Episode 2225: The Life of the Soul - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints in heaven, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen”
The Life of the Soul
In tonight's episode, we'll delve into the profound insights of St. Anthony of Padua and Father Jacques Philippe, and reflect on a powerful scripture passage from the book of Romans. Our focus will be on understanding the life of the soul, the role of Christ in our lives, and trusting in God's wisdom amid the presence of evil.
"The life of the body is the soul, the life of the soul is Christ." St. Anthony of Padua
St. Anthony of Padua, known for his eloquent preaching and deep theological insights, encapsulates a profound truth in this short but powerful statement. From a traditional Catholic perspective, the soul is the animating principle of the body. Without the soul, the body is lifeless. Similarly, for the soul to truly live, it must be united with Christ.
Christ is the source of spiritual life, the nourishment and sustenance of the soul. This reflects the Catholic understanding of grace and the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, which is often called the "source and summit of the Christian life." In the Eucharist, Catholics receive the Body and Blood of Christ, which strengthens the soul and deepens our union with Him.
This quote also emphasizes the integral connection between our physical and spiritual lives. Just as the soul gives life to the body, Christ gives life to the soul. Living in Christ means allowing Him to permeate every aspect of our being, guiding our actions, thoughts, and desires towards holiness.
"Many things happen that God does not will. But he still permits them, in his wisdom, and they remain a stumbling block or scandal to our minds. God asks us to do all we can to eliminate evil. But despite our efforts, there is always a whole set of circumstances which we can do nothing about, which are not necessarily willed by God but nevertheless are permitted by him, and which God invites us to consent to trustingly and peacefully, even if they make us suffer and cause us problems. We are not being asked to consent to evil, but to consent to the mysterious wisdom of God who permits evil. Our consent is not a compromise with evil but the expression of our trust that God is stronger than evil. This is a form of obedience that is painful but very fruitful." — Father Jacques Philippe
Father Jacques Philippe addresses a difficult and often perplexing aspect of faith: the existence of evil and suffering in the world. From a traditional Catholic viewpoint, God is all-good and does not will evil; however, in His permissive will, He allows it to exist. This concept can be a stumbling block, challenging our understanding of God's goodness and sovereignty.
Philippe encourages us to trust in God's mysterious wisdom. While we are called to fight against evil and do our part in promoting good, we must also recognize our limitations. There are circumstances beyond our control, and in these moments, God invites us to trust in His greater plan. This trust is not an acceptance of evil but a profound act of faith that God can bring good out of even the most difficult situations.
This form of obedience trusting in God's wisdom despite suffering is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. It echoes the experiences of saints and martyrs who found peace in surrendering to God's will, even in the face of great trials. Such trust is indeed painful but ultimately fruitful, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.
"But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit that you have leads to sanctification, and its end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:22-23
This passage from Romans beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of God's grace. Paul speaks to the liberation from sin that believers experience through Christ. In Catholic theology, this liberation begins with baptism, where original sin is washed away, and continues through a life of grace and sacramental living.
Becoming "slaves of God" might seem paradoxical, but it underscores a profound truth: true freedom is found in complete submission to God's will. This submission leads to sanctification, the process of becoming holy and conformed to the image of Christ. Sanctification is a journey that involves daily choices to reject sin and embrace God's commandments.
The ultimate end of this journey is eternal life a gift that cannot be earned but is freely given by God through Jesus Christ. This gift contrasts sharply with the wages of sin, which is death. Paul's words remind us of the high stakes of our spiritual journey and the immense value of the grace we receive in Christ.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the wisdom of St. Anthony of Padua and Father Jacques Philippe, and the teachings of St. Paul, we are reminded of the vital importance of living in Christ, trusting in God's wisdom, and embracing the journey of sanctification. Let us seek to nourish our souls with the life of Christ, trust in His divine plan even amid suffering, and strive for the eternal life promised to us. Thank you for joining me tonight on this exploration of faith. Until next time, may you grow in the life of Christ and find peace in His wisdom. God bless. Don’t forget to pray for the poor souls.