Episode 2320: Avoid worrying - Morning Episode

In today's episode, we explore the themes of prayer, trust in God's providence, and the pursuit of spiritual perfection. Guided by the wisdom of Venerable Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz, Fr. Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure, and St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we will uncover how to seek and fulfill God's will in our lives and in the lives of those we care for.
Venerable Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz: Praying for Light and Courage
"When you pray, you only have to ask for two things: You should ask for the light to see the will of God, and you have to ask for the courage to be able to do the will of God." — Venerable Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz
Venerable Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz advises us that in prayer, we need to focus on two essential requests: the light to see the will of God and the courage to do the will of God. This simple yet profound guidance emphasizes the importance of discernment and action in our spiritual lives.
When we pray for light, we are asking for divine wisdom and clarity to understand God's plan for us. This involves being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and attentive to the signs and circumstances through which God reveals His will. Once we discern God's will, we need courage to act upon it. This courage comes from the grace of God, enabling us to overcome fears, doubts, and obstacles that may hinder us from following His path.
Fr. Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure: Trusting in God’s Providence for Our Children
Fr. Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure offers wise counsel on raising children: “Avoid worrying, then, about anything else for your children except whatever may contribute to bringing them up virtuously. For the rest, having entrusted them to God, try to see what His will for them is, to help them along the path in life He has chosen for them. Never be afraid of relying too much on Him, but rather seek always to increase your trust more and more, for this is the most pleasing homage you can pay Him and it will be the measure of the graces you will receive. Little or much will be given you according as you have expected little or much." —Fr. Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure, p.46
He stresses the importance of focusing on the spiritual and moral formation of our children, entrusting their future to God's providence.
Saint-Jure encourages parents to seek God’s will for their children and to trust Him completely. By doing so, parents pay the highest homage to God and open themselves to receiving abundant graces. This trust should be ever-growing, reflecting a deepening faith in God's loving care. The measure of grace we receive corresponds to the measure of trust we place in Him.
Colossians 1:28-29: Striving for Perfection in Christ
In Colossians 1:28-29, St. Paul writes, "It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me." This passage highlights the mission of proclaiming Christ and guiding others toward spiritual maturity.
St. Paul’s labor and struggle are motivated by his desire to present everyone perfect in Christ. This perfection is not about flawless behavior but about growing in holiness and conformity to Christ. The power to achieve this comes from God, working within us through His grace. As we strive to fulfill God’s will, we must rely on His strength, recognizing that our efforts are sustained by His divine power.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the wisdom of Venerable Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz, Fr. Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure, and St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God’s will through prayer, trusting in His providence, and striving for spiritual perfection. By praying for light and courage, entrusting our loved ones to God, and laboring for holiness, we align ourselves more closely with God's plan and experience His transformative grace.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of "Faithful Reflections." May these insights inspire you to deepen your prayer life, increase your trust in God, and strive for holiness. Until next time, may God’s peace be with you.