Many Catholics are afraid to show their faith, fearing that others may judge or tell them to keep it to themselves. However, your faith is a gift from God that allows you to know and love him. Faith and belief are representative of your relationship with God and should be present in your everyday actions. You don’t have to go over and beyond to show it.
There are simple things that can be done. If you want to be a person who is proud of their Catholic belief and you want to show it, some simple acts can transform your life and show your Catholic faith. Here are 10 things you can do to display your faith:
1. Positively Represent Jesus
Over the years, many people have poorly represented Jesus, which is why Catholics may have a bad rep. In some places. If you are surrounded by those who think badly about Jesus, you should represent him in a good way. Never talk bad about him and always mention his good actions and traits. After a while, you will be able to change at least a few people’s perspectives on Jesus.
2. Join The Right Communities
If you feel that you are alone and no one shares the same belief as you do, you should try to find a support group. Surrounding yourself with people who are on the same page as you are will encourage you to be a better person, and as such, you won’t be afraid to present it. Many communities promote sharing your faith and helping others as well. Find these support groups in your area or online and start communicating with them.
You can go with your new catholic community and show your faith together through acts of service and mercy.
3. Statues and Icons
There’s no better way to show your beliefs than through a custom layout of your favourite statues, icons, and crucifixes. Placing crosses and crucifixes around your home will help you consistently remember and honor your Catholic faith, this will also give you the chance to display them however you see fit for your visitors. It will also help you with your prayers and meditation.
4. Devotional Medals
A holy medal or a cross pendant can be ideal for presenting your belief outside your home. Wearing religious symbols everywhere you go tells a lot about you and your faith, especially when you pair it with acts of service. The medal or pendant you carry around wherever you go will help grow your faith as it will always remind you of God and help you pray no matter where you are.
5. Going on a Retreat
If you want to present your faith, you should live it. Sacrificing something in your life improves your relationship with God and reduces your attachment to earthly things. You don’t have to sacrifice your house or anything big. Just going on a 10-day retreat once a year or a weekend every couple of months can grow your faith. Go somewhere without your phone, TV, or radio and devote this time to God. This will not only show your faith but also will help you get closer to God, meditate, pray, and clear your mind from your busy life.
6. Praying a Novena
A Novena is a prayer that you say for nine consecutive days, and it should be devoted to a saint. You ask the saint to deliver your prayers to Jesus. You should time your novena, so it ends on the feast day of the saint you are praying for. You pray a novena and meditate at the same time for nine days, and you can devote your prayers to ask God for a special request.
7. Serve the Community
As we mentioned, the best way to express your belief is to live it. If you are unable to go on a retreat every now and then, you can serve the community regularly. Simple acts of service like helping someone in need, feeding the hungry, or giving your unworn clothes to someone else are all ways to show your faith in the community. You can also do spiritual acts such as praying for the living and the dead, forgiving those who hurt you and comforting others.
8. Love Others
One of the ways to show your faith and be a good representative of Jesus is to love others. Remind your friends, neighbours, and family members of your love. Tell them why and mention their good traits. You can make it a daily habit to tell someone you love them. You never know the difference it may make in their lives.
9. Be a Good Example
To show your faith in a good way and be the gospel, you should be a good example for everyone around you. Don’t cheat, steal, or lie to anyone. If you make a promise to someone you should endeavour to fulfil it. You can show your faith by smiling with people, even those you don’t know. Give out hugs to your friends and be a good person. Don’t be rude or inconsiderate.
10. Reflect on Your Day
Every day before you sleep, reflect on your day. Give yourself some time to re-think everything you have done throughout your day. Were you a good representative of Jesus? Did you hurt anyone with your words or actions? Did you tell those around you that you love them? All these questions should be answered before you go to sleep. If there’s anything you regret doing or saying, apologize to that person right away and promise yourself that you will be a better person the next day.
Showing your catholic faith requires some work. You have to set a good example for others to see your true faith. You should help those in need and think of the impact of your words and actions. Join a Catholic society and help each other improve the world, even by simple acts of mercy. A simple gesture such as smiling at a stranger or helping an elderly cross the street can show your faith.