Measure by Measure

We're so used to tracking and measuring everything. Cathi Kennedy ponders whether we can track our way into heaven.

It's performance review time at work. Since we are a university, our "year" follows the students' schedule. We set our goals in the fall and follow up on them periodically throughout the year leading up to our final review in late spring. The slightest mention of this process elicits groans from everyone: no one enjoys this. But we can't improve what we don't measure, so it's SMART goals for the win.

I think it's safe to say that we are a society that loves to track and measure. We measure our steps, our calories, and our heart rates. I have a bed that tracks my sleep. We have AI that tells us when we need new filters on our central heating, when we're low on milk, when we need to order dog food. We measure how long we spend on our phones (too long), how fast we run, how many miles we've logged on our Peloton bikes. We track and measure our work, home, health, and lives.

How do I track my faith journey? How is that measured? Do I get a bumper sticker after I pray my 10,000th Rosary? Is there a punch card for Confession? How do I know if I'm getting better if it's not measured? Can I track my way into heaven?

null

The short answer is no. Of course not. Unlike the pictures we've seen of the giant book that St. Peter is checking as we get to the gates of heaven, there is no performance management tool to measure our faith. No checkmarks in the "done" column.

So does this mean that what we do doesn't matter? If we can't measure our faith, should we even go to Confession or attend Mass or pray?

Like millions of others, I've been listening to the Bible in a Year podcast. Father Mike's reflection on day 335 shook me. That day's reading includes this passage from the First Letter to the Corinthians:

Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

Father Mike talked about the commitment that runners have to their sport. Every calorie consumed is measured. Hundreds of dollars are spent on shoes and equipment. Countless hours in training to shave a few seconds off their time. Do we give this level of effort to our faith journey? Ouch, Father Mike. Ouch.

I work on a beautiful college campus that happens to be in a snow belt section of the Midwest. It's cold here, my friends. And snowy. I marvel at the runners doing their thing when it's 10 degrees with 20-MPH winds. They've prepared well, and a little snow and wind will not stop them from reaching their goals. What's stopping me? If I had to walk to Mass in 10-degree weather with 20-MPH winds, would I do it?

Our priest has told us that each decision we make gets us one step closer to God or one step farther away. Instead of thinking about a task to check off, maybe we should flip our thinking to "What can I do today that gets me one step closer? How can I love and honor God today?"

Recently someone told me that I was "almost too Catholic." I was flattered; it's the biggest compliment you could give me. If others can see that I'm living my faith by my actions and words—that's measure enough.

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.