Sometimes, there’s a temptation to wait until tomorrow to start being a better Catholic. But who knows if there will be a ‘tomorrow’?
John Morales talks to Sister Mary Teresa Bettag to get to the heart of what it really means to “give your life to Christ.” Spoiler: it’s not just for priests and nuns: it’s for everyone (yes, that means you, too).
Movie Moment that Shook Sister’s Faith
Sister Mary Teresa kicked off with a story about watching the movie For Greater Glory with her young adult group. It’s about the Cristero War in Mexico, and there’s this powerful moment where a 14-year-old, José Sánchez del Río, refuses to give up his faith, even in the face of torture. Sister Mary Teresa was troubled: she had just entered the convent and suddenly found herself questioning, “Would I have the courage to do that?” She felt fake, like a hypocrite, until she realized something big: God gives us the strength we need when we need it, not before. So right now, if you’re feeling like you’re not “holy enough” or “strong enough,” it’s OK: God’s got you. 🙏
🌍 Bringing Jesus into Every Part of Life
Sister Mary Teresa explained that giving your life to Christ isn’t just a one-time, big decision. It’s about inviting Jesus into every tiny corner of your life.
Her advice? Do a “King Check” in each part of your life: your work, family, hobbies, even your social media! Ask yourself, “Is Jesus actually allowed to be king here, or am I calling all the shots?”
Being Present is Being Holy
Sister says it’s not about doing more but being more present. She brings up “the charism of the incarnation”: Jesus came as God with us, so we’re called to be present with Him in our day-to-day lives. Stuck in traffic? That’s time to check in with Jesus. Waiting in line at the grocery store? Another chance to reconnect. This is the stuff that really makes life holy.
💸 Look at Your Time and Money
Sister threw down a serious challenge: take a look at where you spend your time and money. It’s all too easy to say, “God is #1 in my life,” but does the Starbucks budget say otherwise? Is TikTok taking more of your day than prayer? 👀 She reminded us that our spending and schedules often reveal what we actually value. So, if Jesus is really going to be first, it might mean we need to “reorder” our lives.
🙌 Start Today, Not Tomorrow
Sister Mary Teresa didn’t pull any punches here: don’t wait to start living for Jesus. She quoted Pope Francis, who reminds us that youth aren’t the future of the Church; they’re the Church right now. So, as St. Therese of the Little Flower reminds us: Don’t put sainthood off! No more waiting until you “have it all together.” Just start where you are.
So, What’s the Bottom Line? Viva Cristo Rey!
Letting Jesus be King isn’t about a one-time decision: it’s about letting Him reign in the day-to-day. Sister’s advice? Invite Jesus into every area of your life and let Him lead. It doesn’t have to be perfect or grand, just present.
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