Daily Practice

In the work of transforming criminals from a commitment to the criminal world to a commitment to the Lord and the Catholic Church, the daily need to be prepared is mandatory, as the work is physically dangerous, draining—emotionally and spiritually—but done with the proper preparation and daily strengthening, it is perhaps the most rewarding work of all; classically directed to the greatest of those whom Christ came to call home, the sinners.

This excellent article from This Rock looks at the daily preparation from the aspect of the military, a wonderful parallel.

An excerpt.

“Your military training as a reserve officer will also help you in your civilian career," said the commanding officer. As a good leader, he had taken each of us officers-in-training aside to find out how our basic training was going. I—a second lieutenant (pronounced "lef-tenant" in Her Majesty’s Royal Canadian Artillery) being addressed by a lieutenant colonel—simply nodded and said: "Yes, sir."

“I had just completed the second week of the Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course, otherwise known as "boot camp" in the Canadian military. Whether enlisted or commissioned, a full-time soldier or a part-time reservist, every Canadian soldier’s career begins with BMQ: It’s baptism into the Canadian Forces.

“It is also overwhelming, so at the time I did not see the connection between boot camp and my day job as a canon lawyer and Catholic apologist. That would change after I finished BMQ and returned to my civilian duties. Today, basic military training is almost second nature when I engage in Catholic apologetics. Civilians, too, can draw on military training principles in defending the faith. With that in mind, here are ten things BMQ taught me about being a foot-soldier of the Church Militant.

“1. Wash up early.

“Except in cases of emergency, a soldier’s day does not begin until he tidies up. Reveille is followed by teeth-brushing, shaving, and hand- and face-washing. A full shower waits until after physical training (PT). The morning wash is just a quick cleanup before changing into PT gear and forming up for morning exercise.

“A clean soldier feels fresh and ready to tackle the challenges of the day. The routine is also good hygiene.

“In the same way, as Catholic apologists we should begin our day with a spiritual cleanup: an examination of conscience whereby we examine our previous day’s words and actions in light of Church teaching. Did we remember to pray for those who asked? Did we use harsh words with a family member? In short, did we always reflect Christ in our behavior?

“An examination of conscience allows a Catholic apologist to recognize his strengths and weaknesses early in the morning. The apologist can then pray for God’s grace before heading out to be salt and light to the world. Just like a soldier is a soldier any time he wears the uniform and not only in the heat of battle, so too is a Catholic apologist a member of Church militant at all times—not just when debating. An examination of conscience affords good spiritual hygiene.”