Episode 2395: Obedience, Virtue, and the Path to Paradise - Morning Episode

Our focus today will be on the profound connections between obedience, virtue, and our journey towards God and Paradise. We'll delve into the insights of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, the teachings of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, and the wisdom of Psalm 37. Join us as we uncover how obedience and virtue shape our spiritual lives and lead us closer to God.
The Foundation of Obedience and Virtue
Saint Padre Pio once said, ""Where there is no obedience there is no virtue, where there is no virtue there is no good, where there is no good there is no love, where there is no love, there is no God, and where there is no God there is no Paradise." — Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina This powerful statement underscores the foundational role of obedience in our spiritual journey.
From a traditional Catholic perspective, obedience is not merely a matter of following rules but a profound act of love and submission to God's will. It is through obedience that we cultivate virtue, which in turn leads us to goodness, love, and ultimately to God. In a world that often prioritizes individualism and self-will, the call to obedience reminds us of our dependence on God and our need to align our will with His.
Understanding Temptation and Sin
Saint Alphonsus Liguori provides a crucial distinction in understanding evil thoughts and sin: “With regard to evil thoughts, there may be a twofold delusion. God-fearing souls who have little or no gift of discernment, and are inclined to scruples, think that every wicked thought that enters their mind is a sin. This is a mistake, for it is not the wicked thoughts in themselves that are sins, but the yielding or consenting to them. The wickedness of mortal sin consists in the perverse will that deliberately yields to sin with a complete knowledge of its wickedness with full consent. And therefore St. Augustine teaches that when the consent of the will is absent, there is no sin. However much we may be tormented by temptations, the rebellion of the senses, or the inordinate motions of the inferior part of the soul, as long as there is no consent, there is no sin. For the comfort of such anxious souls, let me suggest a good rule of conduct that is taught by all masters in the spiritual life. If a person who fears God and hates sin doubts whether or not he has consented to an evil thought or not, he is not bound to confess it, because it is morally certain that he has not given consent. For had he actually committed a mortal sin, he would have no doubt about it, as mortal sin is such a monster in the eyes of one who fears God that its entrance into the heart could not take place without its being known. Others, on the contrary, whose conscience is lax and not well-informed, think that evil thoughts and desires, though consented to, are not sins provided they are not followed by sinful actions. This error is worse than the one mentioned above. What we may not do, we may not desire. Therefore an evil thought or desire to which we consent comprises in itself all the wickedness of an evil deed." —St. Alphonsus Liguori
This teaching is essential for those who struggle with scrupulosity and fear that every impure thought is a sin.
In the spiritual life, the battle often takes place in the mind. Temptations and intrusive thoughts can be tormenting, but they only become sinful when we consent to them with full knowledge and deliberate will. Saint Alphonsus reassures us that as long as there is no consent, there is no sin. This teaching aligns with the traditional Catholic emphasis on the interior life and the formation of a rightly ordered conscience.
The Wisdom of the Righteous
Psalm 37:30-31 says, "The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip." These verses highlight the connection between a righteous heart and righteous actions. When God's law is inscribed in our hearts, it guides our words and deeds, keeping us steadfast on the path of virtue
The psalmist's description of the righteous person resonates with the teachings of Saint Padre Pio and Saint Alphonsus. Obedience to God's law, cultivated through a heart dedicated to virtue, enables us to speak and act with wisdom and justice. This harmony between heart and action is essential for living a life that reflects God's love and truth.
Practical Applications
To integrate these teachings into our daily lives, consider the following steps:
Cultivate Obedience: Practice small acts of obedience in your daily routine. Whether it's adhering to your prayer schedule or following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, these acts strengthen your will and align it with God's.
Guard Your Thoughts: When faced with intrusive or evil thoughts, remember Saint Alphonsus's teaching. Resist consenting to these thoughts and focus on God's presence and love instead.
Speak and Act with Wisdom: Let the law of God guide your words and actions. Reflect on Psalm 37 and strive to embody the wisdom and justice it describes.
Seek Humility: Recognize your dependence on God's grace. Like the saints, give glory to God for all the good in your life and remain humble in your spiritual journey.
Conclusion
As we conclude today’s episode, let us reflect on the interconnectedness of obedience, virtue, and our journey towards God and Paradise. The teachings of Saint Padre Pio, Saint Alphonsus Liguori, and the wisdom of the psalms offer us a roadmap for living a life that is pleasing to God. By cultivating obedience, guarding our thoughts, and allowing God's law to guide our actions, we can draw closer to Him and experience the peace and joy of His presence.

Thank you for joining us today. May these reflections inspire you to deepen your commitment to obedience and virtue, and may they lead you closer to the heart of God. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His grace.