Catholic Audiobook in a Month Podcast

Abandonment to Divine Providence: Day 6~Ch 8

In today's episode of the Catholic Audiobook in a Month Podcast, host William Wilson guides us through Day 6 of Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade, reading Chapter 8. Wilson begins with an exploration of quietism, a heresy that distorts the faithful's relationship with God. He references an article from Catholic Answers by Todd Agliaro, which critiques the quietist philosophy—rooted in the notion that the desire for action is offensive to God. Instead of active engagement in faith, quietism promotes a passive surrender that neglects the vital role of obedience to one's duties and the active pursuit of holiness.
Chapter 8 outlines that while God may indeed inspire certain actions that go beyond the usual duties, such inspirations should never disrupt the earnest obligations of one's life. Fr. de Caussade's asserts that the pursuit of holiness does not lie in lofty aspirations disconnected from daily engagements. Rather, true sanctity is achieved through faithful execution of the tasks assigned by God—no matter how mundane they may appear. In this light, he posits that every moment dedicated to such duties is worthwhile.

Abandonment to Divine Providence: Day 5~Ch 6-7

Welcome to Day Five of the Catholic Audiobook in a Month Podcast. Today we dive into Chapters 6 and 7, exploring the relationship between prayer, the mind, and the divine action in our lives.
In Chapter 6, the focus shifts to the mind's role in prayer and the necessity of surrendering its power to divine action. Fr. de Caussade illustrates how the mind, though a valuable instrument, must remain a servant rather than a master. He warns against the snares of confidence in our own abilities, reminding us that reliance on divine action is what truly nourishes and strengthens our souls. The heart must be free of distractions and self-reliance to allow for full communion with God's will. The essence of prayer is clear: whatever God wills at the present moment transcends all other practices, calling for a radical indifference to our self-chosen means. It is through this complete submission to God’s will that we can truly embrace the nourishing presence of His grace in every moment of our lives.
In Chapter 7, Fr. de Caussade emphasizes that only in submission to divine action can the soul find enduring peace. He confronts the reader with a question: if God's chosen gifts do not satisfy, what else can? The chapter reinforces that the fullness present in this moment is enough for our sanctification, urging us to trust in divine wisdom and goodness rather than seeking fulfillment in self-imposed desires. Reliance on external instruments, whether spiritual books or the examples of saints, becomes an obstacle when approached with a spirit of proprietorship. Instead, what brings true peace is the soul's acceptance and usage of these means within the divine order.

Abandonment to Divine Providence: Day 4~Ch 5

Welcome to Day Four of the Catholic Audiobook in a Month Podcast. Today, we explore Chapter Five, focusing on the theme of spiritual reading. Fr. de Caussade emphasizes that spiritual reading must be done in submission to God's order; otherwise, it risks becoming a hollow experience, devoid of genuine spiritual nourishment.
As you listen, you'll recognize the pivotal role that the "duty of the present moment" plays in our spiritual lives. Fr. de Caussade teaches us that our understanding of God's will is vital; it is not merely about accumulating knowledge but about engaging with God through our daily responsibilities and challenges. He reminds us that the most significant transformation occurs when our actions resonate with God's grace, nurturing the new man within us—who is formed through the practice of our present duties, whether they be mundane or extraordinary.

Abandonment to Divine Providence: Day 3~Ch 3-4

Welcome to the third day of Abandonment to Divine Providence, by Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Today we will read Chapters 3 and 4. The teachings unfold in two primary dimensions: the active dimension, which requires our diligent adherence to the obligations imposed by God and the Church, and the passive dimension that calls us to embrace the divine flow of each moment.
In Chapter 3, Fr. de Caussade emphasizes that the pursuit of sanctity becomes less daunting when viewed through the lens of this fidelity to God's order. The obstacles we perceive in our spiritual journey often stem from a misunderstanding of what sanctity truly entails. Fidelity to God's commands, he argues, is achievable by all persons, regardless of their strength or circumstances. The active part of sanctity involves fulfilling our specific duties, while the passive component is about embracing what God ordains for us, represented by our circumstances at any given moment. Fr. de Caussade reassures us that God's requirements are not burdensome; rather, they invite us to exercise a simple good will in our lives.
Moving into Chapter 4, we transition toward a deeper exploration of perfection, which does not reside in acquiring knowledge about God's order but rather in our willing submission to it. Perfection is unveiled as the faithful cooperation with God as He seeks to mold our souls to reflect His goodness. The chapter presents a compelling contrast between theoretical knowledge and genuine lived experience of God's will. Theologians may articulate the principles of divine grace, yet it is the humble, faith-filled soul that experiences the transformative work of God most profoundly. Fr. de Caussade asserts that theoretical speculations on sanctification can obscure the simple, life-giving acts of faith we are called to embrace daily.

Abandonment to Divine Providence: Day 2~Ch 1-2

Welcome to the second day of Abandonment to Divine Providence, by Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Today, chapters one and two guide us through the essence of turning our complete attention to the duties of each moment and exploring the concept of 'shadows'—the duties, attractions, and crosses that God presents in our lives.
In Chapter 1, we delve into the sanctity of the righteous, drawing from the lives of figures from the Old Law and notably, Mary herself. Father de Caussade articulates that their righteousness lay in their unwavering fidelity to God's order. Unlike today's myriad methods of direction and spiritual explanations, these earlier faithful souls focused on the simplicity of fulfilling their present duties. Their spirituality was rooted in a trustful devotion, encapsulated in Mary’s resounding acceptance of God's will—“fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum”—expressing a total abandonment to God's design.
In Chapter 2, we investigate the beautiful analogy of 'shadows'—the duties and tasks that may initially obscure our view of God's action in our lives. The reading reminds us that these shadows are not distractions, but rather the very vehicle through which God operates and invites us to deeper communion with Him. De Caussade defines the present moment's duties as veils that conceal the divine action happening within and around us. Drawing on Mary’s experience, it is suggested that when we transcend the surface of these responsibilities, we can discern the divine at work. Mary stands as a testament to this vision, ever faithful, unbothered by the chaos that surrounds her, finding faith and divine wisdom in the simplest of tasks.

Abandonment to Divine Providence: Day 1~Preface

First a quick introduction to the podcast...The Catholic Audiobook in a Month Podcast (CAMP) features a different Classic Catholic Book each month. The books are broken up into 28 daily episodes, and are introduced and read by William Wilson OCDS.
In this inaugural episode, William introduces Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade's Abandonment to Divine Providence. Selections from the preface are read and discussed. 

Introducing the Catholic Audiobook in a Month Podcast

A quick introduction to our new podcast coming in June 2025. The podcast features William Wilson reading a classic Catholic book each month. The books will be divided up into 4 weeks, each episode lasting around 10-15 minutes, with a short introduction / outline. See you in June!