Introduction
What does it mean to be a good Catholic and please God? We all have our moments when we sit back and wonder how we can be better. We ask God to guide us. Thankfully, the Catholic Church has provided us with guideposts to help us in our journey. In this article, I’ll be highlighting practical steps to enrich your Catholic faith and to please God. Remember, pleasing God doesn’t mean we need to be perfect; it simply means striving to live our faith sincerely and fully.
Embrace the Sacraments
The Eucharist
The Eucharist is central to our Catholic faith. Jesus tells us, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst” (John 6:35). These are not just comforting words but an invitation to draw near to Him through the Eucharist.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life'” (Catechism 1324). This isn’t a recommendation; it’s a fundamental part of our faith. Regular participation in Mass and receiving Communion not only allows you to be in direct contact with Christ but also helps to fortify your spiritual life.
Confession
Who among us is without sin? The act of confession is another sacrament that keeps us close to God. St. James exhorts us to, “Confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16). The Catechism affirms that through Confession, we’re granted “pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church” (Catechism 1422).
Prayer and Scripture
Importance of Prayer
Prayer is how we talk to God. It’s as simple as that. The Bible tells us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This doesn’t mean you have to spend all day on your knees. You can talk to God throughout your day, like you would with a close friend or family member.
Reading Scripture
The Bible is our guidebook. St. Paul says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). A constant engagement with the Bible will help deepen your understanding of God and how you can please Him.
Acts of Charity
Love Your Neighbor
The universal teaching of the Church calls us to charity. Jesus told us, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). These aren’t just nice words to live by; they’re a command from God Himself. The Catechism states, “Charity is the soul of the holiness to which all are called: it ‘governs, shapes, and perfects all the means of sanctification'” (Catechism 826).
Social Justice
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Being a Catholic is not just about attending Mass or reading the Bible. It’s about living out your faith in your everyday life. The Church teaches us the importance of social justice. “If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?” (1 John 3:17). The Catechism makes it clear that “the Church cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice” (Catechism 2420).
A Life of Virtue
Humility
One of the essential virtues that could make us better Catholics and please God is humility. Jesus Himself was humble, being born in a manger and living a simple life. He tells us, “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29).
Obedience to God’s Will
It’s not enough to just say we believe in God; we need to do God’s will. The Catechism tells us, “To obey (from the Latin ob-audire, to ‘hear or listen to’) in faith is to submit freely to the word that has been heard because its truth is guaranteed by God, who is Truth itself” (Catechism 144). When we willingly submit to God’s commandments and Church teachings, we are walking on the path to pleasing Him.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a better Catholic and pleasing God is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Through embracing the sacraments, engaging in prayer and Scripture reading, practicing acts of charity and social justice, and leading a virtuous life, we can grow closer to God and deepen our faith. Remember, God doesn’t expect us to be perfect; He just wants us to strive to be better each day.
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Note: While content aims to align with Catholic teachings, any inconsistencies or errors are unintended. For precise understanding, always refer to authoritative sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Always double-check any quotes for word-for-word accuracy with the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.