Episode 2553: Small Sacrifices, Great Love - 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.”
Small Sacrifices, Great Love: Running Toward Christ Together
Welcome back to today’s episode, where we dive into the beauty of small sacrifices and the power of journeying together toward Christ. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her "Little Way," teaches us that no act of love is too small. She reminds us to "miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice," whether it’s through a kind word or a smile, and to do all things for love.
Alongside her wisdom, we’ll explore the insights of St. Augustine, who beautifully portrays the Christian life as a shared journey toward Christ. Some of us may walk slowly, while others may run ahead, but we are all moving toward the same goal union with Christ. No matter our pace, it’s the longing for Christ that unites us.
As we reflect on these themes, we’ll consider how making small, daily sacrifices can transform our lives and bring us closer to our final goal: eternal life with God. We’ll also see how we can support one another on this journey, encouraging each other in charity and love.

Let’s begin with the simple yet profound wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux:
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”
St. Thérèse’s "Little Way" teaches us that holiness isn’t found only in grand gestures or monumental acts, but in the small, everyday moments that we often overlook. A smile, a kind word, or even a hidden sacrifice offered for the love of God can have a profound impact on the people around us and on our souls. These little acts of love may seem insignificant to the world, but in God’s eyes, they are treasures.
In our modern world, where we are often consumed by busyness and the pursuit of success, we can sometimes lose sight of these opportunities for small sacrifices. But as St. Thérèse reminds us, each moment is a chance to grow in holiness. When we offer our small acts of love whether it’s a kind word to a co-worker, a patient smile to a stranger, or a prayer for someone in need we are offering them to Christ Himself.

St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians echoes this call to live each moment for Christ:
"Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17).
By doing even the smallest tasks with love and offering them to God, we participate in the very life of Christ. Every small sacrifice is a chance to unite ourselves more closely to Him, transforming our ordinary lives into acts of worship and love.
Now let’s turn to the wisdom of St. Augustine. He describes the Christian life as a shared journey toward a single goal:
“We know we are traveling together. If our pace is slow, go on ahead of us. We won’t envy you but rather will seek to catch up with you. However, if you consider us capable of a quicker pace, run along with us. There is only one goal, and we are all anxious to reach it.”
St. Augustine’s reflection reminds us that we are not alone on this journey of faith. Each of us, with our unique strengths, weaknesses, and spiritual pace, is walking toward the same destination: union with Christ. Some of us may seem to advance quickly in holiness, while others struggle and move slowly. But rather than being a cause for envy or discouragement, Augustine encourages us to support and uplift one another along the way.
We are called to walk in love and charity, recognizing that the journey is not a race against each other but a shared pilgrimage. When we see someone struggling, we should be ready to offer encouragement and love, just as Christ does for us. Likewise, when we find ourselves falling behind, we should not despair, but keep our eyes fixed on the goal, knowing that Christ is always walking with us, urging us forward.
St. Augustine’s words also remind us of the importance of humility and patience on this journey. Each of us has our own path to walk, and God’s timing is different for everyone. Our task is not to compare ourselves to others, but to keep striving for holiness, offering our small sacrifices along the way, and trusting that God will lead us to Himself.
Practical Application:
Look for Opportunities for Small Sacrifices:
Throughout your day, be mindful of the little moments where you can offer something to God a smile, a kind word, a hidden act of charity. These small sacrifices, done with love, are pleasing to God and bring us closer to Him.
Support One Another on the Journey:
As you walk your own path of faith, be attentive to those around you who may be struggling or moving at a slower pace. Offer them encouragement, prayer, and love, remembering that we are all traveling together toward Christ.
Remain Humble and Trust in God’s Timing:
Remember that holiness is a journey, and we all have different paces. Don’t compare your spiritual progress to others, but keep your eyes fixed on Christ, trusting that He will guide you in His time and according to His will.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the wisdom of St. Thérèse and St. Augustine, we are reminded that holiness is found in the small acts of love we offer each day, and that our journey to Christ is one that we make together. Let us continue to seek out opportunities for small sacrifices, to support one another in love, and to keep our eyes fixed on our ultimate goal: union with God.
Let’s strive to make each moment a small act of love, and let us walk together in charity, encouraging one another as we journey toward Heaven.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the example of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Augustine, who teach us the beauty of small sacrifices and the importance of walking together in faith. Grant us the grace to offer each moment, each word, and each smile to You, in love and humility. Help us to support one another on this journey to Heaven, and to trust in Your perfect timing for our lives. May we always keep our eyes fixed on Christ, our goal and our joy.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Thank you for joining us tonight. May you be blessed in your journey toward Christ, and may His love fill your heart as you offer your daily sacrifices for His glory. Until next time, God bless!