Episode 1976: The Agony in the Garden: Embracing the Chalice Surrendering to God's Will - Part 3

"Embracing the Chalice: Surrendering to God's Will"
Matthew 26:39. In this verse, Jesus prays in the garden of Gethsemane, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
Gethsemane is a place of anguish and agony, where Jesus, fully human yet fully divine, grapples with the weight of his impending crucifixion. In this verse, we witness his vulnerability as he pleads with the Father, expressing his desire for another path, if possible. The imagery of the cup symbolizes the suffering and sacrifice that await him.
From a traditional Catholic perspective, this moment in Gethsemane holds profound significance. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, confronts the reality of human suffering and death, experiencing fear and sorrow just as we do. Yet, in the midst of his anguish, he surrenders himself completely to the will of the Father.
The words, "Yet not as I will, but as you will," encapsulate the essence of authentic discipleship. Jesus models for us the perfect obedience and trust that we are called to emulate in our own lives. Even when faced with trials and uncertainties, we are called to surrender our will to the divine providence of God.
Moreover, Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane teaches us the power of honest and heartfelt prayer. He does not hide his emotions or suppress his feelings; rather, he lays them bare before the Father. In our own prayer lives, may we likewise approach God with sincerity and humility, trusting that he hears our every cry.
What did the great saints tell us about this Cry out from Christ to God the Father?
St. Augustine of Hippo:
"What Christ said in his prayer, 'Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as you will' (Matt. 26:39), he meant in his humanity. For, with the same human nature he had, he was also the immortal Son of God. So, it was according to his humanity, not his divinity, that he prayed and wished that the cup might pass from him."

St. Thomas Aquinas:
"Christ said these words as our head, in order to teach us to conform our will to God's will in all things. It is impossible for one to be a Christian without imitating Christ, because Christ is the way that leads to life. Therefore, whoever wishes to be a partaker of Christ's glory, must first suffer with him."
St. Padre Pio:
"It is necessary for every soul to conform its own will to the divine will in all things, whether in suffering or in consolations. We must always say, 'Thy will be done,' and let ourselves be guided by divine Providence, which always arranges everything for the best."
let's break down this quote by St. Padre Pio from a traditional Catholic perspective:
"It is necessary for every soul to conform its own will to the divine will in all things..."
From a traditional Catholic perspective, this statement reflects the fundamental principle of obedience to God's will. The Catholic Church teaches that God's will is perfect and encompasses all that is good and just. Therefore, it is essential for every soul to align its desires, choices, and actions with the divine will, seeking to do what is pleasing to God in every aspect of life.
"...whether in suffering or in consolations."
St. Padre Pio emphasizes that conforming to God's will is necessary not only in times of suffering but also in times of consolation. This highlights the importance of humility and trust in God's providence regardless of our circumstances. Whether we are experiencing joy or sorrow, success or failure, we are called to surrender ourselves entirely to God's will.
"We must always say, 'Thy will be done,'..."
This echoes the words of Jesus in the Lord's Prayer, where we pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." St. Padre Pio emphasizes the importance of continually submitting ourselves to God's will through prayer. This prayerful attitude acknowledges God's sovereignty over our lives and expresses our willingness to accept His plans and purposes for us.
"...and let ourselves be guided by divine Providence, which always arranges everything for the best."

St. Padre Pio reminds us of the doctrine of divine Providence, which teaches that God governs all things with wisdom and love for the ultimate good of His creation. Traditional Catholic teaching holds that even in the midst of trials and tribulations, God is present and actively working for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Therefore, we can trust that whatever circumstances we face, God's Providence is at work, leading us toward our ultimate fulfillment and salvation.
St. Padre Pio's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to conforming his will to the divine will. One notable instance where he exemplified this principle is in his acceptance of the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, which he bore for 50 years until his death in 1968.
In September 1918, while Padre Pio was praying in the friary of San Giovanni Rotondo, he received the stigmata - the wounds of Christ - on his hands, feet, and side. This phenomenon caused him immense physical suffering, as the wounds were painful and bled profusely. Despite the intense pain and discomfort, Padre Pio accepted this manifestation of the stigmata as a gift from God and embraced it as part of God's will for his life.

Throughout the remainder of his life, Padre Pio bore the stigmata with humility and obedience, offering his sufferings as a form of prayer and penance for the salvation of souls. He saw his wounds as a participation in the suffering of Christ and a means of sharing in Christ's redemptive work.
Padre Pio's acceptance of the stigmata and his willingness to endure the physical and spiritual trials associated with it exemplify his complete conformity to the divine will, as he embraced the suffering that God allowed him to experience for the sake of the greater good. His life serves as a powerful testimony to the principle he preached: to conform one's will to the divine will in all things, trusting in God's Providence even in the midst of suffering.
St. Padre Pio's life was filled with numerous instances where he demonstrated his commitment to conforming his will to the divine will. Here are a few more examples:
Spiritual Direction and Obedience: St. Padre Pio was known for his obedience to his superiors and spiritual directors within the Capuchin Order. Despite his extraordinary spiritual gifts and insights, he always submitted himself to the authority of his superiors, obeying their directives even when they were difficult or challenging.
Endurance of Physical Suffering: Beyond the stigmata, Padre Pio endured various physical ailments and sufferings throughout his life, including severe bouts of illness, chronic pain, and physical exhaustion. Despite these trials, he accepted them with patience and resignation, offering up his sufferings for the benefit of others and as a means of uniting himself more closely to Christ's passion.
Intercessory Prayer and Sacrifice: Padre Pio spent countless hours each day in prayer, interceding for the needs of others and offering sacrifices on their behalf. He willingly embraced the burden of praying for souls, often experiencing spiritual battles and attacks from the enemy as a result. Yet, he persevered in his mission, trusting in God's grace to sustain him.
Mystical Experiences: Throughout his life, Padre Pio experienced various mystical phenomena, including visions, ecstasies, and revelations. Despite these extraordinary experiences, he remained humble and obedient, always seeking to discern God's will and to live according to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Suffering Persecution and Misunderstanding: Padre Pio faced criticism, persecution, and misunderstanding from both within and outside the Church, especially regarding his mystical experiences and the stigmata. Despite the hardships and trials he endured, he remained steadfast in his faith and committed to serving God and others with love and humility.
These examples from St. Padre Pio's life highlight his unwavering dedication to conforming his will to the divine will in all circumstances. He lived a life of profound trust in God's providence, surrendering himself entirely to God's plan and offering his sufferings and sacrifices for the salvation of souls.
St. Padre Pio's quote and his life examples teach us the importance of aligning our will with God's will, entrusting ourselves to His loving Providence, and maintaining a spirit of humble submission and trust in all aspects of our lives as traditional Catholics.
As we reflect on Matthew 26:39, let us consider the depth of Jesus' love and obedience. He willingly drinks from the cup of suffering for the salvation of humanity, setting an example of selflessness and sacrifice for all time. May we, too, be willing to take up our crosses and follow him, knowing that in surrendering to the Father's will, we find true freedom and peace.
Thank you for joining us on today's episode and I hope you found inspiration and encouragement in our exploration of Matthew 26:39. Join us next time as we continue to journey deeper into the treasures of Scripture. Until then, may God bless you abundantly and grant you His peace and now go out and convert somebody. Good day!