Episode 2019: Embracing Divine Will: A Journey to Sanctification

We will be delving into the essence of faith, surrender, and the pursuit of sanctification through the lens of traditional Catholicism.
Our journey begins with a poignant quote from St. Andrew Kim Taegon, a martyr who fervently urged believers to remain steadfast in their faith. He implored us to persevere so that we may all reach heaven and rejoice together. These words echo through the corridors of time, reminding us of the eternal destination that awaits those who cling to the promises of Christ.
He said:
"I urge you to remain steadfast in faith, so that at last we will all reach heaven and there rejoice together."
"I urge you to remain steadfast in faith..."
This part emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in the life of a Catholic. Faith is the foundation of the Christian life, and remaining steadfast in it means trusting in God's promises, teachings, and commandments even in the face of challenges, doubts, or trials. Traditional Catholics believe in holding fast to the doctrines and teachings of the Church, as passed down through Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium.

"...so that at last we will all reach heaven..."
Here, the quote emphasizes the ultimate goal of the Christian life: attaining salvation and reaching heaven. In traditional Catholic theology, heaven is the eternal dwelling place of God where souls experience the fullness of joy and union with Him. It's the ultimate destination for every faithful believer, and it's attained through living a life of holiness, obedience to God's commandments, and cooperation with His grace.
"...and there rejoice together."
This part underscores the communal aspect of salvation. Traditional Catholics believe in the communion of saints, which includes the fellowship of all the faithful, both living and deceased, united in Christ. Reaching heaven isn't just an individual achievement but a communal one. In heaven, believers rejoice together in the presence of God, experiencing the fullness of love, joy, and peace in eternal communion with one another.

Overall, this quote from St. Andrew Kim Taegon encapsulates the traditional Catholic perspective on the importance of steadfast faith, the pursuit of salvation, and the communal joy of reaching heaven together. It serves as a reminder to persevere in faith amidst life's challenges, always keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal reward of heaven.
As Catholics, we are called to embrace the divine will in every aspect of our lives. This sentiment is beautifully articulated by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade, who reminds us that true satisfaction and sanctification can only be found in aligning our will with that of God's. He teaches us that if we are dissatisfied with the divine action of each present moment, we risk being unable to find happiness in anything else.
I spoke about the good Father and his background in a previous episode and so let me provide his quote:
“The soul that does not attach itself solely to the will of God will find neither satisfaction nor sanctification in any other means, however excellent by which it may attempt to gain them. If that which God Himself chooses for you does not content you, from whom do you expect to obtain what you desire? …It is only just, therefore, that the soul that is dissatisfied with the divine action for each present moment should be punished by being unable to find happiness in anything else.”
"The soul that does not attach itself solely to the will of God will find neither satisfaction nor sanctification in any other means, however excellent by which it may attempt to gain them."
This part emphasizes the centrality of God's will in the life of a soul. In traditional Catholic theology, the ultimate purpose of human life is to align one's will with the will of God. This alignment brings satisfaction and sanctification, meaning fulfillment and holiness, respectively. Essentially, true satisfaction and sanctification can only be found by seeking and conforming to the will of God in all aspects of life.
"If that which God Himself chooses for you does not content you, from whom do you expect to obtain what you desire?"
Here, the quote challenges the soul to trust in God's providence and wisdom. Traditional Catholics believe that God, being all-knowing and all-loving, knows what is best for each individual. Thus, if a person is dissatisfied with what God has chosen for them, they are essentially questioning God's wisdom and seeking fulfillment from sources other than God Himself.

"It is only just, therefore, that the soul that is dissatisfied with the divine action for each present moment should be punished by being unable to find happiness in anything else."
This part underscores the consequences of rejecting God's will. In traditional Catholic teaching, turning away from God's will leads to spiritual consequences. If a soul is dissatisfied with God's actions in the present moment and seeks happiness elsewhere, it will ultimately find itself unable to find true happiness or fulfillment. This can be understood as a form of spiritual punishment resulting from the soul's rejection of God's loving plan.
Overall, this quote highlights the importance of embracing and submitting to God's will as the path to true satisfaction, sanctification, and happiness in the traditional Catholic perspective. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's will and the necessity of trusting in His wisdom and providence.
Now, reflecting on these profound words, we are drawn to the wisdom of Psalm 86:4-7, where the psalmist cries out to the Lord, lifting up their soul in prayer and supplication. In the face of trouble and uncertainty, the psalmist finds solace in the goodness, forgiveness, and steadfast love of God.
Lets read the psalm:
"Gladden the soul of thy servant, for to thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, O Lord, art good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on thee. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; hearken to my cry of supplication. In the day of my trouble I call on thee, for thou dost answer me."
In our modern world filled with distractions and temptations, it's easy to lose sight of the importance of embracing divine will. Yet, as Catholics, we are called to surrender ourselves entirely to God, trusting in His providence and wisdom.
As we navigate the challenges of life, let us remember the words of St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade, and the psalmist. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God's plan for our lives and finding true satisfaction and sanctification in His divine will.
Thank you for joining me today. May God bless you and keep you always in His loving care. Until next time, stay faithful and may the peace of Christ be with you and so go out and convert somebody.