Episode 2887: Making the Most of Fleeting Moments - 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.”

Making the Most of Fleeting Moments: Trusting in God’s Generosity
Introduction:
Welcome, dear listeners, to today’s episode of Faithful Reflections, where we delve into the wisdom of the saints and the truths of Holy Mother Church. In this episode, we explore the fleeting nature of time, the abundant generosity of God, and how we, as faithful Catholics, are called to cooperate with God’s grace. Let us reflect on the deep insights from St. Marianne Cope and Dom Lehody, who inspire us to make the best use of our moments and approach God with open hearts and hands.
Segment 1: The Fleeting Nature of Time
St. Marianne Cope once said, “Let us make best use of the fleeting moments. They will not return.” How true this is! Each moment of our lives is a precious gift from God, one that is entrusted to us to glorify Him and to work out our salvation. Time is a currency we cannot replenish, and yet so many of us squander it in pursuits that fail to lift our hearts toward Heaven.
Consider how often we delay in responding to God’s grace. We tell ourselves, “I’ll go to confession next week,” or “I’ll start praying more when I have more time.” But next week might not come, and the time we think we’ll have later may slip through our fingers. The saints remind us that procrastination in spiritual matters is a danger to the soul. Let us resolve, here and now, to sanctify the present moment, offering every action no matter how small—as an act of love to our Lord.
Segment 2: God’s Generosity and Our Cooperation
Dom Lehody provides us with a beautiful insight: “We came to ask a definite spiritual favour, and we should urge this request in a pressing manner; but we should not forget that God, who is liberal almost to excess, loves to find empty vessels, into which He may pour His gifts...”
Here, we see an invitation to trust fully in God’s generosity. He does not begrudge us His blessings; rather, He delights in giving abundantly to those who humbly ask. But note what Dom Lehody points out: God looks for empty vessels. This emptiness signifies our detachment from worldly distractions and selfish desires. Only when we come to Him with open, expectant hearts—free of pride and self-will—can He fill us with His grace.
And yet, receiving His grace is only the beginning. Dom Lehody reminds us, “God has given His grace, we must now cooperate with it.” This is a profound truth of our faith. Grace is not meant to sit idle in our souls. Like the parable of the talents, we must invest the grace God gives us by living virtuous lives, performing acts of charity, and growing in holiness.
Segment 3: Practical Application
So, how do we live out these truths in our daily lives? First, let us develop an awareness of time as a gift. Begin each day with a prayer, offering all the moments of the day to God. This could be as simple as saying, “Lord, I give You this day. May everything I think, say, and do glorify You.”
Second, approach God boldly in prayer, as Dom Lehody encourages us. When we pray, let us not be timid. Ask for spiritual favors, trusting in God’s generosity. At the same time, resolve to act on the grace He gives. For example, if you pray for patience, commit to practicing patience when trials arise.
Lastly, cultivate an interior emptiness a holy detachment from the things of this world. This does not mean abandoning our responsibilities or loved ones, but rather holding all things loosely, recognizing that our true home is in Heaven.
Conclusion:
Dear friends, St. Marianne Cope and Dom Lehody remind us of the urgency of our spiritual lives and the abundant generosity of God. Time is fleeting, but God’s grace is overflowing. Let us resolve to live each moment for His glory, trusting in His goodness, and cooperating with the graces He so generously bestows.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
You are the source of all time and the giver of every good gift. We thank You for the moments You grant us to grow in love and holiness. Help us to make the best use of the fleeting moments You have entrusted to us. Teach us to approach You with open hearts, trusting in Your infinite generosity. Fill us with Your grace, Lord, and give us the strength to cooperate with it, that our lives may bear fruit for Your glory.
Through the intercession of St. Marianne Cope, may we embrace each moment as an opportunity to love You more deeply. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today on Faithful Reflections. Until next time, may God bless you and Our Lady keep you close to her Immaculate Heart.