Episode 2529: The Divine Heart - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll reflect on the inexhaustible riches of Christ’s Sacred Heart, the trials of temptation, and the path to eternal glory. Through the lens of traditional Catholic teaching, we will look at how God calls us to find refuge in His mercy and love, how He allows trials to purify our souls, and how perseverance in faith leads us to the crown of righteousness.
We’ll draw from the wisdom of St. Margaret Mary, Thomas à Kempis, and St. Paul to discover how, in our struggles and hardships, we are led closer to the heart of God.
Let us begin by meditating on the words of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque:
"The Divine Heart is an ocean full of all good things, wherein poor souls can cast all their needs; it is an ocean full of joy to drown all our sadness, an ocean of humility to drown our folly, an ocean of mercy to those in distress, an ocean of love in which to submerge our poverty."
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a boundless reservoir of mercy, joy, and love. No matter how great our trials, no matter how deep our sorrows or how heavy our sins, we are always invited to cast all our needs into this ocean. Jesus' Heart is an eternal source of comfort and strength for those who are poor in spirit, and it is through His love that our wounds can be healed, our fears overcome, and our burdens lightened.
This image of the Sacred Heart reminds us that, as Catholics, we have a place of refuge in Jesus. When the world seems overwhelming, when our personal crosses weigh us down, it is to His Heart that we should flee. There, we can cast all our cares, all our worries, and find true peace.
But it is important to remember that, while the Sacred Heart is an endless source of consolation, our path to holiness often involves trials. As Thomas à Kempis reminds us:
"No saint was ever so highly rapt and illuminated as not to be tempted sooner or later. For he is not worthy of the high contemplation of God who has not, for God’s sake, been exercised with some tribulation."
This echoes a deep truth of the Catholic spiritual tradition: temptation and tribulation are part of our journey toward God. Temptation, in a sense, purifies our love for God. It strips away the superficialities of faith and makes us depend entirely on His grace. When we are tempted or face spiritual dryness, we may feel distant from God, but this distance is often a sign that God is preparing to console us in a deeper way.
In moments of temptation and trial, we are being drawn into a greater union with Christ. As we fight to remain faithful, the victory belongs not to us, but to God’s grace working in us. This struggle may not always be pleasant, but it is necessary. Thomas à Kempis wisely notes that "temptation going before is usually a sign of ensuing consolation." If we persevere in faith, God's consolation will follow, and His grace will be more profound.
This brings us to the words of St. Paul from 2 Timothy 4:5-8:
"But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith."
St. Paul knew firsthand the hardships of living out the Gospel. He was persecuted, beaten, and imprisoned, yet he never lost faith. He embraced his sufferings, understanding that they were part of his offering to God. As he approached the end of his life, he could look back and say, "I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." These words inspire us to remain steadfast in our own journeys, no matter the difficulties we face.
In this world, we are constantly faced with challenges that test our faith. Some are external hardships, persecutions, or injustices while others are internal, like doubt, temptation, or fear. But each of these trials is an opportunity to grow in holiness, to unite our sufferings with Christ, and to finish the race strong. The crown of righteousness that St. Paul speaks of is not just for the saints of old; it is promised to all who persevere in longing for Christ’s return.
Practical Application:
Turn to the Sacred Heart: In times of struggle, do not rely solely on your own strength. Seek refuge in the Heart of Jesus. Pray a short prayer daily: "Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You."
Embrace Temptation as a Path to Holiness: When faced with temptation or hardship, remember that these trials are not without purpose. They are opportunities for grace. Rather than fearing or avoiding them, ask God for the strength to endure and to grow closer to Him through these challenges.
Persevere in Your Faith Journey: Like St. Paul, remain faithful to your calling. Whether you are evangelizing in your community, supporting your family, or simply striving to live a life of holiness, know that every effort you make, even when it feels small or unnoticed, brings you closer to the crown of righteousness.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the trials we face in life, we are reminded of God’s constant presence. He is with us in every moment ready to offer mercy, joy, and love to those who seek Him. Our struggles, far from being obstacles, are the very means by which we grow in holiness and secure our heavenly reward. So, let us persevere with confidence, knowing that the race we run is leading us to eternal glory.
Closing Prayer:
Sacred Heart of Jesus,
We come to You with our burdens, our temptations, and our weaknesses. We ask for the grace to persevere in faith and to find refuge in Your merciful love. Strengthen us in times of trial, and grant us the peace that comes from knowing that You are always with us.
Help us, O Lord, to finish the race You have set before us, trusting that Your providence guides every step.
May we one day be welcomed into Your kingdom, where we will receive the crown of righteousness and be united with You forever.
We ask this through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.