Episode 2864: A Call to Detachment, Humility, and Obedience - Morning Episode

Episode 457 St Paul the Hermit (January 15th)

Episode 958 St Paul the Hermit, St Maurus and St John Calabytes
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A Call to Detachment, Humility, and Obedience
Welcome to today’s episode, where we reflect on the lives of two incredible saints celebrated in the Traditional Catholic Calendar on January 15: St. Paul the First Hermit and St. Maurus, Abbot. These saints offer us timeless lessons on detachment, humility, and obedience virtues often dismissed in today’s world but central to our journey to holiness. As we dive into their lives and the Scripture readings for this feast, let us open our hearts to their example and teaching.
Segment 1: St. Paul the First Hermit – Detachment from the World
St. Paul the First Hermit, recognized as the first Christian hermit, left behind the world’s vanities to live in solitude, dedicating his life entirely to God. In the words attributed to him through St. Jerome’s writings:
"He alone is great who turns the love of this world into contempt for its vanities, seeking instead the eternal joys of Heaven."
This is a call to every Christian. How often are we consumed by the fleeting allurements of wealth, success, and comfort? St. Paul’s life reminds us that true greatness lies not in earthly accomplishments but in seeking the eternal joys of Heaven.
The Epistle from Philippians 3:7-12 perfectly encapsulates this message. St. Paul the Apostle writes:
"The things that were gain to me, the same I have counted loss for Christ. Furthermore, I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord."
Like the hermit of the desert, St. Paul counted everything as loss compared to the knowledge and love of Christ. Detachment does not mean rejecting the good things of this world but prioritizing Heaven above all else.
Segment 2: St. Maurus – Humility and Obedience
St. Maurus, a disciple of St. Benedict, is remembered for his exceptional humility and obedience. St. Benedict teaches:
"The first degree of humility is prompt obedience. This is characteristic of those who hold nothing dearer than Christ, who, because of the holy service they have professed, live in monasteries, and desire to have an abbot over them."
Though few of us live in monasteries, the principle applies universally: humility and obedience align our will with God’s. In our age of self-assertion and independence, obedience often feels countercultural, but it is through submission to God’s will that we find true freedom and peace.
The Gospel reading from Matthew 11:25-30 highlights this beautifully:
"Come to Me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls."
Both St. Paul the First Hermit and St. Maurus lived out this Gospel call. By taking up Christ’s yoke through detachment, humility, and obedience they found the rest and refreshment promised by our Lord.
Segment 3: Lessons for Today
In reflecting on these saints, we must ask ourselves:
• Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments that hinder our journey to Heaven?
• Do we embrace humility, seeking to serve others rather than assert our own will?
• Are we obedient to God’s commands, trusting that His will is always for our good?
The saints show us that these virtues are not easy, but they are worth pursuing. In a culture that glorifies self-centeredness and materialism, their lives stand as a challenge and an inspiration.
Conclusion Prayer
Let us close with a prayer inspired by the examples of St. Paul the First Hermit and St. Maurus:
O God, who didst wonderfully ordain the life of Thy saints, we thank Thee for the examples of St. Paul the First Hermit and St. Maurus. Grant us the grace to renounce the vanities of this world and to seek first the eternal joys of Heaven. Teach us true humility and prompt obedience, that we may conform our wills to Thine and carry the sweet yoke of Christ with joy. May their intercession guide us on our path to holiness, and may we one day share in their heavenly reward. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. May the lives of these great saints inspire you to embrace the virtues of detachment, humility, and obedience in your daily walk with Christ. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His grace.