Episode 2274: Drawing Close to God - 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”
Drawing Close to God
Tonight, we'll reflect on the enduring presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the virtue of humility, and the steadfast love of God. Our journey will be enriched by the insights of Fr. Josemaria Escriva, a passage from the Book of Proverbs, and a comforting verse from the Psalms. Join me as we delve into these timeless truths and discover how they can transform our lives.
The Enduring Presence of Christ
"When you approach the tabernacle remember that he has been waiting for you for twenty centuries." — Fr. Josemaria Escriva
Fr. Josemaria Escriva's reflection on the Eucharist is a powerful reminder of Christ’s perpetual presence among us. For two thousand years, Jesus has awaited our visit in the Blessed Sacrament, longing to pour out His love and grace upon us. In a traditional Catholic perspective, the tabernacle is more than a symbol; it is the very dwelling place of Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity.
This enduring presence invites us to deepen our devotion and reverence for the Eucharist. Each visit to the tabernacle is an encounter with the living God, an opportunity to adore, thank, and seek guidance from our Lord. The Real Presence of Christ is a profound mystery that calls us to a deeper faith and love, recognizing that Jesus remains with us, fulfilling His promise to be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
The Virtue of Humility
"But in order to acquire humility, it is necessary also to be prudent in not speaking well of oneself. 'Let another praise thee,' says the Inspired Word, 'and not thy own mouth: a stranger, and not thy own lips.' (Prov. 27:2). It is very easy to fall into this fault of praising ourselves, until it becomes a habit, and with this habit so opposed to humility, how can we be humble? What good quality have we of our own for which we can praise ourselves? All the good that is in us comes from God, and to Him alone we must give praise and honor. When, therefore, we praise ourselves, we are usurping glory, which is due to God alone."
The virtue of humility is foundational to the Christian life. As the Book of Proverbs advises, we should let others praise us rather than seeking to elevate ourselves. This wisdom is echoed in the teachings of the saints, who consistently remind us that true humility acknowledges that all good within us originates from God.
In a traditional Catholic perspective, humility is seen as the mother of all virtues. It allows us to recognize our dependence on God and fosters a spirit of gratitude and service. When we refrain from self-praise, we avoid the pitfalls of pride, which can lead us away from God. Instead, by giving glory to God for our talents and achievements, we cultivate a humble heart that is open to His grace.
Humility also involves acknowledging our weaknesses and sins, leading us to seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. Through the sacrament of Reconciliation, we experience the transformative power of God’s grace, which humbles us and restores us to a state of grace.
The Steadfast Love of God
"By day the Lord commands His steadfast love; and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life." — Psalm 42:8
This verse from Psalm 42 beautifully captures the constancy of God’s love and presence in our lives. By day, His steadfast love guides us, and by night, His song comforts us, turning our hearts to prayer.
From a traditional Catholic perspective, the steadfast love of God is a central theme throughout Scripture. It is a love that is unchanging, faithful, and enduring. God’s love is not dependent on our merits but is a free gift, continuously offered to us. This love calls us to respond with trust and devotion, knowing that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments.
The image of God’s song being with us at night suggests a deep intimacy with our Creator. In the silence of the night, when the world is quiet, we can hear God’s voice more clearly, speaking to our hearts and inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. Prayer becomes the language of this relationship, a means through which we express our love, gratitude, and trust in God.
Conclusion:
As we conclude today’s episode, let’s reflect on the profound truths we’ve explored. Fr. Josemaria Escriva reminds us of the enduring presence of Christ in the Eucharist, inviting us to deepen our devotion. The wisdom from Proverbs and the teachings on humility challenge us to recognize our dependence on God and to give Him all the glory. Finally, the comforting words of Psalm 42 assure us of God’s steadfast love, guiding us by day and comforting us by night.
May these reflections inspire you to draw closer to God, embrace humility, and trust in His unchanging love. Thank you for joining us on "Tradition and Truth." Until next time, may God bless you and keep you on the path to holiness.