Being Catholic: Hard – and Joyful

David G. Bonagura, Jr. argues that being Catholic is a difficult commitment rather than an easy one. Writing for The Catholic Thing, he suggests that modern marketing often promotes easy ways to pray or participate in the faith, which contradicts the actual demands of following Jesus Christ.

Bonagura notes that true Catholic life requires consistent actions that can be challenging, such as attending Mass every Sunday regardless of weather or travel, maintaining a regular prayer life, and following the commandments. He points out that living out the command to love others includes loving difficult people, such as obnoxious neighbors or reckless drivers.

He concludes that following Christ involves self-denial and carrying a daily cross, noting that the Gospel warns followers may face hatred because of their faith.