Hope you had a blessed Sunday! 🙏✝️
Time for another Catholic Meme Monday.
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By Clare Marie Burke
College can be a wonderful thing – living in a broad community of people the same age as you experiencing the newfound freedoms that come with adulthood. There is no other time quite like it. It is a time of immense change, for better or for worse. For me, college proved extremely beneficial in nurturing the values my parents had instilled in me. I was blessed to attend Ave Maria University, a small Catholic school in about as far south Florida you can go before you hit the Everglades. Ave Maria roots itself in true devotion to Christ by holding fast to the teachings of the Church as well as building up a strong community of believers.
My four years spent there were saturated with joyful friendships that found common ground in our strive for sainthood. Surrounded by good examples who were all my age, in my state of life, and living out their faith in Christ tremendously aided my spiritual maturation through the ebbs of flows of emerging adulthood. I realize this is not the typical college experience, so I do not write this with the expectation to fully sympathize with my readers. However, I pray that my advice for living the faith out post-college may prove helpful and provide practical inspiration for those finding themselves in this exciting stage of life.
My campus chaplain used to share an analogy with us that likened the world to a flowing current. The current is very easy to enter and float along with. Yet, where the mainstream leads is destructive to both soul and body. 2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us that “the god of this age [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Scripture makes it evident that the evil one has a certain dominion over matters of the flesh. We see this in the direction the world is going. The call of those who wish not to live for this world is to swim against the current.
For anyone who has experience swimming upstream, it is not an easy task. Rather, it requires previously built up strength and a devised game plan to prevent burnout. This is principally why Christians should take their spiritual lives seriously. Our time on this earth is a battle for our souls. Thankfully, we fight on the winning team. Our job is to stay on the victorious front. We do this by living out the faith day in and day out and in doing so, we remain close to Christ.
But what does this look like on the practical level? Especially for someone who is just learning how to live in the world as an adult? Facing reality with all of its responsibilities is intimidating. There is so much talk about what “the real world” is like when you are in college. Once you are in it, you are in it. How does one navigate a new life and remain on the vine? I would like to propose three vital means.
Over the centuries, many saints have analogized prayer to the soul as breath is to the lungs. In other words, prayer is the lifeblood of the spirit. It is impossible to live the faith without a steady prayer life. St. Alphonsus Ligouri goes so far to say, “Without prayer we have neither light nor strength to advance in the way which leads to God. He who prays will be saved, but he who does not will be damned.” There is a weight to prayer. The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes St. Therese of Lisieux in its definition of prayer stating, “prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy” (CCC #2558). This meaning simplifies our understanding of prayer.
Prayer can be something intimidating for those seeking to incorporate it in their lives. It can seem complex and unreachable. However, in the same way that God desires all to be with Him, He gives ample grace for us to do so. In the realm of prayer, God is always the initiator. We are always the responders. In moments we feel drawn to commune with God, it is He who first called. This should serve as a great consolation for us and a reminder that He carries the bulk of the load.
As a young adult, there can be a lot of uncertainty- where you will settle down, what career you will have, who you will marry, and so on. Prayer enables us to be rooted in the one thing that is always certain – the love and security of God. Though life is ever-changing, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Praying gives us access to torrents of grace and keeps us grounded in peace.
In my personal experience, going from a college experience that was incredibly stable and exuberant to the unpredictability of life after graduation, I leaned heavily on prayer. I found it to be my steady rock amidst the uncertain. You go from walking along a set, marked trail to now having to trailblaze. Naturally, there is going to be a deeper need for strength and courage as you navigate your new life. Prayer is the perfect way to prepare and sustain oneself through it.
Though prayer is indispensable, it is from here that we order our lives. We shape ourselves and our actions from the foundation of the love for God we have built through prayer. As St. Clare puts it, “We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.” If we are consumed by love for God, it changes who we are.
The second means to live the faith out after college is through our habits. When certain actions become second nature to us, we refer to them as habits. The majority of our earthly lives consists in the routine we have built for ourselves. It is our responsibility to constantly work to reform and perfect these routines. While we are in college, most of our time is mapped out for us. We are given a schedule for classes and various activities. Of course, we still have to choose how we spend the rest of our time, but it can be easier to do so when we have friendships and activities constantly within our scope.
Once you graduate, your time is now your own. The habits you built up remain, but how you live them out now depends on your willingness and your new schedule. For me, I found keeping good habits close very helpful in making a smooth transition.
Just because your life may look very different on the outside does not mean it needs to look different on the inside. In times of transition, I would argue it is more important than ever to hold fast to firm dispositions. Uprooting good habits is never a good idea. Anchor yourself in the routines that lead to your flourishing – daily exercise, prayer, reading, whatever it may be. You will find that consistency in the midst of change will prove very helpful. If you do not have good routines in place, transition is the perfect opportunity for implementing new habits as it poses as a sort of clean slate.
Lastly, never lose sight of the importance of community. God did not make us to walk alone. A man does not become a saint by himself. I know for me, going from a full, flourishing community in college to ground zero was difficult. College taught me firsthand that who I surrounded myself with impacts me deeply. The saying, “you are your three closest friends” rings very true. Seek out friendships in your adult life with people you would be comfortable trading souls with. Find people that inspire you to become the best version of yourself. Ask God for the grace to find these people but play your part. For me, putting myself in places where the kind of person I wanted to be friends with was most helpful – church, wholesome events, etc.
Trailblazing, though difficult, is the adventure God calls us to and equips us for. While life post-grad can be unpredictable, one thing is for certain, God gives each of us the necessary grace to be the saint He is calling us to be in the present moment. Lean into prayer, shape your habits, and do so with others and you will find that this time of life is full of growth and immense joy. Surrender to God this time and He will shower you with abundant blessings. Know of my prayers for you during this time.
Living Out Your Catholic Faith After Graduation
Importance of Daily Prayer: A Catholic Mother’s Guide
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Clare is wife to John Burke and a 2024 graduate of Ave Maria University with a B.A. in Theology. She has experience teaching K–5 Religion and now lives in Great Falls, Virginia.
A Reflection on the Gospel of Luke 14: 1, 7-14
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, as we gather in the presence of our Lord Jesus—our Teacher, our Master, and our very Best Friend—let’s do something that’s actually pretty simple but surprisingly hard: let’s just sit with Him. Imagine Him right next to you. Not far off, not just a story in a book, but close. Quiet. Gentle. Listen for the voice that speaks to your heart, the one that says, “My son, my daughter, I love you so very much and am always with you. Come and follow me on the path of righteousness—loving our Father in heaven wholly, and loving those around us as I love you. And together, our hearts shall become one; one with our LORD God and with the Holy Spirit.”
In today’s Gospel from Luke, chapter 14, Jesus gives us a warning and a promise. He says, in effect, “The way up is down. If you want real glory, don’t chase it. Be humble. Love others.” And He doesn’t just say this—He lives it. The Holy Spirit draws us into the very shape of Jesus’ own life: His humility, His suffering, His rising again. It’s right there at the center of the Gospel: if you want to be free, if you want to be blessed, put others ahead of yourself.
Picture the scene. Jesus is at a fancy dinner thrown by a Pharisee. Everyone’s jostling for the best seats, hoping to be noticed, to be important. Jesus watches this and tells them a story that flips everything. Don’t try to grab the seat of honor. Take the lowest place. If you belong higher, you’ll be called up—and you won’t have to be embarrassed. “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” It’s simple, but it’s the opposite of how we’re wired.
Then Jesus goes further. He says, “Don’t invite people who can pay you back. Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” And He promises a different kind of reward: “You will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” What does this mean? It means God’s kingdom runs on a different economy than ours. It’s not about keeping score. It’s about mercy. About giving without keeping track.
Let’s tie this to the heart of our faith—the Paschal Mystery. That’s the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. The whole thing is about self-emptying love. Humility wasn’t just something Jesus taught. It was something He lived all the way to the cross. As Paul writes in Philippians, “Though he was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.”
The cross is the lowest place. Jesus goes there for us, for people who could never pay Him back. And because of this, the Father raises Him up. That’s the pattern: humble service leads to real glory. Not just for Jesus, but for us, if we follow Him.
This is the New Covenant. It’s not a business deal with God—“I do good, God rewards me.” It’s about grace. We don’t earn our spot at God’s table; we’re invited because He loves us. And we’re called to treat others the same way. Invite, serve, love—especially those who can’t give us anything in return.
So, what does this look like in real life? First, ask for the Holy Spirit’s help. We can’t do this on our own. Ask the Spirit to make us more like Jesus, to help us live and love as He did. Practice humility—listen before you speak, serve rather than be served, celebrate others’ successes. Reach out to the overlooked and the lonely, not because there’s something in it for you, but because that’s what Jesus does. Check your motives—“Am I doing this to be seen, or out of genuine love?” And trust God with your honor. Let go of needing immediate praise. God sees. He knows.
This isn’t just about table manners. It’s about how we live, how we see ourselves, how we treat every person we meet. Jesus wants us to look at others as He does, to serve generously, expecting nothing in return.
As we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit shapes us. We become children of God, and we trust Him with our lives. We’re not alone. The Spirit helps us live generously and humbly—even when it isn’t easy.
So, at a dinner where everyone wanted the best seat, Jesus flipped the script. He taught that greatness is found in choosing the lowest place. He called us to love those who can’t repay us, to welcome the poor and forgotten, to give without expecting anything back. That’s how we follow Jesus. That’s how we let the Holy Spirit make us into people who see every neighbor with God’s eyes.
Let’s remember those words from Jesus: “I love you, my son. I love you, my daughter. I am always with you.” Go, give praise, thanksgiving, and glory to God. Love and serve those around you, putting each person ahead of yourself, building up the Body of Christ, living in the Kingdom of heaven, and saying yes to God’s will.
Amen.
Amen.
Blessed Carlo Acutis once said, “Not me, but God.” His words echo deeply in my own spiritual life. This blog is not about me, but about the work of the Holy Spirit. I choose to remain anonymous because the voice behind these reflections isn’t what matters — the One speaking through them is.
I am a lifelong Catholic with a deep love for Scripture, the sacraments, and the quiet ways God speaks through everyday life. Live the Eucharist was born from my desire to share how the Gospel and the Eucharist shape not just my Sundays, but every step of the journey.
My hope is that these reflections bless you, challenge you, and draw you closer to Jesus — truly present in the Eucharist and profoundly present in your daily life.
Sponsored: This article is made possible by Sacred Anchor Artisans, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.
From the earliest centuries, Christians turned to the image of the anchor as a powerful symbol of faith and hope. For sailors, this mooring point was a lifeline: a guarantee of stability amid storms and a safeguard against drifting into dangerous waters. For persecuted Christians in Rome, it became even more than that.
In the catacombs, anchors appeared frequently on epitaphs, sometimes paired with inscriptions like pax tecum (“peace be with you”) or in pace (“in peace”). These weren’t decorative choices. They were confessions of hope — hope that their loved ones, grounded in Christ, had reached the safe harbor of heaven.
The Epistle to the Hebrews gives us the clearest biblical grounding: “We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, which reaches into the interior behind the veil, where Jesus has entered on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:19–20). The anchor became shorthand for that “sure and firm” hope: Christ Himself, our refuge and salvation.
In fact, this symbol often functioned as a “disguised cross” in the first centuries, when the open depiction of the cross was still rare. Some anchors in the catacombs show fish clinging to its flukes, a subtle proclamation of Christ crucified, recognizable only to believers. The symbol was a way of declaring faith quietly but unmistakably, even when open confession was dangerous.
That hidden cross within the anchor reminds us that our faith is always rooted in both hope and sacrifice. To be secured in Christ is to rest not on worldly certainty but on the wood of His Cross.
Over time, Christian reflection expanded the meaning of the anchor by connecting it with Mary, the Mother of God. The Church has long hailed her as Stella Maris — the “Star of the Sea.” Sailors looked to the stars to navigate treacherous waters; the faithful look to Mary to stay on course toward Christ.
Pope Benedict XVI called her the “Star of Hope,” a radiant sign in history’s often stormy sea. He wrote in Spe Salvi that Mary is a guiding presence for the Church and for every believer, helping us keep sight of the heavenly harbor when waves rise high.
This Marian dimension of the anchor becomes especially clear on Holy Saturday. When the world seemed swallowed in silence and loss, Mary remained steadfast. She kept hope alive, offering the disciples a steady foundation of trust that her Son would rise. Her unwavering faith became a living source of stability for the soul, holding fast when everything else seemed uncertain.
The image of rosaries hanging on an anchor captures this beautifully: Mary, through prayer, moors us securely to Christ. Just as an anchor steadies a ship, Mary’s intercession steadies the Church, guiding us through confusion and darkness.
For a Catholic family cooperative like Sacred Anchor Artisans, this symbolism is not abstract. Their very name reflects this Marian spirituality. The anchor in their home shrine is a reminder that beauty and creativity, offered through art, can be a stable point of grace in a storm-tossed culture.
This symbol also carries a deep resonance with the papacy. While the keys of Peter are the most recognized papal emblem, the image of steadfastness and security found in the anchor offers a fitting complement.
Christ designated Peter as the “rock” on which the Church would be built (Matthew 16:18). That rock is immovable, a fixed point that withstands floods and storms. The Pope, as Peter’s successor, serves in this same role today, providing stability and unity for the Church universal.
St. Ambrose once wrote: “As the anchor thrown from a ship prevents this from being borne about, but holds it securely, so faith, strengthened by hope.” The Pope, entrusted with strengthening the brethren (Luke 22:32), guards the Church in the truth of Christ, preventing it from drifting with every cultural current.
Think of the Church as a great ship. The seas of history are often turbulent: heresies, persecutions, doubts, divisions. Yet the papacy, rooted in Christ’s promise, functions as a safe harbor for the faithful. The successor of Peter does not replace Christ the Pilot but serves as His visible sign of guidance, keeping the Church moored to Truth Himself.
When we profess our faith, especially in times of confusion, we cling to the same hope as the early Christians in the catacombs. Our foundation is Christ, and the papacy keeps the lifeline of faith secure.
If the anchor is such a profound Christian symbol, what does it mean for a Catholic family business to choose it as their name? For Sacred Anchor Artisans, the choice is deliberate. Their cooperative is meant to be a steadying presence in a noisy, storm-tossed world.
At Catholic conferences, retreats, and events across the country, Sacred Anchor brings together the work of dozens of Catholic makers — artists, jewelers, woodworkers, and more. They offer gifts that are not only beautiful but spiritually grounding. A handcrafted crucifix, a Marian print, a rosary bracelet: these are not just keepsakes. They are steady reminders of grace, helping families carry their faith home in tangible ways.
The Olsens’ home shrine, dedicated in the Schoenstatt tradition, inspired this vision. Their family’s “Anchor of the Soul” shrine is a Marian devotion, a place where beauty, prayer, and grace steady daily life. Sacred Anchor Artisans extends that mission outward. In effect, they carry their shrine into the world, creating points of stability and faith wherever Catholic families gather.
This is why their work matters. In an age of fleeting trends and disposable products, Sacred Anchor offers what lasts: art rooted in truth, beauty grounded in faith, gifts that moor souls to Christ.
This ancient emblem, one of Christianity’s oldest symbols, has always spoken of stability, safety, and hope. For the early Church, it was a hidden cross in the catacombs, a sign of salvation amid persecution. For the faithful through the ages, it has represented the hope of heaven, the intercession of Mary, and the steadying hand of the papacy.
Today, it continues to inspire. To hang a rosary on this symbol, to meditate on Mary as the Star of Hope, to trust the papacy as the Church’s stabilizing guide — these are all ways of saying the same thing: Christ is our anchor, sure and firm.
Sacred Anchor Artisans captures this truth in both name and mission. By supporting Catholic makers and sharing their creations, they help families bring steadfast reminders of faith into their homes. In doing so, they remind us that beauty itself can be a grounding force: steady, hopeful, and sacred.
May we, too, anchor our hearts in Christ. May Mary, Star of the Sea, guide us through life’s storms. And may the Church, grounded in truth, always point us toward the eternal harbor of heaven.
Thank you to today’s sponsor! Discover more by visiting Sacred Anchor Artisans today.