Episode 2343: Make as little bad as you can - Morning Episode

In today’s episode, we explore the themes of perseverance, humility, and grace. We’ll reflect on the insights of St. Thomas More, St. Teresa of Avila, and the powerful message from the Epistle to Titus. Join me as we uncover the spiritual lessons these teachings hold for us.
St. Thomas More
"You must not abandon the ship in a storm because you cannot control the winds . . . What you cannot turn to good, you must at least make as little bad as you can."
Perseverance in Adversity: St. Thomas More emphasizes the importance of perseverance even when circumstances are beyond our control. Abandoning the ship in a storm represents giving up when faced with difficulties.
Moral Responsibility: We are called to minimize harm and make the best out of challenging situations, reflecting our commitment to doing good even in the face of adversity.
Application: Reflect on a current challenge in your life. How can you stay the course and seek to mitigate the negative impact while trusting in God’s providence?
St. Teresa of Avila
"Do you know what it is to be truly spiritual? It is for men to make themselves the slaves of God—branded with His mark, which is the Cross. ... Unless you make up your minds to this, never expect to make much progress, for as I said humility is the foundation of the whole building and unless you are truly humble, Our Lord, for your own sake, will never permit you to rear it very high lest it should fall to the ground. Therefore, sisters, take care to lay a firm foundation by seeking to be the least of all and the slave of others, watching how you can please and help them, for it will benefit you more than them. Built on such strong rocks, your castle can never go to ruin. I insist again: your foundation must not consist of prayer and contemplation alone: unless you acquire the virtues and praise them, you will always be dwarfs; and please God no worse may befall you than making no progress, for you know that to stop is to go back if you love, you will never be content to come to a standstill."
True Spirituality and Humility: St. Teresa of Avila teaches that true spirituality involves embracing humility and being willing to serve others as slaves of God, bearing the mark of the Cross.
Foundation of Virtues: She emphasizes that prayer and contemplation alone are insufficient without the foundation of virtues. Humility is essential to spiritual growth and progress.
Application: Examine your spiritual practices. Are you incorporating acts of humility and service into your daily life? How can you better serve others and cultivate humility?
Scripture Reading: Titus 2:11-14
"For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good."
Grace and Salvation: This passage from Titus highlights the appearance of God’s grace, which brings salvation and instructs us to live righteous lives.
Living Virtuously: It calls us to reject worldly desires and embrace a life of temperance, justice, and devotion as we await the return of Christ.
Application: Reflect on how you can reject worldly desires and live a life that is temperate, just, and devout. How can you align your daily actions with the grace that God has given you?
Conclusion:
As we conclude today’s episode, let us take to heart the lessons of perseverance, humility, and grace. St. Thomas More’s call to stay the course in adversity, St. Teresa of Avila’s emphasis on humility and service, and the message of living virtuously from Titus all guide us towards a deeper, more committed faith.
Thank you for joining us on "Catholic Insights." May these reflections inspire you to navigate the storms of life with faith, embrace humility, and live according to God’s grace. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly.