Episode 1901: The Divine Duality: Embracing the Human and Divine in Catholic Faith

The Divine Duality: Embracing the Human and Divine in Catholic Faith
We will explore the profound intersection of humanity and divinity through the lens of traditional Catholic ideology. We will delve into the rich wisdom of St. Athanasius of Alexandria and the inspiring words of Mother Angelica.
Lets start with St. Athanasius, a towering figure in early Catholic church, he articulated a profound understanding of the nature of Jesus Christ. He said:
"Jesus' body was for Him not a limitation, but an instrument, so that He was both in it and in all things, and outside all things, resting in the Father above. At one and the same time—this is the wonder—as man He was a human life, and as Word He was sustaining the life of the universe, and as Son He was in constant union with the Father."
St. Athanasius emphasizes the profound mystery of the Incarnation—the belief that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took on human flesh and became fully man while remaining fully God. Let's break down the statement:

"Jesus' body was for Him not a limitation, but an instrument": This highlights the Catholic understanding that Jesus' physical body was not a restriction or hindrance to His divine nature but rather a tool through which He carried out His salvific mission. His human body served as the means through which He expressed His divinity and accomplished the redemption of humanity.

"so that He was both in it and in all things, and outside all things, resting in the Father above": This reflects the Catholic belief in the omnipresence of Jesus Christ. While He was physically present in His human body on Earth, He was also spiritually present everywhere, permeating all of creation, and dwelling in perfect communion with the Father in Heaven.

"At one and the same time—this is the wonder—as man He was a human life": This underscores the Catholic doctrine of the hypostatic union—the union of Jesus' divine and human natures in one person. Jesus was fully human, experiencing all aspects of human life, including birth, growth, emotions, and physical suffering.

"and as Word He was sustaining the life of the universe": Here, St. Athanasius refers to Jesus Christ as the Word (Logos), echoing the prologue of the Gospel of John, which identifies Jesus as the divine Word through whom all things were created. In Catholic theology, Jesus Christ sustains the universe through His divine power and continues to uphold all of creation.

"and as Son He was in constant union with the Father": This affirms the Trinitarian understanding of God as three persons in one divine essence—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, as the Son, shares an eternal and inseparable union with the Father, demonstrating the intimate relationship within the Trinity.
He described Jesus' body not as a limitation but as an instrument, through which He was simultaneously present in all things, outside all things, and resting in eternal union with the Father. This concept challenges our human comprehension, inviting us to contemplate the divine mystery of the Incarnation.
Overall, St. Athanasius' statement encapsulates fundamental aspects of Catholic belief regarding the nature of Jesus Christ: His dual nature as fully human and fully divine, His role in creation and redemption, and His eternal relationship within the Trinity.
Now for Mother Angelica, a modern-day beacon of faith, echoed this truth in her heartfelt reflections. She reminded us of the profound sacrifice of Jesus, who died for each one of us, paying a great price to redeem us. Through her words, we are invited to recognize our worth in the eyes of God and embrace our calling to holiness and compassion.
She said:
“See, you’re bought at a great price. We’re told that in Scripture over and over and over. Jesus died for you! And, because He bought you at a great price, you have to understand that you’re never alone. You are very, very special to God. But some of you who don’t understand that think that God doesn’t care. I get that feeling myself sometimes. I’ve said to Our Lord, “Look, don’t You care? Whose side are You on?” I have myself been disheartened. But, in spite of the difficulties within and without, I try to keep my eyes on Jesus and know that Our Lord and Savior loves me, knows me, and has chosen me to be great in His eyes – to be holy, to be saintly, to be compassionate, and to be good.”
Mother Angelica's words beautifully articulate several key aspects of the Catholic faith. Let's break down her statements and explore them from this perspective:

"See, you’re bought at a great price. We’re told that in Scripture over and over and over. Jesus died for you! And, because He bought you at a great price, you have to understand that you’re never alone."
Mother Angelica begins by emphasizing the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the redemption of humanity. This echoes the central tenet of Catholic belief in the salvific work of Christ. According to Catholic doctrine, Jesus' death on the cross atoned for the sins of humanity, offering the gift of salvation to all who accept it. By recognizing the great price paid for our redemption, Catholics are called to acknowledge the immense love and mercy of God and to find comfort in the assurance that we are never alone, for Christ is with us always.

"You are very, very special to God. But some of you who don’t understand that think that God doesn’t care. I get that feeling myself sometimes."
Mother Angelica acknowledges the struggles and doubts that many individuals face regarding their worthiness and God's love for them. From a traditional Catholic perspective, each person is indeed special and beloved in the eyes of God, created in His image and called to a unique relationship with Him. However, human frailty and the trials of life can lead to feelings of unworthiness or abandonment. It's a common experience for Catholics to grapple with doubts about God's care, but the teachings of the Church remind us of God's unchanging love and compassion, even in the midst of doubt and struggle.

"But, in spite of the difficulties within and without, I try to keep my eyes on Jesus and know that Our Lord and Savior loves me, knows me, and has chosen me to be great in His eyes – to be holy, to be saintly, to be compassionate, and to be good."
Here, Mother Angelica exemplifies a central aspect of Catholic spirituality: the call to persevere in faith and trust in God's promises, even amid life's challenges. Traditional Catholic teaching emphasizes the importance of fixing one's gaze on Jesus Christ, the source of our strength and hope. Through prayer, sacraments, and a life of virtue, Catholics seek to deepen their relationship with Christ and fulfill their vocation to holiness. Mother Angelica's words inspire Catholics to embrace their identity as beloved children of God and to strive for greatness in His eyes by living lives marked by holiness, compassion, and goodness.

In sum, Mother Angelica's reflections resonate deeply with traditional Catholic beliefs, reminding believers of the sacrificial love of Christ, the preciousness of each individual in God's sight, and the call to persevere in faith and virtue despite life's challenges.
But how do these insights intersect in our daily lives as Catholics? How do we reconcile the divinity of Christ with the struggles and challenges of our humanity? To explore these questions, let's consider the example of Mother Angelica herself.
Like many of us, Mother Angelica faced moments of doubt and discouragement. She candidly expressed her feelings of loneliness and questioned God's care. Yet, in the midst of her struggles, she clung to her faith, keeping her eyes fixed on Jesus. In doing so, she discovered a profound truth: that despite our weaknesses and doubts, God's love for us remains constant and unwavering.
This tension between our humanity and the divine love of God lies at the heart of the Catholic faith. It's a tension that invites us to embrace both our frailty and our potential for greatness. As St. Athanasius teaches us, Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine, offers us a glimpse into the infinite love and mercy of God.
So, as we journey through life, let us remember the words of St. Athanasius and Mother Angelica. Let us embrace the mystery of the Incarnation and the profound truth of God's love for each one of us. And let us strive to live lives of holiness, compassion, and faithfulness, knowing that we are never alone, for Jesus Christ walks with us every step of the way.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of "The Divine Duality." May God bless you and keep you in His love. Take this and then during lent go out there and convert somebody.