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How to Pray

Written by Michael Najim on December 12, 2011 - 3 Comments

“Master, teach us how to pray” (Luke 11:1). After being in the company of Jesus, listening to His words, witnessing His healings, and seeing His deep relationship with His Heavenly Father, the Apostles longed to know how to pray as Jesus prayed. They were attracted by His holiness and His peace.

We, too, long to know God in a deeper way. As Jesus shares the most intimate relationship with His Father, we too desire to share that intimacy with God. Prayer is the way to God.

But how to pray? Can we learn how to pray? Can we really have an intimate relationship with God? The answer is, “Yes!” Not only can we have an intimate relationship with God; God desires that we be in an intimate friendship with Him.

So, whether you are just learning how to pray, or you want to deepen your life of prayer, here are four steps to guide you along the path of prayer: Read more »

The Priestly Life

Written by frmike on May 28, 2011 - 9 Comments

I’m so blessed to be the chaplain of the largest Catholic high school in Rhode Island. The administration, faculty, staff, and students are wonderful. Here’s a video that was done by a student at La Salle. It’s sort of “A Day in the life of…”

I hope you enjoy it, not so much because I’m in it, but because it speaks of the beauty and importance of the priesthood.

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/24201440]

One Year Anniversary of Live Holiness

Written by frmike on August 31, 2010 - 11 Comments

Okay, so Father is in a blogging slump. I’m not sure why. I’m tempted to make all kinds of excuses: the busyness of the new academic year, my new assignment as high school chaplain while maintaining my other responsibilities, etc. But the truth is, I’ve just been in a writing slump. So, I apologize for my infrequent postings.

I can’t pass up the opportunity, however, to celebrate the first anniversary of Live Holiness (September 1). I want to thank all of you, my faithful readers, for your prayers, feedback, and encouragement. It’s such a joy to connect with so many good people, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. You’ve enriched my life, and for that I’m grateful. I do plan to continue blogging, but I ask for your patience as I get out of my slump and adjust to my new schedule.

Here in southeastern New England we are tracking Hurricane Earl. I’m a weather geek, and actually get very excited at the prospect of a major storm roaring up the coast. Although it looks like we’ll be spared the worst of Earl’s brunt, his approach reminds me of the first post I wrote for Live Holiness. And so on the first anniversary of this blog, I share that first post with you here.

God bless you! And know that I pray for each of you.

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The Gift of Leisure

Written by frmike on July 4, 2010 - 8 Comments

I just enjoyed a wonderful 4th of July at my parent’s house with family and friends. It was a typical Najim cookout: lots of people, lots of food, and lots of fun. For all intents and purposes, this afternoon was the beginning of my summer reprieve. I usually take some time in July to enjoy some rest and relaxation with friends. Priests are never on vacation from priesthood; but, like most people, we do enjoy time away to recharge.

When the apostles returned from being sent out on mission by the Lord, Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Jesus knew that the apostles were weary from ministry, so He invited them to rest. There is a place for leisure in the Christian life. Leisure is meant to rejuvenate us so that we can embrace the joys and challenges of life with renewed vigor.

I hope you get some time to rest this summer. Maybe you’re not going away, but, if you’re able, treat yourself and your family to some extra days off. In the United States, we tend to feel that we need to work all the time. Don’t give into this pressure! Take Jesus’ advice and “rest a while.”

I most likely will not be posting for the next couple of weeks. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for reading Live Holiness. I feel so blessed to have connected with so many amazing people–Catholic and non-Catholic, from literally all over the world. I’m grateful for your feedback, your prayers, and your encouragement. Please know that I do pray for each of you.

God bless you, and continue to enjoy the summer!

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A Pipe and a Prayer

Written by frmike on May 16, 2010 - 15 Comments

“The world is charged with the grandeur of God” (Gerard Manley Hopkins). I’m an extrovert by nature, but over the years I’ve learned to enjoy silence and solitude. Truthfully, I think I’ve always had a contemplative-philosophical side to me. I remember as a child laying in bed at night, driving myself crazy pondering what it [...]

Macey’s Story

Written by frmike on February 6, 2010 - Leave an Awesome Comment

Dear Friends, On this Saturday morning, I wanted to share an inspirational story with you. For the last few years, my dear friends, Scott and Kim King, have experienced every parents worst nightmare: their daughter Macey was diagnosed with cancer over three years ago. Macey is now ten and, thank God, is cancer free. She [...]

Christ in Haiti

Written by frmike on January 20, 2010 - 33 Comments

On Sunday, September 16, 2001, churches and other places of worship across the country were filled to overflowing. I’ll never forget that day. Masses were standing room at St. Philip’s parish where I was serving. As I looked out on the congregation, serious and sorrowful faces stared back at me. Some had tears in their [...]

The Solution to Your Sorrow

Written by frmike on October 11, 2009 - 14 Comments

It’s impossible to be selfish and happy at the same time. I know this from experience, for if I’m honest with myself, I find the days that I am most miserable are the days that I am too focused on myself: on my problems, my frustrations, my weaknesses. I’m certain the same is true for [...]

Have You Noticed?

Written by frmike on September 16, 2009 - 4 Comments

Have You Noticed? Have you noticed the sunrise? Have you noticed the sunset? Have you noticed the clouds as they move in the sky? Have you noticed the moon and the stars in the night? Have you noticed the gentle breeze on your face?