Becoming the Catholic Man I Aspire to Be
Lessons from Two Janitors and a Prayerful Priest
I’m always on the lookout for ways to grow as a better Catholic man. Whether through research, reading, or learning practical tips, I’m constantly striving to align my actions with my faith. In my search for insight, I came across two stories that profoundly shaped my perspective on what it means to truly live out my Catholic values.
The Two Janitors
The first story involves two janitors, both faced with the same moral dilemma.
The first janitor was cleaning an office when he noticed a $100 bill sitting on a desk. Looking around and realizing no one was there to see, he wrestled with his conscience. Should he take it or leave it? After much internal struggle, he chose to leave the money and continued with his work.
The second janitor also spotted the $100 bill on the desk. Without hesitation, he picked it up, placed it in a drawer, and left a note for the desk’s owner, explaining what he had done.
Both janitors ultimately made the right decision—they didn’t take the money. But what struck me was the difference in their approaches. The first janitor had to fight his temptation, while for the second janitor, doing the right thing was automatic. It was who he was.
When I heard this story, I asked myself: Who do I want to be? I want to be like the second janitor, someone who instinctively does the right thing because it’s woven into their character.
The Priest’s Prayer
The second story came from a priest who spoke about his prayer life. He shared how he once prayed to God for more patience and love. But instead of simply receiving these virtues, he found himself in situations that tested his patience and stretched his capacity to love.
God didn’t just hand him the virtues he prayed for—He gave him opportunities to practice them.
This realization was eye-opening for me. How often do I pray for something, expecting it to appear like a gift wrapped in a bow? Yet, the real gift lies in the chance to develop and grow through life’s challenges.
Life Is Practice
These stories helped me see my interactions with the world differently. Each moment—whether a challenge or a blessing—is an opportunity to practice becoming the Catholic man I aspire to be.
The next time you’re faced with a choice, big or small, ask yourself: What does this situation require of me to be a good Catholic? Maybe it’s an act of honesty, kindness, or self-control. Whatever it is, see it as a chance to grow into the person God calls you to be.
By consistently practicing our faith in the little moments, we can train ourselves to live it out effortlessly, like the second janitor. This is the kind of man I want to be—not someone who struggles to do the right thing, but someone for whom the right thing comes naturally.
And in those moments when I feel tested, I remember the priest’s prayer. God doesn’t give me patience; He gives me situations where I can practice it. He doesn’t make me more loving; He gives me people who need love.
Through practice, I’m learning to shape my habits, my character, and my heart. One decision at a time, I’m becoming the Catholic man I aspire to be.
What do you think? Does this align with how you approach your faith?