Episode 2252: Faith as the Foundation - Morning Episode

We’ll break down each quote and scripture reading, exploring their meanings from a traditional Catholic perspective and how they can transform our lives.
"We are born to love, we live to love, and we will die to love still more." — St. Joseph Cafasso
St. Joseph Cafasso, a 19th-century Italian priest known for his deep spirituality and work with prisoners, encapsulates the essence of Christian life in this quote. Let’s unpack this from a traditional Catholic viewpoint:
The Primacy of Love
The Catholic Church teaches that love is the greatest of all virtues. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, St. Paul writes, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." Love is the foundation of our relationship with God and others, and it is through love that we fulfill our Christian vocation.

Living a Life of Love
Jesus commands us in John 13:34, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Our lives are to be a continual expression of this divine love, reflecting the love of Christ in our interactions and deeds.
Eternal Love
The concept of dying to love still more points to the eternal nature of love. In heaven, our love for God and others will be perfected. St. Joseph Cafasso’s words remind us that our earthly journey is a preparation for an eternal communion of love with God.
"Faith is the key that puts every other truth into its proper place. Triumphs become opportunities for gratitude instead of pride. Tragedies become opportunities for growth instead of despair. Life just makes more sense and our faith in God gives us joy even when we face what can feel like insurmountable trials." — Matt Fradd
Matt Fradd, a contemporary Catholic speaker and author, highlights the transformative power of faith. Here’s a deeper look.
Faith as the Foundation
The Catholic Church teaches that faith is a gift from God, essential for understanding and accepting His truth. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." It is through faith that we perceive the deeper realities of life and our place in God’s plan.
Reframing Triumphs and Tragedies
Faith allows us to view our successes with humility and gratitude, recognizing them as blessings from God rather than our own achievements. Similarly, faith transforms our sufferings into opportunities for spiritual growth. Romans 5:3-4 states, "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."
Joy in Trials
Faith provides a sense of joy and peace, even in the face of difficulties. This joy is not based on external circumstances but on the steadfast belief in God’s love and providence. Philippians 4:7 promises, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:18-20
"He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross [through him], whether those on earth or those in heaven."
Christ's Preeminence
This passage emphasizes the centrality of Christ in creation and redemption. As the head of the Church, Christ is the source of life and unity for all believers. His resurrection as the "firstborn from the dead" signifies the beginning of the new creation.
Fullness in Christ
The fullness of God dwells in Christ, affirming His divine nature. This fullness means that Christ embodies all the attributes of God and is the complete revelation of God to humanity.
Reconciliation through the Cross
Through His sacrificial death, Christ reconciles all things to God, restoring peace and harmony. This reconciliation is universal, encompassing both earthly and heavenly realms. It underscores the transformative power of Christ’s love and the hope of redemption for all creation.
Conclusion
In today’s episode, we explored the profound insights of St. Joseph Cafasso and Matt Fradd, along with a powerful scripture passage from Colossians. These reflections remind us of the primacy of love, the transformative power of faith, and the centrality of Christ in our lives. By embracing these truths, we can navigate life’s triumphs and trials with grace, gratitude, and hope.
Thank you for joining me this morning. I hope this episode has inspired and strengthened your faith. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His peace.