Episode 2216: The Higher Calling - Morning Episode

"The patient and humble endurance of the cross whatever nature it may be is the highest work we have to do." St. Katharine Drexel
St. Katharine Drexel emphasizes that the highest work of a Christian is to endure their crosses with patience and humility. This concept is deeply rooted in Catholic spirituality, where suffering is seen as a path to sanctification and union with Christ.
Enduring the Cross: This involves accepting life's difficulties and sufferings, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, as a means to grow closer to Jesus. It is a call to embrace our daily challenges with a spirit of acceptance and trust.
Patience and Humility: These virtues are crucial for enduring suffering. Patience helps us to endure without losing hope, while humility allows us to accept our limitations and depend on God's strength.
The Highest Work: Drexel's statement underscores that bearing our crosses is not just an obligation but a high calling. It is through this endurance that we participate in Christ's redemptive suffering and are transformed in holiness.
The Necessity of Continual Prayer for Perseverance
"If, then, we wish to persevere and to be saved for no one can be saved without perseverance we must pray continually. Our perseverance depends, not on one grace, but on a thousand helps which we hope to obtain from God during our whole lives, that we may be preserved in his grace. Now, to this chain of graces a chain of prayers on our part must correspond: without these prayers, God ordinarily does not grant his graces. If we neglect to pray, and thus break the chain of prayers, the chain of graces shall also be broken, and we shall lose the grace of perseverance." St. Alphonsus Liguori
St. Alphonsus Liguori teaches about the critical role of continual prayer in achieving perseverance and ultimately salvation. This reflects the Catholic understanding of the need for ongoing divine assistance.
Perseverance and Salvation: Perseverance is essential for salvation. It requires continuous effort and reliance on God's grace, rather than a single moment of conversion.
Chain of Graces and Prayers: Liguori uses the metaphor of a chain to illustrate the connection between our prayers and God's graces. Our persistent prayers ensure a continual flow of grace, essential for our perseverance in faith.
Consequences of Neglecting Prayer: Without regular prayer, we risk breaking the chain of graces necessary for our spiritual journey. Consistent, heartfelt prayer is indispensable for maintaining our relationship with God and receiving His ongoing help.
Living in the Light of Truth
"And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God." John 3:19-21
The Gospel of John contrasts the responses to Jesus, the Light of the world, highlighting the challenge of living in truth.
The Light of Christ: Jesus is the light that has come into the world, revealing God's truth and love. His presence calls us to live in accordance with divine truth.
Preference for Darkness: Many prefer darkness to light because their deeds are evil. This reflects a resistance to God's truth and a desire to remain in sin, hidden from the transforming light of Christ.
Living in the Light: Those who live in truth come to the light, allowing their works to be seen as done in God. This involves an honest, transparent life committed to righteousness and integrity, reflecting God's presence in our actions.
Conclusion:
In this episode, we have explored the profound themes of enduring suffering, the necessity of continual prayer for perseverance, and the call to live in the light of truth. St. Katharine Drexel’s example of embracing the cross, St. Alphonsus Liguori’s teachings on prayer, and the Gospel’s call to live in the light guide us towards a deeper and more faithful spiritual life.
Thank you for joining today stay tuned for our next episode as we continue to uncover the profound teachings of our faith. May God bless you and guide you on your spiritual journey.