Episode 2492: Overcoming Temptation and Finding Peace - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we explore the powerful interplay of devotion, trust, and prayer as seen through the teachings of St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Louis De Montfort, and St. Paul. The Church has always emphasized that our spiritual battles are won not through our strength, but by relying on God’s grace and the intercession of Our Blessed Mother. In a world filled with temptations and anxieties, we can find peace and strength by turning to Jesus and Mary.
Today, we’ll reflect on how these three pillars prayer, devotion to Mary, and trusting in God can provide us with spiritual armor to overcome temptation and find interior peace.
"When an evil thought is presented to the mind, we must immediately endeavor to turn our thoughts to God, or to something which is indifferent..." — St. Alphonsus Liguori
St. Alphonsus Liguori offers us a crucial strategy in the fight against temptation. From a traditional Catholic perspective, the battle against sin begins in the mind, where evil thoughts often arise. Liguori stresses the importance of immediately invoking the holy names of Jesus and Mary. This practice is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, where calling upon these sacred names is seen as a powerful means of repelling the devil and focusing the soul on God.
Liguori’s emphasis on invoking Jesus and Mary is a practical expression of what the Church has always taught: that we cannot rely on our strength alone to overcome temptation. This aligns with the words of St. Paul, who teaches that "God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape" (1 Corinthians 10:13). By invoking Jesus and Mary, we are taking that escape route, trusting in God’s grace to do what we cannot do on our own.
The traditional Catholic view holds that the holy names of Jesus and Mary are not just words, but are imbued with divine power. St. Bernard of Clairvaux famously said, "When in danger, in difficulty, or in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary." The invocation of these names helps us turn away from sin and direct our thoughts toward God’s goodness.

"True devotion to Our Lady is interior..." - St. Louis De Montfort
St. Louis De Montfort, in his teachings on Marian devotion, beautifully describes what it means to be truly devoted to Our Lady. This devotion is not superficial but flows from a deep love and confidence in her maternal care. From a traditional Catholic perspective, devotion to Mary is not an end in itself but always leads us closer to Christ.
De Montfort emphasizes that devotion to Mary should be as natural and instinctive as a child’s trust in its mother. In moments of temptation, confusion, or suffering, the soul turns to Mary not out of fear but out of confidence in her intercession. Mary, as the mediatrix of all graces, is always ready to assist those who call upon her.
This confidence in Mary is deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition. At the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), we see the power of Mary’s intercession as she moves Jesus to perform His first public miracle. This shows us that Jesus is pleased when we go to Him through His mother. St. Louis De Montfort encourages us to imitate this confidence and to invoke Mary in all situations knowing that she will bring us closer to her Son.
"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God..." — Philippians 4:6-7
St. Paul’s words in Philippians give us a beautiful summary of the peace that comes from relying on God through prayer. He reminds us that, no matter what temptations or anxieties we face, we should turn to God in prayer. When we do this with thanksgiving, we open ourselves to receiving the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.
In a traditional Catholic context, this peace is not just a feeling but a deep spiritual calm that comes from knowing we are in God’s hands. It is the fruit of trust, prayer, and a heart surrendered to God’s will. St. Teresa of Ávila echoes this sentiment in her famous prayer: "Let nothing disturb you; let nothing frighten you. All things pass; God does not change."
When we combine St. Paul’s call to prayer with the advice of St. Alphonsus to invoke Jesus and Mary, we find a clear roadmap to peace and victory over temptation. Prayer not only protects us from sin but transforms our hearts, helping us to grow in holiness.
Conclusion:
In today’s spiritual journey, the wisdom of the saints offers us a profound lesson: we cannot conquer temptation or find peace on our own. We must trust in God, invoke the names of Jesus and Mary, and place ourselves under the maternal protection of Our Blessed Mother. By doing this, we can overcome any trial, temptation, or anxiety that comes our way.
St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Louis De Montfort, and St. Paul all remind us that true strength comes from relying on God’s grace. When we turn to Jesus and Mary in prayer, our weaknesses become the very means through which God’s power is made perfect.
Let us take these teachings to heart, striving to trust more fully in God’s providence and to seek the intercession of Our Blessed Mother in all things.
Ending Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the maternal care of Our Blessed Mother, Mary. In times of temptation, doubt, and anxiety, help us to remember to call upon their holy names, trusting in Your mercy and love.
Grant us the grace to grow in true devotion to Mary, that we may always turn to her as our refuge and guide. Fill our hearts with the peace that surpasses all understanding, and let our every thought, word, and deed be directed to Your greater glory.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.