Episode 2914: The Healing Grace of the Sacraments - 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.”
The Healing Grace of the Sacraments
Welcome to tonighht’s episode, where we reflect on the great mercy of God poured out through the sacraments, particularly through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr. In his time, St. Blaise was known not only for his courageous witness to the faith but also for his deep trust in the power of God’s grace. His famous prayer, “Father of mercy and God of all consolation, graciously look upon me and impart to me the blessing which flows from this holy Sacrament. Overshadow me with Your loving kindness, and let this divine Mystery bear fruit in me,” reminds us that all true healing and strength come from the Lord.
As we reflect on his words, we will explore the necessity of receiving the sacraments with faith and devotion, trusting in the divine power that works through them.
St. Blaise and the Power of the Sacraments
St. Blaise, a bishop in the early Church, was renowned for his sanctity and miracles, particularly those concerning healing. The most well-known story recounts how he healed a young boy who was choking on a fishbone, which is why he is often invoked for ailments of the throat. His life reminds us of the healing power of Christ, present most especially in the sacraments of the Church.
His prayer emphasizes the role of the sacraments in bestowing divine grace: "Father of mercy and God of all consolation, graciously look upon me and impart to me the blessing which flows from this holy Sacrament." This reminds us that the sacraments are not empty rituals but living channels of God’s grace.
Whether it is the Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of Penance, or the Anointing of the Sick, Christ Himself meets us in these divine mysteries, offering spiritual and sometimes even physical healing. But how often do we approach them with true faith and devotion? Do we, like St. Blaise, seek the overshadowing of God's loving kindness in our lives?
Living the Grace of the Sacraments
The sacraments do not bear fruit in us unless we dispose our hearts to receive their graces. St. Blaise’s words remind us of the need for humility, trust, and abandonment to God’s will.
This is especially important in today’s world, where many Catholics receive the sacraments out of habit, without the proper interior disposition. The sacraments are not magic; they require faith—a faith that recognizes our dependence on God’s mercy and seeks to conform our hearts to His will.
Let us also consider the words of Christ in the Gospel:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Our Lord is always ready to pour His grace upon us, but we must approach Him with a heart prepared to receive. As St. Blaise’s prayer says, we ask that the “divine Mystery bear fruit” in us—not only for our own salvation but so that we may bring Christ’s love and healing to others.
Conclusion & Final Prayer
As we honor St. Blaise, let us ask for his intercession, especially for healing—both physical and spiritual. May we approach the sacraments with the same trust and devotion that he did, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for all our needs.
Let us close in prayer:
O merciful Father, God of all consolation, through the intercession of St. Blaise, grant us the grace to receive Your sacraments with faith and devotion. Overshadow us with Your loving kindness and let the divine Mystery of Your presence bear fruit in our souls. Heal us of all that separates us from You, and give us the strength to live according to Your holy will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. May St. Blaise intercede for you and may the grace of the sacraments fill your life with peace. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you always in His care.