Episode 2720: Following the Traces of Christ - Morning Episode

Time is getting close to “Word Made Flesh” I’ll put the registration link in the show notes.

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If you can’t make it in person you can join via zoom. Please attend. I promise it will help you focus during the Advent season and make Christ the reason for the Season.

Following the Traces of Christ: Living as Members of His Body

Welcome to today’s episode, where we reflect on how our lives are deeply interconnected with our Lord Jesus Christ and the role of Holy Scripture in guiding us toward Him. Through the profound words of saints and the inspired wisdom of Scripture, we’ll explore what it means to live as members of Christ’s body, following the traces He left for us, and drawing hope and encouragement from the Word of God.

Let us begin with the words of St. John Eudes, which offer a profound insight into our relationship with Christ:

"I ask you to consider that our Lord Jesus Christ is your true head and that you are a member of his body. He belongs to you as the head belongs to the body. All that is his is yours: breath, heart, body, soul and all his faculties. All of these you must use as if they belonged to you, so that in serving him you may give him praise, love, and glory."

Reflection on St. John Eudes' Teaching
This quote reminds us of the mystical union we share with Christ as members of His Body, the Church. Each of us is a vital part of this Body, and all that Christ possesses His divine life, His grace, and even His sufferings are given to us as a gift to use for His glory.

We are called to reflect His life in our own, offering every part of ourselves our thoughts, actions, and desires as instruments of love and praise. This echoes the teaching of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:27, where he states, "Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it."

Following the Traces of Christ
St. Therese of Lisieux gives us another perspective on how to live this reality. She says:

"Since Jesus has gone to Heaven now, I can only follow the traces He has left behind. But how bright these traces are! How fragrant and divine! I have only to glance at the Gospels; at once this fragrance from the life of Jesus reaches me, and I know which way to run: to the lowest, not the highest place!"

Here, St. Therese highlights the beauty and simplicity of following Christ. His "traces" are found in the Gospels, in His teachings, and in His example of humility. The "lowest place" that she speaks of is the path of humility and self-surrender, where we find true greatness in the Kingdom of God.

The Gospels provide not just moral guidance but the very fragrance of Christ’s life. Each word and deed of His recorded in Scripture becomes a signpost for us, leading us closer to Him.

The Encouragement of Scripture
Finally, St. Paul’s words in Romans 15:4 give us the broader context of why Scripture is indispensable:

"For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope."

The Scriptures are not only a guide but a source of hope. They remind us of God’s promises and His faithfulness throughout salvation history. In moments of doubt, fear, or despair, they provide the strength to persevere and the assurance that Christ walks with us.

Living as Christ’s Members
To live as members of Christ’s Body means to stay connected to Him through prayer, the sacraments, and the Word of God. It means imitating His humility and trusting in His guidance, even when the path is unclear. By following the traces of Christ left in the Gospels and embracing the hope offered by Scripture, we can grow in holiness and bring glory to God.

Conclusion
In the words of St. John Eudes, Christ has given us everything His breath, His heart, His very life. In response, we must give Him everything we have, serving Him with love and humility. As St. Therese teaches us, the path to holiness lies in humility and trust, and St. Paul assures us that the Scriptures will always provide the encouragement we need to endure.

Ending Prayer
Let us close in prayer:

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Head and to whom we belong as members of His Body. Grant us the grace to use all that we have to serve Him and glorify Your name. Guide us through the traces He has left in the Gospels and fill us with the hope and encouragement found in Your Holy Word. May we embrace humility, endure in faith, and persevere in love, so that we may one day share in the everlasting joy of Your Kingdom.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thank you for joining us today. May the fragrance of Christ’s life and the hope of His Word guide you always. See you in the next episode!