Episode 2580: Cheerfulness, Action, and Love in God’s Will - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode! In this journey together, we’ll explore how a cheerful heart, active love, and obedience to God's will form a foundation for holiness. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton reminds us, “Cheerfulness prepares a glorious mind for all the noblest acts.” And St. Ignatius teaches us that recognizing God’s presence isn’t enough we must act in accordance with His will.
Through reflection on these saints’ wisdom, we see how love, expressed through patience and kindness, plays a vital role in transforming our lives. As St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians, “Love never fails.” This episode will challenge us to deepen our cheerfulness, unite contemplation with action, and live in a way that reflects God’s love.
Let’s begin by exploring what cheerfulness, action, and love really mean from a Catholic perspective.
Cheerfulness: A Noble Preparation for Holiness
Cheerfulness is more than a fleeting mood; it is an interior disposition that allows us to embrace God’s will joyfully. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton recognized that a heart filled with cheerfulness is better prepared for noble and selfless acts. This attitude allows us to carry our crosses with grace, making even the most difficult moments an opportunity to glorify God.
When we approach challenges with cheerfulness, we reflect our trust in Divine Providence. No matter what trials we face, a cheerful heart becomes a witness of faith to others, showing that God is present in all circumstances. Cheerfulness doesn’t deny suffering; it transforms it.
Action Through God's Presence
St. Ignatius calls us to see God not just as a distant benefactor but as One who works continually through creation. Every sunrise, every meal, and every small pleasure are gifts from God, offered to sustain us. However, St. Ignatius warns us: it is not enough to contemplate God’s presence passively. We are called to "add action to contemplation," meaning that we must actively cooperate with God's will in our daily lives.
God’s ongoing action in the world becomes a model for us. Just as His love is constant and unceasing, we too must act continuously in service to Him and to others. Whether in simple tasks or heroic acts of charity, every action can glorify God when done with love and intention.
Love: The Heart of Christian Life
St. Paul’s beautiful reflection in 1 Corinthians 13 shows that love is the essence of every virtue. “Love is patient, love is kind… it does not seek its own interests… it endures all things.” Love isn’t just a feeling—it is an ongoing choice to will the good of the other, even when it is difficult.
True Christian love requires patience, humility, and forgiveness. It asks us to set aside our egos and desires for the sake of others. Just as God serves us through His creation, we are called to serve others, imitating His love. This kind of love never fails, because it reflects the very nature of God, who is love itself.
Living out this love requires both cheerfulness and action. Cheerfulness allows us to love joyfully, while active service ensures that our love is not just words but deeds. Through the Mass, the sacraments, and daily acts of kindness, we live out this divine love.
Conclusion:
As Catholics, we are called to unite cheerfulness, contemplation, and action with love. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s cheerfulness prepares us to embrace noble acts, St. Ignatius teaches us to act upon our faith rather than passively observe it, and St. Paul reminds us that love is the foundation of everything we do.

When we open our hearts to God’s will, embrace cheerfulness in all circumstances, and act in love, we become witnesses of His presence in the world. Our families, parishes, and communities are transformed when we live this way. And just as God works tirelessly through creation for our good, so too must we work continuously for His glory.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of life and Your continuous action in the world, sustaining and loving us in every moment. Help us to recognize Your presence in all things and respond with joy and cheerfulness, no matter the trials we face.
Teach us to act with love, as You have loved us—patient, kind, and humble. May our actions reflect Your will, and may we glorify You through the small and great tasks of life.
Grant us the wisdom of St. Ignatius, the cheerfulness of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and the enduring love that St. Paul describes. Shape our hearts to love You in all things and serve others as You have served us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. May you carry cheerfulness into every task, act upon God’s will with courage, and love others with patience and kindness. God bless, and until next time, live in His love and grace!