Episode 2052: Cultivating Sanctity: The Gardener's Role in the Garden of Souls

We delve into the profound concept of sanctity through the lens of St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Thomas More.
How beautiful it is to trust in God's providence, knowing that He guards us from harm and guides our every step. Yet, in the intricate garden of souls, God invites us to participate actively in the cultivation of sanctity, as St. Therese of Lisieux eloquently expressed.
St. Therese compares the role of spiritual directors to that of skilled gardeners. Just as a gardener tends to delicate plants, nurturing them with care and wisdom, so too do spiritual directors nurture souls, guiding them toward spiritual growth and holiness. St. Therese acknowledges that God can sanctify souls without human assistance, but He often chooses to work through others, inviting them to participate in His divine plan.
“How many souls might reach a high degree of sanctity if properly directed from the first. I know God can sanctify souls without help, but just as He gives the gardener the skill to tend rare and delicate plants while fertilizing them Himself, so He wishes to use others in His cultivation of souls. What would happen if the gardener were so clumsy that he could not graft his trees properly, or knew so little about them that he wanted to make a peach tree bear roses?” St. Therese of Lisieux
Reflecting on St. Therese's analogy, let's consider the significance of our role as spiritual guides. Are we attentive gardeners, equipped with the knowledge and skill to nurture souls toward sanctity? Or do we risk being clumsy gardeners, lacking the understanding or humility to effectively cultivate spiritual growth?
Now let me break this down:
"How many souls might reach a high degree of sanctity if properly directed from the first."
St. Therese acknowledges the importance of proper spiritual guidance from the beginning of one's spiritual journey. She suggests that with the right direction, many souls could attain a deep level of sanctity, indicating the significance of spiritual direction in the Catholic tradition.
"I know God can sanctify souls without help..."
St. Therese humbly acknowledges that God is capable of sanctifying souls without human assistance. This statement emphasizes the sovereignty and omnipotence of God in the process of sanctification.
"...but just as He gives the gardener the skill to tend rare and delicate plants while fertilizing them Himself..."
Here, St. Therese uses the metaphor of a gardener to illustrate God's collaboration with human agents in the work of sanctification. Like a gardener who tends to delicate plants, God equips spiritual directors with the skill and knowledge necessary for nurturing souls, while still playing an active role in their growth.
"...so He wishes to use others in His cultivation of souls."
St. Therese emphasizes God's desire to involve others in the process of sanctification. While He could accomplish this task alone, He chooses to work through human instruments, highlighting the importance of community and cooperation in the spiritual life.

"What would happen if the gardener were so clumsy that he could not graft his trees properly, or knew so little about them that he wanted to make a peach tree bear roses?"
In this rhetorical question, St. Therese highlights the potential consequences of inadequate spiritual direction. Just as a clumsy gardener may harm the plants under his care, improper spiritual guidance can hinder the spiritual growth of souls, leading them away from their intended path of sanctity.
Overall, St. Therese's quote underscores the significance of spiritual direction in the Catholic tradition, while also emphasizing God's role as the ultimate source of sanctification. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, cooperation with God's grace, and the need for knowledgeable and attentive spiritual guides in nurturing souls towards holiness.
Now lets turn to St. Thomas More
"I will simply counsel every man and woman to beware of even the very least speck of [pride], which seems to me to be the mere delight and liking of ourselves for anything whatsoever that either is in us or outwardly belongs to us."
St. Thomas More offers a sobering reminder of the dangers of pride, cautioning us against even the slightest inclination towards self-centeredness. He compares pride to a speck of dust that, if left unchecked, can tarnish our spiritual landscape and hinder our ability to serve as faithful gardeners of souls.
Let's break down this quote from St. Thomas More from a traditional Catholic perspective:
"I will simply counsel every man and woman to beware of even the very least speck of [pride]..."
St. Thomas More begins by emphasizing the importance of vigilance against pride. He suggests that even the smallest trace of pride, no matter how insignificant it may seem, should not be taken lightly. This reflects the traditional Catholic understanding that pride is a spiritual vice that can subtly infiltrate the soul and lead to various other sins.
"...which seems to me to be the mere delight and liking of ourselves for anything whatsoever that either is in us or outwardly belongs to us."
St. Thomas More defines pride as the excessive delight or attachment to anything within oneself or outwardly possessed. This definition aligns with the Catholic understanding of pride as an inflated sense of self-importance, which can manifest in various forms such as arrogance, vanity, or self-centeredness.
Overall, St. Thomas More's quote serves as a cautionary reminder for Catholics to remain vigilant against pride in all its forms. It highlights the importance of humility, self-awareness, and detachment from worldly possessions or achievements in the spiritual life. By heeding this counsel, individuals can strive for greater holiness and closer conformity to the teachings of Christ.
Now lets wrap this episode up with the a verse from Psalm 121:5-8, reminding us of God's constant presence and protection: "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
Let's break down Psalm 121:5-8 from a traditional Catholic perspective:

"The Lord is your keeper..."
This line emphasizes the role of God as the protector and guardian of His people. In the Catholic tradition, God's providential care for His children is a central tenet of faith. This verse reminds Catholics of the loving and watchful presence of God in their lives, guiding and safeguarding them along their journey.
"...the Lord is your shade on your right hand."
The imagery of God being a shade on one's right hand symbolizes His close proximity and constant support. In the scorching heat of life's trials and challenges, God provides refuge and relief, offering comfort and strength to His faithful followers.
"The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night."
Here, the psalmist assures believers that God's protection is comprehensive and enduring. Regardless of the time or circumstance, God's watchful gaze never wavers. This verse underscores the idea of God's omnipotence and His ability to shield His people from all forms of harm or danger.

"The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life."
This line reinforces the theme of divine protection and preservation. God is not only capable of safeguarding His people from physical harm but also from spiritual evils. In the Catholic tradition, believers trust in God's grace to deliver them from sin and lead them on the path of righteousness.
"The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
The psalm concludes with an affirmation of God's enduring care and faithfulness. His watchful presence extends beyond the present moment, encompassing every aspect of life's journey. This verse instills a sense of confidence and trust in God's providence, reassuring Catholics of His steadfast love and protection for all eternity.
Overall, Psalm 121:5-8 serves as a powerful reminder for Catholics of God's constant presence, protection, and providential care in their lives. It encourages believers to place their trust and confidence in Him, knowing that He will faithfully guide them through every circumstance and into eternity.
Lets use these profound insights, let us strive to emulate the humility and wisdom of St. Therese and St. Thomas More. Let us be diligent gardeners, tending to the souls entrusted to our care with love and reverence. And let us remain ever mindful of God's grace, knowing that He is the ultimate Gardener, guiding us all towards the fullness of sanctity.
Thank you for joining me and please Tune in next time as we continue to explore the timeless wisdom of the Catholic faith. Until then, may God bless you and keep you in His loving care. Now go out there and convert somebody. Good day!