Episode 2948: Perseverance in Grace - Morning Episode

Nightly Zoom Coordinates for Rosary:
Meeting ID: 865 8978 0399
Passcode: Wjjv4960!

Speak Lord
Rosary
Book Recommendation of the Day
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Story of a Soul — Her autobiography, emphasizing the "Little Way" of holiness.

Perseverance in Grace
Let’s draw spiritual nourishment from the wisdom of Holy Scripture. May this time of meditation strengthen us in our journey toward holiness.
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
"If I speak with the tongues of men, and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
St. Paul reminds us that all gifts, talents, and even acts of sacrifice are meaningless without true charity the love of God and neighbor. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we serving God and others with pure love, or do we act out of self-interest?

Gospel: Luke 18:31-43
"And Jesus taking the twelve, said to them: Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things shall be accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the Son of man."
In this passage, Christ foretells His Passion, yet His disciples do not fully understand. Shortly after, a blind man calls out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" demonstrating the faith and persistence that we too must have when seeking God's grace.
Traditional & Historical Saints Commemorated on February 17
• The Flight of Pope St. Peter (Antioch, 1st Century): This day commemorates St. Peter’s escape from persecution in Antioch, highlighting God's providence and protection over His Church.
• St. Theodulus & Companions (Martyrs, 4th Century): These faithful Christians suffered for refusing to worship false gods, reminding us of the cost of discipleship.
• St. Evermod (Bishop, 12th Century): A disciple of St. Norbert, he exemplified the call to reform and holiness.
Theme & Reflection of the Day
The message for today is one of faith and perseverance. The blind man in the Gospel teaches us that no matter how dark our situation, we must persist in prayer and trust in Christ’s healing power. Likewise, St. Peter’s escape shows us that God provides a way even in times of persecution.
We also reflect on charity, as emphasized in the Epistle. True Christian love is not merely emotional or sentimental it is self-sacrificial and enduring. Are we truly living out this love in our daily interactions?
Quote of the Day
"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." – St. Augustine
This profound truth calls us to deepen our trust in God’s promises, knowing that our faith will one day lead to the beatific vision in Heaven.

Concluding Prayer
O Lord, You who open the eyes of the blind and guide the lost, grant us the grace to persevere in faith and charity. Strengthen us in times of trial, that we may never lose sight of Your Divine Will. Through the intercession of St. Peter, St. Theodulus, and all Your holy martyrs, help us to remain steadfast in truth and love. May our hearts be filled with Your grace, and our lives bear witness to Your glory. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Closing:
Thank you for joining today’s reflection. May the light of Christ guide you through this day, and may the love of Our Lady protect you always.
Until tomorrow, may God bless and keep you!