It’s a familiar story, isn’t it? You grew up Catholic, went to CCD, made your First Communion and Confirmation. The rhythm of weekly Mass was just part of life. But somewhere along the way, that rhythm faded. Now, when asked why you don’t go to church, a list of reasons comes to mind: “I’m too busy,” “The homilies are boring,” “I don’t feel like I get anything out of it,” or “There’s too much hypocrisy in the Church.” These are common justifications, but what if they are just the waves on the surface, masking a much deeper reality? What if the real reason is a quiet, almost imperceptible drifting away? 🌊
The Deceit of “Too Busy”
The phrase “too busy” has become a modern mantra, a shield we use to protect our time and energy. It’s a valid concern, of course—our lives are full. Yet, when we say we’re too busy for God, we’re not just saying we lack the time. We’re subtly telling ourselves that other things are more important. Our jobs, our hobbies, our social lives, our rest—all of these things, while good in themselves, can slowly fill the space in our hearts that was once reserved for God. This isn’t a malicious act; it’s a gradual one. It’s the spiritual equivalent of letting dust accumulate on a cherished possession. It doesn’t happen overnight, but one day you look at it and realize it’s no longer gleaming. .
The Comfort of Laziness
Let’s be honest with ourselves: practicing a religion requires effort. It asks us to leave our comfort zones, to wake up on a Sunday morning when we’d rather be sleeping in, and to engage in a community that may not always be perfect. We seek a spiritual life that is effortless, one that fits neatly into our already overbooked schedules. We want the spiritual benefits without the spiritual discipline. This is a form of spiritual laziness, not in a condemning sense, but in an honest one. It’s the choice to take the path of least resistance. The problem is, a relationship with God is not a spectator sport. It is a living, breathing, active relationship that needs to be nurtured.
The Problem with Belief without Practice
Many who have left the Church will say, “I still believe in God.” And that’s wonderful! Belief is the starting point. But belief without practice is like a seed that is never watered. It holds the potential for life, but it will never grow, never flourish, never bear fruit. The sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, are not just rituals; they are real encounters with Jesus Christ himself. The Church, for all its human flaws, is the body of Christ on earth. When we distance ourselves from it, we distance ourselves from the very means God has given us to strengthen and sustain our faith. We are essentially saying, “I believe in you, God, but I’ll meet you on my own terms, in my own way.” This is a dangerous position to be in.
A Call to Re-examine
This isn’t about guilt or condemnation. It’s a loving invitation to a reality check. Where are you in your relationship with God? Is it possible that the “reasons” you give are simply a way of justifying a spiritual apathy that has crept in? We have all been there. It is never too late to turn back. Your faith is a gift, and it is worth fighting for. The invitation to return is always open. The God who loves you is waiting, not with an angry face, but with open arms, ready to welcome you home. Take a moment to sit in silence and ask yourself, “Why am I really not practicing my faith?” The answer might be simpler and more profound than you think. And it might be the first step on the journey back home.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post