Episode 2047: Divine Humility: Path to Sacred Love

We delve deep into the wisdom of traditional Catholic teachings. Today, we embark on a journey guided by the profound words of St. Peter Damian, St. John of the Cross, and the Apostle Paul, as we explore the theme of humility and divine love.
St. Peter Damian, a Doctor of the Church, reminds us that in times of trial and tribulation, we must not lose hope. He encourages us to embrace serenity and joy, allowing the light of our spirit to shine forth even amidst adversity. This message is timeless, echoing the sentiments of countless saints who faced challenges with unwavering faith.
"Therefore, my brother, scorned as you are by men, lashed as it were by God, do not despair. Do not be depressed. Do not let your weakness make you impatient. Instead, let the serenity of your spirit shine through your face. Let the joy of your mind burst forth. Let words of thanks break from your lips."
let's break down this quote from a traditional Catholic perspective:

"Therefore, my brother, scorned as you are by men, lashed as it were by God, do not despair.": Here, the speaker acknowledges the hardships faced by the listener. They recognize that the listener may be scorned or rejected by society and experiencing difficulties that feel as though they are coming from God's hand. However, the speaker urges against despair, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope and faith in God's providence.

"Do not be depressed. Do not let your weakness make you impatient.": The speaker advises against falling into despondency or allowing one's weaknesses to lead to impatience. Instead, there is a call to resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. This aligns with the Catholic teaching of enduring trials with patience and trust in God's plan.

"Instead, let the serenity of your spirit shine through your face.": Despite the hardships, the speaker encourages the listener to maintain inner peace and serenity. This reflects the Catholic emphasis on cultivating inner peace through prayer, trust in God, and detachment from worldly concerns.

"Let the joy of your mind burst forth.": In the midst of adversity, the speaker urges the listener to cultivate joy in their mind. This joy is rooted in faith and trust in God's goodness, even when circumstances may seem bleak. It echoes the Catholic teaching that joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and can coexist with suffering.

"Let words of thanks break from your lips.": Gratitude is emphasized as a response to trials. Despite the challenges faced, the speaker encourages the listener to express gratitude to God for His blessings and for the opportunity to grow spiritually through adversity. This aligns with the Catholic practice of gratitude as an essential aspect of the spiritual life.
Overall, this quote encapsulates the traditional Catholic perspective on facing adversity with faith, hope, and gratitude, trusting in God's providence and maintaining inner peace and joy even in the midst of trials.
St. John of the Cross, renowned for his spiritual depth, provides us with further insight into the nature of our actions. He emphasizes that the quality of our deeds is not measured by their grandeur, but by the love with which they are performed. Whether big or small, every action becomes sanctified when it is infused with pure love for God and others.
Imagine the scene described by St. Bernard, where angels meticulously record the merits of each monk during their prayers. The symbolism behind this imagery is profound. It underscores the importance of fervor, goodwill, and attentiveness in our spiritual endeavors. Our actions are not merely observed by earthly eyes but are noted by heavenly beings, reflecting the eternal significance of our choices.
Yet, amidst the virtuous, there are those who remain indifferent or distracted, as depicted by the angels' sorrowful silence. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of spiritual neglect and the need for repentance and renewal.
Let's break down this quote from a traditional Catholic perspective:

“‘The Lord measures our perfection not by the number and greatness of the works we do for Him, but by our manner of doing them. And this manner is only the love of God with which, and for which, we do them.": This part emphasizes the importance of intention and motivation behind our actions. It's not merely the outward appearance or grandeur of our deeds that matter to God, but the love and purity of heart with which we perform them. This aligns with the Catholic teaching that even the smallest acts, when done with love for God and neighbor, have great merit in His eyes.
"They are more perfect as they are done with more pure and perfect love, and as they are less mingled with the thoughts of pleasure or praise in this life or the other (St. John of the Cross).’": St. John of the Cross highlights the significance of purity of intention. Actions done solely for the sake of pleasing God, without seeking personal gain or recognition, are considered more perfect in the eyes of God. This echoes Jesus' teachings on doing good deeds in secret (Matthew 6:1-4).
"When St. Bernard was assisting one night at Matins, he saw some angels who were carefully noting down the merit of each of the monks.": This part of the quote provides a vivid imagery of St. Bernard witnessing angels observing the monks during their prayers. It symbolizes the divine scrutiny over human actions and intentions.
"The merit of those who were praying with much fervor, they set down in golden characters; of those with less fervor, in silver characters; of those with good will, but without affection, in ink; of those with sloth and drowsiness, in water.": The angels' method of recording the monks' merits illustrates the varying degrees of fervor, goodwill, and commitment in their prayers. This imagery underscores the importance of sincerity and devotion in spiritual practices.
"But as to those who were in mortal sin or voluntarily distracted, they wrote nothing, but, standing motionless, they lamented their blindness.”: The angels' response to those in mortal sin or voluntary distraction signifies the absence of merit in their actions due to their spiritual state. Instead of recording their deeds, the angels express sorrow over their spiritual blindness, highlighting the grave consequences of sin and spiritual negligence.
Overall, this quote emphasizes the centrality of love, purity of intention, and sincerity in our actions from a traditional Catholic perspective. It underscores the idea that true spiritual merit comes not from the external display of religious practices but from the interior disposition of the heart.
As we use these teachings, let us turn to Scripture, specifically 1 Corinthians 1:26-29.
"Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God."
The Apostle Paul reminds us of God's remarkable way of working through the seemingly insignificant and the lowly. It is through humility that God chooses to reveal His power and wisdom, confounding the proud and exalting the humble.
Reflecting on these passages, we are called to embrace humility and love as the guiding principles of our lives. Whether in times of triumph or adversity, let us remember that our worthiness is not determined by worldly standards but by our willingness to surrender to God's will and to love unconditionally.
Let's break down this quote from 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 from a traditional Catholic perspective:

"Consider your own calling, brothers.": The passage begins with an exhortation to reflect on one's own vocation or calling. In the context of traditional Catholicism, this could refer to one's baptismal call to holiness, as well as any specific vocations such as priesthood, religious life, or marriage.

"Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.": Here, St. Paul highlights the humility of those to whom he is writing. He reminds them that according to worldly standards, they were not esteemed highly. This underscores the theme of God's preference for the humble and lowly.
"Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong.": St. Paul contrasts human wisdom and strength with God's criteria for selection. God's ways are often contrary to human expectations. He often chooses those who are considered foolish or weak by the world's standards to accomplish His purposes, thereby demonstrating His power and wisdom.

"And God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something.": This emphasizes God's preference for the lowly and despised. He selects individuals from humble backgrounds or marginalized communities to fulfill His divine plan. Through their lives and actions, God reveals the emptiness of human pride and worldly accomplishments.
"So that no human being might boast before God.": The ultimate purpose of God's choice of the humble and weak is to prevent anyone from boasting in their own achievements before God. In traditional Catholic theology, boasting or pride is seen as a sin that separates us from God's grace. By choosing the lowly and despised, God reminds us of our dependence on Him and the need for humility in our relationship with Him and others.

Overall, this passage highlights the traditional Catholic understanding of God's preference for the humble and lowly, as well as the importance of humility and dependence on God in the spiritual life. It challenges us to reevaluate our values and priorities in light of God's kingdom
As we conclude our reflection, let us pray for the grace to cultivate humility and love in our hearts, following the example of the saints who have gone before us. May we, like them, shine forth as beacons of hope and instruments of God's mercy in a world yearning for His light.
Thank you for joining me and until next time, may God bless you abundantly with His grace and peace. Now go out and convert somebody.