Episode 2768: Carrying Heaven in Our Hearts - Morning Episode

Episode 430: St. Damasus

Episode 2383: Our Lady Queen of Angels
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Theology & Doctrine Communicatio Idiomatum The sharing of properties between Christ's human and divine natures.

Before we get started with todays episode I just want to say something about how our faith must be firmly rooted in truth and understanding, not fleeting emotion, because the Catholic faith is not a subjective experience but the revealed truth of God, entrusted to His Church. Let’s explore this systematically: Maybe this should be an episode in and of itself, maybe Nancy or Sharon could pick this one up.
Faith as an Act of the Intellect
The Catholic Church teaches that faith is an act of the intellect assenting to divine truth under the influence of grace. St. Thomas Aquinas emphasized in the Summa Theologiae that faith involves the will submitting to God, who is Truth itself (Summa Theologiae, II-II, Q. 2, A. 9). Emotion, while not inherently evil, is transient and unreliable as a foundation for our spiritual life because it fluctuates with circumstances. This is why so many fled the church for the protestant faith. They wanted unabaited emotionalism. They wanted their truth and their feelings to be understood.
Christ as Truth, Not Subjective Feeling
Christ proclaimed, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Faith is therefore directed toward understanding and living the truth that Christ revealed through His Church. Emotionalism, on the other hand, risks turning faith into a self-centered experience, where feelings rather than truth dictate belief and practice. This is contrary to the objective nature of Catholic theology.
Learning the Faith: A Moral Obligation
The Church has always upheld the necessity of catechesis and the intellectual formation of the faithful. St. Pius X stressed in his encyclical Acerbo Nimis that ignorance of the faith is one of the principal causes of the decay of Catholic life. Without proper understanding, Catholics are vulnerable to the errors of relativism, modernism, and emotionalism.

The Danger of Modern Emotionalism
In modern times, many Catholics have embraced an emotional approach to faith, which prioritizes subjective experience over doctrinal truth. This has led to:
Liturgical Abuses: A focus on sentimental experiences during the Mass, detracting from its sacrificial nature.
Theological Confusion: A tendency to interpret scripture and doctrine through personal feelings rather than through the guidance of the Magisterium.
Moral Relativism: A weakening of moral clarity, as emotions are often used to justify sinful behaviors under the guise of compassion.
Catechesis as a Remedy
The remedy for this emotionalism is a return to robust catechesis, rooted in the teachings of the Church Fathers, the Councils, and the Catechism. By knowing the faith, we learn to love God not only with our hearts but also with our minds, as commanded: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).

Emotion’s Proper Role
While emotion is not the essence of faith, it has a role when rightly ordered. Devotions, such as the Holy Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration, can inspire holy emotions that deepen our commitment to the truth. However, these emotions must flow from and be subordinate to a properly formed understanding of the faith.
Conclusion
Faith that is grounded in truth and understanding liberates us from the instability of emotionalism and connects us to the eternal truths of God. To preserve the integrity of the Catholic faith, we must commit to learning and living according to the teachings of the Church. As St. Pius X exhorted, "Restore all things in Christ" (E Supremi), starting with the rejection of emotionalism and the embrace of objective truth.

Carrying Heaven in Our Hearts and Preparing for Christ
Okay now I can officially say Welcome to today’s episode! As we approach Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, we pause to reflect on its unique invitation to rejoice amidst the season’s hustle. With insights from St. Ignatius of Loyola, Fr. John Burns, and the Gospel of Matthew, we’ll explore how to carry heaven in our hearts and live out the commandments of Christ during Advent and beyond.
Segment 1: Carrying Heaven in Our Hearts
St. Ignatius of Loyola tells us:
"He who carries God in his heart bears heaven with him wherever he goes."
What a powerful reminder that heaven is not a distant reality for the faithful but something we can begin to experience here and now.
Advent calls us to make space in our hearts for Christ, transforming our lives into sanctuaries where God dwells. This interior preparation allows us to carry God’s presence into every aspect of our lives.

Practical Takeaway
Begin each day with a simple prayer: “Lord, dwell in my heart today. Help me to carry Your presence to all I encounter.”
Reflect on whether your actions, words, and choices reflect the reality of heaven within you.
Segment 2: The Invitation of Gaudete Sunday
Fr. John Burns writes:
"At this point in the season, we always stand teetering between a fuller engagement of the real point and purpose of Advent or getting swept away in the often overwhelming material preparations. Gaudete Sunday invites us to pause in the midst of the activity and breathe deeply. The material celebrations of Christmas come and go each year. But if we let the rich invitation of Advent seep to the core of our hearts, we actually find ourselves freed to prepare more intentionally and celebrate more fully with family and friends." —Fr. John Burns

Gaudete Sunday is a joyful interruption in the penitential tone of Advent, reminding us that the coming of Christ is near.
It’s an opportunity to refocus, to let go of unnecessary distractions, and to align our celebrations with the spiritual richness of the season.
The pink candle on the Advent wreath symbolizes this joy and invites us to embrace hope and anticipation.
Practical Takeaway
Take a break from material preparations this week and spend time in prayer or Eucharistic adoration.
Use this Sunday to reflect on the ways you can make your Christmas celebrations more Christ-centered, such as starting new traditions of prayer or service.
Segment 3: Living and Teaching the Commandments
Jesus says in Matthew 5:19:
"Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 5:19
Reflection
Advent is not just a time for personal reflection but also a time to witness to others.
When we live out God’s commandments especially love of God and neighbor we teach by example. Whether it’s through acts of charity, forgiveness, or simply sharing the joy of the season, our faith becomes a beacon for others.
Practical Takeaway
This Advent, consider ways to teach and live out the commandments within your family or community. For example:
• Organize a family prayer time.
• Volunteer together at a local charity.
• Discuss the deeper meaning of Advent with children or friends.
Conclusion: Rejoicing in the Coming of Christ
As we carry heaven in our hearts, pause to rejoice on Gaudete Sunday, and live out the commandments, Advent transforms from a season of preparation into a joyful encounter with Christ. By focusing on the spiritual riches of this season, we not only prepare ourselves but also help guide others toward the true meaning of Christmas.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
As we approach the joyful celebration of Your birth, fill our hearts with Your presence. Help us to carry heaven within us, to live out Your commandments with love and humility, and to share the light of Advent with those around us.
Through the intercession of Your Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, may we remain steadfast in our faith, courageous in our witness, and joyful in our anticipation of Your coming. We ask this in Your holy name. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today! May this Advent be a time of grace and joy as we carry the hope of heaven in our hearts. Until next time, God bless you and your families