Episode 2385: Aligning Our Will with God’s Will - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we explore the intertwining paths of duty and devotion through the wisdom of St. Josemaria Escriva, the insights of St. Teresa of Avila as conveyed by Fr. Thomas Dubay, and the example of Lydia from Acts 16. In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves balancing our responsibilities with our heartfelt devotion to God. How do we align our will with His? How do we put our hearts into our duties without losing sight of the bigger spiritual picture? Join us as we delve into these questions from a traditional Catholic perspective.

St. Josemaria Escriva on Duty and Heart
St. Josemaria Escriva offers a profound yet practical piece of advice: "Put your heart aside. Duty comes first. But when fulfilling your duty, put your heart into it. It helps." This statement might initially seem paradoxical, suggesting a detachment of heart from duty, only to emphasize the importance of heart in the fulfillment of duty.

From a traditional Catholic perspective, this reflects the virtue of obedience and the integration of love into our actions. Our duties, whether mundane or significant, are opportunities to serve God. By performing them with a heartfelt devotion, we transform ordinary tasks into acts of worship. This balance is essential for living a holy life, where our actions are not merely mechanical but infused with the love of Christ.

St. Teresa of Avila and Conforming to God’s Will

In today’s meditation, Fr. Thomas Dubay relays the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila, emphasizing the importance of conforming our will to God’s will.

"While St. Teresa was well acquainted with methods of meditation and wished her young nuns to be instructed in them, she emphatically insisted that the primary need for beginners is not to find the ideal method but to do God’s will from moment to moment throughout the day—which is probably the last thing the beginner thinks is primary. Her thought is strong and unambiguous: ‘The whole aim of any person who is beginning prayer—and don’t forget this, because it is very important—should be that he work and prepare himself with determination and every effort to bring his will in conformity with God’s will’. She then adds that ‘it is the person who lives in more perfect conformity who will receive more from the Lord and be more advanced on this road of prayer.’" —Fr. Thomas Dubay

St. Teresa insisted that the primary aim for anyone beginning their prayer life is to align their will with God’s will. This is a profound call to obedience and trust, recognizing that our journey of faith is not about perfecting techniques but about surrendering our desires to God’s greater plan.

This teaching complements St. Josemaria’s advice. By putting our heart into our duties, we are, in essence, aligning our will with God’s. Each moment of obedience becomes a step closer to God, a deeper act of faith. St. Teresa’s emphasis on doing God’s will from moment to moment encourages us to see every task, every duty, as an opportunity to grow spiritually.

The Example of Lydia

In Acts 16:14-15, we encounter Lydia, a woman whose heart was opened by the Lord to heed Paul’s words. Her immediate response was one of action—she and her household were baptized, and she extended hospitality to Paul and his companions.

"One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyati′ra, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul. And when she was baptized, with her household, she besought us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.'" — Acts 16:14-15
Lydia’s story exemplifies the integration of heart and duty. Her openness to God’s word led to immediate and tangible actions. She not only listened but also acted, demonstrating her faith through her deeds. This is a powerful reminder that our faith should manifest in our actions, as St. James writes, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).

Practical Steps for Aligning Will with God’s Will

To live out these teachings in our daily lives, consider the following steps:

Daily Reflection and Prayer: Begin each day with a prayer of surrender, asking God to align your will with His. Reflect on your duties and ask for the grace to perform them with love.

Mindful Actions: Approach each task, no matter how small, as an opportunity to serve God. Put your heart into it, transforming it into an act of worship.

Seek Guidance: Regularly seek guidance through prayer, scripture, and spiritual direction to ensure that your actions are aligned with God’s will.

Practice Humility: Acknowledge that aligning your will with God’s is a journey that requires humility and trust. Be patient with yourself and open to God’s grace.

Conclusion
As we conclude today’s episode, let us take to heart the wisdom of St. Josemaria Escriva, St. Teresa of Avila, and the example of Lydia. By putting our heart into our duties and striving to align our will with God’s, we transform our daily lives into a continuous act of faith and love.

May we be inspired to integrate our duties with heartfelt devotion, knowing that each task performed with love brings us closer to God. Let us strive to do God’s will from moment to moment, trusting in His guidance and grace. Thank you for joining us today. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you always in His will.