Episode 2272: Doing God's Will - Morning Episode

Today’s episode will focus on three profound teachings: St. John Bosco’s view on health as a gift from God, Thomas à Kempis’ reflections on enduring trials and temptations, and Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 7:21 about the true path to the Kingdom of Heaven. Join us as we break down these teachings from a traditional Catholic perspective and discover how they can guide our spiritual journey.
"Health is God's great gift, and we must spend it entirely for Him. Our eyes should see only for God, our feet walk only for Him, our hands labor for Him alone; in short, our entire body should serve God while we still have the time. Then, when He shall take our health and we shall near our last day, our conscience will not reproach us for having misused it." — St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco’s teaching emphasizes that our physical health is a divine gift and a responsibility that we must use for God’s glory.
Health as a Gift from God: Health is not just a personal blessing but a divine trust. It is a resource we are given to serve God and others. Recognizing this helps us see our health not as a right, but as a stewardship from God.
Using Our Bodies for God’s Glory:
Our physical abilities our sight, our mobility, and our labor should be dedicated to serving God. This means using our talents and energy to live a life of virtue, charity, and service. By focusing our actions on God’s will, we honor the gift of health.
A Conscience Free from Regret:
When we use our health for God’s purposes, we can face our final days with a clear conscience, free from regret. Our efforts to live for God’s glory ensure that we have used our time and resources in the best possible way.
"We will never be free of trials and temptations as long as our earthly life lasts. For Job has said: 'Is not the life of human beings on earth a drudgery?' (Job 7:1).
What did Thomas a Kempis say?
“Therefore, we should always be on our guard against temptations, always praying that our enemy, the devil, 'who never sleeps but constantly looks for someone to devour.' (1 Pet 5:8), will not catch us off guard. No one in this world is so perfect or holy as not to have temptations sometimes. We can never be entirely free from them. Sometimes these temptations can be very severe and troublesome, but if we resist them, they will be very useful to us; for by experiencing them we are humbled, cleansed, and instructed. All the Saints endured tribulations and temptations and profited by them, while those who did not resist and overcome them fell away and were lost. There is no place so holy or remote where you will not meet with temptation, nor is there anyone completely free from it in this life; for in our body we bear the wounds of sin—the weakness of our human nature in which we are born." — Thomas à Kempis
Thomas à Kempis offers a realistic perspective on trials and temptations as integral aspects of our spiritual journey.
Enduring Trials and Temptations: According to Thomas à Kempis, trials and temptations are unavoidable in our earthly life. They are part of the human condition, as depicted in the story of Job, and are necessary for our spiritual growth.
Spiritual Benefits of Temptations: While temptations can be difficult, they also serve a purpose. They challenge us to grow in virtue, humility, and reliance on God. By overcoming them, we become more spiritually mature and closer to God.
Historical Examples: The Saints are our examples of how to handle trials and temptations. Their lives show us that through perseverance and faith, we can transform our struggles into opportunities for growth and holiness.
Scripture Reading:
Let’s now reflect on Matthew 7:21: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven."
This scripture teaches us that genuine faith is expressed through action, not just words.
The Will of the Father: Jesus emphasizes that entry into the Kingdom of Heaven is not guaranteed by mere verbal professions of faith. True discipleship requires living according to God’s will, which involves aligning our actions with His commandments and teachings.
Authentic Faith: Authentic faith is demonstrated by our deeds. It’s not enough to say “Lord, Lord” — we must also follow through with righteous actions, just as St. John Bosco and Thomas à Kempis teach us through their reflections on health and temptation.
Living Out the Faith: To do the will of the Father involves a life of integrity, where our beliefs are manifested in our actions. This means dedicating our health, enduring trials with patience, and living a life of service and love.
Conclusion:
As we wrap up today’s episode, let’s reflect on the teachings we’ve explored: using our health for God's glory, embracing trials as opportunities for growth, and understanding that true faith is shown through our actions.
St. John Bosco challenges us to dedicate our health to God’s service, while Thomas à Kempis teaches us to view trials as a path to spiritual growth. Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21 remind us that entering the Kingdom of Heaven requires more than words — it demands the willful practice of God’s commands.

Thank you for joining me today. May you find strength in your health, courage in your trials, and resolve in your pursuit of God’s will. Until next time, may your journey be blessed with grace and your path illuminated by faith. God bless.