Episode 2961: Endurance in the Faith - Morning Episode

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Book Recommendation of the Day
Pope Pius XI
Casti Connubii : On Christian marriage.

Put Lady of Mount Carmel experience
Endurance in the Faith
Pre-lent, we prepare our hearts for the discipline and purification of Lent. Today’s readings and feast day reflections offer us encouragement in perseverance, faith, and the necessity of God’s grace.
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 10:1-5
"Brethren: Know you not that they that run in the race, all run indeed, but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may obtain. And every one that striveth for the mastery refraineth himself from all things: and they indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one..."
🔹 Reflection: St. Paul exhorts us to spiritual discipline, likening the Christian life to an athlete in training. Just as an athlete exercises self-control and endurance to win a prize, so too must we train our souls for the eternal reward of Heaven.
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Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16 (Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard)
"The kingdom of heaven is like to an householder, who went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard..."
🔹 Reflection: This parable teaches us about God's generous mercy. Whether we serve Him from youth or come to Him late in life, the reward remains the same—eternal life with Him. It is a reminder that our salvation is not earned but a gift of divine grace.
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Traditional Feast Days – February 24
📜 St. Matthias, Apostle (Commemoration)
St. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles (Acts 1:15-26). He bore witness to Christ and preached the Gospel with zeal, ultimately receiving the crown of martyrdom. His life reminds us of God’s providence in filling the void left by those who fall away, and that all of us are called to remain faithful to our mission in the Church.
🕊️ Reflection on St. Matthias:
St. Matthias was not chosen by men but by God through the Apostles' casting of lots, showing us that divine election surpasses human ambition. His steadfastness in following Christ reminds us to remain faithful, especially in times of trial.
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Themes & Quotes for the Day
Theme: Perseverance and the Reward of the Faithful
• "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved." – Matthew 24:13
• "The way of the Cross is the royal road to Heaven." – St. Louis de Montfort
• "Run so that you may obtain!" – 1 Corinthians 9:24
🔹 Reflection: As we approach Lent, these words call us to a renewed spirit of sacrifice and perseverance. Like the laborers in the vineyard, we must work diligently for the Lord, trusting in His just reward.
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Conclusionary Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Grant us the endurance to run the race set before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Christ. Through the intercession of St. Matthias, may we remain steadfast in faith, never losing heart in our labor for Your kingdom. Strengthen our souls with the grace of perseverance, and prepare us for the holy season of Lent.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Closing Message
Thank you for joining us today as we meditate on God’s word and the wisdom of the saints. Let us continue to prepare our hearts for Lent, embracing the discipline that leads us to eternal joy. May St. Matthias intercede for us, and may the Blessed Virgin guide us ever closer to her Son.
Until next time, remain steadfast in faith, hopeful in love, and unwavering in truth. God bless you.