What is spiritual lukewarmness, and how do I get out of it?
Lukewarmness is a state of spiritual half-heartedness. We still do the religious things, such as going to Mass and saying prayers, but without real love, effort or desire. Faith becomes routine, and we drift, putting off prayer, tolerating small sins and giving God our leftovers. In the Book of Revelation, Christ rebukes a church for being neither cold nor hot.
It is different from dryness, where a person longs to pray but feels nothing. The lukewarm person has stopped caring much.
The way back is gentle and practical. Ask God honestly to rekindle your love. Go to confession. Fix a modest prayer time and keep to it. Read the Gospels. Take part in Mass attentively and serve someone in need. Surround yourself with friends who encourage faith. Small, steady steps matter more than dramatic resolutions, and God is eager to welcome us back.
Sources
- Revelation 3:15-16
- Revelation 3:19-20
- Luke 15:20
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.