Episode 2782: No More Excuses - Morning Episode

Episode 431: 3rd Week of Advent
St. Christiana
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Theology & Doctrine Prevenient Grace The grace that comes before human action, enabling free response to God.

No More Excuses: Living the Great Commission with Courage and Love________________________________________
Introduction
Welcome to today’s episode, where we tackle the importance of living out our faith with boldness and integrity, embracing our role as defenders of truth and bearers of Christ’s love. Drawing on the words of St. Charles de Foucauld, Mother Angelica, and the Gospel of Matthew, we’ll reflect on our responsibilities as Catholics to reject the excuses that hold us back and fully commit to the Great Commission.
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Segment 1: Standing Up for Justice
We begin with the powerful words of St. Charles de Foucauld:
"We must stand up for the rights of our neighbour who is suffering from injustice; we must defend them all the more vigorously because we see Jesus present in them. Surely this is our duty because of our love for others for his sake. We have no right to be 'sleeping watchmen' or dumb watch-dogs. Whenever we see evil we must sound the alarm."
Reflection
• As Catholics, we are called to recognize Christ in every person, particularly in those who suffer. To stand idly by in the face of injustice is to fail in our duty to love.
• The Church has always taught that true love for God must manifest in love for our neighbor. St. Charles reminds us that silence in the face of evil is a betrayal of this love.
• Consider the countless examples of saints who sounded the alarm in their times whether defending the poor, opposing tyranny, or standing up for the unborn.
Takeaway
• Ask yourself: where in your community or family can you "sound the alarm"? Are there injustices that require your voice or action? Pray for the courage to act.
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Segment 2: Rejecting Comfortable Excuses
Mother Angelica’s words cut to the heart of modern complacency:
"You know, there ought to be a prize today for people who make excuses - because I think we'd all win something. We are in the habit today of making excuses. And because our faith is weak, we excuse ourselves from answering God's call, from doing God's will, from listening to the Church, from listening to the Gospel. We come up with all the fantastic reasons why we don't have to be good; why Christians don't have to be Christians; why we don't have to strive; why we don't have to go that extra mile that God is asking us to go - to show that extra bit of compassion or that extra bit of love, to do that extra bit of work. And so we make excuses that are so comfortable that we can literally walk away and forget what God asks us to do." —Mother Angelica
Reflection
• Excuses are often born from fear, laziness, or misplaced priorities. Yet, these excuses rob us of the opportunity to grow in holiness and fulfill God’s will in our lives.
• The world tempts us to prioritize comfort over sacrifice, but the Gospel demands the opposite. We are called to go the extra mile not because it is easy, but because it is the path to sanctity.
• Reflect on moments where you’ve hesitated to act for fear of discomfort or judgment. Consider how surrendering these fears to God could transform your life.
Takeaway
• Commit to identifying and eliminating one excuse this week. Whether it’s a reluctance to pray, serve, or evangelize, offer it to God and ask for His strength to overcome it.
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Segment 3: Embracing the Great Commission
Finally, we turn to the words of Christ in Matthew 28:
"Then Jesus approached and said to them, 'All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.'"
Reflection
• The Great Commission is not merely a suggestion it is Christ’s command. Each one of us, by virtue of our baptism, is called to be a missionary disciple.
• Making disciples doesn’t require us to travel to foreign lands; it begins in our homes, workplaces, and communities. The way we live our lives should reflect Christ’s teachings and draw others to Him.
• The promise of Christ’s presence gives us the courage to persevere. He is with us in every trial, every conversation, and every act of love.
Takeaway
• This week, consider one concrete way you can live out the Great Commission. Perhaps it’s sharing your faith with a friend, volunteering in your parish, or simply offering a witness of joy in your daily life.
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Conclusion: No More Excuses
The words of St. Charles, Mother Angelica, and the Gospel remind us that our faith cannot be passive. We are called to stand against injustice, reject the excuses that hinder our growth, and embrace the mission Christ has entrusted to us. The time to act is now because God’s grace is sufficient for every challenge we face.
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Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You have called us to be Your witnesses in a world that so often turns away from You. Give us the courage to stand for truth, the strength to overcome excuses, and the zeal to fulfill Your Great Commission.
May we see Your presence in our neighbors, especially those who suffer, and may our love for them reflect our love for You. Help us to embrace the mission You have entrusted to us with faith and perseverance, knowing that You are with us always.
We ask this through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Charles de Foucauld, and all the saints, as we pray: Hail Mary…
Amen.
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Thank you for joining us today. Let us go forth, committed to living out our faith with courage, love, and determination. Until next time, may God bless you and guide your steps.