Episode 2866: Proclaiming Christ’s Love Through Evangelization and Prayer - 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.”
Proclaiming Christ’s Love Through Evangelization and Prayer
Tonight, we reflect on two powerful themes: the love of neighbor expressed through evangelization and the humility of prayer. As St. Arnold Janssen reminds us, "Proclamation of the Good News is the first and most significant expression of love for one’s neighbor." What a profound statement, one that calls each of us to examine how we live out Christ's mission in our daily lives.
Let us also be inspired by a heartfelt prayer at the end of this episode, a prayer of gratitude, contrition, and intercession that teaches us to turn our hearts to God each night, trusting in His mercy.
Segment 1: Proclamation as the Ultimate Act of Love
St. Arnold Janssen, a missionary priest who founded the Society of the Divine Word, reminds us that sharing the Gospel is the highest form of charity. Why? Because it gives others the ultimate gift: the knowledge of Christ, the path to eternal life.
In today’s world, we often confuse kindness with true charity. While acts of material generosity are important, they are incomplete if we do not also care for the eternal soul of our neighbor. Imagine seeing someone about to fall into a pit and offering them a meal instead of warning them of the danger. Evangelization is that warning, done in love. It’s the bread that nourishes not just for a day, but for eternity.
Consider how Christ Himself approached evangelization. In Matthew 28:19, He commanded the Apostles, "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." Christ’s Great Commission is not optional; it is the essence of what it means to be a Christian.
Yet, how often do we hesitate? Fear of rejection, fear of offending others, or a sense of inadequacy can paralyze us. But let us remember the words of St. Paul in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes."
Segment 2: The Role of Prayer in Evangelization
Evangelization begins with prayer. It is through prayer that we align our will with God’s and prepare our hearts to share His message. St. Arnold Janssen was known for spending hours in prayer before undertaking any missionary effort. He knew that without God’s grace, all human efforts would fail.
The prayer we reflect on today teaches us this same humility:
"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."
This prayer invites us to reflect on how we’ve used the opportunities God has given us to proclaim His truth. Did we seize moments to speak of Christ’s love, or did we shy away?
The prayer continues with a plea for forgiveness and protection:
"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."
Here, we see the beauty of Catholic intercession. Evangelization is not a solo endeavor; it is a communal act involving the Church triumphant, the Church suffering, and the Church militant.
Segment 3: Bringing Souls to Christ
The final part of the prayer focuses on others:
"Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory."
Evangelization is not about numbers or personal accolades; it is about the salvation of souls. We must pray for the courage to speak the truth and for the grace to do so with love.
St. Francis of Assisi famously said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words." While our actions should always reflect the Gospel, let us not neglect the power of the spoken word. After all, faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17).
Conclusion
Today, we are reminded that the proclamation of the Gospel is the greatest act of love we can offer our neighbor. Let us begin and end each day with prayer, asking for the courage to evangelize and for the humility to depend on God’s grace.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the call to share the Good News with the world. Help us to be bold in proclaiming Your truth and gentle in showing Your love. Forgive us for the times we have failed to witness to Your name and strengthen us to live as faithful disciples.

Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, intercede for us that we may follow your example of humility and obedience. St. Joseph, protector of the Church, guide us in our mission. St. Arnold Janssen, pray for us as we labor to bring souls to Christ.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Thank you for joining us today, dear friends. Let us go forth, inspired by the saints, to love and serve the Lord by loving and serving our neighbor. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you.