Episode 2487: The Virtue of Charity and the Indwelling of God - Morning Episode

In today’s episode, we’ll reflect on the words of St. Clare of Assisi, who reminds us that it is not grand structures but the faithful soul that becomes God’s dwelling place. We’ll also explore how virtue allows us to grow closer to God, with the insight of Kevin Vost, and we’ll look at Christ’s own words from the Gospel of John to tie it all together.
The Indwelling of God in the Faithful Soul
St. Clare of Assisi, a spiritual daughter of St. Francis, expresses the profound truth of God's indwelling in the faithful soul: "Heaven could not span its Creator, but the faithful soul, and only it, becomes its dwelling place and seat, and it becomes so in virtue of charity of which the impious lack." St. Clare’s statement points to a deep theological reality: although God’s grandeur surpasses the heavens, He chooses to dwell in humble hearts that love Him.
This is echoed in 1 Corinthians 6:19, where St. Paul writes: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” The faithful soul becomes God’s living temple, not through wealth or power, but through charity the selfless love of God and neighbor. This echoes St. Clare’s insight that charity opens our hearts to become a dwelling place for the Creator. Those without charity the impious are closed off from this profound intimacy with God.
Virtue as the Path to Excellence and God’s Dwelling
Kevin Vost’s reflection on virtue helps us understand the framework of the Christian life. He writes, “Virtues allow us to become excellent more fully and perfectly human by disposing us to perform good acts, to perfect ourselves, and to give the best of ourselves.” Vost touches upon the classical Catholic teaching that virtue perfects the human person, allowing us to reach our full potential by orienting our actions toward the good.
When we live virtuously, doing the good becomes second nature, and it allows us to flourish not only as human beings but also as children of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that virtues, both human and theological, dispose us to live in a relationship with the Trinity (CCC 1803). Charity, which is the greatest theological virtue, transforms our hearts and makes them a fitting dwelling place for God. This aligns with St. Clare’s teaching: charity allows us to possess God in our souls.
As we grow in virtue, particularly in charity, we are better able to live out God’s commandments, which brings us closer to Him. This brings us to Christ’s own words in the Gospel of John.
Living the Commandments: The Measure of Love
In John 14:21, Jesus says, “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Here, Christ gives us the measure of love: obedience to His commandments. This obedience is not a mere external following of rules, but a reflection of an internal reality a heart that loves God.
When we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we naturally live out His commandments, not out of obligation but out of love. This love, or charity, is what allows us to enter into deeper union with God. As Jesus promises, those who love Him through their obedience will not only be loved by the Father but will also experience a profound intimacy with Christ “I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
This passage connects beautifully with St. Clare’s teaching. God reveals Himself to the soul that loves Him, and in that loving obedience, the soul becomes a dwelling place for God. Virtue, particularly the virtue of charity, disposes us to live out this commandment and brings us into the fullness of the Christian life.
Conclusion
St. Clare of Assisi, Kevin Vost, and Christ Himself remind us that the heart of the Christian life is love charity. It is this love that makes our souls the dwelling place of God, perfects us through virtue, and brings us into intimate union with Christ. As we seek to live out God’s commandments, let us always strive to grow in charity, for it is through charity that we truly possess God and allow Him to possess us.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your indwelling presence. Grant us the grace to grow in charity, that our hearts may be transformed into Your dwelling place. May we always strive to live virtuously, loving You through our obedience to Your commandments.
Help us, Lord, to become more like Christ each day, so that we may experience the joy of Your love and the fullness of Your revelation.
Through the intercession of St. Clare of Assisi, may our souls reflect the beauty of Your divine presence.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us.
St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us.
Amen.