Episode 2145: Finding Christ in Our Daily Lives - 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 in heaven, 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.”
Finding Christ in Our Daily Lives
Welcome we delve into the wisdom of the Church Fathers and saints, exploring the timeless truths of the Catholic faith. In today's episode, we reflect on two profound quotes that challenge us to see Christ in the suffering of others and to understand the true purpose of our own trials. We will be examining a powerful quote from St. John Chrysostom and a thought-provoking insight from Hubert Van Zeller, O.S.B., to uncover how we can deepen our spiritual lives by embracing charity and understanding the role of suffering in our journey toward holiness.

Finding Christ in the Beggar at the Church Door
"If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice." — St. John Chrysostom
St. John Chrysostom, known for his eloquence and deep compassion, emphasizes the integral connection between our love for God and our love for neighbor. This quote highlights a fundamental aspect of Christian charity: recognizing the presence of Christ in every person, especially those in need.
The Eucharist and Charity:
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. In receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we are called to be transformed into His likeness.
However, Chrysostom warns that our participation in the Eucharist is incomplete if we fail to recognize Christ in those around us, particularly the marginalized and suffering.

Living the Gospel:
The Gospel calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This love must be tangible and practical, manifesting in acts of charity and compassion.
"And the second is like to it: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these."
By seeing Christ in the beggar, we live out the corporal works of mercy, which are essential expressions of our faith.
Reflect on how we treat those in need in our daily lives. Do we see them as burdens or as opportunities to encounter Christ?
Engage in acts of charity, such as volunteering at a shelter or supporting charitable organizations, as a way to live out this teaching.

The Sacraments and the Sufferings of Human Beings
"The sacraments of the Church are one thing, the sufferings of human beings are another. Since there is nothing to show that our pains sanctify us ex opere operato (by the very fact that the pain is there), it is for us to make sure ex opere operantis (by the intention and disposition of the person concerned) that what is given us by God is given back to him through Christ." — Hubert Van Zeller, O.S.B
Hubert Van Zeller, a Benedictine monk, provides a nuanced understanding of suffering and sanctification. He distinguishes between the objective efficacy of the sacraments and the subjective disposition required for our sufferings to be sanctified.
Understanding Sacramental Theology:
Sacraments operate ex opere operato, meaning they confer grace by the very action being performed, regardless of the personal holiness of the minister or recipient.
Suffering, on the other hand, does not automatically sanctify us. Its redemptive value depends on our response and disposition.
The Role of Intention and Disposition:
Van Zeller emphasizes the importance of our intention and disposition in transforming suffering into an offering to God.
This involves accepting our sufferings with faith, uniting them with Christ's Passion, and offering them up for the salvation of souls.
Practical Application:
Reflect on personal sufferings and trials. How can we offer these up to God in a meaningful way?
Cultivate a habit of daily offering, where we consciously unite our daily struggles with Christ's sacrifice on the Cross.
Now for the scripture
The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. — Psalm 50:1
Mark 12:31 is understood as part of Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandments. The verse emphasizes the importance of love in Christian life, specifically love for one's neighbor, which is intrinsically linked to love for God. Here's the verse again with this perspective in mind:

"And the second is like to it: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these."
In traditional Catholic teaching, this commandment highlights several key principles:
Universal Love: Love for one's neighbor extends beyond family and friends to all people, reflecting the universal love God has for humanity.
Charity as a Virtue: Charity, or caritas, is considered the greatest of the theological virtues, emphasizing selfless love and concern for others.
Interconnectedness of Commandments: Loving one's neighbor is seen as inseparable from loving God, as true love of God naturally extends to love for others.
Moral and Social Responsibility: This commandment underlines the moral duty to act with kindness, compassion, and justice towards others, aligning with the Church's social teachings.
Catholic tradition sees this commandment as a call to live out the Gospel through acts of charity and service, reflecting the love of Christ in everyday interactions.
Conclusion:
In today's episode, we have explored the profound insights of St. John Chrysostom and Hubert Van Zeller, O.S.B., on charity and suffering. By recognizing Christ in the suffering of others and understanding the role of our own trials, we can deepen our spiritual lives and grow closer to God. Let us strive to live out these teachings in our daily lives, embodying the love and sacrifice that Christ calls us to. Thank you for joining us on "Faith and Tradition." Until next time, may God bless you and keep you. Now before going to bed pray for the poor souls in purgatory because maybe your friends and family are there. Good Night.