Episode 2787: The Consoling Presence of Christ - Morning Episode

St. Olympias
St Lazarus

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Theology & Doctrine Transubstantiation The change of bread and wine into Christ's Body and Blood.

Some call it Jewish or Italian guilt or whatever nationality there is always a guilt factor. For Catholics it’s called Catholic guilt. When we find ourselves constantly questioning, feeling uneasy, or dwelling in unnecessary guilt, it is often the voice of Satan, not God. God’s grace leads us toward repentance, peace, and union with Him, whereas the enemy seeks to trap us in remorse, self-doubt, and confusion. God desires our conversion and joy, gently calling us forward, while Satan uses accusations to pull us away from the loving embrace of the Father. As St. Paul reminds us, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Let us recognize these attacks for what they are and rest in the confidence of God’s mercy and love.
We must never dismiss sinful behavior or treat sin lightly, as it wounds our relationship with God and harms our souls. However, lingering in guilt and shame is not from God. True repentance leads us to recognize our sins, seek forgiveness through the Sacrament of Confession, and resolve to live a sinless life in union with Christ.
God's mercy is infinite, and once He forgives, we are called to let go of past guilt and trust in His promise: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be made as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). The enemy tempts us to dwell in self-condemnation to keep us stagnant, but God calls us to freedom, conversion, and holiness. To overcome the guilt of past sins, we must focus on His mercy, embrace His grace, and commit to living a virtuous life, relying on the sacraments, prayer, and His constant presence. True contrition leads us not to despair, but to a renewed resolve to walk in the light of Christ, striving for sanctity day by day.
The Consoling Presence of Christ and the Battle for Our Souls
As Catholics, we are continually called into communion with God, both through the sacraments and our daily lives. But this journey toward holiness is not without struggles. Today, we will reflect on three interconnected themes:
• The mystery of the Holy Eucharist as expressed by St. John Vianney.
• The movements of the spirit consolation and desolation as explained by Dr. Gregory Popcak.
• The call to fidelity in marriage, purity, and contentment from Hebrews 13:4-6.
These insights, grounded in the timeless truths of our faith, remind us of God’s presence in our lives and help us discern His will amidst the spiritual battles we face.
Segment 1: The Real Presence: Our Union with Christ
St. John Vianney tells us:
"Upon receiving Holy Communion, the Adorable Blood of Jesus Christ really flows in our veins and His Flesh is really blended with ours."
Reflection
• What an astounding reality! The Holy Eucharist is not a mere symbol it is the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.
• When we receive Holy Communion worthily, we are united to Christ in the most intimate way. His Precious Blood flows through us, and His Flesh becomes part of our very being.
St. John Vianney captures the miracle of this union: Christ, who is both fully divine and fully human, shares Himself with us so that we might share in His divine life.
Takeaway
• Do we approach the altar with the reverence and humility this great mystery deserves?
• Let us ask ourselves if we are preparing our souls through frequent Confession, prayer, and repentance to receive Him worthily.
• The Eucharist is not just a gift it is the source of our spiritual strength. It is here that we receive the grace to overcome the struggles of life and persevere in holiness.
Segment 2: Consolations and Desolations—The Spiritual Battle
Dr. Gregory Popcak writes:
"Movements of the spirit that enable us to experience more of God's grace and love and enable us to become more of the person God wants us to be are "consolations." Consolations represent the loving counsel of the Holy Spirit that draws us into deeper communion with God and helps us make choices that are consistent with becoming the whole, healed, godly, grace-filled person we are meant to be. By contrast, desolations represent the counsel of an evil spirit attempting to pull us away from God or throwing up roadblocks to us cooperating with God's grace to become the whole, healed, godly, grace-filled people we are meant to be...Tuning in to consolation and desolation allows us to recognize where our thoughts are coming from. We often take our thoughts for granted as coming from ourselves, but this is very often not true. It's important to recognize when the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us something - and also when an evil spirit is whispering lies in our spiritual ear." —Dr. Gregory Popcak
Reflection
Our spiritual lives are marked by moments of consolation those experiences where we feel God’s grace drawing us closer to Him and desolation, when we experience dryness, discouragement, and temptation.
Consolations are God’s way of encouraging us, helping us make decisions aligned with His will, and drawing us deeper into His love.
Desolations, on the other hand, are the devil’s tactics to confuse, discourage, and distance us from God. As Dr. Popcak points out, not all thoughts are our own. The enemy plants lies in our hearts thoughts of despair, fear, and distrust in God’s promises.
Takeaway
How do we discern between consolation and desolation? St. Ignatius of Loyola advises us to remain steadfast in times of desolation, avoiding rash decisions, and turning to prayer, fasting, and the sacraments.
In times of consolation, let us give thanks and resolve to follow God’s will more faithfully.
Practical Tip: Ask yourself: Does this thought draw me closer to God, or does it lead me away? Am I growing in peace and trust, or am I sinking into fear and despair?
Segment 3: The Call to Fidelity and Contentment
Hebrews 13:4-6 states:
"Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled... Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never forsake you or abandon you.' Thus we may say with confidence: 'The Lord is my helper, [and] I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?'"
Reflection
In a culture that undermines the sanctity of marriage and promotes materialism, this passage is a clarion call for Catholics to honor God in their lives.
Fidelity in marriage is not just about chastity but also about living a sacramental union that reflects Christ’s love for His Church.
The call to contentment reminds us to trust in God’s providence. The Lord promises: "I will never forsake you." The love of money, unchecked ambition, or fear of scarcity leads us away from Him.
Takeaway
Are we placing our confidence in God’s promises or in the fleeting comforts of this world?
Let us strive to live holy marriages, keep our hearts pure, and trust that God will provide everything we need.
Conclusion: A Unified Spiritual Life
The Eucharist, spiritual discernment, and a life of purity and trust are not isolated aspects of the faith—they are deeply interconnected.
The Eucharist nourishes us with Christ’s own life.
Discernment helps us cooperate with His grace and reject the lies of the enemy.
Living lives of fidelity and contentment glorifies God and brings peace to our souls.
As we grow in union with Christ through the sacraments, prayer, and virtue, let us remember that we are never alone. Christ is with us in the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit guides us, and God the Father promises never to abandon us.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your Son in the Most Holy Eucharist, where we are united to Him in Body and Blood. Grant us the grace to discern the movements of Your Spirit, that we may recognize and reject the lies of the enemy. Strengthen us to honor You in our marriages, our purity, and our contentment. Help us to place our full confidence in Your promises, trusting that You will never abandon us.
May Your grace flow in our lives, and may we draw ever closer to You through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John Vianney, and all the saints. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. May God bless you as you seek Him with your whole heart, and may the Eucharist sustain you in all your battles. Until next time, stay close to Christ and His Church.