Episode 2898: Keeping Your Lamp Burning - Morning Episode

Nightly Zoom Coordinates for Rosary:
Meeting ID: 865 8978 0399
Passcode: Wjjv4960!
Speak Lord
Rosary
Prayers
Book Recommendation of the Day
Great Popes Pope St. Pius X Pascendi Dominici Gregis Encyclical condemning Modernism

Keeping Your Lamp Burning________________________________________
Introduction
"Welcome to today’s episode of Faithful Witnesses. I’m delighted to guide you through this journey of Scripture, saints, and timeless reflections rooted in our traditional Catholic faith.
Today, we'll reflect on the readings from the 1962 Roman Missal for the feast of St. Peter Nolasco. We'll also honor the saints traditionally commemorated on this day, including the renowned St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church, and provide reflections with powerful quotes to inspire you in your faith journey. Let's begin with Scripture."
________________________________________
Scripture Readings from the 1962 Roman Missal
Epistle: Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 31:8–11
"Blessed is the man that is found without blemish, who hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures."
Gospel: Luke 12:35–40
"Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands. And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding, that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately."
________________________________________
Reflection
In today’s readings, we are reminded to remain vigilant and spiritually prepared, focusing on heavenly treasures rather than worldly wealth. Our Lord instructs us to keep our 'loins girt' and our 'lamps burning.' What does this mean for us? It means that we should live in a constant state of readiness for Christ’s return, keeping our hearts pure and our actions aligned with His will.
St. Peter Nolasco, whose feast we celebrate today, embodied this vigilance. As the founder of the Mercedarian Order, he devoted his life to freeing Christians enslaved by the Moors. His love for souls and fearless charity remind us of the importance of spiritual freedom. He famously said, 'The chains of sin are stronger than any iron shackles. Free yourself by repentance and love of God.'
These words are as relevant today as they were in the thirteenth century. In a world that constantly entices us with distractions and temptations, we must break free from the chains of sin through sincere repentance and a deep love for God.
________________________________________
Today, we also honor St. Thomas Aquinas, the 'Angelic Doctor' and one of the greatest theologians of the Church. His writings, particularly the Summa Theologica, have illuminated Catholic doctrine for centuries. He reminds us of the harmony between faith and reason, teaching us that true wisdom comes from God.
One of his most famous quotes is, 'To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.'
How true this is! Faith is the lens through which we see and understand God’s truth. Without it, even the most logical explanations fall flat. Like St. Thomas, we are called to seek God through both reason and faith, always remaining humble before the mysteries of the divine.
________________________________________
Theme for the Day: Vigilance and Love of Truth
The lives of these two saints St. Peter Nolasco and St. Thomas Aquinas call us to vigilance and a love for truth. St. Peter shows us the importance of freeing souls from sin, while St. Thomas teaches us to seek God’s truth with both our minds and hearts.
Our Gospel reading reminds us to keep our lamps burning. This image beautifully captures the need for constant spiritual readiness. Let us ask ourselves: Is my lamp burning brightly, or has it grown dim through negligence and sin? Am I ready to meet the Lord when He comes?
________________________________________
Concluding Prayer
"Let us now turn to prayer, seeking the intercession of these great saints."
"Almighty and ever-living God, You have given us the witness of St. Peter Nolasco and St. Thomas Aquinas, who lived lives of vigilance and fidelity to Your divine will. Through their intercession, grant us the grace to remain ever watchful, with hearts burning with love for You. May we seek Your truth with the wisdom and humility of St. Thomas and serve others with the charity of St. Peter Nolasco. Keep us always prepared for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may joyfully enter into the wedding feast of Heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."
________________________________________
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me today. I hope today's reflections have inspired you to remain vigilant in your faith and to seek God's truth in all things. Let the examples of St. Peter Nolasco and St. Thomas Aquinas encourage you in your spiritual journey. Don't forget to join me next time for more readings, reflections, and traditional Catholic insights. Until then, may God bless you abundantly.