Episode 2741: Called to Holiness and the Restoration of All Things - Morning Episode

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Called to Holiness and the Restoration of All Things
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Today, we reflect on the profound call to live a holy life, God’s promise of abundant grace to overcome all obstacles, and the ultimate restoration awaiting those who remain faithful. Using the wisdom of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Fr. Charles Arminjon, and St. John Chrysostom, as well as the Gospel of Mark, we will explore how Christ calls each of us to leave behind our “nets” and follow Him to eternal glory.
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1. The Call to Holiness
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton beautifully reminds us of our universal call to holiness:
"We know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life. We know that He gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty."
Holiness is not reserved for a select few it is the purpose for which we were created. Yet, we often focus on our weaknesses and inadequacies, doubting our ability to live as saints. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton speaks directly to this doubt, reminding us that God provides every abundant grace. The obstacles we face, whether they are internal struggles or external trials, are no match for the grace of God.
The first step toward holiness is saying “yes” to God, as the apostles did when Christ called them by the Sea of Galilee:
And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him." — Mark 1:16-18
Notice that Simon and Andrew didn’t hesitate. They didn’t cling to their nets, their livelihood, or their old way of life. They trusted in the One who called them.
Reflection Question:
What “nets” are you holding onto that might keep you from fully following Christ?
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2. Death as Restoration
The journey toward holiness often includes suffering and even the final trial of death. Fr. Charles Arminjon, reflecting on the wisdom of St. John Chrysostom, reframes our understanding of death:
"So, if God has not resolved to cast His work back into nothingness forever, if this earth, sanctified by the footsteps of Christ, is destined, once radiant and renewed, to remain forever, then man must rise again in a future life to reconquer its scepter and kingship. Hence, once more, it follows that death means not ruin but restoration. If God has decreed that our earthly abode shall one day be dissolved, it is not for the purpose of despoiling us of it, but to render it subtle, immortal, serene. His aim may be compared to that of an architect, says St. John Chrysostom, who has the inhabitants leave his house for a short period, in order to have him return with greater glory to that same house, now rebuilt in greater splendor." — Fr. Charles Arminjon
For many, the thought of death brings fear or sorrow, but as Catholics, we are called to see it as a passage not an end, but a transformation. In God’s divine plan, death does not signify ruin but restoration. He intends to renew all things, including our own bodies and the earth itself.
This teaching fills us with hope and directs our gaze toward the ultimate goal: the eternal life that Christ has promised us.
Reflection Question:
Do you approach life with the hope of restoration, trusting that every trial prepares you for something greater?
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3. Living the Call with Trust
To follow Christ is to trust in His grace and His promises. The apostles trusted Jesus when He called them to leave their nets. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton trusted God’s abundant grace through every difficulty, and Fr. Arminjon trusted in God’s promise to restore all things.
For us, trust means embracing both the call to holiness and the process of transformation. It means saying “yes” to Christ, even when the road seems steep or uncertain. It means surrendering our fears, our attachments, and our doubts, confident that God’s grace will carry us through.
Practical steps to live this out:
• Daily Prayer: Ask God for the grace to overcome obstacles and live according to His will.
• Frequent the Sacraments: Receive the Eucharist and Reconciliation often to strengthen your soul.
• Meditate on Eternity: Reflect on the restoration promised by God and let it inspire your daily actions.
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Conclusion Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You have called each of us to a life of holiness and promised us every grace needed to fulfill Your will. Strengthen us in moments of weakness, and remind us that Your grace is sufficient for every trial.
Help us to trust in the transformation You desire for us, knowing that death is not an end but a passage to eternal glory. Like the apostles, may we leave behind anything that holds us back and follow You with our whole hearts.
Through the intercession of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and all the saints, grant us the courage to say “yes” to Your call, the perseverance to overcome every obstacle, and the hope to see all things restored in You.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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Thank you for joining us on this journey through the call to holiness and God’s promise of restoration. May we walk forward in faith, trusting in the grace that sustains us and the glory that awaits. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly.