Episode 2708: Bearing the Crown of Thorns with Christ - 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.”
Bearing the Crown of Thorns with Christ
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Tonight, we’ll reflect on how embracing sacrifice, detachment, and penance draws us closer to Christ. Using the words of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and Fr. Benedict Baur, we’ll delve into the transformative power of suffering united with Christ.
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1. The Crown of Thorns and Detachment
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a queen who chose the path of humility and service, offers a poignant reflection:
How could I bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me! As in heaven, Your will is punctually performed, so may it be done on earth by all creatures, particularly in me and by me. We are made loveless by our possessions. — St. Elizabeth of Hungary
St. Elizabeth's life was a profound testament to this truth. Despite her royal status, she embraced poverty, cared for the sick, and sacrificed her comfort for the love of Christ. Her example challenges us to examine our own attachment to worldly possessions and comforts.
Our possessions whether material or emotional can cloud our love for God and neighbor. Detachment is not about rejecting the good things of life but about ensuring they do not replace God as our ultimate treasure.
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2. The Spirit of Penance and Confession
Fr. Benedict Baur highlights the connection between penance and union with Christ:
"It is in keeping with the spirit of frequent Confession that we should accept and put up with the sufferings and sacrifices of daily life and the burdens that our work and the fulfillment of our duties entail with the express purpose of making satisfaction for our sins. In the sacrament of Penance, we become, according to the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, "united with Our Lord suffering for our sins." When we go to Confession we want to share in the death sentence that Our Lord underwent on account of sin; we want to carry out this death sentence on ourselves and have it carried out on us, by actual death with Christ." —Fr. Benedict Baur
In the sacrament of Penance, we don’t simply confess our sins we also unite ourselves with Christ's suffering for those sins. St. Thomas Aquinas beautifully teaches that in Confession, we share in Christ’s death sentence for sin.
This is not a morbid or negative reality but a liberating one. By acknowledging our sins and participating in Christ's suffering, we embrace the redemptive power of the cross. Confession becomes not just a cleansing but a transformative act, where we unite our wills with God's and accept the sacrifices of daily life as a means of sanctification.
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3. Thy Will Be Done
St. Elizabeth also prayed:
“As in heaven, Your will is punctually performed, so may it be done on earth by all creatures, particularly in me and by me.”
This prayer reflects the heart of the Christian life: complete conformity to God’s will. Whether in suffering, joy, or the mundane tasks of daily life, we are called to align ourselves with God’s will, trusting that His plans lead us to eternal happiness.
St. Elizabeth’s prayer reminds us that embracing God’s will often involves detachment from our desires, comfort, and possessions. It is in this surrender that we find true freedom and joy.
In Hebrews 12:6, we are reminded:
“The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
God’s discipline, whether through trials or penances, is an act of love meant to perfect us in His image.
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4. Living the Spirit of Detachment and Penance
Practical steps to live out these teachings include:
• Frequent Confession: Make regular use of this sacrament, not only to seek forgiveness but to unite your sufferings with Christ’s.
• Embrace Detachment: Reflect on what possessions, desires, or habits may be holding you back from fully loving God. Offer these to Him in prayer.
• Daily Sacrifice: Accept the small crosses of life whether in your work, relationships, or health as opportunities to grow closer to Christ.
Conclusion Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the example of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who bore the crown of thorns with Your Son and showed us the path of detachment and love. Teach us to embrace the sacrifices and sufferings of life as a way of uniting ourselves with Christ’s redemptive work.
Help us to live with hearts free from attachment to earthly possessions, placing our treasure in You alone. Through the sacrament of Confession, may we experience the grace of true repentance and the joy of reconciliation.
Grant us the strength to say with St. Elizabeth: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” and to live each day in humble conformity to Your holy will.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Thank you for joining. Let us continue to follow the examples of the saints and embrace the transformative power of sacrifice and penance in our lives. May God bless you and keep you close to His Sacred Heart. Until next time, stay rooted in tradition and truth.