Episode 2056: Building on the Rock - Christ in Prayer and Service

We explore the timeless wisdom of the Catholic tradition and its relevance in our lives today we delve into the profound teachings of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Francis de Sales, alongside the scripture verse from 1 Samuel 12:23-24.
Let's start with a quote from St. Vincent de Paul: "Christ's teaching will never let us down, while worldly wisdom always will." These words echo the sentiment of Jesus Himself, who likened worldly wisdom to a house built on sand, vulnerable to collapse. In contrast, Christ's teachings provide a solid foundation, like a building constructed upon rock.
But let me provide the entire quote:
"Let each of us accept the truth of the following statement and try to make it our most fundamental principle: Christ's teaching will never let us down, while worldly wisdom always will. Christ Himself said that this sort of wisdom was like a house with nothing but sand as its foundation, while His own was like a building with solid rock as its foundation." St. Vincent de Paul
Let's break down this quote from St. Vincent de Paul from a traditional Catholic perspective:

"Let each of us accept the truth of the following statement and try to make it our most fundamental principle": St. Vincent de Paul begins by urging us to accept the truth of what he is about to say. This sets the stage for the importance of what follows and encourages personal reflection and acceptance.
"Christ's teaching will never let us down, while worldly wisdom always will": Here, St. Vincent emphasizes the reliability and steadfastness of Christ's teachings. From a traditional Catholic perspective, Christ's teachings, as revealed in Scripture and interpreted by the Church, are seen as eternal truths that provide guidance for every aspect of life. In contrast, worldly wisdom, which is often based on transient and imperfect human understanding, is portrayed as unreliable and prone to failure.
"Christ Himself said that this sort of wisdom was like a house with nothing but sand as its foundation, while His own was like a building with solid rock as its foundation": St. Vincent references Jesus's parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27), Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. where Jesus compares those who hear and act on His teachings to a wise builder who builds on rock, and those who ignore His teachings to a foolish builder who builds on sand. In Catholic tradition, this imagery underscores the importance of building our lives upon the solid foundation of Christ's teachings, which provide stability and security even in the face of life's storms.
Overall, St. Vincent de Paul's quote emphasizes the superiority of Christ's teachings over worldly wisdom and encourages believers to prioritize and integrate these teachings into their lives as the cornerstone of their faith and decision-making.
As Catholics, we are called to anchor our lives in the teachings of Christ, allowing His wisdom to guide our decisions and actions. But how do we practically apply this in our daily lives? St. Francis de Sales offers us insight: "If during vocal prayer your heart is drawn to mental prayer, do not restrain it." This guidance emphasizes the importance of authenticity in our spiritual practice.
When our hearts are moved towards deeper communion with God, whether through vocal or mental prayer, we should embrace that direction wholeheartedly. St. Francis teaches us that such devotion is not only more acceptable to God but also more beneficial to our souls. In our prayer life, let us be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead us closer to God.
But let me provide the entire quote:
“If during vocal prayer your heart is drawn to mental prayer, do not restrain it, but let your devotion take that channel, omitting the vocal prayers which you intended to say: that which takes their place is more acceptable to God, and more useful to your own soul.” —St. Francis de Sales
Let's analyze this quote from St. Francis de Sales
"If during vocal prayer your heart is drawn to mental prayer, do not restrain it": St. Francis de Sales acknowledges the fluidity of prayer and the diversity of ways in which individuals may be drawn to communicate with God. In Catholic tradition, vocal prayer involves reciting prayers aloud or silently, while mental prayer involves meditation, contemplation, or silently conversing with God. St. Francis encourages flexibility in prayer, recognizing that the Holy Spirit may prompt individuals to engage in mental prayer even while initially intending to pray vocally.

"Let your devotion take that channel, omitting the vocal prayers which you intended to say": St. Francis advises that when one's heart is drawn to mental prayer, they should allow their devotion to flow in that direction. This implies a willingness to let go of one's preconceived plans or routines in prayer and to be responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It's an invitation to prioritize the authenticity of one's prayer experience over rigid adherence to prescribed forms.
"That which takes their place is more acceptable to God, and more useful to your own soul": St. Francis de Sales suggests that when prayer naturally shifts from vocal to mental, it becomes more pleasing to God and beneficial to the individual's spiritual growth. From a traditional Catholic perspective, mental prayer often leads to deeper intimacy with God, as it involves the engagement of the intellect, imagination, and will in dialogue with the Divine. It fosters spiritual growth, interior transformation, and a deeper understanding of God's will.
In summary, St. Francis de Sales's quote underscores the importance of being open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in prayer, allowing one's devotion to flow naturally between vocal and mental expressions. It highlights the value of authenticity in prayer and the spiritual benefits of engaging in mental prayer when prompted, ultimately leading to a more profound communion with God.
But our journey in faith doesn't end with prayer; it extends to our service to others. In 1 Samuel 12:23-24, we hear the words of Samuel: "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you... Only fear the Lord, and serve Him faithfully with all your heart." Samuel's commitment to prayer and service serves as a model for us all.
Let me provide the entire quote:
"Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you."
–1 Samuel 12:23-24
Let's break down this scripture passage from 1 Samuel 12:23-24 from a traditional Catholic perspective:
"Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you": In this passage, the prophet Samuel expresses his commitment to intercede for the people of Israel. From a traditional Catholic perspective, intercessory prayer is seen as a vital aspect of the Christian life. It reflects the communion of saints, where believers support one another through prayer, asking for God's grace and blessings on behalf of others. Samuel's resolve not to cease praying for the Israelites demonstrates his deep concern for their spiritual welfare and his recognition of the importance of prayer in their relationship with God.
"And I will instruct you in the good and the right way": Samuel not only commits to praying for the people but also pledges to provide them with guidance and instruction in living according to God's will. In Catholic tradition, the role of spiritual leaders, such as prophets, priests, and bishops, includes teaching and shepherding the faithful in the ways of righteousness and holiness. This teaching is grounded in Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church), aimed at helping believers grow in faith, virtue, and knowledge of God's Word.
"Only fear the Lord, and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you": Samuel's instruction to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully echoes themes found throughout the Old and New Testaments. In Catholic theology, "fearing the Lord" does not imply a servile fear but rather a reverential awe and respect for God's majesty, holiness, and power. Serving God faithfully with all one's heart entails a wholehearted commitment to loving and obeying Him, recognizing His goodness and faithfulness in all aspects of life. Samuel encourages the Israelites to reflect on God's past blessings and deliverances, urging them to respond with gratitude, obedience, and fidelity.

In summary, this scripture passage from 1 Samuel underscores the importance of prayer, instruction in the faith, reverence for God, faithful service, and gratitude for His goodness. It offers timeless wisdom for believers in every age, reminding them of their call to live in relationship with God and to seek His will in all things.
Like Samuel, let us not cease to pray for one another, recognizing the importance of intercession in the life of faith. And as we pray, let us also heed the call to serve the Lord faithfully with all our hearts. In serving others, we emulate Christ Himself, who came not to be served but to serve.
As we conclude today's episode, let us reflect on the wisdom of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis de Sales, and the scripture from 1 Samuel. May we build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ's teachings, embracing both prayer and service as integral aspects of our faith journey.
Thank you for joining me on "Building on the Rock." Until next time, may God bless you abundantly. Now go out and convert somebody.