Episode 2658: A Call to Generosity - Morning Episode

A Call to Generosity and the Power of Prayer
Welcome to this episode, where we delve into the profound teachings of the saints and the enduring wisdom of Scripture. Today, we'll explore the themes of generosity, sacrifice, and the power of prayer, drawing inspiration from the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola and Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich.
St. Ignatius, a renowned spiritual director, offers us a powerful prayer that encapsulates the essence of selfless love. He implores us to give without counting the cost, to work without seeking rest, and to spend ourselves without expecting reward.
"O my God, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve to be served, to give without counting the cost, to fight without fear of being wounded, to work without seeking rest, and to spend myself without expecting any reward, but the knowledge that I am doing your holy will. Amen." — St. Ignatius of Loyola
This radical call to generosity challenges us to detach ourselves from worldly desires and embrace a life centered on God's will.
Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich, a mystic and visionary, paints a vivid picture of the spiritual life. She likens the Church to a garden, where the fruits of Christ's merits are cultivated for the benefit of the souls in Purgatory. This beautiful analogy reminds us of our responsibility to cooperate with God's grace and to use our spiritual gifts to help others.
"Our Lord, by descending into hell, planted (if I may thus express myself), in the spiritual garden of the Church, a mysterious tree, the fruits of which—namely, His merits—are destined for the constant relief of the Poor Souls in Purgatory. The Church Militant must cultivate the tree, and gather its fruits, in order to present them to that suffering portion of the Church which can do nothing for itself. Thus it is with all the merits of Christ; we must labor with Him if we wish to obtain our share of them; we must gain our bread by the sweat of our brow. Everything which Our Lord has done for us in time must produce fruit for eternity; but we must gather these fruits in time, without which we cannot possess them in eternity. The Church is the most prudent and thoughtful of mothers; the ecclesiastical year is an immense and magnificent garden, in which all those fruits for eternity are gathered together, that we may make use of them in time. Each year contains sufficient to supply the wants of all; but woe be to that careless or dishonest gardener who allows any of the fruit committed to his care to perish; if he fails to turn to a proper account those grace which would restore health to the sick, strength to the weak, or furnish food to the hungry! When the Day of Judgment arrives, the Master of the garden will demand a strict account, not only of every tree, but also of all the fruit produced in the garden." —Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich "Our Lord, by descending into hell, planted (if I may thus express myself), in the spiritual garden of the Church, a mysterious tree, the fruits of which—namely, His merits—are destined for the constant relief of the Poor Souls in Purgatory. The Church Militant must cultivate the tree, and gather its fruits, in order to present them to that suffering portion of the Church which can do nothing for itself. Thus it is with all the merits of Christ; we must labor with Him if we wish to obtain our share of them; we must gain our bread by the sweat of our brow. Everything which Our Lord has done for us in time must produce fruit for eternity; but we must gather these fruits in time, without which we cannot possess them in eternity. The Church is the most prudent and thoughtful of mothers; the ecclesiastical year is an immense and magnificent garden, in which all those fruits for eternity are gathered together, that we may make use of them in time. Each year contains sufficient to supply the wants of all; but woe be to that careless or dishonest gardener who allows any of the fruit committed to his care to perish; if he fails to turn to a proper account those grace which would restore health to the sick, strength to the weak, or furnish food to the hungry! When the Day of Judgment arrives, the Master of the garden will demand a strict account, not only of every tree, but also of all the fruit produced in the garden." —Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich
The Psalmist, in Psalm 46, invites us to find solace in God's presence. In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, we are encouraged to be still and know that God is God. This powerful reminder calls us to trust in the Lord's providence and to surrender our anxieties to His care.
'Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth!' The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." — Psalm 46:10-11
Conclusion
As we conclude this episode, let us reflect on the profound teachings we have explored. May we be inspired by the generosity of St. Ignatius, the spiritual insight of Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich, and the unwavering trust of the Psalmist.
Conclusion Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of faith and the grace to live a holy life. We ask for the strength to follow the example of St. Ignatius and to give generously of ourselves. May we cultivate the spiritual garden of our souls and bear fruit for eternity. In the words of the Psalmist, we pray, "Be still, and know that I am God." We entrust ourselves to your loving care. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining us. May God bless you.