Episode 2527: Speaking with the Heart - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s podcast, where we dive into the essence of prayer, justice, and gratitude in our relationship with God and our neighbor. Today, we'll reflect on the teachings of Saint Padre Pio, St. Francis de Sales, and the beautiful scriptural reminder from 1 Chronicles.
We’ll explore how our hearts are meant to be the true instruments of prayer and how, through justice and love for our neighbor, we live out the Gospel message. In a world often full of noise and injustice, it’s essential that we align our lives with the simple, profound truths of our faith: speaking to Jesus with our hearts and treating others with fairness and compassion.
Let's begin with the wise words of Saint Padre Pio, “You must speak to Jesus, not only with your lips, but also with your heart; actually, on certain occasions, you should speak with only your heart.”
In this simple yet profound statement, Padre Pio points to the essence of true prayer. Often, we fall into the trap of thinking that prayer must always be filled with words, but real communication with Jesus goes much deeper than that. Sometimes, words fail us whether it’s in moments of joy, sorrow, or deep contemplation. That’s when our hearts step in, offering up what words cannot express. This kind of prayer is not measured by eloquence but by sincerity and love. It’s about being in God’s presence, allowing our hearts to speak to His heart. In moments of silent prayer, when all we can offer is our desire to be near Him, we are actually at our most honest and open before God.
We are reminded of this intimate, wordless communication in the spiritual tradition of lectio divina or contemplative prayer, where silence and stillness create space for God to speak to our souls. This practice invites us to go beyond superficial conversations with God and enter into a deeper, more meaningful union with Him.
Next, let's reflect on the words of St. Francis de Sales: “Always be impartial and just in your deeds. Put yourself into your neighbor’s place, and him in yours, and then you will judge fairly... Frequently, therefore, examine your heart, whether it is so disposed towards your neighbor, as you would have his disposed towards you, were you to change places; for this is the true test.”
Here, St. Francis speaks about justice, but not merely as a legal or external concept. Justice, as he describes it, is deeply personal and requires empathy. This teaching brings to mind the words of Christ, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” True justice means that we must look beyond our own situation and truly consider the needs, struggles, and dignity of others. By imagining ourselves in the shoes of our neighbor, we open our hearts to real compassion and fairness.
In a society where injustice often abounds, this is a radical call. It asks us to be deeply human in our dealings with others, to be merciful as God is merciful, and to be just as He is just. Every act of kindness, every fair judgment, and every empathetic gesture reflects the love of Christ that we are called to live out in our daily lives.
Lastly, we turn to the words from 1 Chronicles 16:34, “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever.”
Gratitude is at the heart of the Christian life. This verse invites us to pause and recognize God’s goodness, which surrounds us at all times, even in moments of hardship. His steadfast love His enduring mercy is something that we must always remember and give thanks for. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have been given, transforming our hearts and minds in the process.
No matter the difficulties we face or the challenges that arise in living justly, giving thanks is essential. It reminds us that God is the source of all good, and that His love endures even when we are weak or faltering. Gratitude is a prayer of the heart, a response to the gifts of God that we receive each and every day.
Practical Application:
Silent Prayer: This week, take time for moments of silent, heart-centered prayer. Whether it's a few minutes before the Blessed Sacrament or quiet time at home, allow your heart to speak to Jesus without words.
Examine Your Heart for Justice: Each day, reflect on how you treat those around you. Are you living out St. Francis de Sales’ call to empathy? Before making a decision, ask yourself: How would I want to be treated in this situation?
Gratitude Practice: Begin or end each day by listing three things you are grateful for, acknowledging God’s presence in each blessing. This simple act will help cultivate a spirit of gratitude in all circumstances.
Conclusion:
In today’s reflection, we’ve journeyed through the deep intimacy of heart-centered prayer, the call to justice in our relationships with others, and the importance of gratitude in our lives. Saint Padre Pio, St. Francis de Sales, and the sacred words of Scripture guide us to live with greater awareness of God’s love and the dignity of our neighbor.
As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that prayer is not just something we do with our lips but with our hearts, and justice begins when we see others as God sees them. Finally, let us never forget to give thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love that endures forever.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Grant us the grace to speak to You not just with our lips but with our hearts, so that in silence we may encounter Your loving presence. Help us to be just and compassionate in all our dealings, seeing others as You see them and treating them with the dignity they deserve. Fill our hearts with gratitude, so that we may recognize Your goodness in every moment of our lives.
We ask this through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.