One of my favorite Pope Francis quotes is: “How good it is for us when the Lord unsettles our lukewarm and superficial lives.” 

I have written here in the past about the importance of developing positive behaviors by repeating good habits, developing helpful routines, and incrementally building up from smaller tasks toward more impactful ones. But I have been thinking about the flip side of the coin lately and that is how repetition and routine, if left unchecked, can also become problematic. And, as the Holy Father warns against, can also lead us toward a sense of lukewarmness or superficiality in our lives. This may be most problematic when it comes to faith. 

As Catholics, we experience a fair bit of routine when it comes to the practice of our faith. We learn common prayers from an early age, attend Mass celebrations that follow a set and predictable pattern, and participate in incredibly meaningful activities, such as receiving the Eucharist, in a very familiar and regularly occurring manner. This is frequently a good thing: I recall attending Mass in places where English is not spoken and despite not being able to speak the local language, I could follow what was happening almost completely. I felt home even when I was far from home. 

But we should guard against familiarity and routines having a negative effect on us, prompting a kind of numbness and even apathy when it comes to our practice of worship, seeking a relationship with Christ, and gaining a positive and productive prayer life. Here are some suggestions on ways to prevent this from happening: 

Change it up. If you rely on scripture and recite set prayers, add a new podcast or spiritual book into your regular routine. Or try a different form of prayer, such as Lectio Divina, as a way to prayerfully consider passages from the Bible. 

Join (or start) a faith community. Some of my most meaningful experiences have come in the form of small group discussions, faith sharing, and building relationships with other “seekers”. A book club is a great way to get started. 

Try Adoration. There are many who are not sure how best to experience a Holy Hour in an Adoration chapel. I often hear comments such as: “I am not sure what to do when I get there…” or “nothing happens when I am there.” If I could offer one suggestion on this, I would say: Try it. Sit there and simply disconnect from all of the many notifications, distractions, and noises in your life and remain in silence before Jesus. Bring no expectations. Be still. And give it time. 

Return to Reconciliation. Many of us have gotten out of the routine of participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It can seem intimidating, but the regular practice can be uplifting, moving, and profoundly healing. 

Seek spiritual direction. Regularly occurring conversations on the topic of faith with someone you trust – and who has received some training in spiritual direction – can be most helpful as periodic check-ins can spark new insights and foster a deeper sense of purpose when it comes to living out our faith. 

Make a pilgrimage. There are some exciting and faraway pilgrimage destination possibilities, such as walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, but there are also many closer-to-home possibilities as well. Look for local retreat houses, shrines, and other similar sites. A quick internet search will present many options. 

Volunteer. Join a ministry or charity. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and gather with others who have a mission to serve others. Remember that in giving, we receive.

And pray. If you feel that you have slipped into a bit of “lukewarm superficiality” when it comes to your faith life, bring that to God and ask for help in moving through and past it.