Episode 2331: Lessons from Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Francis de Sales - 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”
Lessons from Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Francis de Sales"
Tonight we delve into the profound messages from Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Francis de Sales.
We will discuss the spiritual significance of the scapular promise and the importance of receiving correction with humility and grace. Join me as we reflect on how these teachings can guide us towards a deeper faith and a more virtuous life.
The Promise of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, made a powerful promise: "Whoever dies in this garment, will not suffer everlasting fire." This refers to the brown scapular, a sacramental associated with the Carmelite Order. Wearing the scapular is a sign of devotion and consecration to Mary, and it comes with the promise of her maternal protection and intercession, particularly at the hour of death.
From a traditional Catholic perspective, the scapular is more than a mere symbol; it is a tangible expression of our commitment to live according to the teachings of Christ and His Church. It reminds us of the need for a life of prayer, penance, and trust in the maternal care of Mary. By wearing the scapular, we affirm our desire to remain close to Our Lady and to seek her guidance in our spiritual journey.
Receiving Correction with Humility
St. Francis de Sales offers profound advice on receiving correction: "We should receive correction without letting any sensitiveness or bitterness of heart remain in us. To prevent a feeling of anger from stirring within us, and to keep the blood from showing itself in our face is surely impossible. Happy, indeed shall we be if we attain to this perfection a quarter of an hour before we die! But to maintain bitterness in our minds in such a way that after this feeling has passed we do not speak with the same confidence, gentleness, and calmness as before -- oh, this we must take all pains to avoid!" —St. Francis de Sales
Receiving correction can be challenging, often provoking feelings of defensiveness or resentment. However, from a Catholic perspective, correction is a means of growth and sanctification. It helps us to recognize our faults and to strive for greater virtue. St. Francis de Sales emphasizes the importance of accepting correction with humility and striving to overcome any lingering bitterness.
This teaching aligns with the call to meekness and gentleness that Christ exemplified. By accepting correction graciously, we open ourselves to God's transformative grace, allowing us to grow in holiness and charity. It is through this process that we become more conformed to the image of Christ.
Integrating Devotion and Humility
Combining the teachings of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Francis de Sales, we find a path to deeper spiritual maturity. The scapular devotion reminds us of our ongoing need for Mary’s intercession and protection, urging us to live lives of prayer and penance. Meanwhile, the guidance on receiving correction helps us cultivate humility and openness to God’s will.
By integrating these teachings, we embrace a holistic approach to our faith. We recognize our need for both divine assistance and personal growth. Wearing the scapular becomes not just a sign of devotion, but also a commitment to live out the virtues that Mary exemplifies. Accepting correction becomes a way to purify our hearts and align ourselves more closely with God’s plan.
Conclusion
As we conclude tonight let's remember the powerful promise of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the wise counsel of St. Francis de Sales. By wearing the scapular, we entrust ourselves to Mary’s maternal care, seeking her guidance and protection. By accepting correction with humility, we open ourselves to God’s grace, allowing Him to transform our hearts.
Thank you for joining me today. May these reflections inspire you to deepen your devotion to Mary and to embrace correction as a path to holiness. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His grace. Stay faithful, stay humble, and continue to seek the divine in every moment.