Episode 2409: Embracing God’s Will in the Midst of Trials - 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”
Embracing God’s Will in the Midst of Trials
In tonights episode, where we’ll explore the profound wisdom of St. Lawrence and the insights of Dr. Scott Hahn on understanding and embracing the will of God in our lives. From the early Christian martyrs to contemporary theologians, the Catholic tradition has always held that true freedom and sanctification come from aligning our wills with God’s, even in the face of suffering and trials. Join us as we dive into how the name of Jesus Christ can be our shelter in times of pain and how embracing God’s will can lead us to the deepest freedom possible.

The Courage of St. Lawrence
The quote from St. Lawrence, "Sheltered under the name of Jesus Christ, I do not fear these pains, for they do not last long," provides a powerful example of unwavering faith and courage in the face of suffering. St. Lawrence, one of the most venerated martyrs of the early Church, demonstrated an extraordinary calm and confidence even as he faced brutal persecution. His words remind us that when we are grounded in Christ, the temporary sufferings of this life lose their power to instill fear in us.
From a traditional Catholic perspective, St. Lawrence’s martyrdom is not just a testament to his personal bravery but also a powerful witness to the transformative power of Christ’s name. The early martyrs understood that their suffering was not meaningless; it was a participation in the sufferings of Christ, which would ultimately lead to eternal glory. This understanding gave them the strength to endure, knowing that their pain was temporary and that eternal joy awaited them.
For us today, St. Lawrence’s example challenges us to view our own trials through the lens of faith. Whether we face physical suffering, emotional pain, or spiritual trials, we can find shelter in the name of Jesus. When we invoke His name with faith, we are reminded that we are not alone in our suffering. Christ Himself has gone before us, and He accompanies us in every trial, offering us His strength and peace.
The Will of God and Our Sanctification
In his reflections, Dr. Scott Hahn beautifully articulates the depth of what it means to pray "Thy will be done." He explains that this petition is more than just a submission to God’s commandments; it is a call to unite our wills with God’s, which is the path to true sanctification. St. Paul tells us, "This is the will of God, your sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3). This means that God’s will for us is not just about following rules but about entering into a profound relationship with Him, where we share in His divine life.
"We begin by praying, "Our Father, " but we press on, we persevere, by lovingly accepting and doing the will of God. Again, it is this union of wills that perfects us as children of God. And such a divine relation is, in a sense, exactly what we're praying for when we say, "Thy will be done." For, in the words of Saint Paul, "this is the will of God, your sancification"(1 Thess. 4:3). God's will means more for us than merely following the law. The commandments express His will, but they do not exhaust it. His will for us is much greater. It's nothing short of a sharing in His own life, which is the deepest freedom we can know." —Scott Hahn
From a traditional Catholic perspective, this understanding of God’s will is central to our spiritual journey. The commandments are indeed expressions of God’s will, but they are just the beginning. God desires something much greater for us—a complete transformation of our hearts and minds, so that we become more like Him. This process, known as sanctification, is the work of a lifetime, and it requires our active cooperation with God’s grace.
In practical terms, embracing God’s will means accepting not only the joys but also the crosses that come our way. It means trusting that God is at work in all circumstances, even those that are painful or difficult to understand. By uniting our sufferings with Christ’s, we allow God to use those very trials to purify us and draw us closer to Him.

The Path to True Freedom
Dr. Hahn’s reflection also highlights a profound truth: God’s will is the path to the deepest freedom we can know. In a world that often equates freedom with the ability to do whatever we want, the Catholic tradition offers a different understanding. True freedom is found in living according to God’s will because it is only in doing so that we fulfill the purpose for which we were created. This is the freedom of the children of God—a freedom that is not bound by external circumstances but is rooted in a deep, interior relationship with God.
As we reflect on this, we can see how St. Lawrence’s fearlessness in the face of death and suffering was a manifestation of this true freedom. He was free because his heart was completely united with Christ. He knew that no earthly pain could separate him from the love of God, and this gave him the courage to face even the most brutal of deaths with peace and joy.
For us, this means that the more we surrender our will to God and embrace His will in our lives, the more we experience this true freedom. It is a freedom that brings peace in the midst of turmoil, strength in the midst of weakness, and hope in the midst of despair. It is the freedom of knowing that we are loved by God and that nothing can separate us from His love.
Conclusion
As we wrap up today’s episode, let’s take to heart the powerful witness of St. Lawrence and the profound insights of Dr. Scott Hahn. In the name of Jesus Christ, we find our shelter and strength in times of suffering. By embracing God’s will, we enter into a deep union with Him, which is the true path to sanctification and freedom.
Let us remember that every trial we face is an opportunity to unite our will more closely with God’s and to grow in the freedom that comes from living fully for Him. May we, like St. Lawrence, find courage and peace in the name of Jesus, and may we, like Dr. Hahn, strive to align our lives with God’s will, knowing that it is in this union that we find our true identity as children of God.
Thank you for joining us today. May you continue to grow in your faith and in your understanding of God’s will for your life. Until next time, may God bless you and guide you on your journey.