Episode 2861: Courage to Defend the Truth - Morning Episode

Episode 455: St. Hilary of Poitiers & St. Felix of Nola
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"St. Hilary of Poitiers and the Courage to Defend the Truth"
Introduction
Welcome to today’s podcast, where we delve into the richness of the Traditional Catholic calendar and explore the spiritual treasures it offers us. On January 14, 2025, we commemorate St. Hilary of Poitiers, a bishop, and doctor of the Church. His life and teachings are a beacon for all Catholics striving to defend the truth of Christ amidst a world increasingly hostile to the Gospel.
Our reflection today will weave together the wisdom of St. Hilary, the profound teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas on the role of holy doctors, and the Scripture readings for the Tuesday after the First Sunday after Epiphany.
Segment 1: St. Hilary and the Courage to Speak the Truth
St. Hilary boldly proclaimed:
"I will not be restrained by fear of offense from speaking the truth. God has said that the kingdom of heaven is to be taken by violence, and the violent shall bear it away. Why should I be afraid of being offensive? I am not afraid of their hatred, for perfect love casts out fear."
St. Hilary’s words reflect his unwavering commitment to defending the divinity of Christ against the Arian heresy, which denied that Jesus is consubstantial with the Father. His courage reminds us that truth often comes with a cost. In our world, where relativism and indifference dominate, the temptation to remain silent can be strong. But St. Hilary teaches us that love for God and neighbor compels us to speak out, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
As St. Paul writes in today’s Epistle (Romans 12:1-5), we are called to be “living sacrifices,” reformed in the newness of our minds. To stand for truth is to live out this call, offering ourselves to God in fidelity and courage.
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Segment 2: The Role of Holy Doctors in Preserving Truth
St. Thomas Aquinas reminds us of the vital role of doctors of the Church like St. Hilary:
"Holy doctors are lights placed in the Church by God to enlighten others with the wisdom of the Gospel. Their teaching preserves the faithful from error and leads them to salvation."
This wisdom is evident in today’s Gospel reading (Luke 2:42-52), where we find the Child Jesus in the temple, sitting among the doctors, astonishing them with His wisdom. This moment prefigures His mission to teach, guide, and redeem humanity. It also reflects the role of bishops and theologians in the Church, who, like the doctors in the temple, are called to safeguard and expound the truths of the faith.
St. Hilary’s life exemplifies this mission. Through his writings and steadfast defense of orthodoxy, he ensured that the faithful were not led astray. Today, his teachings remain a source of light for the Church, reminding us of the unchanging truth of Christ’s divinity.
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Segment 3: Living as One Body in Christ
In the Epistle, St. Paul emphasizes the unity of the Church:
"We, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."
This unity is essential in our mission to defend and proclaim the faith. Just as St. Hilary stood firm against heresy, so too must we support one another in standing for the truth. The Church, as the Mystical Body of Christ, relies on each member to fulfill their role, whether as a teacher, a defender of the faith, or a silent witness through prayer and sacrifice.
St. Paul also cautions us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. This call to humility reminds us that our strength comes from God, not from our abilities. Like St. Hilary, we must rely on the grace of God to remain faithful and courageous in the face of opposition.
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Segment 4: Lessons from the Finding of Jesus in the Temple
The Gospel account of the finding of the Child Jesus in the temple offers profound lessons. When Mary and Joseph discover Jesus after three days of searching, He tells them:
"Did you not know, that I must be about My Father's business?"
This response highlights Christ’s unwavering focus on His mission. It also calls us to examine whether we are truly “about the Father’s business” in our own lives. Are we seeking to know, love, and serve God above all else? Or are we distracted by the vanities of the world?
St. Hilary’s example shows us what it means to be fully dedicated to God’s will. Like him, we must strive to align our lives with the truth of the Gospel, trusting that God’s grace will sustain us.
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Conclusion Prayer
Let us close with a prayer inspired by today’s reflection:
O God, who through the life and teachings of St. Hilary of Poitiers hast given us a model of fidelity to truth and courage in the face of opposition, grant that we may follow his example in defending the divinity of Thy Son. Enlighten our minds with the wisdom of the Gospel, and strengthen our hearts with the grace of perfect love, that we may cast out fear and remain steadfast in faith.
May we, like St. Hilary, be about the Father’s business, offering our lives as living sacrifices in service to Thy holy will. Unite us as one body in Christ, and lead us to the eternal joy of Thy presence. Through the intercession of St. Hilary and all the holy doctors of the Church, we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. May the example of St. Hilary inspire you to live courageously and faithfully in defense of the truth. God bless you!