Episode 2674: Discovering the Wonders of God’s Love - Morning Episode

Discovering the Wonders of God’s Love
We delve into the richness of the Catholic faith and the wonders God reveals to those who walk in His love. Today, we’ll reflect on the marvels of faith and the endurance needed to fulfill God’s will. Saints like St. Brendan and St. Alphonsus Liguori remind us that when we give ourselves wholly to Christ, we will encounter "wonder upon wonder," and all of it will be true.
1. The Wonder of God’s Love:
Let’s begin with a reflection from St. Brendan, a saint who journeyed across the seas in faith, seeking God’s presence. He once said:
“If you become Christ’s you will stumble upon wonder upon wonder, and every one of them true.”
This invitation to wonder is a call to open ourselves to the marvels of God’s love. For those who truly seek Christ, life is filled with moments of awe that point us back to the Creator. The daily events, the beauty of nature, and even the challenges we face can become avenues through which God reveals His love and truth.
St. Brendan’s words remind us that the wonders we encounter aren’t merely fleeting emotions or superficial thrills they are real and rooted in God’s eternal truth. The saints discovered this reality because they learned to look at life with the eyes of faith, seeing the hand of God at work in both the grand and the simple moments of life. We are invited to do the same.
2. God’s Eternal Love for Us:
But what is the source of this wonder? St. Alphonsus Liguori explains it beautifully:
“Thus, brethren, God has loved you from eternity, and through pure love, he has selected you from among so many men whom he could have created in place of you; but he has left them in their nothingness, and has brought you into existence, and placed you in the world. For the love of you, he has made so many other beautiful creatures, that they might serve you, and that they might remind you of the love which he has borne to you, and of the gratitude which you owe to him.”
St. Alphonsus reminds us that each of us is here because God, in His infinite love, chose us. Every moment of our existence is a result of this divine choice. Imagine: He didn’t have to create us, and yet He did, purely out of love. Even more, He created the beauty of the world to remind us of His affection for us. From the rising of the sun to the smallest creatures around us, all of creation is a testament to God’s love for us.
This truth calls us to humility and gratitude. The wonders of God are not mere accidents; they are intentional acts of love directed toward us, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. How do we respond? With gratitude, and by striving to live in a way that reflects this love.
3. Endurance in Faith and God’s Promise:
Living a life that embraces wonder and gratitude is not without its difficulties. The Christian life requires perseverance. Hebrews 10:36-39 gives us powerful encouragement:
“You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised. ‘For, after just a brief moment, he who is to come shall come; he shall not delay. But my just one shall live by faith, and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him.’ We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life.”
Endurance is essential to the Christian journey. We are called to remain steadfast, even when we don’t see immediate results, and even when we face struggles or sufferings. Faith, especially in trying times, requires us to cling to God’s promises with hope. Hebrews reminds us that God will fulfill His promise; we only need to stay the course, to remain faithful, and to trust in His timing.
There’s a powerful message in knowing that “we are not among those who draw back.” This passage challenges us to remember who we are as Catholics disciples of Christ, chosen by God, destined for eternal life. We belong to a family of faith that stretches back through the ages and forward to eternity. Our faith, tested by endurance, will be rewarded with the promise of life everlasting.
4. Practical Ways to Live with Wonder, Gratitude, and Endurance:
So how can we apply these teachings to our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:
• Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude: Spend a few moments each day reflecting on God’s gifts in your life. Take note of the “wonders” He reveals to you, whether in nature, relationships, or prayer.
• Be Present with God’s Creation: Appreciate the world around you as a testament of God’s love. Thank Him for the beauty of creation and remember that it was made to remind you of His love.
• Practice Perseverance in Prayer: Prayer is our lifeline to God. When we face discouragement or spiritual dryness, let us remain faithful, knowing that endurance is part of our journey. Remember, as Hebrews teaches, that faith without endurance cannot receive God’s promises.
• Encourage Others on Their Faith Journey: Support those who may be struggling, whether in your family or community. Together, we form the Body of Christ, and by helping one another, we draw closer to the love God has promised.
Conclusion and Prayer:
Let’s close with a prayer, asking God for the grace to live with wonder, gratitude, and perseverance.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for choosing us, for calling us into existence out of Your eternal love. Help us to see the wonders You reveal in our lives and to recognize Your love in all things.
Lord Jesus, grant us the endurance to follow You faithfully, even when our path is difficult or uncertain. Strengthen our hearts to trust in Your promises, and give us the courage to live as people of faith who do not draw back but press forward in Your love.
Holy Spirit, fill us with gratitude, wonder, and strength to live each day as a testament to the love of God. May we be lights in the world, showing others the wonders of Your grace, and may we bring others to the joy of knowing You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.