Episode 2737: Living a Life of Prayerful Listening and Loving Service - 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/MPH
Sidenote: Dr. Peter Kwasniewski's book Turned Around: Replying to Common Objections Against the Traditional Latin Mass addresses nine common criticisms of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) and reframes them as strengths of this liturgical tradition. Dr. Kwasniewski takes objections such as the priest facing away from the congregation, the Mass's perceived formality, and the congregation's seemingly passive role and explains how these elements reflect profound theological and spiritual truths.
For instance, he argues that the priest facing ad orientem (toward the liturgical east) emphasizes a communal focus on God rather than on each other. Similarly, the ornate and hierarchical nature of the TLM is likened to a royal court, underscoring the divine kingship of Christ. Through these explanations, the book invites readers to embrace the TLM's "anti-modern" features as a pathway to deeper conversion and a more profound encounter with God.
This work serves as a robust defense of the TLM, offering insights into its historical development and spiritual richness while challenging readers to reconsider modern assumptions about liturgy and worship.
Living a Life of Prayerful Listening and Loving Service
Today, we explore the deep connection between prayer, presence, and service. Using insights from St. Catherine Labouré, Dr. Gregory Popcak, and the words of St. Paul in Galatians, we’ll discuss how to approach God with simplicity, deepen our relationship with Him, and live out our faith through love.
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1. Prayer as a Conversation with God
St. Catherine Labouré, a humble servant of the Lord and the visionary of the Miraculous Medal, offers us profound advice on prayer:
“Whenever I go to the chapel, I put myself in the presence of our good Lord, and I say to Him, 'Lord, here I am. Tell me what You would have me do.' ... If you listen, God will also speak to you, for with the good Lord, you have to both speak and listen.”
This approach to prayer is refreshingly simple yet transformative. Too often, we view prayer as a monologue, listing our requests without leaving room for God’s response. St. Catherine reminds us that prayer is a dialogue a sacred exchange where we share our hearts and attentively listen for God’s voice.
In our busy lives, it can be challenging to pause and truly listen. Yet it is in these quiet moments, spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament or simply in silent reflection, that God speaks most clearly. His voice may not come in grand revelations but in the gentle promptings of grace, guiding us toward His will.
Reflection Question:
How often do we approach prayer with simplicity and openness, ready to listen as well as to speak?
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2. Finding God in the Eucharist and Daily Life
Dr. Gregory Popcak adds another layer to our understanding of prayer and worship:
“When you are at Mass, don't just go through the motions. Ask God to help you find Him in the Eucharist... Bring your whole self to it, rededicate your life and your relationships to Him.”
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. It is Christ Himself, humbly present under the appearances of bread and wine. Yet, how often do we find ourselves distracted during Mass, letting the profound reality of this gift pass us by?
Dr. Popcak challenges us to approach the Eucharist and prayer with our whole selves mind, body, and soul. This means engaging fully, asking God to reveal Himself in the words of Scripture, the prayers of the Mass, and most especially in Holy Communion.
When we cultivate this deep, intrinsic faith, it becomes the foundation of our lives. This is the key to true peace: resting in the knowledge that God is with us and that we are loved.
Reflection Question:
Are we fully present during Mass, or do we let distractions pull us away from the gift of the Eucharist?
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3. Living Out Our Freedom in Love
St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians writes:
“For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love.” (Galatians 5:13)
The freedom we receive through Christ is not a license to pursue selfish desires. It is a freedom for love a call to serve others in humility and generosity.
The teachings of St. Catherine Labouré and Dr. Popcak complement this message beautifully. When we root our lives in prayer and the Eucharist, we are equipped to love as Christ loves. This means stepping outside of ourselves to see and serve our neighbors as He would.
True prayer leads to action, and true freedom leads to service. This is the fulfillment of the law: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Reflection Question:
How can we better use our freedom in Christ to serve those around us?
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Conclusion Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You, echoing the words of St. Catherine Labouré: “Lord, here I am. Tell me what You would have me do.” Help us to approach You with open hearts and attentive spirits, ready to listen and to follow Your will.
As we partake in the Eucharist and meditate on Your Word, deepen our faith and help us to recognize Your presence in all things. Transform our prayer into a living relationship with You, and guide us to love and serve our neighbors with the freedom You have given us.
Through the intercession of Our Lady, St. Catherine Labouré, and all the saints, may we grow in holiness and become true disciples of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His holy name, we pray. Amen.
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Thank you for joining. Let us take this week to approach prayer and the Eucharist with renewed devotion, seeking God’s voice in the silence and serving others with the freedom of Christ. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly.