Episode 2536: Holiness, Healing, and Trusting in God’s Will - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we will explore the profound simplicity of holiness, the healing power of the sacraments, and the call to trust in God’s will with patience and peace. As we reflect on the wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the comforting words of Psalm 37, we’ll see how the path to holiness is both accessible and deeply transformative.
In this world filled with uncertainty, suffering, and temptation, the Lord offers us His grace and healing through the sacraments and calls us to a life of peace and trust in Him.
Let’s begin with the words of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower:
"Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being just what God wants us to be."
For St. Thérèse, holiness is not an unattainable ideal reserved for a few. Instead, it is found in the simplicity of everyday life, in fulfilling the duties that God places before us. She knew that God does not ask great feats of us, but rather fidelity to His will. This Little Way of spiritual childhood invites us to embrace our limitations and smallness, trusting that God’s grace will lead us to holiness, no matter how ordinary our lives may seem.
Thérèse’s teaching can seem deceptively simple, but it holds profound truth: holiness is not about what we do, but about surrendering our lives to God and letting Him work through us. This surrender is not passive but involves actively trusting in God’s plan, even when it leads us through suffering or trials.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us a beautiful insight into this journey, particularly through the healing sacraments of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. The Catechism reminds us:
"Through the sacraments of Christian initiation, man receives the new life of Christ. Now we carry this life ‘in earthen vessels’, and it remains ‘hidden with Christ in God’...This new life as a child of God can be weakened and even lost by sin."
As Christians, we receive new life in Christ through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Yet, we are still fragile, like clay vessels, subject to the wounds of sin and the frailty of our human condition. But in God’s mercy, He has provided ways for us to be healed and restored through the sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick. In the Sacrament of Penance, also known as Confession, we are forgiven of our sins, reconciled to God, and strengthened to live in holiness. The Anointing of the Sick offers grace to those suffering from illness, physical or spiritual, and provides healing according to God’s will, whether it be physical recovery or spiritual peace.
These sacraments remind us that God is continually at work in our lives, even in our brokenness. He never abandons us but seeks to heal us and draw us back to Himself.
This leads us to the words of Psalm 37:
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act...Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:5-7)
Here, the Psalmist calls us to a radical trust in God’s providence. In a world where evil often seems to triumph, and where we may feel discouraged or anxious, we are reminded to place our trust in the Lord, knowing that He is always in control. God sees beyond our present circumstances and trials; He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28), even when we cannot yet see the full picture.
This is the essence of holiness: doing God’s will, being patient and still before Him, and trusting that He will act in His time. Like St. Thérèse, we are called to surrender to God with childlike trust, knowing that He loves us and will never lead us astray. Even when life seems overwhelming, we are invited to rest in His presence and allow His grace to work in us.
Practical Application:
Embrace Simplicity in Holiness:
Like St. Thérèse, ask yourself how you can fulfill God’s will in your daily life. What small sacrifices, acts of kindness, or moments of prayer can you offer to God today? Seek holiness not in grand gestures, but in small, loving actions done for God’s glory.
Frequent the Sacraments of Healing:
Make a habit of regular Confession to remain in a state of grace. If you or a loved one is suffering physically or spiritually, do not hesitate to seek the Anointing of the Sick. These sacraments are gifts of God’s mercy and should be approached with faith in His healing power.
Trust in God’s Timing:
When life seems uncertain or when evil seems to prosper, resist the temptation to worry or grow anxious. Instead, follow the words of Psalm 37: be still before the Lord, commit your way to Him, and trust that He will act. God’s timing is perfect, and His plan for you is one of love and peace.
Deepen Your Prayer Life:
The more we trust God, the more we will experience His peace. Spend time in quiet prayer, simply being still in His presence, and allow Him to speak to your heart. Consider praying the Litany of Trust or simply repeating, "Jesus, I trust in You," as a way to remind yourself to rely on His providence.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on today’s insights from St. Thérèse, the Catechism, and the Psalms, we are reminded that holiness is a journey of trust, healing, and surrender to God’s will. The sacraments are vital aids along this journey, offering us God’s mercy, grace, and healing in times of weakness and suffering.

In a world filled with distractions and fears, we are called to simplify our lives by focusing on doing God’s will and trusting that He will guide us through every challenge. Holiness, as St. Thérèse teaches, is within reach for each of us, not by doing extraordinary things, but by embracing the ordinary with extraordinary love and faith.
Let us commit our ways to the Lord, seek His will in all things, and trust that He will act in His perfect timing.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your grace, which strengthens us to live in holiness and trust in Your will. Help us to follow the Little Way of St. Thérèse, embracing simplicity and love in our daily lives. Guide us to seek healing in the sacraments and to remain steadfast in our faith, even in times of trial.
Lord, we place our past in Your mercy, our present in Your love, and our future in Your providence. Give us the grace to trust in You and to wait patiently for Your perfect plan to unfold.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.