Episode 2983: Walking in the Light of Truth - Morning Episode

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Book Recommendation of the Day
Against Heresies: St. Irenaeus of Lyons, refuting Gnostic heresies.
Before we go into this morning episode I want to discuss the great mystics like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila, discussion on the Passive Purgative Way. This is a great topic during Lent because the Passive Purgative Way which is a stage of spiritual purification in which God Himself acts directly on the soul, purging it of attachments, imperfections, and residual self-love to bring it to greater union with Him. This is a part of the Dark Night of the Senses and Dark Night of the Spirit, as described by St. John of the Cross.
It is my hope I can do an entire episode on this topic but I want to lightly touch in it this morning.

Understanding the Passive Purgative Way
This stage is called "passive" because the soul does not actively engage in mortifications or asceticism in the way it did in the earlier Active Purgative Way (where the soul, with God's grace, initiates self-denial and detachment). Instead, in the Passive Purgative Way, God directly purifies the soul through suffering, trials, and interior desolation.
Key Aspects of the Passive Purgative Way
Dark Night of the Senses: This is the purification of the lower faculties (desires, appetites, and attachments to sensory pleasures). The soul no longer finds consolation in spiritual exercises, prayer, or even sacraments as it once did. God removes these consolations to teach the soul to love Him for Himself, not for the feelings He provides.
Dark Night of the Spirit: This is a deeper purification of the intellect and will. The soul undergoes interior suffering, temptations against faith, and a sense of abandonment by God. This is necessary for removing pride, self-reliance, and any lingering self-interest.

Increased Suffering and Spiritual Aridity: The soul may feel abandoned by God, yet this suffering is purifying. Saints like St. John of the Cross emphasize that God is working most intimately in the soul during this time, though the soul does not perceive His presence.
Growth in True Faith, Hope, and Love: As the soul loses reliance on feelings and understanding, it learns to trust God blindly. The virtues of faith, hope, and charity are strengthened as the soul no longer relies on personal effort but on God’s grace alone.
Detachment from Self-Love and Consolations: Through suffering and desolation, the soul is freed from attachment to both earthly and even spiritual pleasures. This detachment allows for a purer love of God.
Preparation for the Illuminative and Unitive Ways: The Passive Purgative Way prepares the soul for deeper mystical union with God. Once purified, it can receive the gifts of contemplation and infused prayer, leading to the Illuminative Way (greater understanding of God’s truths) and the Unitive Way (intimate union with God).

Biblical and Theological Support
Psalm 66:10 – “For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us by fire, as silver is tried.”
Job 23:10 – “But he knoweth my way, and he shall prove me as gold that passeth through the fire.”
1 Peter 1:7 – “That the trial of your faith, much more precious than gold which is tried by the fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
Examples in the Lives of Saints
St. Thérèse of Lisieux – Experienced severe interior darkness before her death, suffering from doubts and desolation.
St. Teresa of Ávila – Underwent long periods of dryness and trials, which purified her soul for mystical union with God.
St. John of the Cross – Wrote The Dark Night of the Soul, explaining the passive purification necessary for deep union with God.

Final Thoughts
The Passive Purgative Way is a stage of profound suffering but also of immense spiritual growth. The soul must endure trials with faith, patience, and humility, trusting that God is leading it toward greater holiness. Though painful, it is an essential step in the traditional Catholic understanding of the path to sainthood.
Walking in the Light of Truth
We continue our Lenten journey with scripture readings, reflections on the saints of the day, and meditations on truth, perseverance, and divine mercy.
Let us open our hearts to the Word of God and strive for a deeper conversion during this sacred season.
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Epistle: Jeremiah 18:18-23
"And they said: Come, and let us invent devices against Jeremiah: for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us strike him with the tongue, and let us give no heed to all his words."
🔹 Reflection:
The prophet Jeremiah experiences persecution from his own people as they refuse to listen to God’s message.
• The Suffering of the Just – Jeremiah, as a foreshadowing of Christ, is rejected despite speaking the truth.
• Persecution in Faith – Those who follow God must be prepared to suffer for the truth, just as our Lord was rejected.
• Trusting in God’s Justice – Jeremiah does not seek revenge, but entrusts himself to divine justice.
Let us reflect:
• Do I remain faithful to God even when others reject me?
• Am I willing to suffer for the truth, or do I compromise out of fear?
• Do I entrust my trials to God, or do I take matters into my own hands?

Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28
"The Son of man shall be betrayed to the chief priests and the scribes: and they shall condemn Him to death. And the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him... desiring something of Him. Who said to her: What wilt thou? She saith to Him: Say that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left, in Thy kingdom."
🔹 Reflection:
Christ foretells His Passion and Death, but His disciples still misunderstand His mission, seeking worldly honors.
• Christ’s Kingship is through Suffering – Our Lord reminds us that true greatness comes through sacrifice, not power.
• Self-Denial in Discipleship – To follow Christ means to drink from His chalice of suffering.
• Serving, Not Being Served – Christ teaches: "He that is the greater among you, let him be your minister."

During Lent, we should ask:
• Am I seeking earthly rewards instead of eternal ones?
• Do I serve others with humility, or do I expect to be served?
• Am I willing to embrace suffering for the sake of Christ?
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Traditional Saints & Feast Days (March 12, 2025)
1. St. Gregory the Great (†604 A.D.) – Pope & Doctor of the Church
• One of the greatest Popes and reformers of the Church, St. Gregory was known for:
o Preserving and developing Gregorian Chant, ensuring the beauty of liturgical worship.
o Sending missionaries, such as St. Augustine of Canterbury, to convert England.
o Writing extensive spiritual works, including his Dialogues and Pastoral Rule.

• His example teaches us:
o The importance of defending and preserving Catholic tradition.
o That leadership in the Church is a call to holiness and sacrifice.
2. St. Theophanes the Confessor (†818 A.D.) – Defender of Sacred Images
• A Byzantine monk who was persecuted for defending the veneration of holy icons during the Iconoclast heresy.
• He was tortured and exiled for refusing to betray the truth of the Faith.
• His life reminds us:
o True faith requires courage, even when it is unpopular.
o Sacred traditions, including sacred images, are essential to Catholic worship.

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Themes of the Day
1. Suffering for the Truth – Like Jeremiah and St. Theophanes, we must stand firm in faith, even in persecution.
2. Humility in Service – Christ reminds us that true greatness is found in serving others, not seeking status.
3. Faithfulness to Tradition – St. Gregory and St. Theophanes defended Catholic tradition, reminding us to cling to the Church’s sacred heritage.
Quotes for Reflection
• "He who does not overcome his enemies by patience and meekness will sooner or later be overcome by them." – St. Gregory the Great
• "If you wish to rise, begin by descending. If you plan a tower that will pierce the clouds, lay first the foundation of humility." – St. Augustine
• "If God sends you many sufferings, it is a sign that He has great designs for you, and that He certainly intends to make you a saint." – St. Ignatius of Loyola
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Conclusion & Prayer
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us embrace suffering for the sake of Christ, serve with humility, and remain faithful to tradition.
Let us pray:
"O Lord, in our trials and sufferings, grant us the strength of the prophet Jeremiah and the courage of St. Theophanes. Teach us to serve others with humility, as You Yourself have served. Through the intercession of St. Gregory the Great, may we remain faithful to the traditions of the Church. Give us hearts that seek not worldly honors, but the glory of Heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Thank you for joining today’s reflection. May God bless you and strengthen you during this holy season.