Episode 2053: Living in Total Submission to God's Will

You can find Jeanne Smiths article on Dignitas Infinita at:

https://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2024/04/counterpoint-dignitas-infinita-as.html

Join us in this episode as we explore the profound wisdom of St. Angela Merici and Fr. Thomas Dubay, two eminent figures in Catholic spirituality, as they guide us in understanding the essence of living in total submission to God's will. Drawing upon the timeless truths of scripture, particularly Deuteronomy 6:5-9, we delve into the importance of cultivating a steadfast faith and readiness to receive God's grace through prayer.
St. Angela Merici encourages us to make a resolute commitment to submit ourselves entirely to God's will, embracing whatever tasks He entrusts to us with unwavering faith and perseverance until the very end.
She said:
"You must make a sound and firm resolution to submit yourselves totally to His will and, with a lively and steadfast faith, to receive from Him what you have to do for love of Him. And in this (whatever may happen) to persevere with constancy to the very end." St. Angela Merici
The Call to Submission
"Sound and firm resolution": This emphasizes the importance of a deliberate and unwavering choice to submit oneself to God's will. It's not a fleeting decision but a commitment that guides your life.
"Submit yourselves totally": This speaks to complete surrender to God's plan, trusting that He knows what's best for you, even if it doesn't always align with your desires.

Living Faith
"With a lively and steadfast faith": Submission isn't about blind obedience. It requires a vibrant faith that actively seeks God and trusts in His love and wisdom.
"Receive from Him what you have to do for love of Him": Here, St. Angela emphasizes that God reveals His will to those who seek Him. Through prayer, reflection, and living a Sacramental life, we become more attuned to what God desires for us. Ultimately, following His will is an act of love, expressing our gratitude for His blessings.
Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
"And in this (whatever may happen)": This acknowledges that life throws challenges our way. Following God's will doesn't guarantee an easy path.
"Persevere with constancy to the very end": St. Angela reminds us of the importance of perseverance. There will be times when following God's will feels difficult, but we are called to remain constant in our faith and commitment.
Connecting it to Catholic Teachings
This quote aligns with the Catholic belief in God's providence, that He has a loving plan for each person's life.
Submission to God's will is also linked to the concept of vocation, the call that God places on each of us to live a life of purpose, which could involve religious life, marriage, or any other path that allows us to glorify God.
The perseverance mentioned by St. Angela is a reflection of the importance of Christian virtues like hope and fortitude, which help us navigate life's difficulties.
Overall
St. Angela Merici's quote is a call to live a life centered on God's will. It's a life built on faith, trust, and unwavering commitment, even when the path gets tough. By following this path, we experience true fulfillment and a deeper connection with God.
Now lets move to Fr Thomas Dubay but let me first explain who he was:
Father Thomas Dubay was a Catholic priest, author, and spiritual director known for his profound writings on prayer, spirituality, and contemplative life. Here's a brief biography:
Father Thomas Dubay was born on September 28, 1921, in Michigan, United States. He joined the religious congregation of the Servants of the Paraclete and was ordained a priest in 1950. He pursued further studies in theology and philosophy, earning a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Throughout his life, Father Dubay was deeply committed to helping others deepen their spiritual lives through prayer and contemplation. He taught theology and served as a spiritual director for many individuals, guiding them in their journey towards God.

One of Father Dubay's most significant contributions to spiritual literature is his series of books on prayer and contemplation. His works include titles such as "Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the Gospel—On Prayer," "Deep Conversion/Deep Prayer," and "The Evidential Power of Beauty: Science and Theology Meet." These books delve into the mystical tradition of the Catholic Church, drawing from the wisdom of saints like Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, and offer practical guidance for deepening one's relationship with God through prayer.
Father Dubay was also a prolific speaker, traveling extensively to give retreats and lectures on spirituality and prayer. His teachings were characterized by their clarity, depth, and profound insights into the spiritual life.
Father Thomas Dubay passed away on September 26, 2010, leaving behind a rich legacy of spiritual wisdom that continues to inspire and guide seekers of God to this day. His writings and teachings remain influential in the Catholic Church and beyond, touching the lives of countless individuals seeking a deeper relationship with God through prayer and contemplation.
He said:
“God gives prayer growth precisely according to our degree of readiness for it. He forces no one. According as we are more or less receptive, He bestows more or less depth of communion. In the same manner, five hundred people in a parish church all hear the same sound waves during the homily, but they profit from it exactly as they are or are not disposed for the message. Jesus taught the same truth in his parable of the sower: from the word of God some hearers yield nothing at all, while others yield thirty or sixty or a hundredfold.”
Fr. Thomas Dubay's quote reflects the understanding of prayer and spiritual growth as deeply intertwined with the disposition and receptivity of the individual. Let's break it down:
God's Role in Prayer Growth: According to traditional Catholic theology, God is the ultimate source of all spiritual growth and development. Fr. Dubay emphasizes that God is the one who gives growth to prayer. This growth is not arbitrary but precisely according to the readiness or receptivity of the individual.
Freedom of Will: Fr. Dubay highlights that God does not force anyone to grow in prayer or spiritual depth. He respects human freedom and allows individuals to choose whether or not to engage in prayer and spiritual practices. This aligns with the Catholic belief in the dignity of human free will.
Individual Receptivity: The depth of communion with God in prayer depends on the individual's receptivity. Some people may be more open and disposed to receiving God's grace, leading to deeper communion in prayer, while others may be less receptive.
Parable of the Sower: Fr. Dubay references Jesus' parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23), where Jesus illustrates how different people respond to the word of God. Just as the seed falls on various types of soil producing different yields, the word of God affects people differently based on their receptivity and openness.

Homily Analogy: Fr. Dubay uses the analogy of a homily being heard by a congregation to illustrate how people respond differently to spiritual messages. Despite everyone hearing the same words, the degree to which they benefit from it varies depending on their disposition and readiness to receive the message.
Overall, Fr. Dubay's quote underscores the importance of personal disposition, receptivity, and openness to God's grace in prayer and spiritual growth, echoing key principles of traditional Catholic spirituality.
Fr. Thomas Dubay elucidates the dynamic nature of prayer growth, emphasizing that God grants spiritual depth and communion in proportion to our receptivity and readiness to receive His grace.
Let us transition to Scripture Verse: Deuteronomy 6:5-9 reminds us of the paramount importance of loving God wholeheartedly, teaching His commandments diligently to future generations, and integrating His Word into every aspect of our lives.
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:5-9
This passage from Deuteronomy is often referred to as the "Shema," which is a central prayer in Judaism, affirming the oneness of God. Here's a breakdown of the verse from a traditional Catholic perspective:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might": This commandment emphasizes the total devotion and love that believers should have for God. It's not just about outward actions but involves the entirety of one's being – heart, soul, and strength. This echoes the Greatest Commandment spoken by Jesus in the New Testament.
"And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart": This signifies the importance of internalizing God's commandments, letting them guide one's thoughts, desires, and intentions. It's about making God's word a fundamental part of one's inner life.

"And you shall teach them diligently to your children": Passing down the faith from one generation to the next is crucial in Catholic tradition. Parents are entrusted with the responsibility of educating their children in the ways of God, ensuring that the knowledge and love of God are transmitted through the family.
"And shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise": This emphasizes the continual nature of teaching and learning about God. Faith is not just for certain times or places but permeates every aspect of life from everyday conversations at home to moments of rest and activity.
"And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes": This imagery suggests the importance of keeping God's commandments close at hand and always before one's eyes, symbolizing a constant awareness and mindfulness of God's presence and teachings.
"And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates": This signifies the outward manifestation of one's faith, making it visible to others. It's a reminder that the home should be a place where God's commandments are honored and respected, and where His presence is welcomed.
Overall, this passage highlights the holistic nature of the Catholic faith, encompassing both internal devotion and outward expression, as well as the importance of passing down the faith through generations and integrating it into every aspect of life.
In this episode, we'll explore how these teachings intersect and inspire us to deepen our relationship with God, surrendering ourselves completely to His divine will, and allowing His grace to transform us from within. Whether you're seeking to strengthen your prayer life, grow in faith, or simply draw closer to God, this podcast offers timeless insights rooted in the rich tradition of Catholic spirituality. Join us as we journey together in living out the call to love and serve the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might.