Episode 2875: No Time to Waste: Living for God Today - 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.”

No Time to Waste: Living for God Today
Introduction
Welcome to today’s episode, where we reflect on the urgency of living a life of faith and perseverance. Inspired by the wisdom of St. Margaret of Hungary and the profound insights of Dom Lehody, we’ll explore how to overcome spiritual desolation and embrace the call to give God glory every moment of our lives.
We’ll also consider the lessons of Scripture and the examples of the saints, who show us the importance of perseverance in prayer and action, even in times of dryness and difficulty.
Let’s begin this journey of faith together.
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Segment 1: No Time to Waste
St. Margaret of Hungary gives us a challenging and inspiring reminder:
"Many of the people who look forward to a long life put off doing good works, since they think that they will have plenty of time before they die. As for me, I prefer to be among those who consider that they have no time to lose if they wish to give God all the glory that they can before they die."
This quote calls us to recognize the fleeting nature of life and the urgency of living for God now. How often do we fall into the trap of procrastination, convincing ourselves that there will always be time for prayer, good works, or reconciliation with God? St. Margaret challenges us to abandon this mindset and seize the present moment as an opportunity to glorify God.
The Epistle of James echoes this urgency:
"What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:14).
Life is fragile, and none of us knows how much time we have. The saints remind us to live with the end in mind, striving to store up treasures in heaven rather than wasting our days on fleeting earthly pursuits.
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Segment 2: Persevering Through Spiritual Dryness
Dom Lehody offers a comforting yet challenging perspective on spiritual desolation:
"The soldier remains at his post in spite of danger and fatigue; the ploughman bends over his furrow despite the inclemency of the weather."
This metaphor reminds us that perseverance is the hallmark of a faithful soul. Just as soldiers and farmers endure hardship to fulfill their duties, we are called to remain steadfast in our spiritual practices, even when we feel dry, distracted, or discouraged.
Dom Lehody reflects on St. Teresa of Avila’s perseverance:
"During long years, St. Teresa sought in vain for a little consolation in prayer. She persevered, however, and, as a reward, God inundated her soul with His favours, and raised her even to the heights of contemplation and of perfection."
This is a powerful lesson for us. In our prayer lives, we may experience times of fervor and peace, but also times of dryness and struggle. These seasons are not a sign of God’s absence but an invitation to trust Him more deeply. Our Lord Himself told St. Teresa:
"Be not afflicted, my daughter... hope in me and fear nothing."
When we remain faithful in prayer and good works despite difficulties, God draws closer to us and strengthens our souls.
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Segment 3: Hope in God and Fear Nothing
Scripture reassures us of God’s nearness and faithfulness:
"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18).
In the midst of spiritual struggles, we must remember that God never abandons us. He sees our efforts, our sacrifices, and our perseverance. As St. Margaret of Hungary reminds us, we are called to give God glory in every moment, trusting that He will supply the grace we need to endure.
Dom Lehody’s reflection also highlights the importance of embracing our crosses with love. Whether it is the cross of spiritual dryness, physical suffering, or daily challenges, we are called to unite our trials with Christ’s suffering. This transforms our struggles into opportunities for grace and growth in holiness.
The saints show us that perseverance is not easy, but it is always worth it. By remaining faithful, we open ourselves to the transforming power of God’s love, which can lead us to deeper intimacy with Him.
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Conclusion: Living for God Today
As we reflect on the urgency of living for God and the power of perseverance, let us take St. Margaret’s words to heart:
"I prefer to be among those who consider that they have no time to lose if they wish to give God all the glory that they can before they die."
Let us also draw strength from the promise Christ made to St. Teresa of Avila:
"Hope in me and fear nothing."
With these truths in mind, may we live each day as an opportunity to glorify God, trusting in His grace to sustain us through every challenge.
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Conclusion Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of this day and the call to glorify You in all that we do. Teach us to live with urgency, recognizing the fleeting nature of life and the importance of serving You with all our hearts.
Grant us the grace to persevere in prayer and good works, especially in times of dryness and struggle. Strengthen our faith and fill us with hope, knowing that You are always near to those who call on You.
Through the intercession of St. Margaret of Hungary and St. Teresa of Avila, may we embrace our crosses with love and trust, uniting them with the sacrifice of Your Son. Help us to live each day for Your glory, so that, when our time comes, we may rejoice with You for all eternity.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us in today’s reflection. May the Lord bless you and sustain you as you live for His glory. Until next time, God bless.