St. Hedwig (16 October): Pierce My Flesh with Fear of Thee | The Call to Crucify the Flesh

About this sermon

St. Hedwig’s example of penance, humility, and service to the poor challenges us to examine our lives in light of eternity. This Catholic homily explores holy fear, Christian self-discipline, and preparation for the judgment of God. Beginning with the words “Pierce Thou my flesh with Thy fear; I am afraid of Thy judgments,” the sermon reflects on moderation, resistance to sinful desires, and St. Paul’s call to be crucified with Christ. Here, the language of piercing and crucifixion concerns spiritual self-denial and union with Christ. The homily draws on St. Hedwig’s devotion to the Divine Office and Holy Mass, her willingness to perform humble tasks, and her care for the poor and those suffering from leprosy. It also considers St. Teresa of Avila’s mystical experiences and her insistence on self-knowledge. What would change if we remembered our final judgment before speaking, acting, or giving in to temptation? Through reflections on Psalm 118, the particular and general judgment, and St. Thérèse’s attention to small faults, this sermon encourages us to bring God’s word into our hearts and put it into practice. Consider today: • What fault have I been avoiding in my examination of conscience? • Where can I practice moderation and self-denial? • How can I serve someone with greater humility? • Are my daily choices bringing glory to God? 00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction to St. Hedwig 00:10 “Pierce Thou My Flesh with Thy Fear” 00:33 Taming Sinful Desires 00:58 Moderation in Food and Drink 01:14 St. Paul: Crucifying the Flesh 01:35 Bearing Christ’s Wounds: The Preacher’s Spiritual Analogy 03:03 St. Teresa of Avila’s Mystical Experience 03:34 Union with Christ and the Nail from His Hand 04:12 St. Hedwig: Dying to Worldly Pleasure 04:43 Continence, Contemplation, and Liturgical Prayer 05:25 Humility and Service to the Poor 06:13 Holy Fear and God’s Judgments 06:45 Remembering Our End and the Gospel’s Net 07:15 Ordering Our Actions toward Eternity 07:50 Preparing to Stand before God 08:18 St. Teresa and the Path of Self-Knowledge 08:51 The General Judgment: Our Lives Revealed 09:19 Choosing Actions That Give Glory to God 09:47 Making Eternal Truths Part of Daily Life 10:08 Psalm 118: Hiding God’s Word in Our Hearts 10:44 St. Thérèse: Addressing Faults While They Are Small 11:14 Keeping Judgment before Our Eyes 11:52 Childlike Accountability and Holy Fear 12:31 Self-Denial and Growth in Union with Christ 13:01 Closing Reflection and Prayer “I hid Thy words in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” St. Hedwig, pray for us. For more please go to http://www.reginaprophetarum.org & remember to say 3 Hail Marys for the priest #CatholicHomily #TraditionalCatholic #StHedwig #PierceMyFlesh #FearOfTheLord #CatholicSaints #RedemptiveSuffering #CrucifyTheFlesh #CatholicFaith #CatholicSpirituality #StTeresaOfAvila #StPaul #Mortification #Penance #MysticalMarriage #SensusFidelium #LatinMass #CatholicTeaching #Holiness #Salvation 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Anxiety & Worry
• Jesus Christ