Episode 2996: Women! Lead your families to Christ & Mary during Lent - Morning Episode

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Speak Lord for your Servant is Listening
Rosary: Lady of 7 Sorrows
Book Recommendation of the Day
On the Unity of the Church: St. Cyprian of Carthage, discussing Church authority.
So before we get into this morning episode, I kind of went at my fellow men yesterday to wake up and lead. Sharon would you mind providing some insight to the Catholic woman of today?
Sure, do you want me to free fall?
Yes I do!
Well here I go.
Lent is the perfect time for women to reclaim their role as spiritual leaders within their families and communities, stepping up in their traditional Catholic faith and guiding those around them toward holiness. In a world consumed by materialism, distractions, and vanity, Catholic women are called to be living temples of the Holy Ghost examples of grace, modesty, and piety. Here’s how women can deepen their faith this Lent and inspire others to do the same:
1. Prioritize Prayer and Silence
The modern world is filled with noise, making it difficult to hear the voice of God. Women can step up by cultivating a strong interior life through daily mental prayer, the Rosary, and meditative reading of Scripture or the writings of the saints. By setting aside time for silence and deep prayer, they teach their families and those around them the importance of true spiritual connection over the fleeting pleasures of social media, entertainment, and worldly chatter.
2. Practice True Fasting and Mortification
Lent is about sacrificing earthly comforts to draw closer to Christ. True fasting is not just about avoiding food but also about detaching from worldly desires—vanity, luxury, excessive socializing, and self-indulgence. Women can inspire others by fasting in a way that purifies the soul, such as:
• Avoiding unnecessary spending on fashion, beauty, or material possessions.
• Choosing simple and modest clothing as an act of humility.
• Practicing self-denial in small daily comforts (e.g., cold showers, no sugar in coffee, less time on the phone).
• Offering up their sacrifices for the conversion of family members and friends.
3. Modesty in Dress and Conduct
One of the most powerful ways a woman can be a witness of faith is through her modesty. In an era where immodesty is normalized, dressing in a way that reflects the dignity of a Catholic woman speaks volumes. Modesty is not about oppression but about honoring the sacredness of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. This includes:
• Wearing dresses or skirts that reflect femininity and dignity.
• Avoiding excessive makeup or fashion trends that draw unnecessary attention.
• Carrying oneself with grace, avoiding gossip, and speaking charitably.

4. Guide Children and Spouses in Holiness
Women, as the heart of the home, shape the spiritual lives of their families. They can step up by:
• Teaching children about the saints, the importance of confession, and the meaning of sacrifice.
• Encouraging their husbands and male relatives to lead spiritually (e.g., praying together, reading Scripture, attending Traditional Latin Mass).
• Creating a home environment that reflects a devotion to God—holy images, a home altar, and Catholic books.
5. Detach from Social Media and Worldly Influence
Many women today struggle with distraction due to social media, comparison, and seeking validation online. Lent is the perfect time to step away from these things and replace them with fruitful pursuits:
• Limiting social media or eliminating it altogether for Lent.
• Reading spiritual books instead of scrolling endlessly.
• Writing letters of encouragement to fellow Catholic women instead of engaging in online debates.
6. Charity and Acts of Mercy
Rather than focusing on external beauty or social status, a woman of faith should focus on the needs of others. This could be through:
• Volunteering at a local parish.
• Helping young mothers, widows, or the elderly.
• Making sacrifices for the conversion of sinners.
7. Strengthen Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our Lady is the ultimate model for Catholic women. She was silent, prayerful, and completely detached from the world. Devotion to her can help women stay on the right path by:
• Praying the Rosary daily.
• Consecrating themselves to Mary.
• Meditating on the virtues of Our Lady and striving to imitate them.
Final Thoughts
Women are called to be guardians of purity, wisdom, and faith within their homes and communities. This Lent, stepping up means rejecting worldly distractions, embracing sacrifice, and leading others through example. The goal is to become true temples of the Holy Spirit, illuminating the world with faith, virtue, and unwavering devotion to Christ.
By embracing these practices, Catholic women will not only grow in holiness but also inspire others to do the same.
Lenten Reflections: Scripture, Saints, and Spiritual Exercises
Introduction
Welcome to today’s episode, where we will explore the scripture readings as well as the traditional feast days and spiritual reflections for this day.
During this Lenten season, the Church calls us to penance, purity of heart, and trust in God’s justice. Today’s readings and saints remind us of the battle between righteousness and corruption, urging us to seek God’s mercy while striving for holiness.
Let us begin with scripture. Sharon would you mind reading the epistle for today and provide some reflections?
Epistle: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 (The Story of Susanna)
"There was a man dwelling in Babylon, and he took a wife named Susanna, the daughter of Helcias, a very beautiful woman and one that feared God..."
Reflection:
• The story of Susanna and the two wicked elders highlights the struggle between innocence and corruption.
• Susanna’s refusal to give in to sin, even under false accusation and the threat of death, is a model of chastity, integrity, and trust in God’s justice.
• The intervention of Daniel as a defender of truth reminds us that God raises up those who will champion righteousness.
• In a world that distorts purity and virtue, we must imitate Susanna’s unwavering faith and Daniel’s zeal for truth.

Sharon would you mind reading the Gospel and providing reflections?
Gospel: John 8:1-11 (The Woman Caught in Adultery)
"He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."
Reflection:
• The Pharisees seek to trap Our Lord by bringing forth the adulterous woman, yet Christ disarms them with divine wisdom.
• This passage is a perfect balance of justice and mercy:
o Justice: Sin is never excused—Christ does not deny the woman’s wrongdoing.
o Mercy: Christ calls her to conversion, rather than condemning her outright.
• Key Lesson: We are all sinners in need of God’s mercy, but true mercy requires conversion and a firm resolution to sin no more.

Other Traditional Saints & Feast Days (March 22, 2025)
1. St. Catharine of Sweden (1331–1381)
• Daughter of St. Bridget of Sweden, she lived a life of great holiness, chastity, and devotion.
• She refused to remarry after her husband's death and instead devoted herself to prayer and asceticism.
• She was known for her deep mystical life and received many visions and divine revelations.
• Key Lesson: Like Susanna, St. Catharine exemplifies purity and trust in God’s providence over human pressures.
2. St. Paul of Narbonne (1st Century, Disciple of St. Peter)
• A bishop and missionary who spread the Gospel in Gaul (modern-day France).
• He performed many miracles and converted countless souls.
• His life reminds us of the duty to proclaim the truth fearlessly, even in hostile environments.
• Key Lesson: The missionary spirit is still needed today—we must evangelize with courage and fidelity.
Sharon can you provide the Themes of the Day
1. The Battle Between Virtue and Corruption
o Susanna’s courage and St. Catharine’s purity contrast with the wickedness of the elders and the Pharisees.
o In the face of a world that seeks to compromise virtue, we must stand firm in holiness.
2. God’s Justice and Mercy
o Daniel, as God’s instrument, ensures justice for Susanna.
o Christ, as Divine Mercy, offers repentance to the sinful woman.
o Are we just in our dealings, and do we extend mercy to the repentant?
3. The Call to Evangelization
o Like St. Paul of Narbonne, we must proclaim Christ without fear.
o The truth must be defended, even when it is unpopular.
Let me provide some Quotes for Reflection:
• "God hath heard thy prayer." – Daniel 13:44
• "The measure with which you measure will be measured unto you." – Matthew 7:2
• "Go, and sin no more." – John 8:11
• "By standing firm, you will save yourselves." – Luke 21:19
Sharon can you take us out in prayer?
Conclusionary Prayer
"Heavenly Father, in this Lenten season, grant us the courage of Susanna, the contrition of the repentant sinner, and the missionary zeal of St. Paul of Narbonne. May we turn away from sin, defend truth, and trust in Your divine justice. Strengthen us in virtue and lead us ever closer to You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Closing Remarks
• Thank you for joining today’s episode.
• As we continue through Lent, may we:
o Seek holiness like Susanna and St. Catharine.
o Repent sincerely, as Christ calls us to do.
o Proclaim the truth courageously.
• May God bless you and keep you on the path of righteousness. Now go out there and convert somebody and tell them “There is a man on the Cross!” Good day.