Episode 2544: The Courage to Offer All to God - 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.”
"The Courage to Offer All to God"
Welcome back to the podcast! In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing a theme that strikes at the heart of the Christian life sacrifice and offering everything we have for the glory of God. We’ll be reflecting on the powerful words of St. Lawrence Ruiz, the first Filipino saint and martyr, whose unwavering faith led him to offer his life for God, even declaring that he would give a thousand lives if he had them. We’ll also draw from the wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who challenges us to be courageous soldiers of Christ, offering our struggles and sacrifices silently, without seeking recognition.
These saints exemplify what it means to live for God wholeheartedly, even in the face of suffering, fatigue, and the ultimate sacrifice death. Their lives remind us that true courage in the Christian life is found not only in the grand gestures but also in the small, hidden sacrifices that we make every day. And in both, we are called to offer everything to God, trusting that He will use our offerings for His greater glory.
Let’s begin with the words of St. Lawrence Ruiz:
"I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for God. Had I a thousand lives, all these to Him, shall I offer."
These words are a profound testament to the power of faith. St. Lawrence Ruiz, facing torture and death for his beliefs, did not waver in his loyalty to God. His statement is not one of mere resignation but one of joyful offering. He understood that his life was not his own—it belonged entirely to God. Even if he had a thousand lives, he would offer each one to the Lord.
This challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to offer our lives to God. While most of us may never face martyrdom, we are called daily to offer ourselves to Him in smaller ways—through our work, our relationships, our struggles, and our service to others. Are we offering ourselves to God wholeheartedly, or are we holding back, clinging to our own comfort, desires, or fears?
In a world that often teaches us to avoid sacrifice and pursue our own satisfaction, the example of St. Lawrence Ruiz stands as a countercultural witness. His courage came not from a place of pride or bravado but from a deep love for God and an understanding that his life, no matter how many times it was lived, was meant to glorify the One who created him.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux gives us another perspective on sacrifice. In her "Little Way," she teaches us that true holiness is found in the small, hidden sacrifices we make every day. She shares a story of complaining about being tired after doing extra work that no one knew about. Her mentor rebuked her gently, saying:
"I would like to see you a brave soldier who never speaks of his own troubles, who considers the wounds of his comrades serious, but his own mere scratches."
This simple exchange carries a profound lesson. St. Thérèse realized that true courage in the Christian life doesn’t come from seeking recognition for our sacrifices but from silently offering them to God. Like a soldier on the battlefield, we are called to focus not on our own wounds or fatigue but on the greater mission. The Christian life is a battle, and we are soldiers for Christ. Our sacrifices, whether big or small, are part of this spiritual warfare, and they are most powerful when offered humbly, without complaint or the need for attention.
In our daily lives, this means accepting the small crosses we carry whether it’s a difficult relationship, a hidden illness, or the demands of work and family and offering them to God without seeking sympathy or recognition. When we do this, we join our sacrifices with Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the Cross, and they become redemptive.
St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans:
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1)
This is the essence of the Christian life offer ourselves, body and soul, to God as a living sacrifice. This is our true act of worship. It’s not just about grand gestures of martyrdom, though those who are called to such sacrifices are certainly honored. It’s about living each day with the mindset that everything we do, everything we suffer, and everything we offer belongs to God.
Practical Application:
Daily Offering:
Begin each day with a prayer of offering. Ask God to accept your work, your struggles, and your joys as a sacrifice for His glory. This helps to frame everything you do as a gift to Him, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
Silent Sacrifices:
When you face difficulties or challenges, resist the temptation to seek recognition or sympathy. Instead, offer them silently to God, knowing that He sees your efforts and will use them for His purposes.

Courage in Faith:
Look to the martyrs, like St. Lawrence Ruiz, for inspiration. While you may not be called to physical martyrdom, you are called to die to yourself in small ways each day. Be courageous in offering your life to God, trusting that He will give you the grace to persevere.
Conclusion:
In today’s episode, we’ve reflected on the courage and self-offering that are at the heart of the Christian life. St. Lawrence Ruiz reminds us that our lives belong entirely to God, and we are called to offer them joyfully, whether we have one life or a thousand. St. Thérèse of Lisieux shows us that holiness is found in the small, hidden sacrifices we make, offered silently and humbly to God.
As we go forward, let us strive to live with the courage of St. Lawrence and the humility of St. Thérèse, offering everything we have—both great and small—to God. In doing so, we live out our true calling as Christians, offering ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of life and for the many opportunities You give us to offer ourselves to You. Help us to live each day with the courage of the martyrs, offering our lives joyfully for Your glory. Grant us the humility to make small, hidden sacrifices without seeking recognition, knowing that You see and accept our offerings. Strengthen us in times of trial, and remind us that our true worship is found in offering ourselves to You, body and soul. We ask this through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, may God bless you and give you the strength to offer your life for His glory.