Episode 2148: Ascending Hearts and Happy Faults - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints in heaven, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”
Ascending Hearts and Happy Faults
Introduction:
Tonight, we delve into the profound themes of ascension, redemption, and the divine interplay between our frailties and God's grace. We will reflect on the insights of St. Augustine, Luis M. Martinez, and the Psalms to understand how our journey to heaven is marked by both our triumphs and our failures, all under the loving gaze of our Creator.

Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him. — St. Augustine
St. Augustine, one of the greatest theologians of the early Church, calls us to unite our hearts with Christ as He ascends into heaven. This quote is rooted in the celebration of the Ascension, a pivotal event in Christian theology where Jesus, after His resurrection, ascends bodily into heaven. This event signifies the completion of His earthly mission and His exaltation at the right hand of the Father.
Augustine's exhortation encourages us to spiritually ascend with Christ, lifting our hearts and minds from earthly concerns to heavenly aspirations. It’s a call to transcend our worldly attachments and live in the hope and promise of eternal life with God.
"What God does on a large scale in history, He does on a small scale in each soul. One day in Heaven, we shall understand the important role played in our sanctification by our frailties and our sins. And even though we regret having offended God, after all, perhaps we should paraphrase the words of the Church: “O happy sins of mine that merited so great a Redeemer.” O truly necessary faults, for our failings humiliate us by revealing to us our nothingness. This is one of the main purposes for which God permits them." —Luis M. Martinez
Luis M. Martinez, a prominent 20th-century theologian, offers a profound reflection on the nature of sin and redemption. He suggests that God's work in history mirrors His work within each soul. Our frailties and sins, while offensive to God, play a critical role in our spiritual growth. They humble us and reveal our dependence on God's mercy and grace. Martinez echoes the Easter Vigil exultation, “O happy fault,” which celebrates Adam’s sin as a necessary precursor to the coming of Christ, our Redeemer. This perspective challenges us to see our weaknesses not as final failures but as opportunities for deeper reliance on God’s transformative love.
He determines the number of the stars, He gives to all of them their names. — Psalm 147:4
This verse from Psalm 147 highlights God's omnipotence and intimate knowledge of His creation. By numbering and naming the stars, God demonstrates His supreme authority and personal care. In the context of our lives, this reminds us that no detail is too small for God’s attention. Just as He names the stars, He knows each of us intimately and cares for our individual journeys. This divine attentiveness assures us that our struggles and victories are seen and valued by God, and that He guides us with both power and tenderness.
Ascending with Christ
• Introduction to the Feast of the Ascension.
• Reflection on St. Augustine's quote and its implications for our spiritual life.
• Discussion on how to lift our hearts to heaven in our daily practices.
The Role of Frailties and Sins in Our Sanctification
• Introduction to Luis M. Martinez and his theological insights.
• Exploration of the paradox of "happy faults" and their necessity in our journey.
• Practical ways to embrace our weaknesses and seek God's redemptive power.
God's Intimate Knowledge and Care
• Reflection on Psalm 147:4 and God's omniscience.
• How recognizing God's detailed care can transform our trust and faith.
• Encouragement to see our personal significance in God's grand design.
Conclusion:
As we conclude this episode, let us remember that our journey to heaven is marked by both our aspirations and our shortcomings. By lifting our hearts with Christ in His ascension, embracing our weaknesses as avenues of God’s grace, and trusting in His intimate care, we can navigate our path with hope and confidence. May we continually ascend in heart and mind, ever aware of God’s presence and love in every aspect of our lives.
Thank you for joining us on "Faith and Tradition." Until tomorrow night, may God bless you and keep you. Now before going to bed please pray for the pour souls in purgatory because you may have friends and family there. Good Night!