Episode 2705: Prayer, Work, and the Reality of Spiritual Warfare - Morning Episode

Time is getting close to “Word Made Flesh” I’ll put the registration link in the show notes.

https://forms.gle/tuzqrhTXTZQuf7VH9

If you can’t make it in person you can join via zoom. Please attend. I promise it will help you focus during the Advent season and make Christ the reason for the Season.
Speak Lord
Rosary/ Little Office BVM
Before I get into this episode I must say that if read the Gospel today and I put out the episode for the 6th Sunday (resumed) after the epiphany you can't help but conclude “what are you waiting for people?” You hear so many excuses for why people either do not practice their faith and more importantly do not teach it!

1. Oh who am I? (Guilt) Think about St Paul
2. Oh well I have so many other things to do. Really more important than spreading Christs gospel? Really?
3. Oh well I just don’t know the faith well enough to understand it let alone teach it. Then learn people learn! You seem to have more than enough time to seek your creator comforts, sports, news and movies but you can’t go back and start with your catechism and move onto theology? Really?

The biggest problem among Catholics is their lack of Catechism. Why? Because they wish to use an excuse rather than the heavy lifting required to be one of Christs followers. Its tough being Catholic and that’s how you know its real. Christ did the hard work. He taught for 3 years before handing over his mystical body (church) and yet you think you have more important things to do rather than spreading his gospel.
Teach! And if you need to learn don’t wait to teach on the little you learn. There are career students that never practice anything until they are done because they feel inadequate.

"Prayer, Work, and the Reality of Spiritual Warfare"
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Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll explore the intimate connection between labor, prayer, and spiritual warfare, reflecting on the timeless wisdom of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Fr. John Bartunek, and the call to perfection in Christ from the Gospel of Matthew. In our journey, we’ll uncover how our daily efforts, united with prayer, become a powerful means of sanctification, and how understanding the reality of spiritual battle strengthens us in our pursuit of holiness.
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1. Prayer Through Labor: Lifting Hands and Hearts to God
St. Bernard of Clairvaux reminds us, “He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands.” This beautiful insight highlights that our work, when done with the right intention, becomes a form of prayer. The Church teaches that work, far from being merely a means to an end, is a participation in God's creative action. By sanctifying our labor through prayer, we transform even mundane tasks into acts of worship.
In the tradition of monasticism, this unity of ora et labora prayer and work serves as a model for all Catholics. Every moment of labor becomes an opportunity to align our hearts with God’s will, lifting our hands in offering, and our hearts in supplication.
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2. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: Recognizing the Enemy
Fr. John Bartunek emphasizes a crucial but often overlooked aspect of Christ’s life: “The story of Christ’s life and ministry cannot be told without giving due space to Satan’s activity.” The Gospels distinguish between physical ailments and demonic possession, underscoring that spiritual warfare is not a metaphor but a lived reality.
Jesus Himself acknowledges the devil’s presence, notably during His temptation in the desert and in Judas’ betrayal (cf. John 13:2). This serves as a stark reminder that while the devil’s ultimate defeat is assured, his mission remains to disrupt God’s work. Fr. Bartunek points out that understanding this dynamic helps us contextualize the trials we face, recognizing them as part of the spiritual battle rather than personal failure.
This awareness arms us with vigilance and humility, drawing us closer to Christ, who is our ultimate victory in this fight.
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3. The Call to Perfection: Striving for Holiness Amid Battle
In Matthew 5:48, Jesus exhorts us, “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” This call to perfection is not about achieving flawlessness through our strength but about cooperating with God’s grace to conform our will to His. The path to holiness is a battlefield where prayer, labor, and spiritual awareness converge.
Perfection in the Christian sense involves total dependence on God, an unceasing effort to grow in virtue, and a courageous response to the challenges posed by sin and temptation. As we labor in the vineyard of the Lord, we must remain rooted in prayer and ever mindful of the spiritual realities at play.
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Conclusion:
St. Bernard shows us that labor, when united with prayer, sanctifies both our work and our souls. Fr. Bartunek warns us of the devil’s desire to counteract grace, reminding us that we are part of a greater spiritual conflict. Lastly, Christ’s call to perfection encourages us to strive for holiness, trusting in God’s grace to lead us.
Let us, therefore, remain vigilant and devoted, transforming our daily lives into offerings of love and fidelity to God.
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Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of labor, which allows us to participate in Your divine work. Grant us the grace to unite our efforts with prayer, sanctifying our daily tasks.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, guide us in the battle against sin, and protect us from the snares of the evil one.
Blessed Mother, lead us ever closer to Your Son as we strive for the perfection He calls us to.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.