Episode 2285: Embracing Our Heavenly Family - 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”
Embracing Our Heavenly Family
Tonight we will explore the importance of courage, the essential role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our spiritual lives, and the peace that comes from trusting in God's protection. We will reflect on the words of St. Thomas, Scott Hahn, and the comfort found in Psalm 4. Join me as we uncover these profound truths and seek to grow closer to Christ and His Mother.
St. Thomas's
"Let us also go, that we might die with him." — St. Thomas
St. Thomas's bold declaration reflects a profound willingness to follow Christ, even unto death. This statement comes from the Gospel of John, where Thomas, also known as Didymus, responds to Jesus' decision to return to Judea despite the dangers. Thomas's words are a call to courageous faith, a readiness to embrace sacrifice and suffering in unity with Jesus.
In our lives, we are often called to make sacrifices and face challenges for our faith. St. Thomas reminds us that true discipleship involves a willingness to lay down our lives for Christ. This could mean enduring hardships, standing firm in our beliefs, or offering our daily struggles to God. By doing so, we participate in the redemptive suffering of Christ, drawing closer to Him and growing in holiness.
Scott Hahn
"This is not something optional for Christians. It is not something ornamental in the gospel. Mary is - in a real, abiding, and spiritual sense - our mother. If we are to know the brotherhood of Jesus Christ, we must come to know the mother whom we share with Jesus Christ. Without her, our understanding of the gospel will be, at best, partial. Without her, our understanding of salvation can never be familial. It will be stalled out in the old covenant, where God's fatherhood was considered to be metaphorical, and man's sonship was more like servility." —Scott Hahn

Scott Hahn's reflection highlights the indispensable role of Mary in our Christian faith. As our spiritual mother, Mary's presence is not merely a pious addition to the gospel; it is central to our understanding of salvation and the family of God. Hahn emphasizes that knowing Mary helps us fully grasp our relationship with Jesus and our place in God's family.
Mary's role as our mother is a continuation of her "yes" to God, her fiat, which she pronounced at the Annunciation and lived throughout her life. By accepting Mary as our mother, we embrace a fuller understanding of our faith. She guides us, nurtures our spiritual growth, and intercedes for us with her maternal love. This familial relationship transforms our faith from a mere adherence to rules into a living, loving relationship with God and His family.
Psalm 4:8
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for Thou alone, O Lord, makest me dwell in safety." — Psalm 4:8
Psalm 4:8 offers a serene expression of trust in God's protection. The psalmist's confidence in God's providence allows him to rest peacefully, knowing that the Lord ensures his safety. This verse invites us to place our trust in God's care, especially in times of anxiety and uncertainty.
In our fast-paced and often chaotic world, finding peace can be challenging. However, by turning to God in prayer and trusting in His protection, we can experience the deep, abiding peace that the psalmist speaks of. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of security and well-being rooted in God's faithful love. As we entrust our lives to God, we can rest assured that He watches over us, providing safety and peace beyond our understanding.
Conclusion:
As we conclude this episode, let's reflect on the courage of St. Thomas, the essential role of Mary as our spiritual mother highlighted by Scott Hahn, and the peace that comes from trusting in God's protection as expressed in Psalm 4. These reflections invite us to deepen our faith, embrace the maternal care of Mary, and find peace in God's providence.
May these insights inspire us to live courageously, draw closer to Mary, and rest in the assurance of God's loving care. Thank you for joining me on "Traditional Truths." Until next time, may God's peace and blessings be with you always.

Let us also go, that we might die with him. — St. Thomas
And
"This is not something optional for Christians. It is not something ornamental in the gospel. Mary is - in a real, abiding, and spiritual sense - our mother. If we are to know the brotherhood of Jesus Christ, we must come to know the mother whom we share with Jesus Christ. Without her, our understanding of the gospel will be, at best, partial. Without her, our understanding of salvation can never be familial. It will be stalled out in the old covenant, where God's fatherhood was considered to be metaphorical, and man's sonship was more like servility." —Scott Hahn
And
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for Thou alone, O Lord, makest me dwell in safety.