This Month in Viri Mariae - December 2025

This month we were formed by a talk from Michael that sparked a deep and fruitful discussion on what it means to live continually in the Presence of Christ, not as something reserved for formal moments of prayer, but as the very atmosphere of our daily lives. Drawing on the tradition of “practicing the presence of God,” the talk reminded us that Christ is not distant from our work, conversations, frustrations, or routine tasks. He is present in all of it, waiting for our cooperation and attention.

We reflected on how easily we fall into a divided life, separating prayer from work, devotion from duty. Michael challenged this habit directly by encouraging us to call upon Christ throughout the day, even when we do not feel particularly prompted or devout. Acts of faith, hope, and love are not meant to depend on emotional readiness. In fact, there is something especially pleasing to God when we choose to make these acts precisely when they feel dry, ordinary, or unseen. The Christian life is not about waiting for ideal conditions, but about cooperating with grace in every small moment.

A key point of discussion was the idea that no task is too mundane to be offered to God. Whether working, commuting, sending emails, or dealing with interruptions, Christ permeates even the most basic duties. The goal of the Christian life, as we explored together, is not to escape the ordinary but to sanctify it. Every action becomes an opportunity to walk with Christ, provided we are attentive and willing.

In the apostolate portion of our meeting, we turned our attention to trust and honesty in the workplace, particularly in situations where colleagues or clients may be positioning themselves to take advantage or act in bad faith. This raised an important question. As Catholics, should we expect the worst of people's intentions? Are we sometimes too naive?

Christ’s instruction to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” guided the conversation. We shared practical business examples where integrity had to be balanced with prudence, and charity with firmness. The consensus that emerged was that Christian charity does not mean the absence of boundaries. Loving well often requires clarity, directness, and the courage to protect what is just, while refusing to respond with bitterness or suspicion. Firm charity was identified as a posture where truth is upheld, trust is given appropriately, and personal boundaries are not compromised.

For our resolutions this month, we committed to a renewed approach to the daily examination of conscience. Rather than focusing solely on cataloguing failures, we resolved to look honestly at moments where we cooperated with grace. Where did we respond well? Where did we choose patience, honesty, prayer, or self restraint? This shift aims to foster a living relationship with Christ rather than turning the examination into a nightly exercise in discouragement. By learning to recognise grace at work in our lives, even in small ways, we hope to grow in attentiveness to Christ who walks with us through every ordinary day.

As this year draws to a close, we are reminded that holiness is not built in extraordinary moments alone, but in the steady, faithful offering of daily life. Christ is already present. The invitation is simply to notice Him, call upon Him, and walk with Him through all things.