Episode 2315: The Call to Awaken - 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”
The Call to Awaken
In tonights episode, we delve into the necessity of spiritual awakening, the significance of Christ's sacrifice, and the vital role of Mary in the story of salvation. Guided by the insights of St. Benedict, the Epistle to the Hebrews, and the writings of Scott Hahn, we will uncover the interconnectedness of these themes and their importance in our faith journey.
St. Benedict: The Call to Awaken
St. Benedict's exhortation, "It is time now for us to rise from sleep!" is a powerful call to spiritual vigilance. In his Rule, St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of being spiritually awake and alert to God's presence and call. This awakening is not merely a one-time event but a continuous process of turning away from spiritual complacency and towards a life of active faith and holiness.
The call to rise from sleep echoes the urgency of the Gospel message, urging us to prepare our hearts and lives for Christ. It is a reminder that our spiritual journey requires constant attention, discipline, and a readiness to respond to God's call at every moment.
Hebrews 9:22: The Necessity of Christ's Sacrifice
The Epistle to the Hebrews states, "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" (Hebrews 9:22). This verse highlights the centrality of Christ's sacrifice in the Christian faith. The shedding of His blood on the cross is the ultimate act of redemption, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system and securing forgiveness for humanity.
Understanding the significance of Christ's sacrifice is crucial for appreciating the depth of God's love and the seriousness of sin. It also calls us to reflect on the cost of our salvation and to respond with gratitude, reverence, and a commitment to living a life worthy of His sacrifice.
Scott Hahn: The Importance of Marian Doctrine
Scott Hahn eloquently articulates the importance of Marian teachings in the life of the Church: "Thus down through the centuries, the Church has carefully preserved, protected, and defended its Marian teachings, because to give them up would be to give up the gospel. To suppress them would be to deprive God's family of its mother. Without the dogmas, Mary becomes unreal: a random female body from Nazareth, insignificant in her individuality, incidental to the gospels' narrative. And when Mary becomes unreal, so does the incarnation of God, which depended upon Mary's consent; so does the suffering flesh of Christ, which He took from His mother; so does the Christian's status as a child of God, which depends upon our sharing in the household and family of Jesus, the Son of David, the Son of Mary." —Scott Hahn Hahn emphasizes that Mary is not merely a peripheral figure but central to the Incarnation and the story of salvation.
Mary's role as the Mother of God underscores the reality of the Incarnation; Jesus took His flesh from her, making her an essential participant in God's plan of redemption. To diminish Mary's significance is to undermine the mystery of the Incarnation and the familial relationship we share with Christ. By honoring Mary, we acknowledge the fullness of God's redemptive work and our place within His divine family.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the call to spiritual awakening from St. Benedict, the significance of Christ's sacrificial blood in Hebrews, and the essential role of Mary as highlighted by Scott Hahn, we see a cohesive narrative of redemption. We are called to rise from spiritual slumber, to understand the profound sacrifice of Christ, and to honor Mary’s indispensable role in God’s salvific plan.
Thank you for joining tonight and may these insights inspire you to deepen your faith, awaken to God's call, and embrace the fullness of His love and redemption. Until next time, may God's peace be with you.