Episode 2248: The Desire to Suffer for Love of Christ - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints in heaven, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen”

Tonight we have a profound episode that explores the themes of humility, sacrificial love, and the divine calling in our lives.

Our discussion will be rooted in four powerful quotes. The first is from Proverbs 3:7: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil." The second is from St. Aloysius Gonzaga: "He who wishes to love God does not truly love Him, if he has not an ardent and constant desire to suffer for His sake." We will also reflect on a profound insight from Fulton Sheen, who wrote: "The fact that John the Baptist called Him the Lamb of God is most significant; He was neither the peoples’ lamb, nor the lamb of the Jews, nor the lamb of any human owner, but the Lamb of God. When the Lamb was finally sacrificed, it was not because He was a victim of those who were stronger than Himself, but rather because He was fulfilling His willing duty of love for sinners. It was not many who offered this sacrifice, although it was man who slew the victim; it was God Who gave Himself." Finally, we'll consider the majesty of God as expressed in Psalm 50:1: "The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting."

Join me as we explore how these teachings can inspire us to live with true wisdom, embrace sacrificial love, and heed the divine call in our lives.

Humility and True Wisdom
Proverbs 3:7 instructs us, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil." This verse emphasizes the importance of humility in our spiritual journey. In the Catholic tradition, true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord a deep reverence and awe for God's majesty and holiness. This humility leads us to recognize our limitations and our need for God's guidance.

Humility is not about belittling ourselves but about seeing ourselves rightly in relation to God. It calls us to submit our intellect and will to God's greater wisdom and to turn away from the pride and self-reliance that lead us into sin. By fearing the Lord and turning away from evil, we open our hearts to His grace and allow His wisdom to guide our lives.

The Desire to Suffer for Love of God
St. Aloysius Gonzaga's quote, "He who wishes to love God does not truly love Him, if he has not an ardent and constant desire to suffer for His sake," challenges us to consider the depth of our love for God. In Catholic spirituality, the willingness to suffer for God is seen as a profound expression of love. It reflects the self-giving love of Christ, who suffered and died for our salvation.

This desire to suffer for God's sake is not about seeking pain for its own sake but about embracing the sacrifices that come with living a life of fidelity to God. It is about uniting our sufferings with those of Christ and offering them for the salvation of souls. Such a desire transforms our suffering into a powerful act of love and a means of growing closer to God.

The Lamb of God and the Sacrifice of Love
Fulton Sheen's reflection on the Lamb of God reveals the depth of Christ's sacrificial love. "When the Lamb was finally sacrificed, it was not because He was a victim of those who were stronger than Himself, but rather because He was fulfilling His willing duty of love for sinners." This profound insight highlights that Christ's sacrifice was a voluntary act of love, not a tragic accident.

Jesus, the Lamb of God, willingly gave Himself for our salvation. His sacrifice was an act of perfect love and obedience to the Father. This understanding calls us to reflect on the nature of our own sacrifices. Are they offered freely and lovingly, in imitation of Christ, or are they given grudgingly? True love, as exemplified by Christ, involves a willingness to lay down our lives for others.

The Majestic Call of God
Psalm 50:1 proclaims, "The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting." This verse reminds us of God's sovereign power and His universal call to all creation. God's voice echoes throughout the world, calling each of us to respond to His love and to live according to His will.

As Catholics, we believe that God calls each of us by name and has a unique plan for our lives. Recognizing this call requires us to listen attentively to His voice in prayer and Scripture. It also requires us to be open to the movements of the Holy Spirit, guiding us in our daily decisions and actions.

Conclusion
As we conclude today's episode, let's remember the profound truths shared in our quotes. True wisdom begins with humility and the fear of the Lord. Our love for God is deepened and proven through our willingness to suffer for His sake. Christ, the Lamb of God, exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice of love, calling us to offer our lives freely and lovingly. And God's majestic call summons us to live according to His divine plan.

Thank you for joining me today, I hope today's discussion has inspired you to seek true wisdom, embrace sacrificial love, and listen attentively to God's call in your life. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you on the path of righteousness.

Stay faithful, stay humble, and keep walking in the light of Christ.