Episode 2748: Holiness Through Faith, Docility, and Charity - Morning Episode

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Word of the Day”
Category Term Description
Theology & Doctrine Eschatology The study of the last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell.

Holiness Through Faith, Docility, and Charity
Welcome to today’s episode! As traditional Catholics, we recognize that every action however small can become an opportunity for holiness when offered with the right intention. Holiness is not reserved for a select few but is attainable for every faithful soul striving to live in grace and charity. Drawing inspiration from St. Francis Xavier, Fr. Donald Calloway, and St. Paul’s words to Timothy, we will reflect on the transformative power of faith-filled action, docility to the Holy Spirit, and the importance of gentleness in sharing truth with others.
Segment 1: The Spirit of Faith in Our Actions
St. Francis Xavier reminds us that:
“It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards a man's progress, nor the nature of the task, but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.”
How often do we, as Catholics, undervalue the little things we do in our daily lives? Washing dishes, completing work tasks, or even enduring small inconveniences can become powerful acts of holiness when offered with the right intention. In the traditional Catholic perspective, every moment is an opportunity to unite ourselves to Christ.
This teaching is beautifully demonstrated in the Latin Rite Mass, where the smallest gestures the sign of the cross, the genuflection, the ringing of the bells carry profound spiritual significance because they are done with reverence and faith. Let us take inspiration from St. Francis Xavier, who saw every moment of his missionary work as an offering to God, no matter how physically challenging or mundane the task.
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Segment 2: Docility to the Holy Spirit and Holiness
Fr. Donald Calloway writes:
“St. Joseph wants you to be docile to the direction of the Holy Spirit so that you can be led in the ways of holiness. What is holiness, anyway? Is it some unattainable spiritual summit you can never hope to reach? No, it is not. Holiness is living in intimate, loving communion with God. More specifically, holiness is observing the two great commandments of love of God and neighbor, avoiding sin, leading a life of virtue, and abiding in sanctifying grace. None of this is possible without the Holy Spirit in your life.”
St. Joseph serves as a powerful example of docility. His quiet strength and unwavering obedience to God’s will demonstrate that holiness is not about grandiose gestures but about listening attentively to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and acting accordingly.
As traditional Catholics, we can draw from the example of St. Joseph by cultivating silence in our daily lives. The world is filled with noise, and it is easy to become distracted. Silence allows us to hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit, leading us to live in sanctifying grace and in communion with God.
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Segment 3: Charity in Teaching the Truth
St. Paul’s words to Timothy provide a timeless reminder:
“A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth, and that they may return to their senses out of the devil’s snare, where they are entrapped by him, for his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
In our efforts to defend the faith and share the truth, it can be tempting to fall into anger or impatience. However, St. Paul urges us to correct with kindness. This does not mean compromising the truth but rather presenting it in a way that invites conversion rather than alienation.
As traditional Catholics, we are often called to defend the beauty of the Church’s teachings, particularly in a world that misunderstands or rejects them. Let us remember that our mission is to lead souls to Christ, and this requires patience, charity, and humility.
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Conclusion: Faith in Action, Guided by the Holy Spirit, and Rooted in Charity
Holiness is within reach for all of us when we approach our daily tasks with faith, allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, and treat others with charity. The examples of St. Francis Xavier, St. Joseph, and St. Paul remind us that sanctity is not found in extraordinary deeds alone but in a life lived in union with God, attentive to His will, and loving toward others.
As you go about your day, remember that even the smallest act can become an offering to God when done with a spirit of faith. Trust in the Holy Spirit to guide you, and let every encounter with others be marked by charity and gentleness.
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Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the examples of St. Francis Xavier, St. Joseph, and St. Paul, who teach us to live lives of faith, docility, and charity. Help us to embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all that we do. May our words and actions lead others to Your truth, and may we grow each day in holiness and love. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we always say “yes” to Your will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. May God bless you abundantly, and may the Holy Spirit guide you on the path to holiness. Until next time, stay steadfast in faith and rooted in tradition.