Episode 2632: Living in the Light of God’s Goodness and Providence - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll delve into the mystery of God’s goodness and providence, reflected in our lives through faith and sustained by grace. The saints and Scripture guide us into this sacred truth that God’s goodness not only sustains our lives but reaches us in our lowest moments, inviting us to grow in virtue and holiness. Today, we’ll reflect on words from St. Julian of Norwich, Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade, and St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, each of whom illuminates how we, as “earthen vessels,” are privileged to hold and share the light of Christ in this world.

Segment 1: The Goodness of God in Prayer and Life
St. Julian of Norwich’s reflection begins our journey: “The goodness of God is the highest object of prayer, and it reaches down to our lowest need. It quickens our soul and gives it life, and makes it grow in grace and virtue.” St. Julian reveals the beautiful truth that God’s goodness is both the destination and the driving force of our prayers. When we approach God in prayer, we are not simply asking for help or blessings; we are engaging with His boundless goodness, which meets us precisely where we are, regardless of our struggles.
Prayer isn’t just a means of communication; it is an invitation to be transformed by the Divine. In traditional Catholic teaching, prayer is more than words it is a heart reaching toward God, allowing His goodness to draw us closer to holiness. This goodness quickens our souls, giving us life and strength to persevere, even in trials. Every time we pray, we are inviting God’s own goodness to change us, to make us more like Him, filled with grace, virtue, and the courage to pursue the path of holiness.

Segment 2: Seeing God’s Hand in All Things
Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade teaches, "All creatures that exist are in the hands of God. The action of the creature can only be perceived by the senses, but faith sees in all things the action of the Creator. It believes that in Jesus Christ all things live, and that His divine operation continues to the end of time, embracing the passing moment and the smallest created atom in its hidden life and mysterious action."
This statement encourages us to deepen our trust in God’s hidden presence and work in every part of our lives. Faith enables us to perceive God’s providential hand even when we don’t understand His ways, knowing that “in Jesus Christ all things live.”
In a traditional Catholic perspective, this truth has profound implications. We often want control or immediate answers, but our faith calls us to surrender, to trust that God’s will is perfect and that He arranges all things for our ultimate good. Like the saints before us, we’re called to see even the smallest occurrences as part of God’s divine plan. By embracing each moment with trust, we participate in His ongoing work of creation, letting His will unfold through our faithfulness to daily duties and our acceptance of His plan.
Segment 3: The Treasure of Christ in Earthen Vessels
St. Paul beautifully captures this mystery in 2 Corinthians: “For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Christ. But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.” Here, St. Paul reveals how, even in our human weakness, we carry a treasure the very light and knowledge of Christ.
This image of the “earthen vessel” is a profound one. It shows us that our frailty is not an obstacle but a place where God’s power is most visible. We are simple, imperfect, but we are chosen by God to be carriers of His light in this world. Through our humility and willingness to serve, God’s glory shines forth even brighter. Each of us is called to carry Christ to others in a way that isn’t boastful but that humbly reflects His power, trusting that His grace fills what we lack.

Conclusion: Living in the Light of God’s Providence
As we conclude, let’s remember that God’s goodness is all-encompassing, reaching down into every part of our lives and inviting us to grow in grace. We are sustained by His providence, which cares for every creature, every moment, every thought, even the smallest atom. And while we may feel fragile, like “earthen vessels,” we are privileged to hold within us the light of Christ a light meant to shine forth and bear witness to the world.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your goodness and for the light of Christ that You have shone in our hearts. May we be faithful in carrying this treasure within us, allowing Your grace to fill our weaknesses and Your providence to guide our steps. Grant us the humility to be vessels of Your light, and the courage to reflect Your love in all that we do. As we entrust our lives to Your divine hands, may we grow in grace and virtue, always seeking Your will. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen