Timestamps:
00:00 – 01:14 = Introduction and Overview of Final Three Chapters.
01:15 – 03:39 = Chapter 5: Special Practices of Uniformity in External Matters.
03:40 – 06:10 = Seeing Calamities as Part of God’s Will – Language of Acceptance.
06:11 – 08:20 = Jesuit Snowstorm Story and the Disposition of Trust.
08:21 – 11:10 = The Role of “Why?” – Accusation vs. Understanding.
11:11 – 14:30 = Personal Matters: Surrendering to God’s Plan in All Things.
14:31 – 17:00 = Illness as a Gift, Not a Hindrance – Embracing the Hard.
17:01 – 19:00 = Why Not Me? – Spiritual Growth Through Trial.
19:01 – 21:45 = Bodily Infirmities as Part of God’s Will, Not an Obstacle.
21:46 – 24:30 = Taking Rest as Sanctification, Not Productivity.
24:31 – 26:45 = The Prayer: “I Want Only What Thou Wilt” – Full Surrender.
26:46 – 29:25 = Healing, Suffering, and the Desire to Do God’s Will.
29:26 – 33:05 = Consolation vs. Desolation – God’s Presence Beyond Feeling.
33:06 – 35:25 = Desolation as an Invitation to Deeper Trust.
35:26 – 36:50 = Truth, Beauty, and Goodness Segment – Padre’s Book Pick.
36:51 – 38:35 = Stina on Gardening, Seasons, and Spiritual Reflections.
38:36 – 39:04 = Closing Remarks and Blessing.
Episode Summary:
In this final installment of our study of St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Uniformity with the Will of God, Stina and Padre dive into the practical wisdom. They explore how to embrace God’s will in external events, personal struggles, sickness, and even spiritual desolation. Stina shares personal reflections on health challenges, loss, and the deepening relationship with God in times of silence and suffering. Together, they discuss how detachment, trust, and perseverance in prayer lead us to true peace and holiness.
Key Discussion Points:
- Embracing External Circumstances: Alphonsus urges us to refrain from language or attitudes that oppose God’s will, even in weather, calamities, or societal shifts. Stina shares the story of the Jesuit consoled by imagining Jesus dropping snowflakes on him, highlighting how even discomfort can be embraced as a gift from God.
- Accepting Personal Defects & Challenges: Alphonsus invites us to receive all things—natural defects, inconveniences, unexpected life events—as gifts without trying to control how they come to us. Stina reflects on how this mindset helped her reframe her experience with health challenges, seeing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
- Sickness & Spiritual Growth: The profound prayer—”Lord, I wish neither to be well nor to remain sick; I want only what thou wilt”—captures the surrender Alphonsus advocates. Padre and Stina discuss how illness is not a barrier to holiness but can become the very path by which we offer deeper love to God, especially when accepted with peace and detachment.
- Mary’s Fiat & Trust: Drawing parallels to Mary’s acceptance of God’s will, Stina emphasizes how God invites us gently, never forcing, but patiently waiting for our consent. Our “yes” to His will transforms how we experience life’s trials.
- Sickness as a Test of Virtue: Alphonsus’ challenging statement—that sickness reveals the true depth of our virtue—calls us to examine how we respond to suffering. Stina unpacks the balance between accepting medical care and remaining detached and tranquil, trusting God’s plan fully.
- Understanding Spiritual Desolation: Stina shares personal insights on spiritual desolation, especially after losing a spiritual mentor. Rather than seeing desolation as God withdrawing love, it’s an invitation to deeper intimacy, where God’s presence remains intense and intentional, even if silent. Padre reflects on Alphonsus’ practical advice to focus not on anxiety but on spiritual diligence.
- Perseverance in Prayer: Even in dryness, Alphonsus encourages us to stay present with God. Stina beautifully compares it to a husband and wife sharing a silent meal—remaining together without words, resting in the presence of love.
Reflective Questions:
- How do I react to external inconveniences or discomforts—do I see them as obstacles or as opportunities to embrace God’s will?
- What personal challenges or defects am I struggling to accept as part of God’s plan for me?
- How do I respond to sickness or times when I feel less “useful” to God—do I still trust that He is working in me?
- How can I remain present to God even when I feel spiritually dry or desolate?
Practical Suggestions for Growth:
- Shift Your Language: Practice reframing negative comments about external events (like weather or inconveniences) as opportunities to surrender to God’s will.
- Offer Your Health to God: Whether in sickness or health, pray Alphonsus’ prayer: “Lord, I wish neither to be well nor to remain sick; I want only what thou wilt.”
- Persevere in Prayer: During spiritual dryness or grief, stay faithful to your prayer routine—even if all you can do is sit in silence with God.
- Examine Attachments: Reflect on areas where God may be inviting you to detach from comforts, relationships, or expectations to draw closer to Him.
Truth, Beauty and Goodness
Padre – Resource – The faith of the early fathers 3 Volume Set
Stina – Lessons from Gardening
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