Episode 2132: Contemplating Truth

Today, we delve into the profound wisdom of St. Juliana of Norwich, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and the Gospel of Luke, reflecting on God's love, intercession, and the workings of the heart. Join us as we journey through these insights that illuminate the Christian path toward holiness.
Let's begin by unpacking the first quote from St. Juliana of Norwich.
"Truth sees God, and wisdom contemplates God, and from these two comes a third, a holy and wonderful delight in God, who is love." — St. Juliana of Norwich

She beautifully articulates a profound truth of our faith: "Truth sees God, and wisdom contemplates God, and from these two comes a third, a holy and wonderful delight in God, who is love." In this statement, St. Juliana emphasizes the transformative journey of the soul towards union with God.
For a traditional Catholic, this quote echoes the importance of seeking truth and wisdom. Truth, illuminated by faith, allows us to perceive God's reality and divine order. Wisdom, rooted in deep understanding and spiritual insight, goes beyond mere knowledge it contemplates the mysteries of God's nature and His infinite love. When truth and wisdom converge, they give birth to a profound joy and love for God, which becomes the foundation of our spiritual life.
Next, let's consider the words of St. Alphonsus Liguori, a doctor of the Church, on the intercession of saints, particularly the Blessed Virgin Mary. He writes, "No one denies that Jesus Christ is our only mediator of justice, and that he by his merits has obtained our reconciliation with God. But, on the other hand, it is impious to assert that God is not pleased to grant graces at the intercession of his saints, and more especially of Mary his mother, whom Jesus desires so much to see loved and honored by all. Who can pretend that the honor bestowed on a mother doesn't redound to the honor of the son? For this reason St. Bernard says, 'We must not imagine that we obscure the glory of the Son by the great praise we lavish on the mother; for the more she is honored, the greater is the glory of her Son.'" —St. Alphonsus Liguori
Alphonsus underscores the Church's teaching on the communion of saints—a belief that the saints, united with Christ, can intercede for us before God.
From a traditional Catholic perspective, honoring Mary and the saints is not idolatry but a sign of deep reverence for God's work in their lives. As St. Bernard noted, honoring Mary magnifies the glory of her Son, Jesus Christ. The saints, having lived lives of virtue and holiness, can indeed pray for us and obtain graces on our behalf, all to the greater glory of God.
Lastly, let's turn to the Gospel of Luke: "A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks."
— Luke 6:45
This passage reflects Jesus's teaching on the relationship between one's heart and actions.
In the Catholic tradition, the heart is seen as the center of one's spiritual life a place where grace transforms and purifies. Our words and actions flow from the state of our hearts. A heart filled with God's goodness naturally bears fruits of virtue and love, while a heart hardened by sin produces works of darkness. This teaching underscores the importance of cultivating a virtuous heart through prayer, sacraments, and a life of charity.
Today, we've reflected on profound truths from St. Juliana of Norwich, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and the Gospel of Luke. Through their words, we've seen the importance of seeking truth and wisdom, embracing the intercessory role of saints, especially Mary, and nurturing a heart filled with God's goodness. May these insights inspire us on our journey of faith, leading us closer to the holy and wonderful delight in God, who is love. Thank you for joining and Until next time, may God bless you abundantly. Now get out of your Novus Ordo Parishes before you lose your faith and your immortal soul and go convert somebody. Good Day.