Episode 2701: The Eucharist and the Pursuit of Goodness - 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 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.”
The Eucharist and the Pursuit of Goodness
Tonight, we’ll reflect on the boundless gift of the Holy Eucharist as a fountain of eternal life and how its transformative grace inspires us to grow in virtue. We will draw on the profound insights of St. Albert the Great and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose lives teach us the sweetness of God’s love and the call to holiness.
1. The Eucharist: A Fountain of Eternal Life
St. Albert the Great, known as the Universal Doctor, speaks of the Eucharist with great reverence:
“Eternal life flows from this Sacrament because God, with all sweetness, pours Himself out upon the blessed.”
This simple yet profound truth reminds us that the Eucharist is not merely a symbol but the very life of God poured out for us. When we receive Holy Communion, we partake in the divine life. The sweetness St. Albert describes is the infinite love of God that draws us into intimate union with Him.
Every time we approach the altar, we encounter Christ Himself body, blood, soul, and divinity. This encounter is transformative; it sanctifies us and strengthens us to persevere in the journey toward eternal life. Through the Eucharist, we are reminded that God desires to be intimately united with us, pouring Himself out entirely for our salvation.
2. The Call to Holiness and Detachment from Sin
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, offers a glimpse into her interior journey with these words:
“As I had an excessive self-love and also a love for good, as soon as I began to think seriously, it was enough for one to say a thing wasn’t good, and I had no desire to repeat it twice.”
Thérèse’s simplicity and love for virtue highlight an essential truth about the Christian life: the more we love God, the more we desire to abandon anything that offends Him. Her words challenge us to reflect on our own attachments and sins. Do we strive to avoid what is not good? Are we quick to amend our ways when we recognize our faults?
The Eucharist aids us in this pursuit of holiness. By uniting ourselves to Christ in this Sacrament, we are infused with the strength to overcome sin and to grow in the virtues that lead us closer to Him.
Thérèse’s example also reminds us that holiness is not about grand gestures but about the purity of our intentions and the humility to change. Like her, we are called to let the love of God reorder our desires so that we may choose only what leads to Him.
3. Living in the Grace of the Eucharist
As we reflect on the Eucharist and the call to virtue, it is clear that these two aspects of our faith are deeply intertwined. The Eucharist not only nourishes our souls but also compels us to respond to God’s love with a life of holiness.
St. Albert reminds us that eternal life flows from this Sacrament, and St. Thérèse shows us how the love of God purifies and transforms us. Together, they call us to approach the Eucharist with reverence, allowing its grace to shape our lives.
Let us take their wisdom to heart and ask ourselves: Do we prepare ourselves adequately to receive the Lord in the Eucharist? Do we allow its grace to strengthen us in the battle against sin and inspire us to pursue the good?
Conclusion Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of the Holy Eucharist, the fountain of eternal life. Through this Sacrament, You pour Yourself out for us with infinite sweetness, drawing us into Your divine life. Help us to approach the altar with reverence and love, allowing the grace of the Eucharist to transform our hearts and sanctify our lives.
Lord, grant us the humility and courage of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, to reject all that is not good and to grow in virtue. May the sweetness of Your love strengthen us to abandon sin and to walk the path of holiness with steadfast hearts.
Through the intercession of St. Albert the Great and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, may we remain faithful to Your will and be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us on Tradition and Truth. As you go about your week, may the love of the Eucharist inspire you to pursue goodness and holiness in all things. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you close to His heart.