Father Isaac Hecker

Many Christians, and really good Christians, as things go, consider that the whole of their religious duties are fulfilled in going regularly to Holy Mass, in approaching the sacrament of confession and in receiving Holy Communion, in fidelity to their daily prayers, and beyond these they seldom look. When they have accomplished these duties they think they will be perfect Christians. Now these Christians are like the one who when asked, why do you eat? And he answers, to support my life and gain strength. True, but what is your life for?  To what purpose is your strength?  Life and strength is not an end, but the means to an end.... So one might say to these Christians, [why] do you go to Holy Mass, make confession, receive holy communion, and say your daily prayers for?  You ought to have an aim in all these holy exercises, and keep it steadfastly before your mind, and employ them as means to attain and secure it...