Episode 2933: True Happiness and the Witness of Christ - 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.”
True Happiness and the Witness of Christ
Welcome to today’s episode, where we explore the reality of suffering, the promise of eternal joy, and the responsibility we have as Catholics to reflect Christ in our daily lives.
The world constantly tells us that happiness is found in comfort, success, and self-fulfillment. But Our Lady of Lourdes gave a far different message to St. Bernadette when she appeared in 1858:
“I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the next.”
In contrast to the world’s fleeting joys, Our Lady reminds us that our true happiness is not found here, but in eternity with Christ.
Yet, while we journey through this valley of tears, we are called to be a visible sign of Christ’s presence. Fr. Josemaría Escrivá reminds us of this when he says:
“May your behavior and your conversation be such that everyone who sees or hears you can say: This man reads the life of Jesus Christ.”
These two truths seeking eternal happiness and bearing witness to Christ are inseparably linked. Today, we will reflect on how we are to live in a world that often rejects suffering while striving to be an unmistakable reflection of Our Lord.
The Promise of Eternal Happiness
When Our Lady of Lourdes spoke to St. Bernadette, she did not promise her comfort, healing, or an easy life. She did not assure her of worldly happiness, only eternal joy.
This is a difficult message for modern ears. In a world where suffering is seen as an obstacle to be avoided at all costs, Our Lady’s words remind us of Christ’s own:
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
Happiness in this life is uncertain. We may experience moments of joy, but we will also face trials, loss, and suffering. Our Lady, however, directs our eyes to heaven, to the Beatific Vision where true happiness is found.
Consider St. Bernadette herself. She suffered from chronic illness, poverty, and even rejection by those who doubted her visions. Yet she accepted these sufferings with peace, knowing that her reward was not in this world but in the next.
If we are to follow Christ, we too must embrace this reality. We must not chase worldly happiness at the expense of our souls. Instead, we must live in hopeful anticipation of the joy that will never fade the joy of heaven.
Reflecting Christ in a Fallen World
While we wait for eternal happiness, we are not called to passively endure life but to be witnesses of Christ. Fr. Josemaría Escrivá challenges us to live in such a way that others recognize the presence of Christ in us.
Can people look at our lives and say, “This man reads the life of Jesus Christ”?
To reflect Christ in the world means that our actions, words, and demeanor must be a living testimony of the Gospel. It is not enough to claim to be Catholic we must live as Catholics in every aspect of our lives.
• In a world that seeks pleasure, we must embrace sacrifice.
• In a society filled with division, we must show charity.
• In times of despair, we must radiate hope.
We are called to be living Gospels not just in moments of prayer, but in how we treat our families, co-workers, and even strangers.
One of the greatest witnesses we can give is holy perseverance in suffering. When we bear trials with faith and offer them to God, we become a sign of contradiction in a world that avoids suffering at all costs.
Living with Heaven in Mind
So, how do we live out these truths?
1. Accept Suffering with Faith – Instead of resenting trials, we must see them as opportunities to unite ourselves to Christ. St. Bernadette once said, “Why must we suffer? Because here below pure love cannot exist without suffering.”
2. Live as a Reflection of Christ – Let our daily lives be a witness to the Gospel. Through humility, charity, and unwavering faith, we should be a light in a dark world.
3. Fix Our Eyes on Heaven – The trials of this life are temporary. Our Lady’s promise was not for fleeting happiness but for eternal joy. Let us never lose sight of our final destination.
Conclusion & Final Prayer
As we close this episode, let us turn to Our Lady of Lourdes, asking for the grace to persevere in suffering and to be a true reflection of Christ in the world.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, you who did not promise us happiness in this world but in the next, intercede for us as we journey through this life. Teach us to bear our sufferings with patience, to fix our hearts on heaven, and to reflect the light of Christ to all we meet. May our words and actions lead souls to Him, and may we never lose sight of the eternal joy that awaits us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. Until next time, may we live as true disciples of Christ, with our hearts set on heaven and our lives proclaiming His truth. God bless you.