We can follow this good example. The best means of combating our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments is to become, as Jesus calls us, mothers and brothers of God by doing His will through prayer, good actions, and learning spiritual truths. Saint Thomas teaches that studiousness (a willingness to study regularly) is a virtue that enables us to grow in knowledge and wisdom. He advises that we should study and pursue truth and wisdom by reading Scripture, the lives of the saints, and other great spiritual writers of the Church. By doing such things we gain a deeper understanding of God, ourselves, and reality. While our addiction can cause us to overdo anything, it seems most Catholics could stand to read and study good Catholic materials more extensively. In my local Catholic group, we distribute the Baltimore Catechism One, a book designed for 3rd graders that most Catholic adults—even those with university degrees—still find enlightening. By committing to learning more about God, no matter where we are, we can grow in holiness and love.

Saint Thomas also emphasized the importance of memory. In our case, we can work to heal our minds from the harms of our addictive tendencies and general sinfulness by using our memories for good. For instance, we can memorize prayers and saintly quotes to strengthen our minds, supplying us with mental aid when we feel tempted to sin or relapse. Our goal is not to gain intellectual achievement but to grow in our knowledge of the Catholic Faith. And by deepening our knowledge of the faith and filling our minds with God’s truth, we can become stronger believers and help guide others to God.

Reflection Questions

• What Catholic books have enriched your faith journey? Do you regularly read spiritual books that deepen your knowledge of God?
• What obstacles do you face to growing in the knowledge of God? What are some strategies for overcoming them?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Hebrews 10:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40:2, 4ab, 7-8a, 10, 11
Gospel: Mark 3:31-35

Reflection by Bill B.