Episode 2323: Surrendering to God's Will - Morning Episode

Today, we delve into the profound insights of St. Kateri Tekakwitha and the prophetic call of Isaiah, seeking to understand how we can align our lives with God's will and experience His transformative mercy.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha, known for her deep devotion and humility, offers us two powerful reflections on living a life pleasing to God. Additionally, Isaiah’s call to repentance and obedience invites us to experience the cleansing and renewal that comes from God’s mercy. Let us journey together through these teachings, discovering how we can surrender our lives to God and embrace His will with love and fidelity.
Seeking to Please God:
"Who will teach me what is most pleasing to God, that I may do it?" — St. Kateri Tekakwitha
St. Kateri Tekakwitha’s earnest plea reflects a heart deeply devoted to God and a desire to live in accordance with His will. Her question challenges us to seek out God’s desires in our own lives. This pursuit involves immersing ourselves in prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking the wisdom of the Church. By doing so, we can discern God’s will and strive to live in a way that honors Him. This humble and sincere quest for God’s guidance is the foundation of a faithful and obedient Christian life.
Total Self-Giving to Jesus
"I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus. He must be my only love." St. Kateri Tekakwitha
St. Kateri’s declaration of total self-giving to Jesus illustrates the depth of her commitment and love for Christ. By acknowledging that she is not her own, she emphasizes that her life is entirely dedicated to Jesus. This profound act of surrender and love invites us to reflect on our own lives. How can we give ourselves more fully to Jesus? How can we make Him the center of our love and devotion? St. Kateri’s example calls us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else, seeking to love and serve Him with our whole hearts.
The Call to Repentance and Obedience:
"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." — Isaiah 1:18-20
Isaiah’s prophetic words invite us into a dialogue with God, offering a powerful message of repentance and renewal. God’s promise to cleanse our sins, making them as white as snow, is contingent upon our willingness and obedience. This call to reason together with the Lord emphasizes His desire for a relationship with us, one that is rooted in trust and fidelity. By turning away from sin and embracing God’s commandments, we open ourselves to His abundant blessings and the transformative power of His mercy.
Conclusion:
As we conclude this episode, let us take to heart the lessons from St. Kateri Tekakwitha and the prophet Isaiah. St. Kateri’s devotion and surrender to Jesus inspire us to seek God’s will earnestly and to give ourselves completely to Him. Isaiah’s call to repentance and obedience reminds us of the transformative mercy available to us when we turn to God with sincere hearts.
Thank you for joining me this morning and I hope these reflections encourage you to deepen your relationship with God, seeking to live in a way that is pleasing to Him and embracing His mercy with open hearts. Until next time, may God’s grace and peace be with you, guiding you on your journey of faith and love.