Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, as well as the Light of the world.

1. FIRST COME AND THEN GO.  The Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen coined this pithy phrase related to becoming true disciples of Jesus the Lord—FIRST COME AND THEN GO. What the saintly Bishop meant by this catchy one-liner is that for us to go out to preach, and teach, and convert souls, we must first come to Christ. We must spend time with Jesus. We must form a deep Friendship with Jesus. Recently, Pope Francis, talking on apostolic zeal in his General Audience (May 17, 2023), presented Saint Francis Xavier as a model for apostolic zeal. Perhaps the greatest modern missionary saint, Xavier encountered many obstacles in India, Indonesia and Japan. Pope Francis pointed out that the key to Xavier’s success was the deep union and friendship that Xavier had with Jesus. This being the case, if we sincerely desire to bring the wandering and lost sheep home to the arms of the Good Shepherd, we have to first experience a deep union with the Good Shepherd.  If you like, for us to be a good shepherd to our sheep, we must be a good sheep of the Good Shepherd.

2. YOU CAN’T GIVE WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE: STUDY!  It is a sad but real fact that many adult Catholics in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s or beyond, had their last trace of religious formation when they were teenagers or even children. Many of these adults have College degrees and are well-equipped professionals in their prospective fields. However, their Christian-Catholic spiritual and moral formation came to a screeching halt at a young age. Physically and intellectually their formation is complete, but their spiritual formation was stunted at a juvenile level at best. Professionals, moreover, are always keeping up to date with seminars, classes of ongoing formation, and even tests to be up to speed in their profession. If not they could be dismissed from their job as incompetent. In a very real sense, should we not be Professional Catholics? By this is meant, should we not be constantly on the pathway of perfection in our study, knowledge and love for Jesus, our Supreme Master, and our Catholic Faith? Even though this is embarrassing to say, how often have we bumped into trained Missionaries from Religious Sects who have more knowledge of their faith and enthusiasm to transmit it than we do??? As Catholics we have the fullness of the Truth and the fullness of the Faith, but all too often we are asleep. Whereas, the Religious Sects preach erroneous doctrines but with fire and enthusiasm that can blow us out of the water!!! May the Lord help us! To conclude, let us make a concerted effort to study our faith seriously, methodically, orderly and systematically. One last suggestion: Study the Catechism of The Catholic Church!!! If we can master the major concepts in the CCC then we have a solid foundation on which to build a sturdy spiritual edifice.

3. SPIRITUAL DIRECTION.  One of my biggest fears as a driver has always been the dangerous blind spot. We all have spiritual, moral, and catechetical blind spots. Actually, there are three visions of ourselves: the way others see us (not fully correct); the way we see ourselves (blurry and indistinct); and God’s vision of us which is always correct! One of the benefits of competent, methodical, and efficacious Spiritual Direction is that through the help of a spiritual guide we are able to perceive ourselves with greater honesty and clarity. Saint John of the Cross stated, tongue in cheek: “He who has himself as a guide, has a dummy as a disciple.” This Mystical Doctor of the Church was basically asserting the fact that we are the worst judge of ourselves. We all have blind spots and a spiritual Guide can help us connect with Jesus, who is both the Master and the Light of the world.

4. READ THE SIGNS OF THE TIME.  One of the key concepts that has surfaced from the Second Vatican Council is the dire necessity to be able to read the signs of the time. By these classical words from the Council is meant that as followers of Christ we must be aware of what is going on around us in the world. We have to be keenly aware of the social and political milieu. The moral problems that are rocking the Bark of Peter must be ascertained with great clarity, addressed with intelligence, and resolved with concrete steps of action. To be blunt and to the point, presently we must address attacks against human life from conception to the last moments of life. Moral attacks against the family are rampant. A well-educated and articulate Catholic must respond with answers on how to defend the family, which is not only the Domestic Church, but also the basic building block of society. The whirlwind of the sexual identity crisis must be addressed so as to save both teens and children from wrong choices that could have catastrophic consequences in their lives. By uniting prayer, study, and proper spiritual direction with an astute awareness of the social, political, and academic milieu, we can arrive at a point where we can truly and honestly read the signs of the time and respond responsibly according to God’s law.

5. DROP THE NETS AND REAP THE ABUNDANT HARVEST.  Finally, each and every one of us through prayer should step back and look at our own concrete living situation. We should look objectively at where God has placed us, then drop the nets and reap the harvest where God has placed us. For many lay people absorbed in temporal realities, the family is the first and foremost proximate missionary field for the apostolate. We should beg the Lord and His Holy Spirit for the grace to see when, where, and what method we can use to draw family members closer to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Then work at it! If it is not possible to evangelize by word, then do so by the example of the way we live and work. Punctuality, honesty, competence, and hard-work with a smile on our face could be the most efficacious means to drop the nets or reap the harvest. Finally, there may be a friend, relative, or colleague who manifests openness to God; time to drop the net for a big catch. In a real sense, we should all have a daring desire to talk about the Lord Jesus and invite a wandering and lost soul to meet the Lord. And especially to pray for the many who are lost and possibly on the precipice of losing their immortal souls for all eternity! Every soul was redeemed and saved by the Precious Blood that Jesus shed on the cross that Good Friday on Mount Calvary. Ultimately it is up to each person to accept or reject Jesus’ offer of salvation. But let us not fail to do our part to pray and work for the salvation of souls for all eternity!

In conclusion, as followers of Jesus, the Light of the World, we are challenged to be both light and salt. The harvest is rich, and the laborers are all too few. Let us all, through the intercession of Mary, beg for the grace to work assiduously on our own permanent formation so as to participate more effectively in hauling in an abundant catch of fish, in reaping an enormous harvest to place in the barns of Heaven, for all eternity.

 

The Sanctifier, the Paraclete, the Finger of God, the Interior Master, the Gift of Gifts, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, the bond of Love uniting the Father and the Son, the Helper, the Advocate, the Secret Friend, the Sweet Guest of the Soul—all of these are titles given to the Third Person of the most Blessed Trinity, the Holy Spirit.

As Saint Paul came to Ephesus on a missionary journey, he asked some of the people there if they had received the Holy Spirit. Their response could easily be seen in the light of our present situation with respect to a lack of knowledge of the faith in general, and a lack of knowledge of the Holy Spirit in particular: “We did not even know that there was a Holy Spirit.”(Acts 19: 1-7)

We have never lived in a world with so much information. However, at the same time, we have never lived in a world with so much widespread confusion—the effects of sin and the Tower of Babel!

Therefore, we would like to offer a short essay on how we can grow in our knowledge, love and friendship with the Holy Spirit, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church calls Him—“The Gift of Gifts!” Let us freely receive this Gift into the depths of our hearts, minds, souls, and understandings, and allow Him to permeate us with His Presence and take total possession of our lives. A gift can be freely received or freely rejected. Let us open our entire beings to receive this greatest Gift, God Himself!

Hopefully these short suggestions will be of great help to unite you more closely to the Holy Spirit. Be ready and willing to share the knowledge that you receive freely.  If we have received freely then we should give freely! The following are ten short points or ideas to enhance your knowledge, love and docility to the Holy Spirit.

 

1. Never allow a day to pass without saying at least a short PRAYER to the Holy Spirit. Here is a short one that can be memorized easily: “Come Holy Spirit, come through the Heart of Mary.” Say this prayer often and with great faith and love. Consequently, the Holy Spirit will be more active in your life.

2. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.  Read through the book in the Bible that follows the Gospel of Saint John and is attributed to Saint Luke, the Acts of the Apostles. This book has been called “The Gospel of the Holy Spirit.” Be keenly observant of how many times the Holy Spirit is mentioned in this spiritual masterpiece. See also the different ways that the Holy Spirit works in the primitive Church. You might even underline with your pencil each time the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. Allow the Holy Spirit to enter more fully into your life by meditating on the Word of God.

3. Get into the habit of making NOVENAS. One of the most powerful novenas in the history of the world was precisely the novena in preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirit that first Pentecost. The Apostles prayed and fasted nine days and nights in union with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then an extraordinary phenomenon occurred: wind and fire descended upon the heads of the Apostles, transforming them into fiery lovers of Jesus, ready to shed their blood for the sake of the His name! (Read Acts chapter 2)

4. Get to know the various SYMBOLS that the Church has given to get to know the Holy Spirit better. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives several of them: Fire, Cloud, the Dove. Wind, Water and Oil. Also, the Seal, a Finger, a Lamp. Symbols are physical realities that point to a more profound spiritual reality. (CCC 694-701)

5. READING ON THE HOLY SPIRIT.  One of the books that I highly recommend is In the School of the Holy Spirit written by Jacques Philippe. A short but superb masterpiece on the topic of the Holy Spirit, Philippe invites us to pursue the path of holiness by the simple path of being docile to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, wants to make us saints, if we will only allow Him to operate freely in our lives.

7. THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.  At the moment of Baptism we receive the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit; then the Sacrament of Confirmation fortifies these wonderful gifts. Get to know them; pray that they become more operative in your life. Your sanctification and salvation depends on this deep union with the Holy Spirit and His Gifts.
8. THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.  If you are floundering in “no-man’s land” as to what the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are, the following is your cheat sheet. Try to memorize them: Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord. According to Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor, Wisdom is the greatest of all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which can be defined as relishing the things of God. If you like, the Psalmist sums up the gift of Wisdom in these concise words: “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” (Psalm 34)
9. FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.  Traditionally the fruits of the Holy Spirit are twelve, even though Saint Thomas Aquinas says these are not all-inclusive. The following are the traditional twelve: charity ( or love), joy, peace, patience, benignity (or kindness), goodness, longanimity (or long suffering), mildness, faithfulness, modesty, continency (or self control), and chastity. Saint Thomas states that when we are corresponding to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and carrying out God’s will in our lives, then we experience this interior sweetness in our soul—these are the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

9. RECOVERY OF THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.  A moral tragedy could occur in our lives: falling into mortal sin! If you fall into the mud of mortal sin in your life, never give into despair but trust God all the more fully. By committing a mortal sin we willingly expel the Holy Spirit from our souls. However, the Good News is this: CONFESSION!  By making a good sacramental confession to the priest, then not only does God’s grace return to your soul but also the Holy Spirit returns as the Sweet Guest of your soul!  

10. OUR LADY AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.  Mary had the deepest and closest relationship to the Holy Spirit after Jesus Himself. The Immaculate Conception, in which Our Lady was preserved from the stain of Original Sin from the moment of her conception in her mother’s womb, was the work of the Holy Spirit. The Virginal Conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary was due to the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. The birthday of the Church on that first Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in tongues of fire, came about in the presence of Our Lady. Her powerful prayers facilitated the coming of the Holy Spirit and the advent of the missionary Church. Our Lady has a deep and intimate relationship to the Blessed Trinity. She is the Daughter of God the Father, the Mother of God the Son and she is the Mystical Spouse of the Holy Spirit. For this reason Saint Louis de Montfort expresses in these words of great enthusiasm: “Those who love Mary, the Holy Spirit flings Himself into those souls.” May Our Lady attain for you a renewed Pentecost and powerful infusion of the Holy Spirit. “Come Holy Spirit, come through the Heart of Mary.

Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.