Episode 1894: Humility and Strength Lessons from St. John Bosco and Fr. Ignatius

Humility and Strength: Lessons from St. John Bosco and Fr. Ignatius
Let’s delve into the wisdom of the ages to find guidance for modern life. The themes of humility and strength through the teachings of two influential figures in Catholicism: St. John Bosco and Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Jesus helps us do just that.
St. John Bosco once said, "Only God knows the good that can come about by reading one good Catholic book." This sentiment reminds us of the profound impact that even the smallest actions can have on our spiritual journey. Each word we read, each prayer we offer, has the potential to shape us in ways we may not fully comprehend.

Now for Fr Ignatius of the side of Jesus. Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, also known as Ignatius Spencer, was born George Spencer on December 21, 1799, into a prominent English family. His father was the 2nd Earl Spencer, and his mother was a sister of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. Despite his privileged upbringing, George felt a strong calling to religious life from a young age.

He entered the Anglican Church and became a clergyman, serving as a curate in various parishes. However, his spiritual journey led him to seek a deeper understanding of Christianity and a longing for unity among Christians. This quest for spiritual truth ultimately led him to convert to Catholicism in 1830.

After his conversion, George Spencer joined the Passionist Order in 1832, taking the religious name Ignatius of the Side of Jesus. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1833. Throughout his life, Father Ignatius was known for his deep prayer life, asceticism, and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Father Ignatius became a prominent figure in the Catholic Church in England, known for his missionary zeal and efforts to promote Catholicism in a predominantly Protestant country. He was a fervent advocate for the conversion of England and worked tirelessly to bring about Christian unity.

In addition to his missionary work, Father Ignatius was also known for his charitable endeavors, especially his work with the poor and marginalized. He founded several charitable organizations and sought to alleviate the suffering of those in need.

Father Ignatius Spencer died on October 1, 1864, at the age of 64. His life was marked by a deep commitment to Christ, a tireless dedication to spreading the Gospel, and a fervent desire for Christian unity. He was declared Venerable by the Catholic Church in 1966, recognizing his heroic virtue.
Now for Fr Ignatius statement:
“It almost always happens that interior sentiments of pride precede the commission of grievous sins. Peter was not aware of his own weakness. He preferred himself before others; he trusted in himself as though he were incapable of sinning, boasting that no temptation would separate him from Jesus. He would not even believe the assurance of his Divine Master, that he would deny him thrice. Deceived by this vain confidence in his own strength, he neglects to pray, and to have recourse to God; and God, in His justice, permits him to fall, in punishment of his pride. There is nothing more dangerous than to confide in our own strength, and trust to feelings of fervor. We are full of malice, and capable of committing the most enormous crimes, unless God supports us.”
Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Jesus
Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Jesus offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. He warns us that pride often precedes grievous sins, as illustrated by the story of Peter, who boasted of his loyalty to Jesus but ultimately denied him three times. Peter's downfall came from his overconfidence in his own strength, a lesson that resonates through the ages.
In a world that often celebrates self-reliance and individual achievement, it can be easy to fall into the trap of pride. We may believe that we are immune to temptation, that our faith is unshakeable. But as Fr. Ignatius reminds us, true strength comes from humility and reliance on God.
"It almost always happens that interior sentiments of pride precede the commission of grievous sins."

Traditional Catholic teaching acknowledges pride as one of the seven deadly sins, which is considered the root of all sins. Pride leads individuals to place themselves above God and others, resulting in a turning away from God's will and an inclination towards sin.

"Peter was not aware of his own weakness. He preferred himself before others; he trusted in himself as though he were incapable of sinning, boasting that no temptation would separate him from Jesus."

This refers to the biblical story of Peter's denial of Jesus, despite his earlier assertions of loyalty. From a traditional Catholic perspective, Peter's pride and overconfidence led him to trust in his own strength rather than relying on God's grace. This led to his downfall when faced with temptation.

"Deceived by this vain confidence in his own strength, he neglects to pray, and to have recourse to God; and God, in His justice, permits him to fall, in punishment of his pride."

This highlights the consequence of pride - neglecting prayer and reliance on God. In traditional Catholic theology, God permits the consequences of our actions, including our sins, as a just response to our choices. Peter's denial of Jesus serves as a lesson in the dangers of pride and the importance of humility and dependence on God.

"There is nothing more dangerous than to confide in our own strength, and trust to feelings of fervor. We are full of malice, and capable of committing the most enormous crimes, unless God supports us."

This reinforces the traditional Catholic belief in the fallen nature of humanity and the necessity of God's grace for salvation. It warns against relying solely on human strength or emotions, as they can lead individuals astray. Only through God's support and grace can humans avoid committing grave sins and live according to His will.

Overall, Fr. Ignatius' quote underscores the importance of humility, prayer, and reliance on God's grace in the spiritual life, as taught by traditional Catholic theology. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of pride and self-reliance, and the necessity of trusting in God's guidance and support.
St. John Bosco's words encourage us to seek wisdom and guidance in the teachings of the Church. By immersing ourselves in the rich tradition of Catholic literature, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's word.

So how can we apply these lessons to our own lives? First and foremost, we must cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing our own weaknesses and limitations. Instead of trusting in our own strength, we must turn to God in prayer, seeking His guidance and support.

Secondly, we can follow St. John Bosco's advice and immerse ourselves in the riches of Catholic literature. Whether it's the writings of the saints, the teachings of the Church, or the words of Scripture, each book we read has the potential to deepen our faith and transform our hearts.
As we journey through life, let us remember the wisdom of St. John Bosco and Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Jesus. Let us humbly acknowledge our dependence on God and seek strength in His word. And may we always be open to the good that can come about by reading one good Catholic book.

So go out there and promote those great traditional catholic writings to friends and family and convert somebody. Good Day!