Episode 1962: Seeking Holiness through Humility and Intercession

Today we will delve into the timeless wisdom of the Catholic faith, exploring the teachings of the saints and our rich tradition and today, we'll reflect on two profound quotes from St. Thomas of Villanova and Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, offering insights into humility, intercession, and the path to holiness. Buckle up because today you are going to change and it always starts with just you telling yourself I need to change.
Our first quote comes from St. Thomas of Villanova, a revered figure known for his compassion and humility. He said, "Dismiss all anger and look into yourself a little. Remember that he of whom you are speaking is your brother, and as he is in the way of salvation, God can make him a saint, in spite of his present weakness."
In these words, St. Thomas invites us to introspection and empathy. It's a call to extinguish the flames of anger and judgment, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person as a child of God. Instead of condemning others for their faults or shortcomings, St. Thomas urges us to see them as fellow travelers on the journey of salvation. Even in their weakness, they possess the potential for sanctity, awaiting the transformative grace of God. It's a powerful reminder to approach others with humility and compassion, trusting in God's redemptive power.
But lets do as I do and break this quote down.

"Dismiss all anger": In traditional Catholic teaching, anger is often seen as one of the seven deadly sins when it is not properly controlled. St. Thomas advises us to let go of anger, as it can cloud our judgment and hinder our ability to see others with charity and compassion.

"Look into yourself a little": This part of the quote suggests introspection, a fundamental aspect of Catholic spiritual practice. Traditional Catholic spirituality emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and examination of conscience, allowing us to recognize our own faults and weaknesses before judging others.

"Remember that he of whom you are speaking is your brother": In line with Catholic teaching, every human being is considered a child of God, created in His image and likeness. St. Thomas reminds us of our shared humanity and the familial bond we have with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

"As he is in the way of salvation, God can make him a saint, in spite of his present weakness": This highlights the traditional Catholic belief in the possibility of redemption and sanctification for all souls. Despite our weaknesses and faults, God's grace can transform us and lead us on the path to holiness. In the Catholic tradition, saints are not just extraordinary figures but also ordinary individuals who responded to God's grace and cooperated with His will.

From a very traditional Catholic perspective, St. Thomas of Villanova's quote underscores the importance of humility, empathy, and trust in God's providence. It reminds us to approach others with love and understanding, recognizing their inherent dignity and potential for sanctity, even amidst their present weaknesses. Ultimately, it invites us to emulate the mercy and compassion of Christ in our interactions with others, trusting in God's transformative grace for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Now, let's turn to the words of Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, a spiritual writer known for his profound insights on the spiritual life. But as we do let me explain who he was.
Dom Lorenzo Scupoli was an Italian Christian writer, most famous for his spiritual classic "The Spiritual Combat." Here's a brief biography:

Early Life: Lorenzo Scupoli was born in Otranto, Italy, around the year 1530. Little is known about his early life, including his family background and education.

Spiritual Formation: Scupoli joined the Theatine Order, a religious community known for its commitment to reform and spiritual renewal. He dedicated himself to a life of prayer, study, and service, seeking to grow closer to God and deepen his understanding of the Christian faith.

Writing Career: Scupoli's most famous work, "The Spiritual Combat," was published anonymously in 1589. This spiritual classic became immensely popular among Catholics, offering practical advice on how to combat temptation, grow in virtue, and deepen one's relationship with God. The book emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance in the pursuit of holiness.

Legacy: "The Spiritual Combat" has had a profound impact on Catholic spirituality and has been praised by numerous saints and spiritual writers throughout history. It remains a widely read and cherished work, appreciated for its timeless wisdom and practical insights into the spiritual life.

Later Life and Death: Not much is known about Scupoli's later life or the circumstances of his death. He is believed to have passed away in the early 17th century, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual wisdom that continues to inspire and guide Christians to this day.

He encourages us, saying, "Moreover, beseech daily the eternal Father, His divine Son, and the Blessed Virgin, that you may be particularly under the protection of St. Joseph, the worthy spouse of the most chaste of virgins. Then addressing yourself to this loving protector, ask with great humility to be received into his care."
Dom Lorenzo invites us to seek the intercession of St. Joseph, the humble carpenter who played a pivotal role in the plan of salvation. He reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of invoking the saints as our heavenly advocates. By entrusting ourselves to St. Joseph's care, we open our hearts to his paternal guidance and protection. Through his intercession, we can find solace in times of trial, illumination in moments of darkness, and direction in our spiritual journey. It's a beautiful testament to the communion of saints and the grace-filled assistance available to us through their prayers.
But lets do what we do and break down his quote into pieces to better understand their meaning.
"Moreover, beseech daily the eternal Father, His divine Son, and the Blessed Virgin, that you may be particularly under the protection of St. Joseph, the worthy spouse of the most chaste of virgins": This part of the quote emphasizes the importance of daily prayer and seeking the intercession of the Holy Trinity (the eternal Father, His divine Son - Jesus Christ, and the Blessed Virgin Mary) and St. Joseph. Traditional Catholic devotion often includes daily prayers to these heavenly figures for protection, guidance, and assistance in our spiritual journey.

"Then addressing yourself to this loving protector, ask with great humility to be received into his care": Here, Dom Lorenzo encourages us to approach St. Joseph with humility and trust, seeking his paternal care and intercession. St. Joseph, as the foster father of Jesus and the husband of Mary, holds a special place of honor in Catholic tradition as a model of righteousness, obedience, and provider for the Holy Family.

"For innumerable are the instances of assistance afforded to those who have called upon St. Joseph in their spiritual or temporal necessities": This highlights the traditional Catholic belief in the powerful intercession of St. Joseph. Throughout history, countless individuals have testified to receiving spiritual and temporal blessings through his intercession, including guidance, protection, and provision in times of need.

"Particularly has he aided them when they stood in need of light from heaven, and direction in their prayers": St. Joseph is often invoked as the patron saint of a happy death, but also as a guide in discernment and prayer. Traditional Catholics believe that St. Joseph, being the guardian of the Holy Family, possesses a unique closeness to Jesus and Mary, making him an ideal intercessor for guidance in spiritual matters and direction in our prayers.

"And if God shows so much regard for the other saints who have loved and served Him here below, how much consideration and deference will He not show for the person He so honored as to pay him filial homage and obedience?": Finally, Dom Lorenzo underscores the special relationship between God and St. Joseph, emphasizing that the honor bestowed upon St. Joseph by God Himself (as the foster father of Jesus and spouse of Mary) indicates the profound consideration and deference that God has for him. This encourages us to have confidence in St. Joseph's intercession and trust in God's providential care for those who honor and invoke St. Joseph's help.

Overall, Dom Lorenzo's quote reflects traditional Catholic devotion to St. Joseph and highlights the belief in his powerful intercession and the importance of seeking his guidance and protection in our spiritual and temporal needs.
Let me wrap up this episode with scripture reading of the day. Jeremiah 17:9-10
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it? "I the Lord search the mind and try the heart, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings."
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?": This verse emphasizes the fallen nature of humanity and the inherent tendency towards sin. In traditional Catholic theology, the "heart" refers not only to the physical organ but also to the innermost core of a person's being, encompassing their thoughts, desires, and intentions. The Catholic Church teaches that due to the effects of original sin, human nature is wounded and inclined towards selfishness and disobedience to God's will. Therefore, the heart, if left unchecked and unguided by grace, can lead individuals astray and deceive them into sinful actions.
"I the Lord search the mind and try the heart, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings": This verse emphasizes God's omniscience and justice. From a traditional Catholic perspective, God is the ultimate judge who sees into the depths of the human heart and knows the true intentions and motivations behind our actions. God's judgment is based not only on outward deeds but also on the inner disposition of the heart. He evaluates each person according to their thoughts, words, and deeds, and rewards or punishes them accordingly. This underscores the Catholic belief in divine justice and accountability for our moral choices.
In summary, Jeremiah 17:9-10, from a traditional Catholic perspective, highlights the fallen nature of humanity, the inclination towards sin, and the necessity of divine grace for moral discernment and righteousness. It also underscores God's role as the ultimate judge who examines the depths of the human heart and rewards or punishes individuals according to their actions and intentions.
As we conclude our episode, let's ponder the wisdom of these two quotes and the scripture reading and apply their relevance to our lives today. May we embrace humility, seeing others as brothers and sisters on the path to holiness. And may we seek the intercession of St. Joseph and all the saints, entrusting ourselves to their loving care as we journey toward our heavenly home.
Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His loving embrace and now go out and convert somebody one person at a time. Good Day!