Episode 2929: Faithful Witness and the Grace of Holy Perseverance - Morning Episode

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Rosary
Book Recommendation of the Day
St. Gregory the Great
Dialogues: Stories of saints and reflections on the spiritual life, including the famous account of St. Benedict.

Before I begin I want to cover something from a Traditional Catholic Perspective
We are not here to be good little conservatives. We are not here to follow any man or organization that does not follow the kingship of Christ. Be careful. What am I talking about. Well, I am a big fan of what President Trump is doing on a domestic level and at times an international level BUT I am first a Catholic and so everything I view is through the lens of a Traditional Catholic and not as an American. If what our government does that is not Catholic I simply do not support or follow. So you are probably asking me what am I talking about. Well recently Trump has supported a Zionist agenda in Israel including the taking over of the Gaza Strip. Wait a minute I voted for an “America First” agenda and not a supporting a Zionist- Israel Agenda. I did not support for the billions of dollars to support the Israel war agenda against Palestinians. Now what makes this very difficult for Catholics is do we support muslem extremism? Of course not but we also do not support the taking of people lands. For many that do not know the history of Israel after 1945 you need to learn it.
Lets first explain what is Zionism?
Zionism is a political and nationalist movement that emerged in the late 19th century with the primary goal of establishing and supporting a homeland for the Jewish people in the historical land of Israel (then part of the Ottoman Empire and later the British Mandate of Palestine). The term "Zionism" is derived from "Zion," a biblical name often used to refer to Jerusalem and, by extension, the Land of Israel.
Key Aspects of Zionism
1. Historical Context:
The movement gained momentum in response to widespread anti-Semitism and persecution of Jews in Europe, as well as the desire to revive Jewish cultural and religious identity in their ancestral homeland.
2. Founding Figures:
Theodor Herzl, an Austrian journalist and writer, is considered the father of modern political Zionism. His book Der Judenstaat (The Jewish State) published in 1896, advocated for the establishment of a Jewish state as a solution to the Jewish question in Europe.
3. Balfour Declaration (1917):
This was a significant milestone when the British government expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.
4. Establishment of Israel (1948):
Zionism achieved its primary objective with the founding of the State of Israel in 1948 following the United Nations Partition Plan of 1947 and the end of British rule.
Types of Zionism
• Political Zionism: Focused on achieving a political and internationally recognized Jewish state.
• Cultural Zionism: Emphasized the revival of Jewish culture, language (Hebrew), and religious practices in the Land of Israel.
• Religious Zionism: Viewed the establishment of the state as part of the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
• Labor Zionism: Advocated for socialist principles and the establishment of collective farming communities (kibbutzim).
Controversy and Criticism
Zionism has been a source of political tension and controversy:
• Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: The establishment of the State of Israel led to the displacement of Palestinian Arabs and ongoing conflict over territory and rights.
• Criticism from some Jewish Groups: Some ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups oppose Zionism, arguing that the Jewish state should only be established with the coming of the Messiah.
• Accusations of Colonialism: Some critics view Zionism as a form of colonialism and ethnic nationalism.
So what do we think as Catholics. Well it just so happens one of our greatest Popes was around at the forming of Zionism and he even met with Theodore Herzl.
Pope St. Pius X met with Theodor Herzl, the founder of the modern Zionist movement, on January 26, 1904, in the Vatican. Herzl sought the Pope's support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The meeting is well-documented in Herzl's diaries, where he recounted the Pope's response.
Pope Pius X was firm in his opposition to the idea, as Herzl recorded:
"We cannot prevent the Jews from going to Jerusalem but we could never sanction it. The ground of Jerusalem, if it were not always sacred, has been sanctified by the life of Jesus Christ. As the head of the Church, I cannot answer you otherwise. The Jews have not recognized our Lord, therefore we cannot recognize the Jewish people."
Pope Pius X emphasized the Church's mission of converting Jews to Christianity rather than supporting their political or national aspirations in Palestine. This meeting highlighted the Vatican's theological stance at the time, rooted in the traditional Catholic understanding of the Holy Land and the role of the Jewish people in salvation history.
So there you have it folks. That is our position.
Just because we find many of President Trumps policies good for America when he crosses the line we stop. I’ve seen it with his approval of homosexual marriages and even abortion we do a hard stop because we follow Christ the King and his mystical body.
Faithful Witness and the Grace of Holy Perseverance
Welcome and we will reflect on the scripture readings and historical saints honored today, and the themes and quotes that inspire our journey toward holiness. Let us take this time to deepen our understanding of God’s Word and the lives of His saints.
Epistle: Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 51:13-17
"When I was yet young, before I wandered about, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. I prayed for her before the temple, and unto the very end will I seek after her."
Reflection:
This reading speaks to the lifelong pursuit of wisdom, which is the knowledge and love of God. Just as St. Scholastica sought wisdom and holiness through prayer and devotion, we are reminded to seek wisdom through humility and perseverance in faith.

Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
"Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven be like to ten virgins, who, taking their lamps, went out to meet the bridegroom."
Reflection:
The parable of the wise and foolish virgins emphasizes the necessity of spiritual vigilance and preparation. St. Scholastica exemplified this vigilance through her life of prayer and consecration to God. The Gospel urges us to keep our lamps of faith burning brightly through prayer, penance, and good works.
St. Scholastica (480–543)
St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict, devoted her life to God as a consecrated virgin and abbess. She is known for her deep faith, especially the miraculous moment when her prayers brought a storm to keep her brother, St. Benedict, from leaving so they could continue their holy conversation.
Reflection:
St. Scholastica teaches us the power of prayer and the importance of desiring God above all things. Her unwavering love for God and her trust in His providence inspire us to seek Him with our whole hearts.
Spiritual Themes and Reflections
Theme: Holy Perseverance and Prayer
Today’s readings and the life of St. Scholastica remind us of the importance of persevering in prayer and preparing our souls for eternity.
Key Quotes for Reflection:
Ecclesiasticus 51:16: "I bowed down my ear a little, and received her." (A call to humility in the pursuit of wisdom.)
St. Scholastica to St. Benedict: "I asked you, and you would not listen. So I asked my God, and He did listen to me."
St. Augustine: "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."
Practical Suggestions:
Dedicate time daily to personal prayer and spiritual reading, imitating St. Scholastica's devotion.
Reflect on the parable of the wise virgins and examine areas where you can grow in spiritual preparedness.
Seek wisdom in your decisions, trusting in God's guidance and providence.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Reflection Question:
How can we better imitate the wise virgins by preparing our souls to meet the Bridegroom, Christ? Are we using our time and resources wisely to grow in holiness?
Practical Challenge:
Take time today to pray the Rosary, asking for the intercession of St. Scholastica to grow in prayer and holy perseverance.
Closing Prayer
Let us conclude with a prayer, asking for the intercession of St. Scholastica as we strive to live lives of wisdom, prayer, and holy vigilance.
Prayer:
"O God, who through the intercession of St. Scholastica didst grant her request through the power of her prayer, teach us to trust in Thee with unwavering faith and to persevere in prayer and holiness. May we always keep our lamps burning brightly, that we may one day enter the eternal banquet with Thee. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen."
Thank you for joining me today. Let us seek wisdom and persevere in prayer as we prepare our souls for eternity. May God bless you and guide you on your journey of faith. Until next time!"