Episode 2001: Love's Examination: Lessons for Holy Wednesday

Love's Examination: Lessons for Holy Wednesday
Today, as Holy Week unfolds, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound teachings of love and judgment. Lets explore the insights of St. Robert Bellarmine, Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet, and the words of Scripture, particularly in light of Holy Wednesday.
St. Robert Bellarmine once said, "The school of Christ is the school of love. In the last day, when the general examination takes place ... Love will be the whole syllabus." These words point the essence of what it means to walk the path of Christ. Love is not just a sentiment but a fundamental principle that guides our actions, thoughts, and ultimately, our destinies.
His statement carries a profound spiritual significance.
Firstly, it underscores the centrality of love in Christian doctrine. Love is not just one aspect of the Christian life; rather, it is the essence of Christianity itself. Christ's teachings consistently emphasized love - love for God and love for one's neighbor. The entire Gospel narrative revolves around the concept of divine love manifested through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.Show more

Secondly, St. Robert Bellarmine's statement alludes to the final judgment, referred to in Christian theology as the "Last Judgment" or "General Judgment." According to Catholic belief, at the end of time, all individuals will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their lives. This judgment will assess each person's actions, intentions, and the depth of their love - both for God and for others.
In this context, "Love will be the whole syllabus" implies that the criterion by which individuals will be judged on the last day is the love they have demonstrated throughout their lives. This encompasses love for God, expressed through obedience, worship, and devotion, as well as love for one's neighbor, demonstrated through acts of compassion, mercy, and charity.
From a traditional Catholic perspective, then, St. Robert Bellarmine's statement serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate significance of love in the Christian journey. It underscores the imperative for believers to cultivate a deep and genuine love that permeates every aspect of their lives, knowing that their eternal destiny hinges on the authenticity of their love for God and others.
Now we move onto Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet but as always before we do let me explain who he was.
Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet was a prominent figure in French history, known primarily as a renowned preacher, theologian, and bishop. Born on September 27, 1627, in Dijon, France, he was raised in a devout Catholic family. His father served as a magistrate, and his mother came from a family of lawyers. From an early age, Bossuet displayed exceptional intellect and a deep religious sensibility.

Bossuet received his education at the Jesuit college in Dijon, where he excelled in his studies, particularly in literature, rhetoric, and philosophy. His exceptional abilities caught the attention of his mentors, who recognized his potential for a career in the priesthood.

In 1642, Bossuet moved to Paris to continue his studies at the Collège de Navarre, where he pursued theological studies under the guidance of the renowned theologian Nicolas Cornet. During this time, Bossuet's intellectual prowess became increasingly evident, and he began to establish himself as a skilled orator and writer.

In 1652, Bossuet was ordained as a priest and embarked on his ecclesiastical career. His early years in the priesthood were marked by his involvement in various theological and academic pursuits. He gained recognition for his eloquent preaching and became known for his ability to captivate audiences with his sermons.

Bossuet's reputation continued to grow, and in 1669, he was appointed as the Bishop of Condom by King Louis XIV. His tenure as bishop was characterized by his dedication to pastoral care, his efforts to promote religious education, and his defense of Catholic doctrine against various theological challenges of the time.

Throughout his life, Bossuet remained actively engaged in theological and literary pursuits. He wrote extensively on theological topics, producing works such as "Discourse on the Universal History" and "Exposition of the Catholic Faith." He also gained acclaim for his eloquent funeral orations, including his famous oration for the funeral of Henrietta Anne Stuart, Duchess of Orléans.

Bossuet's theological writings and sermons had a profound influence on French society and intellectual life during the 17th century. He was known for his defense of Catholicism against Protestantism and his efforts to promote religious unity within France.

Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet died on April 12, 1704, in Paris, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential figures in French Catholic history. His works continue to be studied and admired for their theological depth, literary elegance, and enduring relevance to Catholic thought.
Now for his quote:
Somewhat lengthy but well worth the read.
“Set free from human judgment, we should count as true only what God sees in us, what he knows, and what he judges. God does not judge as man does. Man sees only the countenance, only the exterior. God penetrates to the depths of our hearts. God does not change as man does. His judgment is in no way inconstant. He is the only one upon whom we should rely. How happy we are then, and how peaceful! We are no longer dazzled by appearances, or stirred up by opinions; we are united to the truth and depend upon it alone. I am praised, blamed, treated with indifference, disdained, ignored, or forgotten; none of this can touch me. I will be no less than I am. Men and women want to play at being a creator. They want to give me existence in their opinion, but this existence that they want to give me is nothingness. It is an illusion, a shadow, an appearance, that is, at bottom, nothingness. What is this shadow, always following me, behind me, at my side? Is it me, or something that belongs to me? No. Yet does not this shadow seem to move with me? No matter: it is not me. So it is with the judgements of men: they would follow me everywhere, paint me, sketch me, make me move according to their whim, and, in the end, give me some sort of existence … but I am disabused of this error. I am content with a hidden life. How peaceful it is! Whether I truly live this Christian life of which St. Paul speaks, I do not know, nor can I know with certainty. But I hope that I do, and I trust in God’s goodness to help me.”
He beautifully expands on this notion, reminding us of the freedom found in being liberated from human judgment and anchored in the truth of God's perception. He emphasizes that God's judgment transcends the superficialities of human perception, delving deep into the core of our beings. In God, we find constancy and peace, free from the fluctuations of human opinion.
Firstly, Bossuet emphasizes the transcendence of God's judgment over that of humans. He highlights the limitations of human perception, which often only scratches the surface of a person's being, focusing solely on external appearances. In contrast, God's judgment penetrates to the depths of the human heart, discerning the true intentions, thoughts, and motivations behind every action.

In Catholic theology, God's judgment is understood as just, constant, and immutable. Unlike human judgments, which can be swayed by biases, misunderstandings, or changing circumstances, God's judgment remains steadfast and based on perfect knowledge and wisdom.
Bossuet's words also underscore the peace and freedom that come from being liberated from the opinions and judgments of others. By anchoring oneself in the truth of God's perception, individuals can find inner tranquility, unaffected by the praise or criticism of the world. This echoes the spiritual teaching of detachment, where one's identity and worth are rooted not in the transient affirmations or condemnations of human society but in the eternal love and acceptance of God.
Furthermore, Bossuet warns against the temptation to seek validation or existence through the opinions of others, recognizing the emptiness and illusion inherent in human judgments. Instead, he advocates for a humble acceptance of a "hidden life," where one finds contentment in living according to God's will, regardless of worldly recognition or acclaim.

Finally, Bossuet acknowledges the uncertainty that accompanies the Christian journey, as individuals strive to live out their faith amidst the complexities and challenges of life. Yet, amidst this uncertainty, there is hope and trust in God's goodness and grace to guide and sustain them on the path of discipleship.
Overall, from a traditional Catholic perspective, Bossuet's quote serves as a profound reminder of the primacy of God's judgment, the freedom found in detachment from human opinions, and the peace that comes from living in alignment with divine truth. It calls believers to place their trust wholly in God and to seek validation and identity solely through His loving gaze.

Now let me wrap this episode up with a scripture verse from 2 Corinthians 5:10, which states, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil." Here, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the solemn reality of divine judgment, where our deeds, motivated by love or lacking it, will be laid bare before the gaze of the Divine.
Firstly, the passage emphasizes the universality of judgment. It asserts that every person, regardless of status, wealth, or influence, will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. This aligns with Catholic belief in the doctrine of the Last Judgment, which teaches that all individuals will be called to account for their actions at the end of time.

Secondly, the verse highlights the nature of judgment based on deeds. It asserts that each individual will receive recompense according to what they have done in the body, whether good or evil. This reflects the Catholic understanding of divine justice, which takes into account the moral choices and actions of individuals during their earthly lives.
In Catholic theology, the concept of judgment encompasses both rewards and consequences. Those who have lived virtuously and aligned their lives with the will of God can expect to receive rewards or blessings in the afterlife, while those who have persisted in sin may face consequences or punishment.
Moreover, the passage underscores the importance of moral responsibility. It implies that individuals have agency and are accountable for their actions. This aligns with Catholic moral teaching, which emphasizes the importance of free will and personal responsibility in discerning and choosing the good.

Overall, from a traditional Catholic perspective, 2 Corinthians 5:10 serves as a reminder of the reality of judgment, the accountability of individuals before God, and the importance of living virtuously according to the teachings of Christ. It underscores the Catholic belief in the ultimate justice of God and the need for repentance, reconciliation, and conversion in preparation for the final judgment.

Holy Wednesday invites us to contemplate the depth of our love and the sincerity of our faith. It requires us to reassess our priorities, ensuring that love guides our every action, thought, and intention. In the end, it is not the accolades of men that define us, but the love we have shared and the love we have received.
As we journey through Holy Week, let us heed the lessons of love and judgment imparted to us by these profound reflections. May our hearts be filled with love, our minds be enlightened by truth, and our souls be prepared for the ultimate examination before the judgment seat of Christ.

Thank you for joining me on this episode and Until next time, may God's love and grace be with you always. Now go out and convert somebody. Good Day!