Episode 2883: Jewels of Grace and the Soul of Prayer - 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.”
Jewels of Grace and the Soul of Prayer
Introduction
Welcome to today’s episode. Walt, your host, and together we’ll reflect on two profound quotes that illuminate the beauty of the soul adorned by God’s grace and the transformative power of prayer. Today, we’ll explore these themes through the lens of traditional Catholic teachings, unpacking their wisdom for our spiritual lives.
Let’s begin with a quote from the great virgin martyr, St. Agnes:
"Christ has made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace and virtue. I belong to Him Whom the Angels serve."
And from Dom Lehody:
"We may add, that the most effective disposition for prayer is a hunger and thirst after holiness, a lively desire to profit by our prayer in order to advance in perfection... This desire to belong entirely to God and to advance in His love is a continual prayer."
Segment 1: The Beauty of the Soul in God’s Eyes
St. Agnes, though only a young girl, understood a profound truth: the soul, adorned with the grace of God, is a treasure of inestimable worth. She speaks of her soul as being beautified with “the jewels of grace and virtue.”
This imagery reminds us of the parable of the pearl of great price in Matthew 13:45-46:
"Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way and sold all that he had, and bought it."
The kingdom of heaven and the state of our souls in grace are worth sacrificing everything for. Grace, bestowed by Christ through the sacraments and nurtured by prayer and virtue, transforms us into something radiant, even in the eyes of the angels.
Yet, how often do we neglect this reality? Do we truly live as if our souls are treasures to be guarded and enriched, or do we allow the distractions of the world to dull their brilliance?
Segment 2: The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Beauty
Dom Lehody teaches us that prayer is the means by which this beauty is continually nourished and perfected. He emphasizes the importance of a “hunger and thirst after holiness” as the most effective disposition for prayer. This echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:6:
"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill."
This hunger is not just a feeling but a deliberate desire to grow in love of God. It requires effort, preparation, and vigilance. As Dom Lehody points out, without this desire, our prayer becomes lukewarm, our spiritual life stagnant.
St. Bernard adds to this by saying that the desire to belong entirely to God “is a continual prayer.” Imagine that! Even when we are not formally praying, this desire keeps us united to God, much like the constant flame of a sanctuary lamp before the Blessed Sacrament.
Segment 3: Living the Call to Holiness
How can we practically live this call to adorn our souls with grace and foster a deeper disposition for prayer? Here are a few steps:
1. Frequent the Sacraments
The sacraments, especially Confession and the Holy Eucharist, are the primary sources of grace. By receiving them regularly and worthily, we allow Christ to beautify our souls with His gifts.
2. Cultivate Silence
In today’s noisy world, silence is a rarity, but it is essential for prayer. As St. Teresa of Avila reminds us, “Prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God, frequently conversing in secret with Him.”
3. Set Your Intention Daily
Each day, renew your intention to belong entirely to God. Offer your joys, sufferings, and actions to Him, and ask for the grace to advance in His love.
4. Study the Saints
The lives and writings of the saints are a treasure trove of inspiration. From St. Agnes’ unwavering purity to Dom Lehody’s insights on prayer, they guide us toward a life of greater holiness.
Conclusion
To close, let us reflect on the immense dignity we have as children of God, called to be adorned with the jewels of grace and virtue. Let us resolve to nurture our hunger for holiness and allow it to transform our lives.
Ending Prayer
Let us end in prayer:
O Lord, we thank You for the grace You so freely bestow upon us, making our souls beautiful in Your sight. Help us to hunger and thirst after holiness, to desire You above all things, and to advance in Your love each day. May our prayer be fervent, our lives holy, and our hearts wholly Yours. Through the intercession of St. Agnes and the Blessed Virgin Mary, guide us to eternal union with You, where we will join the angels in serving You forever. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, may the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of Our Blessed Mother remain with you always.