Episode 2263: Keys to Sainthood - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints in heaven, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen”
Evening June 26th
Keys to Sainthood
Tonight, we will delve into the profound teachings of 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Fr. Josemaria Escriva, the wisdom of St. Bernard, and the comforting words of Psalm 4:8. Our focus will be on the virtues of perseverance and humility, essential traits for anyone aspiring to grow in holiness and ultimately become saints. Let's begin our journey with a quote from Fr. Josemaria Escriva.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
For as the body is one, and hath many members; and all the members of the body, whereas they are many, yet are one body: so also is Christ. For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free; and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink. For the body also is not one member, but many.
In this passage, St. Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to describe the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ. He emphasizes the unity and diversity within the Church, illustrating how every baptized member, despite their individual differences and functions, is an integral part of one unified body.
Unity in Diversity:
St. Paul begins by affirming the unity of the Church: "For as the body is one, and hath many members; and all the members of the body, whereas they are many, yet are one body: so also is Christ." This highlights the foundational belief that, through baptism, all Christians become part of the Body of Christ. Regardless of their ethnic, social, or cultural background whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free they are united in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Diversity of Members:
St. Paul further explains that the Church, like a human body, is made up of many parts, each with its unique role and function. "For the body also is not one member, but many." This diversity is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Each member contributes in different ways, but all are necessary for the health and mission of the Church. This underscores the Catholic teaching on the communion of saints, where every individual’s gifts and contributions are valued and indispensable for the building up of the Church.
Ecclesial Implications:
From a traditional Catholic perspective, this passage reinforces the understanding of the Church as a living, organic community. It calls for unity in faith and love, while respecting and valuing the diverse gifts and vocations of its members. This unity and diversity reflect the very nature of God’s creation and His plan for the Church. It challenges the faithful to overcome divisions and work together harmoniously for the common good, inspired by the love of Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application
Catholics are encouraged to recognize their own unique role within the Church and to appreciate the contributions of others. This perspective fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect among all members, promoting a spirit of collaboration and solidarity. It also calls for active participation in the life of the Church, using one’s talents and gifts for the service of God and neighbor, in accordance with the Church’s mission of evangelization and charity.
Now lets transition to:
"To begin is for everyone. To persevere is for saints." — Fr. Josemaria Escriva
Fr. Josemaria Escriva's quote reminds us that starting on the path of faith is accessible to everyone, but it is the virtue of perseverance that sets the saints apart. Many begin their spiritual journey with enthusiasm, but as trials and tribulations arise, only those who persevere in their faith continue to grow in holiness.
Perseverance is a repeated theme in the lives of the saints. Consider St. Therese of Lisieux, who faced severe illness and spiritual dryness but remained steadfast in her trust in God. Her perseverance transformed her into the "Little Flower," whose simple yet profound spirituality continues to inspire millions.
Fr. Josemaria himself faced numerous challenges in founding Opus Dei, but his unwavering faith and dedication to his mission exemplify the power of perseverance. It is through these trials that God molds us, purifies our intentions, and brings us closer to Him.

Let us reflect on how we can cultivate perseverance in our lives. Are we quick to give up when faced with difficulties, or do we trust in God's providence and remain faithful to our commitments? Remember, the road to sainthood is not easy, but with God's grace, we can endure and grow stronger in our faith.
"The humility of knowledge consists in recognizing and holding ourselves in our inmost soul to be inferior to all..." — St. Bernard
Humility is a cornerstone of Christian virtue, and St. Bernard’s words call us to a profound recognition of our true place before God and others. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about truthfully acknowledging our dependence on God's grace and our unworthiness without Him.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus advises us to take the lowest place at the banquet (Luke 14:10). This is a call to humility, urging us to see ourselves not as superior or even equal to others but as servants. St. Bernard emphasizes this by encouraging us not to compare ourselves with others but to consider ourselves the least of all.
This radical humility is beautifully illustrated in the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Despite his many virtues and the profound impact of his ministry, St. Francis always saw himself as the least of God's servants. His humility attracted others to Christ and continues to be a beacon of light for the Church.
We must ask ourselves, how do we practice humility in our daily lives? Do we seek recognition and praise, or do we quietly serve others, content with the knowledge that God sees our efforts? True humility brings us peace and aligns our will with God's, making us more receptive to His guidance.
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for Thou alone, O Lord, makest me dwell in safety." — Psalm 4:8
Psalm 4:8 offers a serene conclusion to our reflections on perseverance and humility. In this verse, the psalmist expresses a deep trust in God's protection and providence, allowing him to rest peacefully.
This peace is the fruit of a life lived in humility and perseverance. When we recognize our reliance on God and remain steadfast in our faith, we are granted the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's unwavering love and care for us.
Let us take comfort in this promise as we strive to live lives marked by perseverance and humility. No matter the challenges we face, we can rest in the knowledge that God is with us, guiding and protecting us.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us on this episode tonight, we explored the virtues of perseverance and humility through the wisdom of St. Josemaria Escriva, St. Bernard, and the comforting words of Psalm 4:8. May these reflections inspire us to persevere in our faith and practice true humility, trusting in God's constant presence and protection.
Let us end with a prayer:
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to persevere in our journey of faith and to embrace true humility. May we always seek to serve others and trust in Your divine providence. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Until next time, may God bless you and keep you on the path to holiness.

To begin is for everyone. To persevere is for saints. — St. Josemaria Escriva
And
"The humility of knowledge consists in recognizing and holding ourselves in our inmost soul to be inferior to all, and that is why Jesus Christ advises us in His Gospel to take the lowest place: 'Sit down in the lowest place.' (Luke 14:10). He does not tell us to sit down in a place in the middle, nor in one of the last, but in the last; that is, we ought to have such an opinion of ourselves that we must esteem ourselves inferior to all, as St. Bernard exclaims: 'That thou shouldst take thy seat alone and least of all, not only not putting thyself before others, but not even daring to compare thyself with others."
And
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for Thou alone, O Lord, makest me dwell in safety. — Psalm 4:8