Episode 2531: Glorifying God in Temptation and Redemption - Nightly 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 of God, 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.”
Glorifying God in Temptation and Redemption
Welcome to today’s episode. Today, we are going to reflect on the power of glorifying God in all moments of life, especially when faced with temptation and sin. The Blessed Virgin Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat, begins with the words, "My soul glorifies the Lord" (Luke 1:46), and it serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of uncertainty or trial, we are called to turn our hearts toward God.
We'll also explore the complexity of temptation, how our human nature struggles under its weight, and yet, through God’s grace, we are always given the opportunity for redemption. Drawing upon the wisdom of both Sacred Scripture and the thoughts of Fr. Basil Maturin, we will explore the struggle between temptation and the freedom of the will, and how glorifying God is possible even in our moments of weakness.
In the Gospel of Luke, we hear Mary’s profound hymn of praise, the Magnificat. Her soul magnifies the Lord because she recognizes His greatness, His mercy, and His plan for her life. She sings in humble gratitude, acknowledging that God’s will is being fulfilled through her. "My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). Even in the midst of the unknown, Mary gives glory to God.
How often, though, do we struggle to glorify God when faced with temptation and sin? Unlike Mary, who was sinless, we are often caught in the battle between the will of God and our own human frailty. Temptation presents itself as an alluring, powerful force that can leave us feeling helpless, as if we are no longer free to choose rightly.
Fr. Basil W. Maturin insightfully writes:
"Looking forward to the temptation they anticipate, they know that they can resist… but at the moment it seemed as if all the succors of their nature fell back and they were swept away in the strong currents of blinding passion."
How true this feels in our experience. Before temptation strikes, we might feel strong, confident that we can resist it. Yet, in the moment of trial, it can feel as if all our previous resolutions crumble, and we give in to sin. Maturin continues, noting that after succumbing to temptation, we are filled with "shame and remorse and self-condemnation."
Why is this so? Why, despite knowing better, do we often fail? Part of the answer lies in understanding the nature of temptation and the weakened state of our will due to original sin. Fr. Maturin writes, "Who would be so rash as to assert that at any moment every man is free without impediment to choose as he wills?" Our will is not always as free as we imagine. When we repeatedly fall into sin, it weakens our resolve, and our will becomes more easily compromised.
Yet, this is not the end of the story. The Catholic tradition reminds us that God's grace is always greater than our sin. Although temptation may feel overpowering in the moment, the mercy of God never abandons us. This is why Mary’s Magnificat is so important for us to remember. Even when we are struggling, our souls can still glorify the Lord. We can always return to Him, no matter how far we’ve fallen.
When Mary glorifies God, she does so in full recognition of His mercy and justice. We too can glorify God, even in moments of weakness, by trusting in His grace and turning back to Him in repentance. As Scripture reminds us:
"Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" (Romans 5:20).
Yes, our will may be weakened, and yes, temptation can be powerful, but the grace of God is infinitely more powerful. Like St. Paul, who experienced weakness and yet found strength in God, we too can say, "For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). Our strength comes not from our own efforts but from God's merciful love.
Practical Application:
1. Develop a Habit of Glorifying God:
Take inspiration from Mary’s Magnificat. In moments of temptation or trial, say a simple prayer: "My soul glorifies the Lord." By turning your attention to God in moments of weakness, you open yourself to His grace and strength.
2. Acknowledge Your Weaknesses:
As Fr. Maturin points out, our will can feel compromised, especially when we have given in to sin repeatedly. Recognize these moments for what they are an opportunity to rely on God's strength, not your own. Don’t be discouraged by failure; instead, turn to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where God’s mercy is always available.
3. Trust in the Grace of God:
Even when you feel overwhelmed by temptation, remember that God's grace is always stronger. Lean into that grace, especially through the sacraments. Frequent Confession and Communion are powerful tools for strengthening your will against temptation and drawing closer to God.
Conclusion:
In every moment of our lives, whether in temptation, trial, or joy, we are called to glorify God. Like Mary, whose soul magnified the Lord, we too can lift our hearts to God in every circumstance, trusting that His grace will carry us through. Yes, temptation may sometimes feel like an unstoppable force, and our will may falter, but God’s mercy is always there to lift us up.
Let us remember that our battle against temptation is not fought alone. God’s grace, poured out through the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is our refuge and strength. Through prayer, the sacraments, and turning our hearts back to God, we can rise from our falls and continue on the path of righteousness.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You in humility, acknowledging our weakness and our need for Your grace. Like Mary, may our souls always glorify You, even in the midst of trial and temptation. Strengthen our wills, Lord, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may resist the pull of sin and turn to You in every moment.
Grant us the grace to trust in Your mercy, to rise from our falls, and to continue on the path You have set before us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who always points us toward You.
Amen.