Episode 2628: Striving for Catholic Perfection - 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.”
Striving for Christian Perfection Through Prayer, Work, and Suffering
Welcome to today’s episode. We’re diving into the heart of what it means to pursue Christian perfection. Inspired by the words of St. Anthony Mary Claret, who tells us that “Christian perfection consists in three things: praying heroically, working heroically, and suffering heroically,” we’ll explore how this threefold path can guide us in becoming true disciples of Christ. We’ll also draw wisdom from Father Raoul Plus, who reminds us that even in the busyness of life, God never leaves us alone. As we reflect on these profound insights, may we be encouraged to embrace our daily tasks with a renewed commitment to prayer, work, and, yes, even suffering, for the sake of growing closer to God.
In a world that often tells us to avoid suffering, to pray only when it’s convenient, and to work for our own gain, the words of St. Anthony Mary Claret stand as a radical call. "Christian perfection," he says, "consists in three things: praying heroically, working heroically, and suffering heroically." For a traditional Catholic, this statement resonates with the timeless call of the Gospel. But what does it mean to do these things heroically?
Praying Heroically:
First, let’s consider heroic prayer. Heroic prayer means going beyond routine prayers and instead developing a life of deep, sustained conversation with God. We are invited to lift our hearts and minds to God even when it’s challenging, even when we are busy, tired, or facing difficulties. Heroic prayer is exemplified by the saints who, despite trials, maintained their commitment to prayer. Whether it’s setting aside time for daily Mass, meditating on the Rosary, or making frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament, we are called to pursue prayer with devotion and persistence. Heroic prayer requires discipline and sacrifice, but it leads us into the intimacy of God’s presence.
Working Heroically:
Next, St. Anthony Mary Claret calls us to work heroically. In a world that idolizes productivity for self-gain, heroic work means performing our duties with a spirit of humility and selflessness, offering our labors for God’s glory. This mindset was beautifully expressed by Father Raoul Plus, who wrote, “I am busy because it is my duty. But I do not work without God, because the Most High God never leaves me alone.” This means that, no matter how mundane or challenging our work may seem, it has value when offered to God. Heroic work is also faithful work completing our tasks with integrity, diligence, and joy, knowing that God is with us. In this way, even the smallest acts become offerings to our Creator.
Suffering Heroically:
Finally, St. Anthony Mary Claret speaks of heroic suffering, a concept foreign to much of our modern culture. Suffering heroically does not mean seeking out pain; rather, it means accepting our inevitable sufferings with faith and offering them in union with Christ’s own suffering. When we accept our crosses, however small or large, we share in the redemptive suffering of Christ. This could be physical pain, emotional hurt, or spiritual dryness. Whatever our trials, the call to suffer heroically invites us to place our trust in God and allow our sufferings to bear fruit for ourselves and others. This is a deeply traditional Catholic view, seeing suffering not as something to avoid at all costs, but as an opportunity to unite ourselves with the Crucified Lord.
In striving to pray, work, and suffer heroically, we begin to see each of these as paths to holiness. They become means of purifying our souls, drawing us closer to God, and conforming us more closely to Christ.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on these three aspects of Christian perfection, let us remember that perfection is not something we can achieve on our own. Our heroic efforts in prayer, work, and suffering are sustained by God’s grace. Like Father Raoul Plus, we are not alone in our labors. God is with us, strengthening us and transforming our efforts, however imperfect, into offerings pleasing to Him. Let us embrace each day with the intention to pray, work, and endure suffering heroically, trusting that in this journey, God walks alongside us.

Closing Prayer:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we come before You today, seeking the grace to strive for Christian perfection. Teach us to pray with courage and commitment, to work with humility and joy, and to accept our sufferings with patience and love. Lord Jesus, You who labored and suffered for our sake, help us to offer our efforts as a gift to You.
We ask this through the intercession of St. Anthony Mary Claret and all the saints who have shown us the way to live heroically. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.