Episode 2905: Trust in God’s Providence - Morning Episode

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Great Theologians St. Anselm of Canterbury Cur Deus Homo Explanation of the necessity of the Incarnation
Trust in God's Providence
You maybe asking didn’t I do an episode of trusting in Gods Will yesterday and now his providence. Isn’t that the same?
God's Will
God's Will refers to His eternal desire, plan, and decree for the universe and every individual soul. It can be understood in two forms:
God's Absolute or Divine Will (Perfect Will):
This is what God desires in its purest form: that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). His commandments, teachings, and the moral law are expressions of this perfect will.
God's Permissive Will:
While God does not desire evil, He permits it for reasons that serve a greater purpose in His divine plan. For instance, God allowed the betrayal of Judas and the crucifixion of Jesus to bring about the Redemption of mankind.
Example: If someone is sick, God may will (permissively) that they endure that suffering for their purification and sanctification.
God's Providence
God's Providence refers to His divine guidance, care, and provision for His creation. It involves His active engagement in ensuring that everything, even hardships and apparent chaos, works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Providence implies God's ongoing involvement in every detail of creation. This includes providing for our needs, guiding history according to His divine plan, and orchestrating events for our ultimate salvation.
Example: When Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, God's providence ensured that this evil act eventually led to Joseph becoming a ruler in Egypt, which saved his family from famine (Genesis 45:7-8).
Key Difference
God's Will is about what God desires and permits in both eternal and temporal matters.
God's Providence is how God orchestrates and guides events to achieve His Will and the salvation of souls.
Analogy:
Think of a skilled gardener (God) who has a vision (His Will) for a beautiful garden. Despite storms and unexpected challenges (evil and suffering allowed by His permissive will), the gardener carefully prunes, waters, and nurtures the garden (Providence) to achieve his vision.
Spiritual Lesson:
Trusting in God's Providence means believing that even when things seem chaotic or contrary to our understanding, God is actively guiding everything toward our good and His perfect Will. St. Alphonsus Liguori said:
"In everything that happens to us, we must recognize the Will of God, Who arranges all things for the benefit of our souls."
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SO today we will immerse ourselves in the wisdom of the Scriptures, honor the saints of this day, and reflect on powerful themes rooted in our traditional Catholic faith. Let's begin by placing ourselves in the presence of Almighty God."
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Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men: the Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good repute, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise of discipline, think on these things."
Reflection:
St. Paul calls us to live in constant joy, prayer, and trust in God. His exhortation to "rejoice in the Lord always" reminds us that true joy is rooted in God, not fleeting worldly pleasures. In today's culture of anxiety and fear, this reading invites us to place our complete trust in God's providence.
As St. Francis de Sales famously said, "Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them. Every day begin anew."
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Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5
"At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who, thinkest Thou, is the greater in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus calling unto Him a little child, set him in the midst of them, and said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. And he that shall receive one such little child in My name, receiveth Me."
Reflection:
Christ calls us to a radical humility, symbolized by the innocence and trust of a child. In our sophisticated world, where pride and ambition are often glorified, today's Gospel is a reminder to cultivate simplicity and dependence on God.
This brings to mind the words of St. Augustine: “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”
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St. John Bosco (1815-1888)
St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, was a humble priest and founder of the Salesians. He devoted his life to the education and spiritual formation of poor and abandoned boys in 19th-century Italy. His approach was one of gentleness, joy, and unwavering trust in Divine Providence. He famously said, “Give me souls, take away the rest.”
Historical Reflection:
St. John Bosco's mission to save young souls was rooted in his trust in God's providence and the power of Marian devotion. His ability to transform the lives of countless boys is a testament to the fruits of prayer, humility, and perseverance. In today's world, his example challenges us to prioritize the salvation of souls and to trust in God when faced with overwhelming challenges.
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Key Themes:
• Trust in God’s Providence: The Epistle and the life of St. John Bosco both emphasize the importance of trusting God in all circumstances.
• Humility: Christ’s words in today's Gospel remind us that humility is essential for entering the Kingdom of Heaven.
• Education and Formation: St. John Bosco’s dedication to the formation of young souls encourages us to nurture the faith in those entrusted to our care.
Key Quotes for Reflection:
• St. Paul (Philippians 4:4): “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.”
• St. Francis de Sales: “Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them. Every day begin anew.”
• St. Augustine: “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”
• St. John Bosco: “Give me souls, take away the rest.”
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Let us now turn to prayer, asking for the intercession of St. John Bosco and the strength to live as humble and trusting children of God.
Prayer:
"O God, Who didst raise up St. John Bosco to be the father and teacher of youth, and by his humble example and firm trust in Thy providence brought many souls to holiness, grant that we may follow his example. Fill our hearts with joy in serving Thee, humility in our interactions with others, and a burning desire for the salvation of souls.
May we always trust in Thy providence, rejoicing in all things and surrendering our will to Thine. Through the intercession of St. John Bosco, may we persevere in faith and charity. We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen."
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Thank you for joining me today. I hope today's reflections have inspired you to trust in God's providence, seek humility, and nurture the faith in those around you. Join me next time for more Scripture, saints, and reflections from our rich Catholic tradition. Until then, may God bless you abundantly and keep you in His peace."