Episode 2390: O God Create in me a clean heart - Nighty 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”
O God Create in me a clean heart
In tonight's episode, we will reflect on the purity of heart and the nature of humility through the insights of St. John Vianney and St. Francis de Sales. We will also be guided by the powerful words of Scripture that illuminate these virtues. Join us as we uncover how a pure heart and true humility can lead us to a deeper love of God and a more authentic Christian life.

St. John Vianney:
"When the heart is pure and simple it cannot help loving, because it has discovered the source of love which is God."
St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, emphasizes that a pure and simple heart naturally overflows with love. This is because such a heart has found its way to the ultimate source of love: God Himself. Purity and simplicity strip away the distractions and complexities of life, allowing us to see and experience God more clearly. This reflection encourages us to cultivate a heart free from sin and pretense, open to the boundless love that God offers. In this state, loving others becomes a natural expression of our communion with God.
St. Francis de Sales on Humility:
"Humility does not consist only in mistrust of ourselves, but also in confidence in God. Indeed mistrust of ourselves and of our own strength produces confidence in God; and of this confidence is born that generosity of spirit of which we are speaking. The Blessed Virgin, our Lady, gives us a striking example of this in the words 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word'. For in calling herself 'the handmaid of the Lord,' she makes the greatest act of humility possible. In opposition to the praises bestowed on her by the angel when he tells her that she shall be the mother of God and that the child who shall be born of her shall be called the Son of the Most High -- the greatest dignity one could ever imagine - she brings forward her own lowliness and unworthiness: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord.'"
St. Francis de Sales beautifully articulates that true humility involves both a recognition of our own limitations and a deep trust in God. The Blessed Virgin Mary's response to the Annunciation exemplifies this perfect humility. Despite the immense honor bestowed upon her, she acknowledges her lowliness and submits completely to God's will. This act of humility is not just self-deprecation but a profound confidence in God's plan and grace. This reflection invites us to embrace humility by trusting in God’s strength and being generous in spirit, following Mary's example.

Psalm 51:10:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
Psalm 51:10 is a plea for purification and renewal. It echoes the themes of purity and humility, asking God to cleanse our hearts and align our spirits with His will. This verse reminds us that true purity and humility are gifts from God, granted through His grace. It calls us to continuously seek God's renewal in our lives, striving for a heart that is pure, simple, and humble. This scripture invites us to cooperate with God's transforming power, allowing Him to shape us into vessels of His love and grace.
Conclusion:
As we conclude today's episode, let us take to heart the profound lessons from St. John Vianney and St. Francis de Sales. A pure and simple heart, as St. John Vianney teaches, leads us to the source of all love—God Himself. St. Francis de Sales reminds us that true humility involves both recognizing our limitations and placing our complete trust in God, as exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary. Finally, let us echo the prayer of Psalm 51, asking God to create in us clean hearts and renew our spirits. Thank you for joining us on this journey of faith and reflection. Until next time, may your hearts be purified by God's love, your spirits renewed by His grace, and your lives enriched by the virtues of humility and simplicity.

When the heart is pure and simple it cannot help loving, because it has discovered the source of love which is God. — St. John Vianney
And
"Humility does not consist only in mistrust of ourselves, but also in confidence in God. Indeed mistrust of ourselves and of our own strength produces confidence in God; and of this confidence is born that generosity of spirit of which we are speaking. The Blessed Virgin, our Lady, gives us a striking example of this in the words "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word". For in calling herself "the handmaid of the Lord," she makes the greatest act of humility possible. In opposition the the praises bestowed on her by the angel when he tells her that she shall be the mother of God and that the child who shall be born of her shall be called the Son of the Most High -- the greatest dignity one could ever imagine - she brings forward her own lowliness and unworthiness: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord." —St. Francis de Sales