Episode 2783: Awaken to the Goal - 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.”
Awaken to the Goal: Finding Christ in the Ordinary and Extraordinary
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As we journey through Advent, a season of waiting and preparation, it’s a time to reflect on the state of our hearts and souls. Are we spiritually awake? Or are we, like the people of Bethlehem, so consumed by the busyness of life that we fail to make room for Christ?
Today, we’ll explore this theme through the wisdom of St. Virginia Centurione Bracelli and a powerful reflection from the Good Catholic series on Advent. Together, we’ll uncover how Advent can awaken us to the reality of God’s presence and purpose in our lives.
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Segment 1: God as the Only Goal
St. Virginia Centurione Bracelli once said:
"When God is the only goal, all disagreements are smoothed out, all difficulties overcome."
Reflection
• This quote reminds us that many of the struggles and divisions we face stem from losing sight of our ultimate purpose union with God.
• Advent invites us to refocus on this goal. It is a season of preparation, not just for Christmas, but for the coming of Christ into our lives.
• Think of Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem. Despite the challenges they faced rejection, discomfort, uncertainty they remained united in their mission because their focus was on God.
Takeaway
• Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you’ve let worldly concerns cloud your focus on God? Take time this Advent to renew your commitment to Him as your ultimate goal.
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Segment 2: Waking Up to the Savior
The Good Catholic Advent reflection speaks to a profound truth:
"Even when we are fully awake and walking around, going to work or taking care of things at home, we are often spiritually asleep and don’t realize it."
Reflection
• Spiritual sleep is one of the great dangers of modern life. We are so consumed by the “average and ordinary” the daily tasks, frustrations, and responsibilities that we forget we are in need of a Savior.
• The people of Bethlehem were busy with their lives, unaware of the miracle unfolding in their midst. Are we any different today? How often do we miss the presence of Christ because we are too distracted by the noise of the world?
• Advent is a wake-up call. It urges us to slow down, to make room in our hearts and lives for Christ.
Takeaway
• This week, identify one way to quiet the distractions in your life. It could be as simple as carving out five minutes of silence each day or attending an extra Mass. Use this time to awaken your heart to God’s presence.
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Segment 3: Living Advent in the Ordinary
Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas; it’s about transforming the way we live every day. The ordinary moments of life whether they involve joy, struggle, or routine are opportunities to encounter Christ.
• St. Therese of Lisieux taught us the “Little Way,” finding holiness in the small, ordinary acts of life.
• Like the shepherds on the first Christmas night, we are called to leave our ordinary tasks and approach the manger with wonder and faith.
Action Step
• Choose one “ordinary” task this week perhaps washing dishes, commuting, or folding laundry and offer it to God as a prayer. Let it remind you of His presence in every moment.
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Conclusion: Awakening to Joy
As St. Virginia Centurione Bracelli teaches, when we focus on God as our only goal, everything else falls into place. Advent is our chance to awaken from the distractions of life, to smooth out disagreements, and to prepare for the joy of Christ’s coming.
Let us not be like the people of Bethlehem, too busy to notice the miracle among them. Instead, let us open our hearts, make room for Him, and allow this Advent season to transform us.
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Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Awaken our hearts to Your presence in this season of Advent. Help us to see beyond the busyness and distractions of life and to focus on You as our only goal. May we live each day with renewed faith, hope, and love, preparing our souls to receive Your Son with joy.
We ask this through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who made room for Your Word to take flesh, and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King.
Amen.
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Thank you for joining us today. May this Advent be a time of awakening and renewal for you and your loved ones. Until next time, God bless!