Growing closer to Christ is a lifelong journey that is always changing and never-ending. We strive towards holiness, but can find that it is in the ups and downs of the journey that bring us
ever-closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ where we find holiness.
Matthew Kelly says that a wonderful way to get to know Jesus better is to read about him and the main place we can do that is through the Gospels. Read them over and over, a little each day, letting Jesus’ words and actions sink in. Kelly, in his book Rediscover Jesus, recommends imagining yourself as different people in the stories to place yourself in the context of what is happening.
Visit St. Paul's Drive-Up Tabernacle Adoration Chapel located behind the main glass doors to the church. There you can always find Jesus in the Eucharist, identified by the red candle burning inside the door. It is a great way to feel close to Our Lord during this time of great hunger for the Eucharist. During this time of crisis, Adoration of Our Lord in the Tabernacle is available 24/7, around the clock, all day, all night, everyday from your car in the church parking lot. Please remain in your car for prayer to allow for social distancing.
How can you really get to know anyone without talking to them regularly? You can read about them, but is that the same as really knowing them? Develop the HABIT of talking to Jesus all day long. Thank Him for the beautiful day, the blue skies and birds singing — for every good thing that happens during your day. Ask for help when you have a decision to make — big or small. Tell Him when you are frustrated, stressed, happy or joyful. He wants you to talk to Him!
Of course, we associate the rosary with Mary, because she’s the one who gave us the prayer, asked us to pray it, and it is filled with Hail Marys, but the Rosary is really about Jesus. If you pray the rosary daily — or as often as you can — you will be meditating day in and day out on the life of Jesus. Each day is a different set of “mysteries” or events in Jesus’ life to meditate upon as you say the prayers of the rosary. You’ll find new insights pour in as you contemplate these events over and over every time you pray the rosary.
It is important to remember there are all kinds of resources available to us in this digital age to help us grow closer to Christ. Our parish subscribes to Formed. Please see the link below. Formed has dozens of resources in the way of movies, podcasts, and prayers for you and your families.