Episode 2756: The Pathway to Eternal Life - Morning Episode

Episode 424: St. Nicholas
Episode 914: Was St. Nicholas Jolly?

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Theology & Doctrine Dogma A truth formally defined by the Church as revealed by God.

I was speaking with a friend about the first session of the Word Made Flash series and he said he learned quite a bit but he just doesn’t get into organized religions. I’ve heard that expression by a lot of former Catholics. Where does that come from? Well, the question to me was so thought compelling that I thought why not do an episode on it and so I wrote an episode titled “The Church Organized by Christ: One True Church”
But the net net is Christ Church is not just another church of option.
The Pathway to Eternal Life Through Love and Sacrifice
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll delve into the profound wisdom of St. John Almond, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Paul’s words to the Philippians. Together, these teachings guide us on how to live this earthly life as a pathway to eternal joy, embracing love and sacrifice in the smallest moments, and persevering in working out our salvation.
Segment 1: Using This Life Well
St. John Almond teaches us:
"To use this life well is the pathway through death to everlasting life."
This is a call to see our earthly existence not as an end but as a preparation for eternity. Each moment, each action, and each decision matters. The Church reminds us that our choices here echo into eternity, shaping our souls for heaven or separating us from it.
Using this life well means embracing God’s will in every circumstance, from our duties to our relationships. It means striving for holiness, not just in extraordinary acts, but in the ordinary rhythms of life.
This understanding gives purpose to even our sufferings. When united with Christ’s Cross, our trials become a means of sanctification, drawing us closer to God and helping us fulfill our ultimate purpose: eternal union with Him.
Segment 2: Scattering Flowers of Love and Sacrifice
St. Therese of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” offers us a beautiful way to live this life well:
"Love proves itself by deeds, and how shall I prove mine? ... I can prove my love only by scattering flowers, that is to say, by never letting slip a single little sacrifice, a single glance, a single word; by making profit of the very smallest actions, by doing them all for love. I want to suffer and even rejoice for love, for this is my way of scattering flowers." —St. Therese of Lisieux
Therese’s “little way” teaches us that sanctity doesn’t require grand gestures but a heart full of love, expressed in small, daily sacrifices. Every unnoticed chore, every kind word spoken, every act of patience or self-denial becomes a flower we scatter at Christ’s feet.
Her words challenge us to ask: How can I make my love for God visible today? Whether it’s offering up the irritation of waiting in line, serving a family member with joy, or refraining from a harsh word, each small act done for love draws us closer to God.
This scattering of flowers transforms even mundane tasks into acts of worship, reminding us that nothing is too small to offer to God.
Segment 3: Working Out Our Salvation with Fear and Trembling
St. Paul writes in Philippians 2:12-13:
"So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work."
This passage emphasizes both our responsibility and God’s grace in the journey of salvation. We are called to cooperate with God’s will, striving to live in obedience, humility, and love.

The phrase "fear and trembling" isn’t about living in constant anxiety but rather a reverent awe of the great gift of salvation and the seriousness of our response to it. It reminds us that salvation isn’t passive; it requires our active participation in God’s grace through prayer, the sacraments, and a life of virtue.
Yet, as St. Paul reminds us, it is ultimately God who gives us both the desire and the ability to live according to His will. Our efforts, united with His grace, lead us along the path to eternal life.
Segment 4: Practical Applications for Daily Life
How can we integrate these teachings into our daily lives?
Examine Your Day
Each evening, reflect on how you’ve used your time. Did you scatter flowers of love and sacrifice? Did you embrace God’s will in the present moment?
Offer Small Sacrifices
Follow St. Therese’s example by turning small annoyances or difficulties into opportunities for love. Offer them up as acts of worship.

Strengthen Your Faith Through the Sacraments
Frequent Confession and reception of the Eucharist help us stay on the pathway to eternal life, providing the grace needed to persevere.
Remain Humble and Trust in God’s Grace
Remember that while our efforts matter, it is God who works within us. Trust in His providence and seek His guidance in all things.
Segment 5: Closing Reflection
As we journey through this life, may we always remember the words of St. John Almond, who reminds us of the ultimate purpose of our existence: to prepare for everlasting life. By scattering the flowers of love and sacrifice in the small moments, as St. Therese teaches, and by working out our salvation with reverence and trust in God, as St. Paul exhorts, we walk the narrow path that leads to heaven.

Conclusion Prayer
Let us end with prayer:
Loving Father,
You have entrusted us with this earthly life as a preparation for eternity. Help us to use this time wisely, scattering flowers of love and sacrifice in all we do. Give us the grace to persevere in working out our salvation, trusting that You are with us in every step.
May our hearts be filled with humility and reverence, and may our lives bear witness to Your infinite love. Strengthen us through the example of the saints and the guidance of Your Word, so that we may one day enter into the joy of everlasting life with You.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Thank you for joining us today. May God bless you and guide you on the pathway to eternal life. Until next time, remain steadfast in faith and abundant in love.