Psychology of the Holy Hour
In the last few weeks, we have reflected on our psychological realities. We looked primarily at what we can't so much affect. However, God does not just abandon us to our trials. He intends to use both pain and pleasure approached with virtue to direct us to not only our salvation but first to Him who is our salvation. It is the virtuous part that is ours. As we grow in virtue, sure there is sacrifice involved, but it is necessary to restore what we lost through the wounds from personal, original, and received sins. Virtue is what makes us strong, but we need to be loved first before we can go about Christ's mission by the only means we are effective i.e. love. The holy hour each day gives us something physical that we need to avoid sin, receive graces intentionally, and grow in virtue.
It seems to go without saying that we struggle against evil. As we have discussed during the conversion series, the enemy ensures we enjoy the path of sin, and our path to heaven is hindered in every way God will permit. Therefore, we cannot depart from our sins without the hand He is offering to pull us from the "water" and the forces that try to drown us and our grace-filled efforts (cf. Matthew 14:22-33). There is one place or rather One Entity to turn to. Francis de Sales is often quoted as saying that every Christian needs a half hour of silent prayer, and those who are busy need an hour. In our most crucifying trials or heavenly joys, sharing them with us the one who understands both us and them is absolutely essential for our progression toward holiness.
It is often talked about that we actualize or unfold the Baptismal grace amongst those who understand "spiritual physics" or what it takes to weave grace into the fabric of our lives. The issue remains that those that need to decide it is somehow uncool to work for eternal life rather than proximate ends. When we place ourselves in God's presence, receive His gaze, and ask for what we need to accomplish what He asks of us, there is no better use of time. In that hour of practicing receiving and giving love, we are prepared to do so as we continue throughout our day and to live the mission that day we are called to fulfill.
This brings us to the final point. Growing in strength and virtue depends on the crosses you have been given. There are three, in particular, that are both supernatural and particularly Christian i.e. faith, hope, and love. These are infused by the Holy Spirit into the depths of our being and they trickle upwards and thus transform the abilities of our other virtues. Our well-formed (failing very infrequently) habit of prayer, that these virtues flourish in, spills over to and gives life to all the rest of the virtues, arming us for all we do and giving us not only the possibility of merit but the opportunity to be as Christ to others, seeing them as Christ also. "Pray constantly . . . always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father." St. Paul adds, "Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance making supplication for all the saints." For "we have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing." This tireless fervor can come only from love. Against our dullness and laziness, the battle of prayer is that of humble, trusting, and persevering love. This love opens our hearts to three enlightening and life-giving facts of faith about prayer."[1]
In conclusion, a holy hour is worth every bit of time you dedicate to it because "time is in the Father's hands".[2] It is not so much that working out is a particularly virtuous action that aligns your physiology with your spirituality. Making the time is most of the battle and provides benefits in itself. If we can exchange a little of our time here (approx. 4% [or 7% of waking hours]) on earth to grow in our relationship with someone we hope to be with for all eternity, why would we not do that? In a holy hour, we have an opportunity to share our day (or yesterday) with, those who really care about us and can help us make it better. God provides much to those who spend so much time with Him. God takes an inch of openness to a mile of blessings. There is so much to gain with regard to virtue to be gained in the discipline allow, let alone the graces. These benefits make you exponentially freer to become who you are.
FN:
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2742.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2659
Show to us what means to be Christ-like.
Would that we give to you without counting the cost.
Illume our darkness with Your light.
Written by Carter Carruthers
