I once heard a very accomplished artist talk about the fact that he always enjoyed giving away his work for free, that it made him feel good to offer his original paintings as gifts to others. He noted, however, that after a while, he felt as though this was being taken for granted and that his recipients no longer truly appreciated what he had to offer. His conclusion ultimately was that he had to honor and value his own art if he wanted others to do the same.

The bottom line for all of us is that we appreciate and treasure that which costs us something much more so than if it did not. You could say that the higher the mountain, the greater the sense of accomplishment for having scaled it.

I think we can apply this same life lesson to faith, which is why we can liken our own experience of faith to a process or journey and recognize that we may have highs and lows, rich periods followed by arid ones, and that it can change over time. And although we may hope for miracles and grand scale knock-you-off-your-horse epiphanies like Saul’s on the way to Damascus, these may end up just like the free paintings and we many not treasure them had they come to us in a different manner.

I know what you’re wondering: “Is he saying that we shouldn’t hope for miracles?” In a word: No! That is not what I am saying. However, there can be tremendous grace that comes out of the struggle, from navigating the hills and valleys of a life in pursuit of Christ, and of doing the work. So, what does “doing the work” look like? Here are five ways:

1. Learn. The Catholic faith tradition is rich in insight, inspiration, and instruction. For some, understanding the work of the great thinkers, such as Thomas Aquinas, Teresa of Ávila, and Catherine of Siena, will be most helpful. For others, it could be the example of Joseph, Joan of Arc, or Francis of Assisi that can best inform us about our faith. Faith is not a passive sport, rather it is one that requires our active participation, and we can learn a great deal from those who have gone before us.
   
2. Serve. We know from the model of our Savior himself who “did not come to be served but to serve” (Matthew 20:28), that we are to care deeply about each other and to let our actions speak louder than words. What might you do to serve?
   
3. Sacraments. As Catholics, we have the great treasure of the Sacraments in which we do not merely receive but rather participate. Just as our Father chose to collaborate with creation in order to reveal his great mystery, we too can experience this through the signs and symbols of the Sacraments which we believe become greater because of God’s intervention. And in doing so, we too become greater. 
   
4. Model. If our lives demonstrate faith, trust, and hope, then we are showcasing why we believe that the Good News of Christ is actually good news indeed. Let all those who observe us ask themselves what it is about us that elevates us, guides us, and helps us to live fully and with joy. Be a curiosity, an oddity, and let them wonder. This is preaching the Gospel without words.
   
5. Relationship. The most important aspect of a life well lived is to be in relationship with the Father, his Son, and the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, our faith will be tested and challenged, but nothing can ever prevail against us if we have an active relationship that is empowered and uplifted by prayer. As with any relationship, we are called to go deeper, to trust, and to humbly reveal all, even our vulnerabilities, fears, and flaws. Only when we surrender, can we then soar.

Anything worth having is worth working for.