Episode 2114: Embracing God's Will Humility and Trust

We delve into profound insights from traditional Catholic perspectives on embracing God's will with humility and trust. In this episode, we explore the wisdom of St. Clare of Assisi and Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure, alongside the reassuring words from the Book of Psalms. These teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining balance in times of adversity and prosperity, and the virtue of trusting in God's plan.
Let's start by unpacking the wisdom of St. Clare of Assisi: "Have caution in not allowing yourself to be struck down by adversity nor becoming vain by prosperity." This advice reminds us of the importance of maintaining a steady course in our spiritual journey. In times of adversity, it's easy to lose hope and become disheartened. St. Clare teaches us to remain steadfast, trusting that God's plan unfolds even through difficult circumstances. Similarly, in times of prosperity, there is a risk of pride and self-reliance. St. Clare cautions against this, reminding us to stay humble and acknowledge that all blessings come from God.
Let's break down this quote from St. Clare of Assisi, "Have caution in not allowing yourself to be struck down by adversity nor becoming vain by prosperity," from a traditional Catholic perspective:
Adversity and Resilience: St. Clare's advice acknowledges the reality of adversity in life. In a traditional Catholic understanding, adversity can be seen as a test of faith and a means through which God may be purifying and strengthening us. However, St. Clare warns against being "struck down" by adversity. This suggests that while we may face challenges, we are called to maintain our faith, hope, and trust in God's providence. Instead of being overwhelmed or discouraged, we should lean on our faith and prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength to persevere through difficult times.
Humility in Prosperity: St. Clare also cautions against becoming "vain by prosperity." In times of success, wealth, or comfort, there is a risk of pride and self-reliance. From a traditional Catholic perspective, prosperity should be received with humility and gratitude, recognizing that all blessings come from God. Rather than boasting in our achievements or material possessions, we are called to remain humble, acknowledging God's sovereignty and generosity. Prosperity should not distract us from our spiritual journey or lead us away from dependence on God.
Virtue of Balance: St. Clare's advice encapsulates the virtue of balance, which is fundamental in traditional Catholic spirituality. We are called to navigate life's highs and lows with equanimity and faith. This balance involves trusting in God's providence whether in times of struggle or success, always striving to maintain humility and trust in His plan for our lives.
Trust in God's Providence: Ultimately, St. Clare's words encourage a deep trust in God's providential care. In adversity, we trust that God will provide the strength and grace needed to endure. In prosperity, we acknowledge God as the source of all good things and remain rooted in our reliance on Him. This trust in God's providence forms the foundation of a traditional Catholic perspective on responding to life's challenges and blessings.
In summary, St. Clare of Assisi's quote underscores the importance of maintaining faith, humility, and trust in God regardless of life's circumstances. It invites us to embrace a balanced and virtuous approach to adversity and prosperity, seeking to align our hearts with God's will and relying on His grace in all situations.
Now, let's delve into the profound words of Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure, which elaborate on the practice of conforming to God's will: "We should desire virtue itself and the degrees of grace only insofar as God wishes to give them, and not desire more." This concept highlights the essence of humility and acceptance of our individual path towards spiritual perfection. Saint-Jure underscores that each person's journey is unique, and our primary ambition should be to attain the degree of perfection appointed by God for us. We should not envy or strive to emulate the extraordinary virtues of saints like the Blessed Virgin or the Apostles beyond what is within our calling. Instead, we should submit to God's will with pure love and conformity, rejoicing in His plan for our lives.
"Finally and this is perhaps the most difficult aspect of what concerns the practice of conformity to the will of God we should desire virtue itself and the degrees of grace only insofar as God wishes to give them, and not desire more. Our whole ambition should be to attain the degree of perfection that has been appointed for us, since it has not been given to everybody to reach the same height. It is obvious that however well we may correspond with the graces given us, we can never equal the humility, charity and other virtues of the Blessed Virgin. And who can even presume to imagine that he can reach the same heights as the Apostles? Who can equal St. John the Baptist whom Christ called the greatest of the children of men? Or St. Joseph to whom God entrusted His Son? In this we must as in all else submit to the will of God. He must be able to say of us, My will is in them; it rules and governs everything. So when we hear or read that God in a short time has brought some souls to a very high degree of perfection and shown them signal favors, enlightened their understanding and imbued their hearts with His love, we should repress any desire to be treated likewise so as not to fall short in pure love of conformity to His Will. We should even unite ourselves still more closely to His Will by saying, 'I praise Thee, O Lord, and bless Thee for deigning to show Thyself with so great love and familiarity to the souls Thou has chosen ...'"
Let's break down Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure's quote from a traditional Catholic perspective:
Desiring Virtue and Grace According to God's Will: Saint-Jure emphasizes the importance of desiring virtue and degrees of grace only in accordance with God's will. This perspective aligns with traditional Catholic teaching on humility and obedience. As Catholics, we are called to seek holiness and strive for virtues, but always in submission to God's plan and timing. Our ambition should be to grow in virtue as God intends for us, recognizing that each person's spiritual journey is unique and guided by divine providence.
Acceptance of Personal Perfection: Saint-Jure acknowledges that not everyone is called to reach the same heights of holiness or perfection. This echoes the Catholic understanding that God has a specific plan and purpose for each individual. Our goal is to attain the degree of perfection appointed for us by God, rather than comparing ourselves to the extraordinary examples of saints like the Blessed Virgin Mary or the Apostles. This perspective encourages humility and acceptance of our limitations, while striving for personal sanctity in accordance with God's will.
Submission to God's Will: The quote underscores the importance of submitting entirely to God's will in all aspects of life. Traditional Catholic spirituality emphasizes surrendering our own desires and ambitions to align with God's divine plan. This requires trust and obedience, allowing God's will to rule and govern everything in our lives. By embracing God's will with humility and trust, we open ourselves to His grace and guidance.
Repressing Envy and Embracing Gratitude: Saint-Jure advises against feeling envy towards those who seem to attain high degrees of holiness quickly or receive extraordinary favors from God. Instead, he encourages gratitude and contentment with God's unique plan for each of us. This reflects the traditional Catholic virtue of humility, which involves rejoicing in the spiritual blessings and graces that God bestows upon us, regardless of their magnitude or visibility.
In summary, Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure's quote offers profound insights into the practice of conformity to God's will from a traditional Catholic perspective. It calls us to embrace humility, obedience, and trust in God's providence, acknowledging our unique path to holiness while surrendering our desires and ambitions to God's divine plan for our lives. This perspective fosters a deep sense of gratitude and contentment in God's love and mercy, guiding us towards greater conformity to His will and ultimate union with Him.
Closing Reflection of Scripture:
As we reflect on these profound teachings, let's turn to the reassuring words from Psalm 37: "The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their refuge in the time of trouble." This Psalm offers solace and hope, affirming that our ultimate refuge and deliverance come from God alone. When we face challenges or adversaries, we can find strength in knowing that God is our protector and helper. By taking refuge in Him and surrendering to His will, we open ourselves to His grace and mercy.
"The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their refuge in the time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked, and saves them, because they take refuge in him." — Psalm 37:39-40
Let's break down Psalm 37:39-40 from a traditional Catholic perspective:
Salvation Comes from the Lord: The opening line of the passage emphasizes that salvation belongs to the righteous and is ultimately derived from God. In traditional Catholic theology, salvation is a gift from God granted through His grace and mercy. It underscores the foundational belief that our eternal destiny is dependent on God's saving action and not solely on our own merits.
God as Refuge in Times of Trouble: The psalmist describes God as a refuge for the righteous in times of trouble. This imagery conveys the idea that God is a place of safety and protection for those who trust in Him. In Catholic spirituality, taking refuge in God involves seeking His guidance, strength, and comfort during trials and challenges. It reflects the importance of relying on God's providence and not solely on human efforts.
Divine Assistance and Deliverance: The passage further highlights God's active role in helping and delivering the righteous from evil and adversity. Traditional Catholic teaching emphasizes God's providential care and intervention in the lives of believers. God's deliverance signifies His power to rescue His people from sin, temptation, and all forms of spiritual and physical harm.
Taking Refuge in God: The concluding statement stresses that God saves those who take refuge in Him. This act of seeking refuge in God involves placing one's trust and hope in Him alone. From a traditional Catholic perspective, taking refuge in God signifies an intimate and trusting relationship with Him, rooted in faith and surrender to His will. It is a reminder that salvation is not achieved through self-reliance or worldly means but through a deep dependence on God's mercy and grace.
In summary, Psalm 37:39-40 offers a profound expression of traditional Catholic beliefs regarding salvation, divine protection, and the importance of seeking refuge in God. It underscores the foundational principles of faith, trust, and reliance on God's saving grace for the deliverance and ultimate salvation of the righteous. This passage invites believers to turn to God in times of trouble, confidently placing their hope and security in His unfailing love and care.
In conclusion, embracing God's will with humility and trust is central to the traditional Catholic perspective. We are called to navigate the ups and downs of life, avoiding extremes of despondency in adversity and pride in prosperity. Instead, let us humbly seek the virtues and graces that God offers us, recognizing that our unique path is designed by His wisdom and love. May we find solace in His refuge and deliverance, trusting in His divine plan for our salvation.

Thank you for joining us on this reflective journey. Stay tuned for more insights from traditional Catholic teachings in our upcoming episode and may God Bless you. Now keep your eyes on Rome and go out and teach and then convert somebody.