On a recent retreat, I was challenged to begin attending daily Mass. I’d certainly like to follow through, but I don’t think this is a reasonable directive for me. I can’t see how I could possibly squeeze anything else into my daily schedule. Any advice?

You sound like one very busy guy. Let’s try looking at the spiritual direction you received in a different way than as one more “to-do” item piled on your plate.

Let’s imagine your boss or a colleague you deeply respect came into your office first thing on Monday morning and said the following: “Please take out your planner. There’s someone I really want you to meet this week. I realize you’re busy, but he’ll not interrupt your work schedule much, if at all. He is available to meet in person before work or during your lunch break. It’ll take about 30 to 40 minutes, max, plus a few minutes’ travel time.”

You might well respond: Look, I’m already overextended. What’s in this for me?

Your colleague replies:

“This person will give you great support and guidance, and, by extension, he’ll have a tremendous impact in several key areas of how we do business. He will have some very strong opinions on how we should treat each other and our customers, and how to best spend our time. He’ll talk about creating a climate of self-giving, of sacrifice, but most particularly of mercy. He’ll have examples and stories about how we should focus on fulfilling our tasks, and he’ll always be ready to serve respectfully any person who comes upon our path.

“He’ll talk about creating an environment where we are more respectful even when we disagree. He will have a tremendous impact on our morale. He will also help us close our ‘execution gaps.’ He’ll show by example what it’s like to have a mission and to follow it faithfully no matter what comes in the way. That alone will be invaluable because, sometimes, we lose our purpose around here and do our own thing, losing sight of our mission and purpose. He has tremendous advice on helping us persevere over the long haul to reach our ultimate goals, and overcome the distractions that deter us.

“This person will also help us with accountability. He is not known as a numbers guy, but he will help us pay attention to whether we are just mailing in our talents, or if we are using them to expand and grow personally and in our relations with others. He will not only expect us to perfect the tasks we perform, but he’ll also want us to work and study to perfect ourselves. He won’t settle for shoddy work, but, when we mess up, he will teach us to create an environment of forgiveness and generosity to get back on track. And, when he asks something of us, he will always provide ongoing, radically available supervision and guidance at our beck and call.

“But, more than support, he will give us the means to perform and to persevere with hope and optimism. He is very motivating. When people leave a meeting with him, they feel more appreciated but also more challenged. You’ll want to be prepared for that. He will ask a ton, but he will give a lot, too.”

You see, going to Mass is primarily, but not exclusively, a spiritual thing. Christ is a man, too, and is known for his effectiveness. He has, to understate it, a lot to give someone in your situation. Daily Mass might be the most productive meeting of your day — every day you make it there.

Art Bennett is director of

Alpha Omega Clinic and

Consultation Services (aoccs.org).