Episode 2759: God's Testing, the Devil's Temptation - 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.”

God's Testing, the Devil's Temptation, and the Providence of Love

Tonight’s episode. We’ll reflect on how the challenges of life whether tests allowed by God or temptations from the devil play a role in the divine drama of salvation. Drawing on the wisdom of St. Ambrose and the insights of Walter Ciszek, S.J., we’ll explore how to remain faithful amidst trials and view our sufferings through the lens of God’s providence.
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Segment 1: The Difference Between Testing and Temptation
St. Ambrose reminds us:
"The devil tempts that he may ruin; God tests that he may crown."
This quote underscores an essential distinction: the devil’s temptations aim to lead us into sin and away from God, while God’s tests are meant to purify, strengthen, and prepare us for the crown of eternal life.

Reflection on Temptation
• Temptation appeals to our weaknesses, exploiting our pride, lust, and fear. It seeks to separate us from God and foster despair.

• However, God’s grace provides the strength to resist. St. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape."

Reflection on Testing
• Unlike temptation, testing is an act of love. It invites us to grow in virtue and deepen our trust in God.

• For example, Abraham’s test in offering Isaac (Genesis 22) was not about cruelty but about teaching Abraham and all of us the depth of faith required to trust God’s plan.
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Segment 2: God’s Providence in Tragedy
Walter Ciszek, a priest who endured years of imprisonment in Soviet labor camps, wrote:
"Mysteriously, God in his providence must make use of our tragedies to remind our fallen human nature of his presence and his love... It is not vindictiveness on his part; the failing is on our part."

Reflection on Suffering
• Tragedy often feels like abandonment, but Ciszek reminds us that suffering is not punishment. Instead, it can serve as a wake-up call, pulling us out of our spiritual complacency.
• In these moments, we are reminded that God is present even in our pain, lovingly calling us back to Himself.
God’s Plan in Action
• Take the example of Job, who endured immense suffering yet ultimately recognized God’s sovereignty and providence.
• Similarly, many saints, such as St. John of the Cross, saw their suffering as a “dark night of the soul” that brought them closer to God.
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Segment 3: Our Response to Trials
When faced with trials, whether they come as temptations or tests, we are called to respond in faith.
Practical Steps
1. Turn to Prayer
In moments of temptation or tragedy, prayer is our lifeline to God. As Jesus said in Gethsemane, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).
2. Embrace the Sacraments
Frequent reception of the Eucharist and confession strengthens us against the devil’s attacks and fortifies us in times of testing.
3. Trust in God’s Plan
Even when His plan is unclear, trust that God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
4. Offer It Up
Unite your suffering with Christ’s passion. As St. Paul wrote in Colossians 1:24, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, the Church.”
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Segment 4: Finding Hope in God’s Love
In the midst of life’s struggles, it’s crucial to remember the depth of God’s love for us. St. Ambrose and Walter Ciszek both emphasize that God’s actions are motivated by love.
When tragedy strikes or temptation feels overwhelming, call to mind the Lord’s words in Jeremiah 29:11:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
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Conclusion Prayer
Lord of infinite wisdom and mercy,
You allow tests to refine us and trials to draw us closer to Your heart. In every temptation, be our strength; in every tragedy, be our hope. Help us to discern Your loving presence in all circumstances and to trust in Your providence, even when the path is dark.
Grant us the grace to endure every test with faith, to resist every temptation with courage, and to embrace every tragedy as an opportunity to deepen our love for You. May we always cry out, "Dominus est! It is the Lord!" in every moment of our lives.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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Thank you for joining us today. Let us carry these reflections into our daily lives, remembering that every trial is an opportunity to grow closer to God. May you find strength in His love and wisdom in His Word. God bless you!