Episode 2740: Purification and the True Good - 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.”

Purification and the True Good in God’s Will
Tonight, we explore the concepts of purification and the true meaning of "the good" as God defines it. Guided by the wisdom of St. Catherine of Genoa, scripture, and reflections on Christian living, we’ll confront the dangers of hedonistic tendencies and rediscover the liberating call to align our will with God’s.
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1. The Purifying Fires: A Journey Closer to God
St. Catherine of Genoa speaks of the purifying fires of purgatory, saying:
"The purifying fires draw them ever upward and closer to God."
This profound insight reminds us that purification is a necessary process for those who seek to behold God face-to-face. Whether through the cleansing fire of purgatory or the trials of this life, suffering accepted in the spirit of faith transforms us, stripping away all that is contrary to God’s will.
We are tempted to see suffering as purely negative, something to be avoided. Yet, in the Catholic tradition, suffering embraced with love and trust becomes redemptive. It allows us to participate in the Cross of Christ and prepares us for eternal union with Him.
Purgatory, in particular, is not a place of punishment in the vengeful sense but a mercy of God. It ensures that souls who die in friendship with Him but are not yet perfected will enter Heaven purified. St. Catherine’s reflection invites us to see the fires of purification as a means of being drawn ever closer to God, shedding the last remnants of attachment to sin.
Reflection Question:
Do you view suffering and purification as opportunities to grow closer to God, or do you resist them in pursuit of comfort?
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2. The Good and the Dangers of Hedonism
The world often equates “the good” with pleasure, ease, and the fulfillment of personal desires. A reflection from Catholic spirituality warns us:
"Many of us think that 'the good' is that which will give us the most pleasure...However, this way of thinking lines up with the philosophy of hedonism...which is greatly opposed to Christianity."
Hedonism, the belief that pleasure is the ultimate good, runs counter to the Christian understanding of life. While pleasures are not inherently evil indeed, many are gifts from God our ultimate aim must not be personal gratification but union with God.
St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:15-17:
“Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.”
True goodness is found not in indulging every desire but in discerning and embracing God’s will. This requires wisdom, self-discipline, and a willingness to accept sacrifices. The saints, who lived lives of heroic virtue, demonstrate that the true good often entails hardship but leads to eternal joy.
Reflection Question:
Are there areas in your life where you prioritize worldly pleasures over God’s will?
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3. Aligning Our Will with God’s Will
When we align our will with God’s, we find true freedom. While this often requires surrendering our desires, we discover a deeper peace and joy that the world cannot offer. Consider these practical steps to live this out:
• Daily Examination of Conscience: Reflect on whether your actions and decisions align with God’s will or your own desires.
• Embrace Redemptive Suffering: Offer up your trials for the salvation of souls and your own purification.
• Seek Wisdom: Spend time in prayer and scripture, asking for the grace to understand God’s will for your life.
As we journey through life, let us remember that the ultimate good is God Himself. Anything less will fail to satisfy our deepest longings.
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Conclusion Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You, acknowledging the times we have sought our own desires over Your holy will. Help us to embrace the purifying fires that draw us closer to You, whether in this life or the next.
Grant us the wisdom to discern what is truly good and the courage to reject the false promises of worldly pleasure. Let our hearts be fixed on You, the source of all goodness, and may we find peace in knowing that Your will leads us to eternal joy.
Through the intercession of St. Catherine of Genoa, may we trust in Your mercy and strive for the holiness that prepares us to see You face-to-face. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Thank you for joining us Tonight. Let us commit to living wisely, as St. Paul exhorts, and embracing purification as a pathway to God. Until next time, may you walk in His light and trust in His will. God bless!