Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach
What is revival? The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition defines Revival as A restoration to use, acceptance, activity, or vigor after a period of obscurity or quiescence. Imagine placing defibrillator paddles on someone’s chest to restart their heart, this is a physical revival of a human life, a restarting of a human heart, but what about the revival of our spirit, our human soul?
Because God created us as a body and a soul, we must strive to keep both body AND soul healthy. Scripture warns us in Revelation 3:14 not to become lukewarm in our faith, warning, “…Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” We can grow indifferent or worse, cold in our faith, even as good Christians. How do we realize when there is a need to take action to restore our spiritual zeal or vigor? How do we restore, revive or even supercharge our faith and, if necessary, rekindle the love of God? How can we renew our faith and thereby “defibrillate” our soul?
First and foremost through prayer. Our prayer should be for continuous revival! Each day, in our prayers, we should ask the Lord to revive us again, and again and again. Second, taking time daily for an examination of conscience is always helpful. If through this examination we realize our faith was stronger yesterday than today, it is time to change direction and repent. Turn to God! Third, if we have lost sight of what is most important, that is, if we have lost sight of the Truth, it’s time to remember. We can allow God’s Words, Holy Scripture, to revive us and give us instructions about how we are to live!
By taking time to read and learn about our salvation history, recorded in both the Old and New Testaments, we can avoid the things that caused our ancestors to fail and try to repeat their successes. Time and time again, the people turned away from God, only to fall into darkness. When they remembered God, repented, and followed His Commandments, they were revived!
And like our ancestors, we cannot do it alone. Another important resource to help revive, or restore our soul is to seek accountability, by asking someone to help us when we are falling away. It is important to surround ourselves with like-minded people and create boundaries with those who tempt us to turn away. Walking together with those who understand our faith is fruitful and a source of encouragement. And this can include the Saints! Take time to read their writings, especially those who are patrons of the things you are dealing with.
Lastly, the most effective tool for personal revival is participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and receiving the Eucharist as often as possible. At least on Sundays, but if possible, come to Mass during the week.
In Matt Maher’s song, “Just Like You”, there are words we can take to prayer (and as you know, when we sing, we pray twice!). Let us make these words part of our prayer for revival:
Revive my heart, renew my soul; In You, oh Lord, I am made whole; Cause you’re my God, my Lord and lover. Like a burning fire, be my one desire.
I want to be holy, just like you; I want to go where You lead me to; With reckless abandon to Your Truth; I want to fall deeper in love with You!
Here’s what Scripture has to say:
Revelation 3:14-22 – I know your works: I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, “I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything”, and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Matthew 24: 11-13 – Many false prophets will arise and deceive many; and because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.”
Ephesians 4:1-32 – I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Psalm 19:8 – The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.
Psalm 119:88 – In your kindness give me life, to keep the decrees you have spoken.