Episode 2042: Overcoming Temptation: Through Love and Virtue

We delve into the profound insights of two remarkable saints: St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Catherine of Siena. Through their words, we'll explore the themes of love, virtue, and overcoming temptation.
St. Therese of Lisieux once said, "Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing." In this simple yet profound statement, she encapsulates the essence of Christian spirituality. Love is the foundation upon which all our actions must be built. Without love, our deeds lack meaning and purpose.
St. Therese of Lisieux, "Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing," from a traditional Catholic perspective:

Context of St. Therese of Lisieux: St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as "The Little Flower," was a French Carmelite nun who lived in the late 19th century. She is renowned for her spiritual writings, particularly her autobiography "The Story of a Soul," which has become a classic of Christian spirituality.

Emphasis on Love: St. Therese's quote underscores the primacy of love in the Christian life. Love, understood as selfless and sacrificial, is the central commandment of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself.

Deeds Without Love: St. Therese warns that deeds, no matter how impressive or outwardly virtuous they may seem, are meaningless if they lack love. In Catholic theology, acts of charity and virtue are only truly meritorious when they flow from a heart filled with love for God and neighbor. Without this love, even acts of apparent goodness are devoid of spiritual value.
Theological Foundation: This concept is deeply rooted in Catholic theology, particularly in the writings of St. Paul. In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "love chapter," St. Paul emphasizes the surpassing importance of love over spiritual gifts, knowledge, and acts of charity. He concludes by stating that without love, these things are nothing.
Implications for Spiritual Life: From a traditional Catholic perspective, St. Therese's words challenge believers to examine the motivations behind their actions. It's not enough to perform outward acts of piety or service; one must cultivate a heart transformed by love. This requires a deep interior life of prayer, humility, and dependence on God's grace.
Mystical Union with God: St. Therese's spirituality, often referred to as the "Little Way," emphasizes the importance of small acts of love and self-sacrifice offered to God with great love. She believed that even the most mundane tasks, when done with love, can lead to union with God.
In summary, St. Therese of Lisieux's quote encapsulates a fundamental truth of the Christian faith: that love is the essence of true holiness, and without it, even the most outwardly virtuous deeds are meaningless in the eyes of God.
But what about when we encounter trials and temptations in our journey of faith?
St. Catherine of Siena provides us with invaluable insight. She reports a dialogue with Our Lord, in which He reveals His purpose in allowing the Devil to tempt and trouble His creatures. Our Lord assures us that He has equipped us with the strength of will, fortified in the Blood of His Son, to overcome these challenges.
“I’ve appointed the Devil to tempt and to trouble My creatures in this life [St. Catherine of Siena reports that Our Lord said to her]. I’ve done this, not so that My creatures will be overcome, but so that they may overcome, proving their virtue and receiving from Me the glory of victory. And no one should fear any battle or temptation of the Devil that may come to him, because I’ve made My creatures strong, and I’ve given them strength of will, fortified in the Blood of My Son. Neither the Devil nor any other creature can control this free will, because it’s yours, given to you by Me. By your own choice, then, you hold it or let it go if you please. It’s a weapon, and if you place it in the hands of the Devil, it right away becomes a knife that he’ll use to stab and kill you. On the other hand, if you don’t place this knife that is your will into the hands of the Devil—that is, if you don’t consent to his temptations and harassments—you will never be injured by the guilt of sin in any temptation. Instead, you’ll actually be strengthened by the temptation, as long as you open the eyes of your mind to see My love, and to understand why I allowed you to be tempted: so you could develop virtue by having it proved. My love permits these temptations, for the Devil is weak. He can do nothing by himself unless I allow him. So I let him tempt you because I love you, not because I hate you. I want you to conquer, not to be conquered, and to come to a perfect knowledge of yourself and of Me.”
let's break down this quote attributed to Our Lord as reported by St. Catherine of Siena from a traditional Catholic perspective:
Divine Providence: The quote reveals the belief in God's sovereignty over all things, including the activities of the Devil. It suggests that God permits the Devil to tempt and trouble humanity, not for their destruction but for their spiritual growth and ultimately for His glory.
Purpose of Temptation: According to the quote, the purpose of allowing temptation is not for humans to be overcome by sin but for them to overcome temptation, thereby proving their virtue and receiving glory from God for their victory. This aligns with the Catholic understanding that trials and temptations can be occasions for spiritual growth and sanctification.
Strength and Free Will: The quote emphasizes the strength and freedom of human will, which is a gift from God. It asserts that no external force, including the Devil, can control one's free will unless it is willingly surrendered. This underscores the Catholic teaching on the dignity of the human person and the importance of personal responsibility in moral decision-making.
Consequences of Choice: The quote vividly illustrates the consequences of choosing to either resist or succumb to temptation. It uses imagery of a weapon, symbolizing one's will, which can either be used to resist the Devil or handed over to him. This echoes the Catholic understanding of the spiritual battle between good and evil and the importance of vigilance and perseverance in resisting temptation.

God's Love and Purpose: Throughout the quote, there is an underlying theme of God's love for humanity. God permits temptation not out of hatred but out of love, with the desire for humanity to conquer sin and grow in virtue. This reflects the Catholic belief in God's providential care and His desire for the salvation and spiritual flourishing of all people.
Development of Virtue: The quote suggests that through facing and overcoming temptation, individuals can develop and strengthen their virtues. This aligns with the Catholic understanding of the moral life as a journey of growth in holiness, where trials and challenges serve as opportunities for spiritual advancement.
In summary, this quote from St. Catherine of Siena, reporting Our Lord's words, provides profound insights into the Catholic understanding of temptation, free will, and God's providential care. It encourages believers to trust in God's love, to exercise their free will wisely, and to persevere in the face of temptation, knowing that through God's grace, they can overcome and grow in virtue.
It's crucial to understand that temptations are not meant to defeat us but to refine us. St. Catherine reminds us that our free will is a powerful weapon, capable of resisting the Devil's advances. By choosing to align our will with God's, we render the Devil powerless.
St. Catherine's words echo the wisdom of Isaiah: "Hearken to me, you who pursue deliverance, you who seek the Lord; look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were digged." We are called to remember our origins, to recognize that we are hewn from the rock of God's love and formed by His hand.
let's break down this quote from Isaiah 51:1 from a traditional Catholic perspective:
Call to Attention: The quote begins with an imperative command, "Hearken to me," indicating that the speaker (presumably God) is calling for the attention of the listener. In the Catholic tradition, this call to attention often serves as an invitation to listen to God's word and heed His teachings.
Seekers of Deliverance: The quote addresses those who are actively pursuing deliverance and seeking the Lord. In the Catholic perspective, this could refer to believers who are seeking salvation, liberation from sin, or deliverance from various trials and challenges in life. It underscores the importance of seeking God earnestly and wholeheartedly.
Metaphor of Rock and Quarry: The quote employs metaphorical language, urging the listener to "look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were digged." In the Catholic interpretation, the "rock" symbolizes God as the source of strength, stability, and foundation. Just as a rock provides firm ground to stand on, God is the unchanging and dependable anchor of our lives.
Divine Origin and Identity: By urging the listener to "look to the rock from which you were hewn," the quote emphasizes the divine origin and identity of the listener. In the Catholic understanding, human beings are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27), and our true identity and purpose are found in our relationship with Him.
Call to Rememberance: The quote encourages reflection on one's origins and roots. It invites believers to remember and acknowledge God's role as the creator and sustainer of their lives. This act of remembrance fosters gratitude, humility, and trust in God's providence.

Spiritual Nourishment and Growth: The metaphor of the quarry from which one was dug suggests a process of formation and shaping. In the Catholic perspective, this can symbolize the spiritual journey of transformation and growth in holiness. Through prayer, sacraments, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers are continually formed and shaped into the likeness of Christ.
Encouragement and Assurance: Overall, the quote from Isaiah 51:1 serves as both an encouragement and a reminder to those who seek deliverance and pursue the Lord. It reminds them of their divine origin, identity, and the steadfastness of God's love and providence. It calls them to trust in God's faithfulness and to find strength and stability in Him amidst life's challenges.
In summary, from a traditional Catholic perspective, Isaiah 51:1 is a powerful reminder of God's role as the source of strength, stability, and identity for believers. It calls them to remember their divine origin, seek the Lord earnestly, and find assurance and guidance in Him.
In the face of temptation, let us turn our gaze to the source of our strength the love of God. Let us draw upon the virtues instilled within us through His grace. By doing so, we not only overcome temptations but also grow in holiness and virtue.
As we navigate the trials of life, may we take solace in the words of St. Catherine: "I want you to conquer, not to be conquered, and to come to a perfect knowledge of yourself and of Me." Through love and virtue, we can triumph over adversity and draw ever closer to God.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of exploration and reflection. Until next time, may God's love and grace illuminate your path. God bless.