Episode 2963: Steadfast in Grace - Morning Episode

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Mystici Corporis Christi — On the mystical body of Christ.

Steadfast in Grace: Wisdom from Scripture and the Saints
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Introduction:
Welcome to today’s episode, where we reflect on the sacred readings and the traditional feast days from the 1946 St. Andrew’s Missal for February 25, 2025. As we continue the journey through Septuagesima, preparing our hearts for Lent, today’s readings and saints remind us of perseverance, humility, and God’s abundant grace.
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Scripture Readings from the 1946 St. Andrew’s Missal
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 10:6-13
"Brethren: We should not covet evil things, as they also coveted. Neither become ye idolaters, as some of them: as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play... Wherefore he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall..."
🔹 Reflection: St. Paul warns us against falling into idolatry and sin, reminding us that the temptations we face are not unique, and that God always provides the strength to resist them. This is a powerful call to vigilance and trust in divine grace, especially as we approach Lent.
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Gospel: Luke 19:41-47
"And when Jesus drew near, seeing the city, He wept over it, saying: If thou also hadst known, and that in this thy day, the things that are to thy peace! But now they are hidden from thy eyes..."
🔹 Reflection: Our Lord weeps over Jerusalem, foreseeing its destruction due to the people's hardness of heart. This passage serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's grace and the need for true repentance. As we prepare for Lent, we should ask ourselves: Are we truly receptive to God’s call, or do we harden our hearts like Jerusalem?
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Traditional Feast Days – February 25
📜 St. Tarasius, Bishop and Confessor
St. Tarasius was the Patriarch of Constantinople (8th century) and played a crucial role in defending the veneration of holy images during the iconoclast controversy. He upheld the teachings of the Church against heretical opposition and worked tirelessly for reform within the clergy.
🕊️ Reflection on St. Tarasius:
In our modern world, where secularism seeks to erase sacred traditions, St. Tarasius stands as a model of unwavering faithfulness. His commitment to truth and sacred tradition reminds us to courageously defend the faith, even in the face of persecution.
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Themes & Quotes for the Day
Theme: Faithfulness in the Face of Trial
• "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved." – Matthew 24:13
• "Christ has no need of cowards." – St. Teresa of Ávila
• "Do not give in to sadness, for joy in the Lord is your strength." – Nehemiah 8:10
🔹 Reflection:
Like St. Tarasius, we are called to defend the truths of our faith without compromise. The readings today remind us that the path to holiness requires endurance and faithfulness. Whether it be resisting temptation, upholding Church tradition, or turning our hearts back to God, we must always seek His grace to remain steadfast.
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Conclusionary Prayer
O Lord,
You have given us the strength to endure trials and the grace to overcome temptation. Through the intercession of St. Tarasius, grant us unwavering faith, that we may stand firm in the face of worldly opposition. Open our hearts to Your truth, and may we never reject the call to holiness.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Closing Message
Thank you for joining today’s reflection on Scripture and the saints. As we draw closer to Lent, let us remain steadfast in faith, embracing the discipline that purifies our souls. May St. Tarasius intercede for us, and may Our Lady guide us to her Son.
Until next time, stay faithful, remain hopeful, and live in truth. God bless you.