Episode 2221: Viva Cristo Rey - Morning Episode

We delve into the themes of unwavering faith, loving God's will in all circumstances, and finding strength in the Lord. Our reflections are guided by the courageous proclamation of Blessed Miguel Pro, the profound teachings of St. Francis de Sales on loving God’s will, and the assurance of God's protection found in 2 Samuel 22:32-37. Join us as we journey through these inspiring teachings and learn how to live more fully in the light of Christ the King.
Proclaiming Christ the King
"Viva Cristo Rey! Long live Christ the King!" — Blessed Miguel Pro
Blessed Miguel Pro's proclamation of "Viva Cristo Rey!" encapsulates a bold and unwavering declaration of faith in Christ as our King, especially in the face of persecution.
Blessed Miguel Pro, a Mexican Jesuit priest, made this declaration during a period of intense religious persecution in Mexico. He was martyred for his faith in 1927, and his cry "Viva Cristo Rey!" became a rallying cry for Christians under oppression.
Faith and Courage: This phrase exemplifies the courage required to stand firm in faith despite adversity. It calls us to recognize and proclaim Christ as the sovereign ruler of our lives and the world.
Living the Proclamation: Embracing Christ the King means committing ourselves to live according to His teachings, standing up for our faith, and trusting in His ultimate authority over all earthly powers.

Loving God's Will in All Circumstances
"To love God’s will in consolations is a good love when it is truly God’s will we love and not the consolation wherein it lies. Still, it is a love without opposition, repugnance, or effort. Who would not love so worthy a will in so agreeable a form? To love God’s will in His commandments, counsels, and inspirations is the second degree of love and it is much more perfect. It carries us forward to renounce and give up our own will, and enables us to abstain from and forbear many pleasures, but not all of them. To love suffering and affliction out of love for God is the summit of most holy charity. In it nothing is pleasant but the divine will alone; there is great opposition on the part of our nature; and not only do we forsake all pleasures, but we embrace torments and labors." — St. Francis de Sales
St. Francis de Sales outlines a progressive journey in loving God's will, from loving His consolations to embracing suffering out of love for Him.
Loving in Consolations: Loving God's will when it brings us joy and comfort is natural and relatively easy. This form of love, while good, does not require significant sacrifice.
Loving through Obedience: A higher degree of love involves following God's commandments and inspirations, even when it requires personal sacrifice. This love requires us to surrender our own desires and conform to His will.
Loving in Suffering: The pinnacle of loving God's will is found in embracing suffering and affliction for His sake. This profound love places God’s will above all personal comforts and pleasures, demonstrating a deep, sacrificial commitment to His divine plan.
Finding Strength in the Lord
"For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? This God is my strong refuge, and has made my way safe. He made my feet like hinds’ feet, and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Thou hast given me the shield of thy salvation, and thy help made me great. Thou didst give a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip." — 2 Samuel 22:32-37

These verses from 2 Samuel celebrate God's unwavering support and protection for those who place their trust in Him.
God as Refuge and Rock: The imagery of God as a rock and refuge highlights His unchanging and reliable nature. He is our ultimate source of safety and stability in a tumultuous world.
Divine Empowerment: God equips us with strength and skills to overcome challenges. The description of making our feet like those of a deer and training our hands for battle symbolizes the divine empowerment we receive to navigate life’s obstacles.
Assurance of Salvation: God's salvation is portrayed as a shield that protects us, and His help ensures our success and stability. This assurance encourages us to trust in His guidance and provision.
Conclusion:
In this episode, we have reflected on the bold declaration of faith by Blessed Miguel Pro, the progressive journey of loving God's will outlined by St. Francis de Sales, and the assurance of God's strength and protection found in 2 Samuel 22. These teachings invite us to proclaim Christ as King, embrace God’s will in all circumstances, and find our strength and refuge in the Lord.
Thank you for joining us on "Traditional Catholic Reflections." May you be inspired to live out your faith boldly, love God’s will wholeheartedly, and trust in His unfailing support. Stay tuned for our next episode as we continue to explore the profound teachings of our faith. God bless you.