Episode 2755: Living in the Present Moment - 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.”
Welcoming Christ with Humility and Living in the Present Moment
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Tonight’s episode, where we’ll reflect on how to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ this Christmas. Drawing inspiration from St. Teresa of Calcutta and the teachings of the Thy Will Be Done series, we’ll explore two key themes: purifying our hearts to receive Jesus and living fully in the present moment to discern God’s will.
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Segment 1: Preparing a Warm and Humble Heart for Christ
St. Teresa of Calcutta said:
"We desire to be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas-time, not in a cold manger of our heart, but in a heart full of love and humility, a heart so pure, so immaculate, so warm with love for one another."
These words invite us to reflect on the state of our hearts. The manger where Christ was born was a humble, unadorned place a reminder that Jesus chooses to dwell not in grandeur but in simplicity and love.
This Advent, we are called to create a spiritual manger within ourselves, free from the coldness of pride, resentment, and selfishness. Through the sacrament of Confession, acts of charity, and moments of quiet prayer, we can purify our hearts and prepare them to warmly receive the Christ Child.
St. Teresa’s emphasis on love for one another is a reminder that preparing for Christmas is not just an internal journey but one that calls us to outward acts of kindness. When we love others, especially those in need, we embody the spirit of the Incarnation God’s love made manifest in the world.
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Segment 2: Living in the Present Moment
The Thy Will Be Done series beautifully reminds us:
"We don’t encounter God’s will in the past, because the past is gone. We don’t encounter God’s will in the future, because the future does not yet exist. God reveals His will to us only in the present moment of our existence, accompanied by the specific graces we need in order to conform ourselves to it."
This teaching challenges us to focus on the here and now. How often do we find ourselves dwelling on past mistakes or anxiously planning for the future? Yet God’s grace is found in the present moment.
Advent is a season of waiting, but it is not passive waiting. It is an active preparation, where each moment becomes an opportunity to encounter God. Whether it’s through small sacrifices, daily prayer, or an unexpected chance to help someone, God reveals His will to us in the “now.”
As we strive to live in the present, we learn to trust in God’s providence. The future may be uncertain, but we can rest in the knowledge that He gives us the grace we need for today.
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Segment 3: Practical Ways to Prepare for Christmas
To integrate these reflections into our lives, let’s consider a few practical steps:
1. Daily Prayer and Reflection
Set aside time each day to pray and reflect on God’s presence. Use this time to ask, “Lord, what is Your will for me today?”
2. Sacramental Grace
Go to Confession and receive the Eucharist frequently during Advent. These sacraments purify our hearts and give us the strength to live according to God’s will.
3. Acts of Charity
Show love to others, especially the poor and lonely. St. Teresa of Calcutta’s ministry to the marginalized reminds us that we encounter Christ in the faces of those in need.
4. Silence and Simplicity
Take moments of silence to reflect on the miracle of Christ’s birth. Simplify your surroundings and your schedule to focus on what truly matters.
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Segment 4: Embracing the Gift of the Present
When we prepare our hearts with love and humility, and when we live in the present moment, we make space for Christ to dwell within us. Advent is not about rushing toward Christmas; it’s about savoring each step of the journey, allowing God to work in us day by day.
Let us remember that the Christ Child, born in the humblest of circumstances, desires not riches or perfection but a heart ready to welcome Him with trust, love, and surrender.
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Conclusion Prayer
Let us end in prayer:
Loving Father,
As we journey through this Advent season, we ask for the grace to live in the present moment, trusting in Your divine plan. Help us to purify our hearts, that they may be warm and welcoming mangers for Your Son, Jesus Christ.
May our lives reflect the humility and love of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who prepared herself to receive the greatest gift the world has ever known.
Fill us with the light of Your love, and let this light shine in our interactions with others, so that we may bring the joy of Christ’s birth to those around us. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and King. Amen.
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Thank you for joining us tonight. May your Advent be filled with grace, peace, and a deepening love for Christ. Until next time, may God bless you and your loved ones.