Episode 2952: The Call to Holiness - Morning Episode

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Glorius Rosary
Book Recommendation of the Day
St. Louis de Montfort
The Secret of the Rosary — A beautiful guide to praying the Rosary with devotion.

I want to open with something I think is both telling and courageous.
"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3020 urging North Dakota to acknowledge the Kingship of Jesus Christ over all the world so that this great state may at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace, and harmony."
The resolution was introduced by Representatives Rios, Christianson, Henderson, Holle, Hoverson, Morton, Nehring, VanWinkle, K. Anderson, J. Johnson, and Senators Walen and Weston.
However, on February 18, 2025, the North Dakota House voted 59-31 against adopting the resolution.
The proposal faced criticism for its overt religious content and potential violation of the constitutional principle of separation between church and state.
Ultimately, the resolution was defeated in the House and did not advance to the Senate.
The Call to Holiness
Today, February 19, 2025, we reflect on the lessons Holy Mother Church presents to us, drawing closer to Christ through faith and perseverance.
1946 St. Andrew’s Missal
(Violet Vestments – Time of Preparation for Lent)
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
"If I should speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
St. Paul speaks of the primacy of charity above all virtues. No matter how much knowledge, faith, or even miraculous gifts one possesses, if charity is lacking, it is all in vain. As we prepare for Lent, this reading calls us to examine our hearts are we truly loving God and neighbor, or are we simply following external observances without true interior conversion?
Gospel: Luke 18:31-43
"Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things shall be accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the Son of man."
Christ foretells His Passion to the Apostles, yet they do not understand. However, in the same passage, a blind man cries out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" and is healed because of his faith. This contrast is striking those closest to Jesus do not grasp His mission, while a humble blind man, recognizing his need, receives sight both physically and spiritually.
Traditional & Historical Saints Commemorated on February 19
• St. Barbatus of Benevento (Bishop, Confessor – 682): A courageous bishop who converted many from superstition, he led his flock with firm faith, teaching them to abandon idolatry and embrace the true worship of God.
• St. Conrad of Piacenza (Hermit, Franciscan – 1351): A nobleman who left his worldly life behind to embrace penance and prayer as a hermit, seeking solitude in Christ. His life reminds us of the need for detachment and contemplation.
Theme & Reflection of the Day
The key theme today is spiritual vision versus blindness. In the Gospel, the disciples are blind to Christ’s mission, but the humble beggar, through faith, receives sight.
This calls us to self-examination:
• Are we spiritually blind to the truth that Christ is presenting to us in our daily lives?
• Are we truly living out the virtue of charity, or are we merely performing outward religious acts without true conversion of heart?
St. Barbatus teaches us to abandon idolatry not just of pagan gods but of modern-day idols: wealth, power, and comfort. St. Conrad reminds us that detachment from the world leads to greater union with Christ.

As we approach Lent, today’s readings urge us to ask: Are we ready to follow Christ to Jerusalem, to the Cross, and ultimately to the Resurrection?
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Quote of the Day
"The soul does not grow in holiness except by suffering and love." – St. Conrad of Piacenza
This wisdom reminds us that suffering accepted with love purifies the soul. Are we embracing our daily crosses with the same spirit?
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Concluding Prayer
O Lord, open our eyes, that we may see Your truth and recognize Your hand in our lives. Give us the faith of the blind man who cried out to You, and the courage of St. Barbatus to reject falsehood and idolatry. May the example of St. Conrad inspire us to seek solitude in You and grow in charity.
As we prepare for Lent, fill our hearts with love for You and our neighbor, that we may walk the path of holiness with sincerity and devotion.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
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Closing:
Thank you for joining today’s reflection. May Our Lord bless you and Our Lady guide you in the days ahead. Until tomorrow, keep the faith and walk in holiness!