Episode 2491: Embracing Our Nothingness to Attract God’s Mercy - 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 Eternal Happiness Found in Devotion to Our Blessed Mother
Welcome to today’s episode, where we explore the contrast between fleeting worldly happiness and the eternal joy that comes from devotion to God and Our Blessed Mother. We will be drawing on the wisdom of St. Methodius of Sicily and Fr. Josemaria Escriva as we reflect on the profound peace and grace that comes through true selflessness, humility, and a relationship with Mary, the Mother of God.
The world constantly offers us illusions of happiness—promises of comfort, self-fulfillment, and independence. Yet these promises are often hollow, leading us further into isolation and dissatisfaction. Today, we will discuss the pitfalls of such egoism, the blessings of true devotion, and how Our Blessed Mother’s role can guide us toward the eternal happiness of Heaven.
Let’s begin by reflecting on a quote from St. Methodius of Sicily:
“Your name, O Mother of God, is filled with Divine graces and blessings.”
This powerful statement encapsulates the immense role of Mary in our spiritual journey. To call upon her name is to invoke divine blessings and graces that flow directly from her Son, Jesus Christ. As the Mother of God, Mary is more than a passive figure—she is an active intercessor and a channel through which divine grace is poured into our lives. The blessings she bestows help us to transcend worldly concerns, anchoring our hearts in the eternal promises of God.
St. Methodius reminds us that devotion to Mary is not just a pious tradition but a vital pathway to receiving God's grace. When we turn to Mary, we are not seeking her for her own sake but are asking her to lead us to Christ. This is why her name is "filled with Divine graces." It is a name that brings us into a deeper relationship with God Himself.
This brings us to the next point: the false happiness of egoism, as explained by Fr. Josemaria Escriva:
“The limited, miserable happiness of the egoist—who withdraws into his ivory tower, into his shell—is not difficult to attain in this world. But the happiness of the egoist is not lasting. For this false semblance of heaven, are you going to forsake the happiness which will have no end?”
The "ivory tower" represents the isolation that comes from seeking happiness through self-centered means. The world promotes the idea that happiness can be found through independence, wealth, or pleasure. While these things may bring temporary satisfaction, they ultimately leave the soul empty. Egoism traps us in a limited, miserable state because it cuts us off from the source of true happiness—God.
Fr. Escriva’s words challenge us to consider whether we are willing to forsake the fleeting pleasures of this world for the eternal joy of Heaven. The happiness that comes from serving ourselves may seem easy to attain, but it is fragile and shallow compared to the fullness of life that comes from serving God and others.
Mary’s example offers a direct answer to this dilemma. She did not seek her own glory or happiness. Instead, she said, “Be it done unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). In her humble acceptance of God’s will, she became the vessel of eternal salvation for all humanity. By turning to her, we are reminded that true happiness comes not from seeking our own comfort, but from aligning ourselves with God's will.
The Contrast Between Worldly and Divine Happiness
The egoist, as described by Fr. Escriva, is the opposite of what Mary represents. While the egoist retreats into isolation and self-centeredness, Mary opens herself fully to God’s grace and gives herself completely for the sake of others. She shows us the path to true happiness—not by withdrawing into an "ivory tower" but by surrendering to God's will and participating in His divine plan.
The key to lasting joy is to move beyond ourselves. Devotion to Our Blessed Mother helps us to break free from egoism because, in her example, we find perfect humility and love. Mary always points us toward her Son, helping us to abandon the false promises of this world and embrace the true joy of Heaven.
Conclusion\
In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we are constantly presented with choices. Will we seek the fleeting pleasures of this life, or will we surrender ourselves to the eternal joy promised by God? St. Methodius of Sicily reminds us that calling upon Mary opens the door to divine blessings, while St. Josemaria Escriva warns us against the false happiness of egoism.
Let us take refuge in the name of Mary, for in her name is the grace that leads us to her Son, Jesus Christ. Let us also remember that true happiness cannot be found in self-serving pursuits but only in abandoning ourselves to God’s will, as Our Blessed Mother did.
Ending Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your Blessed Mother, whose name is filled with Divine graces and blessings. Grant us the humility to call upon her in our need, knowing that through her intercession, we are brought closer to Your Son.
Help us to reject the fleeting happiness of egoism and embrace the eternal joy found in selflessness and devotion to You. May we follow Mary's example of perfect obedience and trust, allowing Your will to guide our lives.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady, Mother of God, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.