Episode 2664: The Path of Humility and Prayer - Vote for Christ - Morning Episode

Before getting into this episode for election day 2024, I would be remis if I didn’t at least cover the letter issued by Archbishop Vegano to faithful American Catholics on October 22, 2024 from Exsurge Domine by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò
If you want to read the letter in its entirety I will post the url link in the show notes. https://www.complicitclergy.com/2024/10/22/archbishop-vigano-open-letter-to-american-catholics/
But let me at least summarize what he said.
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò's open letter to American Catholics before the 2024 presidential election:
Moral Duty to Vote: Viganò emphasizes that voting is not just a civic duty but a moral one, especially in this election, which he frames as a choice between good and evil, democracy and dictatorship.
Contrast Between Candidates: He starkly contrasts Donald Trump with Kamala Harris. Trump, despite his flaws, is portrayed as a defender of traditional values, religious freedom, and national sovereignty. Harris, on the other hand, is depicted as representing a destructive, anti-Catholic, and anti-human ideology, leading to moral decay and societal collapse.
Critique of Modern Society: Viganò paints a dire picture of American society under what he perceives as liberal governance: cities in decay, education systems indoctrinating children, and a legal system that he believes is unjust. He accuses the current administration of manipulating climate and societal crises to further their globalist agenda, which he sees as contrary to Christian values.
Spiritual Battle: The letter frames the election not just as a political choice but as part of a spiritual battle between good and evil. Voting for Trump is seen as aligning with Christian values, while supporting Harris or abstaining from voting is considered morally wrong or akin to siding with evil.
Call to Action: Viganò calls on Catholics to vote for Trump as a means to defend life, traditional family values, parental rights, and Christian faith against what he describes as a satanic agenda. He urges Catholics to be proactive in their faith, living by Christian law and grace, and to pray for divine intervention in the election.
Theological and Political Warning: He warns of the consequences of choosing leaders who oppose Catholic teachings, suggesting that such choices lead to societal ruin and moral degradation. The letter implies that the election's outcome could determine the spiritual and physical fate of the nation.
Divine Protection: The letter concludes with a prayer for divine protection, invoking the Virgin of Guadalupe and Saint Michael the Archangel, emphasizing a reliance on spiritual warfare alongside political action.
From this perspective, Viganò's letter is not just about political preference but about a perceived existential threat to Christian civilization, urging Catholics to engage in what he sees as a critical battle for the soul of America through their vote.
"The Path of Humility and Prayer: Insights from Saints and Scripture"
Welcome to today's episode where we delve into the profound teachings of humility and prayer from the perspective of traditional Catholicism. Today, we'll explore insights from St. Louis de Montfort, St. Catherine of Siena, and the Gospel of Luke, to understand how these virtues shape our spiritual journey.
Segment 1: The Humility of God's Servants
St. Louis de Montfort once stated, "Often, actually very often, God allows his greatest servants, those who are far advanced in grace, to make the most humiliating mistakes. This humbles them in their own eyes and in the eyes of their fellow men." This quote invites us to reflect on the nature of humility. Why does God allow such mistakes? It's not merely to punish or to test, but to deepen our humility. When we fall, we recognize our dependence on God, not on our own strength or wisdom. This humility is not just about recognizing our faults but embracing them as part of our path to sanctity. It teaches us that true greatness in the eyes of God is not about perfection in the worldly sense but in our ability to recognize and accept our imperfections.
Segment 2: The Power of Prayer in Spiritual Growth
Moving on to St. Catherine of Siena, she teaches us about the transformative power of prayer: "Know, dearest daughter, how, by humble, continual, and faithful prayer, the soul acquires, with time and perseverance, every virtue. Wherefore should she persevere and never abandon prayer... The soul should advance by degrees, and I know well that, just as the soul is at first imperfect and afterwards perfect, so also is it with her prayer. She should nevertheless continue in vocal prayer, while she is yet imperfect, so as not to fall into idleness. But she should not say her vocal prayers without joining them to mental prayer, that is to say, that while she is reciting, she should endeavor to elevate her mind in My love, with the consideration of her own defects and of the Blood of My only-begotten Son, wherein she finds the breadth of My charity and the remission of her sins.". Here, St. Catherine emphasizes the journey of prayer from vocal to mental, suggesting that our prayer life should evolve. Initially, we might rely on vocal prayers, but as we grow, we integrate mental prayer, where our hearts and minds are fully engaged in loving dialogue with God. This progression in prayer mirrors our spiritual growth, from imperfection to perfection, always rooted in humility and love.
Segment 3: The Joy of Faith - The Visitation
The Gospel of Luke provides us with a beautiful example of faith and joy in the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth. When Mary greets Elizabeth, John the Baptist leaps in the womb, filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth exclaims, "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." This moment encapsulates the joy that comes from faith and humility. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." — Luke 1:41-45
Mary's visit, her simple greeting, was enough to stir profound spiritual joy and recognition of divine presence. This teaches us that our faith, when lived humbly, can inspire and uplift others, just as Mary's presence did for Elizabeth.
Conclusion:
Today, we've journeyed through the teachings of humility and the transformative power of prayer. From St. Louis de Montfort, we learned that our mistakes are pathways to deeper humility; from St. Catherine of Siena, we understand that prayer is our continuous conversation with God, evolving as we grow in grace; and from the Gospel, we see how faith and humility can bring joy and divine presence into our lives and those around us.
Prayer:
O Lord, who allows us to stumble so that we might rise in humility, and who invites us into the silence of prayer to converse with You, grant us the grace to walk in the footsteps of Mary, filled with faith and joy. May our lives reflect the humility of Your servants and the steadfastness of prayer, so that we might grow closer to You and inspire others with the light of Your love. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. May your week be filled with the humility and prayerful spirit we've discussed. Until next time, may God bless you all.