March 3, 2002

As there are seven days in the week, so are there seven helps which, if practiced regularly each day of the week, dispose the soul to receive many graces from God. Lent is the best time of the year to try them.

First, rise in the morning immediately — which can be a mortification — and offer the first groggy moment to God by saying "I will serve." Satan said "Non serviam" — I will not serve. Conquer the weakness of the first frail moment by this "morning offering" said the rest of the day is more available to God's plans.

Spend fifteen minutes reading a portion of the New Testament, and sometimes also some good spiritual reading such as the life of a saint, or one of the classical guides to spiritual formation.

Spend another fifteen minutes in prayer as simple conversation with our Lord. The best way to do this, if it is possible, is before the Blessed Sacrament in a church.

Attend Mass on a weekday in addition to the Sunday Obligation. The ideal is daily Mass, and in Manhattan this is easier to arrange than in the suburbs. There may be times when one is not disposed to receive communion (some Catholics have forgotten the need to confess serious sins before receiving our Lord). To assist at Mass just by being a prayerful presence, making a "spiritual communion", can bestow many graces.

At Noon, pray the Angelus or, in the Easter season, the Regina Coeli. These prayers are available in most prayer books. This helps remedy what was lacking in the first part of the day, and sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Pray five decades of the Rosary. This can even be done while walking or on the subway, sanctifying those "loose moments", provided you can be recollect about the mysteries while walking in front of traffic.

Examine your conscience at the end of the day. Have I prayed today? Did I do my work well for God's glory, especially when it seemed boring or unimportant? Have I "mortified" myself, that is, have I practiced little disciplines to channel the energy of my lower passions for good results? This will lead to good and frequent confession.

As a pole vaulter has to begin with a lower bar, one should get into these holy habits gradually. The more time is spent on these sources of grace in a busy day, the more time will be available. If you do not "have" the time, God will "give" it-and will even add some.

Fr. George W. Rutler