Episode 2377: Charity united to faith makes us practice our religion - Morning Episode

Today, we will reflect on the teachings of St. Alphonsus Liguori and the powerful exhortation from the Book of Joshua. We will discuss how faith united with love transforms our religious practice and prepares us for the ultimate joy of seeing God face to face. Let's embark on this journey together to discover how to put our faith into action and choose to serve the Lord with unwavering commitment.
The Union of Faith and Love
St. Alphonsus Liguori wisely noted, "To put into practice the teachings of our holy faith, it is not enough to convince ourselves that they are true; we must love them. Love united to faith makes us practice our religion." This profound statement highlights that faith alone is insufficient; it must be accompanied by love. Faith informs us of the truths of our religion, but love compels us to live out these truths in our daily lives.
In the Catholic tradition, this unity of faith and love is essential for a vibrant spiritual life. Faith provides the foundation, the belief in God's revelations and promises. Love, however, is the driving force that turns belief into action. It is through love that we live out our faith, manifesting it in acts of charity, kindness, and devotion. This dynamic interplay between faith and love is what transforms our religious practice from mere ritual to a living, breathing testament to God's presence in our lives.
The Sweetness of Prayer and Divine Encounter
St. Alphonsus also speaks of the sweetness a soul experiences in prayer when God reveals His goodness and mercies, especially the love Christ showed in His Passion. He says, "How great is the sweetness which a soul experiences, when, in the time of prayer, God, by a ray of his own light, shows to her his goodness and his mercies towards her, and particularly the love which Jesus Christ has borne to her in his passion! She feels her heart melting, and, as it were, dissolved through love."
Prayer is the lifeline that connects us to God. In moments of deep prayer, we often experience glimpses of God's immense love and mercy. These moments are transformative, filling our hearts with a profound sense of peace and love. St. Alphonsus emphasizes that while we live on earth, we see God "through a glass in a dark manner," but a time will come when we shall see Him face to face. This hope of eternal communion with God should inspire us to live faithfully and lovingly, anticipating the day when the veil will be lifted, and we will behold God's glory fully.
Choosing to Serve the Lord
Joshua's declaration, "And if you be unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15), challenges us to make a decisive choice in our spiritual journey. Serving the Lord requires a conscious decision and a steadfast commitment. It is not enough to passively believe; we must actively choose to align our lives with God's will.
This choice is not always easy. The world presents numerous distractions and temptations that can lead us astray. However, by grounding our lives in faith and love, and through the constant practice of prayer, we find the strength to remain steadfast. Like Joshua, we must boldly declare our allegiance to the Lord, allowing our faith and love to guide our actions and decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living out the teachings of our holy faith requires more than intellectual assent; it demands a heartfelt love that compels us to act. Through the wisdom of St. Alphonsus Liguori and the exhortation of Joshua, we learn that faith united with love transforms our religious practice into a vibrant, living testimony of God's presence. As we journey through life, let us continually choose to serve the Lord, grounding ourselves in prayer and the hope of seeing God face to face. Thank you for joining us today. May your faith be deepened, your love be strengthened, and your commitment to serve the Lord be unwavering. Until next time, God bless.