Episode 2246: Stay Humble - 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”
Stay Humble
Tonight we have a profound episode that touches on two critical aspects of our spiritual life: humility and the overcoming of venial sin.
Our discussion today will be rooted in two powerful quotes. The first is from Proverbs 3:7: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil." The second comes from Benedict Baur, a renowned Benedictine monk and spiritual writer: "We can work positively toward the overcoming of venial sin first of all by praying earnestly that God in his mercy may give us the strength and the grace to purify ourselves more and more from venial sin and to preserve ourselves from it. It is, indeed, a work of grace; by ourselves we could never do it. But the grace will be given to us if we pray for it."
The Call to Humility
The quote from Proverbs 3:7 sets the stage for our discussion on humility: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil." This verse calls us to a fundamental attitude of humility. In the Catholic tradition, humility is not about self-deprecation but recognizing our true place before God. It's about acknowledging that our wisdom is limited and that true wisdom comes from fearing the Lord which means revering Him and aligning our lives with His will.
Humility, therefore, is the foundation upon which we can build a virtuous life. It opens our hearts to God's guidance and grace, allowing us to see ourselves honestly and recognize our need for His mercy. When we are humble, we are more receptive to God's correction and more willing to turn away from evil, as the proverb instructs.
The Struggle with Venial Sin
Transitioning to Benedict Baur's insight on venial sin, we see that overcoming these smaller, yet still damaging sins requires earnest prayer and reliance on God's grace.
Baur emphasizes that while we must actively work to avoid venial sin, this effort is not something we can accomplish through sheer willpower alone. It is a work of grace. By ourselves, we are powerless, but with God's help, all things are possible.
In our journey to overcome venial sin, prayer becomes our most potent weapon. Through prayer, we open ourselves to the transforming power of God's grace. We acknowledge our weaknesses and ask for His strength to purify our hearts. This continuous process of seeking God's help fosters a deeper relationship with Him and a greater awareness of His presence in our lives.
Practical Steps and Encouragement
How can we practically apply these teachings in our daily lives? Here are a few steps:
Daily Examination of Conscience: Reflect on your actions each day, identifying areas where you have fallen into venial sin, and ask God for forgiveness and strength to do better.
Frequent Confession: Regularly receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation to cleanse your soul from venial sins and receive the grace to avoid them in the future.
Consistent Prayer Life: Develop a habit of daily prayer, asking specifically for the grace to overcome venial sins. Consider including the Litany of Humility and the Act of Contrition in your prayers.
Spiritual Reading: Engage with spiritual writings, such as those of Benedict Baur, that offer practical advice and inspiration for living a holy life.
Community Support: Surround yourself with a supportive faith community that encourages spiritual growth and accountability.
Conclusion
As we conclude today's episode, let's remember the profound wisdom offered by both Proverbs 3:7 and Benedict Baur. True humility and the overcoming of venial sin are deeply intertwined. By humbling ourselves before God and earnestly seeking His grace, we can turn away from evil and grow in holiness.

Thank you for joining me. I hope tonight's discussion has inspired you to embrace humility and seek God's grace in your battle against venial sin. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you on the path of righteousness.

Stay faithful, stay humble, and keep walking in the light of Christ.