Episode 2688: Fidelity to the Church - Nightly Episode

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“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 of God, 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.”
Embracing Life as a Prayer and a Gift of Love
Today, we’ll explore what it means to live our lives as a continual act of prayer and love, following Christ in a way that transforms our entire being. Saints like St. Elizabeth of the Trinity have shown us that prayer isn’t limited to moments we set aside for specific devotions but can become the very rhythm of our lives.
As St. Elizabeth of the Trinity beautifully prayed:
"May my life be a continual prayer, a long act of love."
Her words capture the essence of a heart entirely given to God a life where every action, every thought, every breath is a reflection of His love.
Today, we’ll reflect on how to embrace this calling, especially when we face fear, uncertainty, or doubt. God’s invitation to love Him completely requires courage, and He gives us the grace to meet this challenge, even when it feels like a leap into the unknown.
1. Life as a Living Prayer:
To understand what it means for life to be a “continual prayer,” we can look to the example of saints who have integrated prayer so deeply that it becomes inseparable from their daily lives. St. Elizabeth of the Trinity desired a life wholly dedicated to God, whether in silence, action, or service.
A continual act of love means that our entire day, from our morning offerings to our evening examinations, becomes a dialogue with God. Traditional Catholic spirituality emphasizes that our smallest actions can be prayers when offered with love. The Catechism teaches that we are to “pray without ceasing,” which implies transforming our everyday actions into moments of grace. St. Paul reminds us of this when he says, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
If we allow God’s presence to guide our thoughts, words, and deeds, then our life becomes not just a series of moments, but an unbroken prayer.
2. Overcoming the Fear of Surrender:
This journey of making our lives a continual prayer, however, often requires us to face fear. Fr. Donald Haggerty offers a profound insight into the courage needed for this depth of surrender:
“God is always harder to love when his invitation to a great love hovers around an eye darkened with fear. It is no surprise, then, that every desire for a great offering to God has within it a hidden grace not to fear. The act cannot be undertaken without a leap into unknown possibilities, and this dark prospect can intimidate.”
When God invites us to live fully in His presence, He often calls us into situations that are uncomfortable or uncertain. Living a life dedicated to love and prayer means choosing to trust Him even when we cannot see the path ahead. Many saints faced this “dark prospect” of the unknown with courage, knowing that they didn’t face it alone. Fr. Haggerty’s words remind us that within God’s call is also His grace to overcome the fear that may hold us back.

We can think of Abraham, who left his homeland without knowing his destination, or of Our Lady at the Annunciation, who responded with her fiat despite the mysteries and sacrifices that lay ahead. They knew that God’s plan, however mysterious, was rooted in love, and so they placed their trust in Him.
3. The Grace to Live Without Fear:
In the traditional Catholic view, surrendering fear is not about never experiencing anxiety or hesitation. Rather, it’s about allowing God’s love to be greater than our fears. Every time we choose to trust God, to say, “Jesus, I trust in You,” we participate in His grace and are strengthened by His love.
St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s life teaches us that the soul must desire union with God above all else. And to reach that union, we need courage not just in moments of great sacrifice, but in daily acts of trust and love. The unknown should not drive us away from God, but draw us deeper into His mercy.
When we feel afraid, we can remember that God does not abandon us. He is present in every moment, in every breath, guiding us with a grace that banishes fear. The life of continual prayer is thus also a life of profound trust.
4. Practical Steps for Living as a Prayer:
So, how can we begin to live our lives as a “long act of love,” as St. Elizabeth so beautifully put it? Here are some ways to start
Offer Each Day to God: Begin each morning with an offering of your day, asking God to sanctify your actions, thoughts, and interactions. This turns even ordinary duties into offerings of love.
Practice Presence of God: Throughout the day, remind yourself of God’s presence. A simple prayer like “Lord, be with me” or “Jesus, I trust in You” can help refocus your heart on Him.
Surrender Daily Fears: Every time fear arises, acknowledge it, but surrender it to God, trusting that He will give you the grace to meet whatever challenges lie ahead.
Choose Silence and Reflection: In our busy lives, taking a few moments each day for silence allows us to hear God’s voice and renew our desire to make our lives a continual prayer.

Meditate on Christ’s Suffering and Love: Spend time contemplating the passion of Jesus, allowing His love to draw you closer to Him. This gives strength to face the unknown with hope.
Conclusion and Prayer:
As we conclude, let’s bring to God our desire to live with courage, trust, and love. May He grant us the grace to make our lives a continual prayer, uniting every moment with Him.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for calling us to a life of love, prayer, and trust in Your will. Like St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, may our lives become a continuous act of love, an offering of each moment to You.
Lord Jesus, remove from us all fear, and grant us the courage to follow You into the unknown. When we face difficulties, let Your grace remind us of Your constant presence, and help us to trust that You are with us, guiding and strengthening us.
Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with love and courage, transforming our daily actions into prayers that glorify You. May we learn to live each day with joy and surrender, knowing that our greatest happiness is found in Your will.
Through the intercession of the saints, may our lives be a reflection of Your eternal love. Amen.