Episode 2293: Obedience from Fear vs. Joy - Morning Episode

In today's episode, we will delve into the themes of spiritual joy, the true nature of obedience, and the protective strength found in God’s name. Our reflections are guided by the insightful words of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis de Sales, and the book of Proverbs. Let’s embark on this journey to uncover the deeper meanings behind these teachings from a traditional Catholic perspective.
"What are the servants of God if not his minstrels, who must move people's hearts and lift them up to spiritual joy?" — St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi’s words remind us of the joy and inspiration that God’s servants are called to bring to the world.
Servants as Minstrels: St. Francis likens the servants of God to minstrels, musicians who bring joy and uplift spirits. This imagery emphasizes the role of Christians in spreading spiritual joy and hope through their actions and words.
Moving Hearts to Spiritual Joy: The primary mission of God’s servants is to touch hearts and elevate them towards a higher, spiritual joy. This joy is not fleeting but rooted in the love and grace of God.
Embodying Joy in Service: St. Francis exemplified this joyful service through his life of simplicity, love for nature, and care for the poor. He understood that true joy comes from living out the Gospel and serving others with a joyful heart.
Application in Daily Life: We can apply this teaching by striving to be sources of joy and inspiration in our communities. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing our faith, or simply being present for others, we can lift up hearts and spread God’s love.
"Many men keep the commandments in the way sick men take medicine: more from fear of dying in damnation than for joy of living according to our Savior’s will. Just as some persons dislike taking medicine, no matter how pleasant it is, simply because it is called medicine, so there are some souls who hold in horror things commanded simply because they are commanded . . . On the contrary, a loving heart loves the commandments. The more difficult they are, the sweeter and more agreeable it finds them, since this more perfectly pleases the Beloved and gives Him greater honor." — St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales offers a profound insight into the nature of true obedience to God’s commandments.
Obedience from Fear vs. Joy: He contrasts two attitudes towards the commandments: obedience out of fear and obedience out of love. While fear-based obedience is akin to reluctantly taking medicine, love-based obedience finds joy in fulfilling God’s will.
Dislike of Commandments: Some people resist the commandments simply because they perceive them as restrictive. This attitude overlooks the deeper spiritual benefits and the joy that comes from living according to God’s will.
Loving Heart: A loving heart embraces the commandments, finding sweetness and satisfaction even in the difficult ones. This is because obeying God’s will is seen as a way to honor and please Him more perfectly.
Application in Daily Life: We are encouraged to examine our attitudes towards God’s commandments. By cultivating a loving heart, we can transform our approach to obedience, finding joy and fulfillment in living according to God’s will rather than seeing it as a burdensome duty.
Scripture Reading: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." — Proverbs 18:10
Proverbs 18:10 speaks of the security and protection found in God’s name.
Strong Tower: The imagery of a strong tower signifies safety, refuge, and protection. God’s name represents His power, presence, and unshakeable support for those who trust in Him.
Righteous Man: The righteous person, who lives according to God’s commandments and seeks His will, can confidently run to this tower, knowing that God will provide safety and security.
Divine Protection: This verse assures us of the protective power of God for those who place their trust in Him. It reminds us that in times of trouble or fear, turning to God provides a refuge and a sense of peace.
Application in Daily Life: We can find comfort and strength in invoking God’s name, especially in moments of distress. This scripture encourages us to develop a habit of prayer and reliance on God’s protection in our daily lives.
Conclusion:
As we conclude today’s episode, let’s reflect on the powerful lessons we’ve explored. St. Francis of Assisi calls us to be joyful servants of God, spreading spiritual joy and uplifting hearts. St. Francis de Sales challenges us to embrace God’s commandments with a loving heart, finding joy and fulfillment in obedience. The book of Proverbs reassures us of the strong protection we find in God’s name, a refuge for the righteous.
In our daily lives, let us strive to be sources of joy, to love God’s commandments, and to trust in His protection. By doing so, we live out our faith more fully and draw closer to the heart of God.
Thank you for joining me this morning. May you find joy in your service, love in your obedience, and peace in God’s protection. Until next time, may your journey be blessed with grace and your path illuminated by faith. God bless