Episode 2599: Trust, Love, and Overcoming Anxiety through Faith - 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 of God, 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.”
Trust, Love, and Overcoming Anxiety through Faith
Trust in God, Love for Others
Welcome to today’s episode, where we reflect on two important themes from a traditional Catholic perspective: overcoming anxiety and living a life of love. Our journey begins with a passage from the Gospel of Luke:
"And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life?" — Luke 12:25
In this verse, Christ reminds us that anxiety accomplishes nothing. Worry does not extend life or solve problems. Instead, it robs us of peace and trust in God.
We also draw upon the profound insight of Basil W. Maturin, who contrasts the power of love and hate:
"Love and hate, then, are the most universally felt and the most easily excited of all the powers of our nature... The presence of love, wherever it is, in however obscure a person, will at least do something toward lightening the sorrows and securing the happiness of others; and hate equips the most insignificant with an instrument that works sorrow."
Today, we’ll discuss how faith in God’s providence liberates us from anxiety and how practicing love, even in small ways, can transform both our lives and the world around us.
Segment 1: Overcoming Anxiety through Faith
In Luke 12:25, Christ invites us to reflect on the futility of anxiety. He asks, “Can worry add even an hour to your life?” This question points to the truth that we are not in control. In a world obsessed with control—whether over time, success, or outcomes—anxiety becomes a constant burden. But anxiety ultimately reflects a lack of trust in God's providence.
St. Francis de Sales offers comforting advice: “Have no anxiety at all. Start every day with new hope, leaving all that is in God’s hands.” This simple yet powerful practice surrendering each day to the Lord frees us from trying to carry burdens that are not ours to bear.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church also teaches that “trust in God is the first response to His love” (CCC 2734). Trust flows naturally when we realize that God, as a loving Father, knows what we need better than we do. It’s not that we never face difficulties, but in placing our trust in God, we discover peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Anxiety can also be a temptation to believe we must solve everything ourselves. In these moments, the wisdom of the saints can guide us. St. Thérèse of Lisieux said, “It is trust, and nothing but trust, that must lead us to love.” Trust shifts our focus from fear to God’s faithful care.
Segment 2: Love as a Force for Healing and Joy
Basil W. Maturin highlights the profound power of love and hate. Love has the capacity to lift sorrows, while hate spreads sorrow like wildfire. Love, as Maturin points out, works even in the most obscure places and through the smallest actions.
Christ’s call to love is at the heart of Catholic teaching. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands, “Love one another as I have loved you.” This love is not mere sentiment; it is a choice to seek the good of others. As St. John of the Cross writes, “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.”
In our daily interactions, small acts of love—kind words, gestures of patience, or moments of compassion—lighten the burdens of others and reflect the love of God. St. Mother Teresa said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Even a smile given with sincerity can touch someone’s heart and bring healing to their sorrow.
Love is also the antidote to hate. Hate may be subtle or obvious, but it always spreads sorrow. Maturin reminds us that even the smallest person can cause great damage through hatred. As Christians, we are called to overcome hatred with love, following St. Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Practical Ways to Let Go of Anxiety and Live in Love
Daily Prayer of Surrender: Start each morning by entrusting your day to God. A simple prayer, such as “Jesus, I trust in You,” helps redirect your mind from anxiety to faith.
Eucharistic Adoration: Spending time in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament calms the soul and fosters trust in God’s presence.
The Sacrament of Confession: Regular confession frees us from guilt and restores peace. Confessing our anxieties to the Lord helps us place our burdens in His hands.
Acts of Love in Daily Life: Look for small opportunities to show love to others. A kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear can make a difference.
Spiritual Reading: Read Scripture or the writings of the saints to nurture trust and inspire acts of love. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Conclusion: Resting in God's Love and Sharing It with Others
In today’s episode, we have reflected on the futility of anxiety and the transformative power of love. Christ teaches us in Luke 12:25 that anxiety does not add a moment to our lives. Instead, He invites us to trust in His providence.
Basil W. Maturin reminds us of the universal power of love, which can bring joy and healing even in small ways. As Catholics, we are called to be instruments of love, reflecting the love of Christ in a world marked by sorrow and division.
By surrendering our anxieties to God and practicing love daily, we discover a deeper peace and participate in the healing work of Christ. Trusting in God's care allows us to live freely and joyfully, unburdened by worry and filled with the grace to love as He loves.
Closing Prayer:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving Father, we thank You for Your constant care and the gift of Your peace. Teach us to trust You more deeply, knowing that anxiety adds nothing to our lives. Help us to live in love, bringing light to those in sorrow and reflecting Your mercy to the world. Strengthen us through the sacraments and guide us by the Holy Spirit, that we may overcome evil with good. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, may we grow each day in faith, hope, and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thank you for joining us today. May you trust in God’s providence, cast aside anxiety, and be a bearer of love in all that you do. Until next time, may the peace of Christ be with you always.

And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life? - Luke 12:25
And
"Love and hate, then, are the most universally felt and the most easily excited of all the powers of our nature, and it is mainly by these that the happiness and sorrows of others are affected. The presence of love, wherever it is, in however obscure a person, will at least do something toward lightening the sorrows and securing the happiness of others; and hate equips the most insignificant with an instrument that works sorrow." - Basil W. Maturin