Episode 2975: The Path of Penance - Morning Episode

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Book Recommendation of the Day
Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians: St. Polycarp of Smyrna, emphasizing faith and endurance.
The Path of Penance
First Thursday in Lent
As we continue our journey of Lent, let us meditate on the Word of God, embrace the spirit of penance, and turn our hearts back to Him. This holy season calls us to deeper prayer, fasting, and detachment from sin, reminding us of our need for conversion.

Epistle: Ezechiel 18:1-9
"If the wicked do penance for all his sins which he hath committed, and keep all My commandments, and do judgment and justice, living he shall live, and shall not die. I will not remember all his iniquities that he hath done: in his justice which he hath wrought he shall live."
🔹 Reflection:
This passage from the prophet Ezechiel reminds us of the infinite mercy of God, yet also of the necessity of true repentance. It is not enough to merely feel sorry for our sins we must turn to the Lord with sincerity of heart, amend our lives, and do what is right.
Lent is a time to ask:
• Am I truly sorry for my sins, or do I justify them?
• Do I avoid the near occasions of sin, or do I place myself in temptation?
• Do I live in a way that reflects justice, humility, and charity?
God does not desire the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live (Ezechiel 18:23). Let us embrace the call to repentance with courage and humility.
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
"And behold a woman of Canaan, who came out of those coasts, crying out, said to Him: Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou son of David: my daughter is grievously troubled by a devil. But He answered her not a word."
🔹 Reflection:
This Gospel passage recounts the faith of the Canaanite woman, a Gentile, who persisted in her plea despite being initially ignored by Our Lord.
This teaches us several things:
1. Perseverance in prayer – Even when God seems silent, do not lose heart. Keep praying.
2. Humility before God – The woman accepted her unworthiness but trusted completely in Christ’s mercy.
3. Faith is rewarded – Our Lord grants her request because of her unwavering trust in Him.
This passage reminds us that prayer and fasting must be accompanied by great humility. Do we pray with trust and confidence? Or do we give up too easily when our prayers seem unanswered? Let us imitate the Canaanite woman and cry out with faith: "Lord, have mercy on me!
Traditional Saints and Historical Feast Days – March 6
📜 St. Colette (1381-1447)
• A Franciscan nun and reformer, known for her extreme fasting, devotion to poverty, and love for the Passion of Christ.
• She restored strict observance in the Poor Clares, emphasizing penance and prayer.
• She was favored with visions and known to work miracles, especially in restoring religious fervor.
🕊️ Reflection on St. Colette
St. Colette’s life reminds us of the power of self-denial and how fasting, when united with love for God, purifies the soul and strengthens virtue. She calls us to live Lent with seriousness, not merely observing it externally, but truly allowing it to change us interiorly.
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Lenten Theme: Penance & the Ash Wednesday Call to Conversion
🔹 "Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris."
"Remember, O man, that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return." (Genesis 3:19)
Even though Ash Wednesday has passed, its theme remains throughout all of Lent. The Church continues to remind us of:
1. Our mortality – Life is fleeting, and we must always be prepared for eternity.
2. The need for penance – True conversion requires more than words it requires action.
3. Trust in God’s mercy – No matter how sinful we have been, if we turn back to Him, He will receive us.
Let us not waste this season, but embrace fasting, prayer, and almsgiving with zeal.
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Quotes for Reflection
• "Let us prepare for Lent by keeping a clear conscience, by controlling our desires, by correcting our faults, and by praying more fervently." – St. John Chrysostom
• "No one will ever be able to understand the marvelous riches of God unless he becomes poor in spirit." – St. Colette
• "You cannot attain purity of soul without purification of the body through fasting." – St. Basil the Great
I’ll include Lenten challenges and devotions to help deepen your spiritual life during this penitential season. These will include:
1. Daily Fasting Challenge – Specific fasting recommendations beyond just abstaining from meat.
2. Daily Prayer Focus – A particular traditional prayer or meditation for the day.
3. Almsgiving & Acts of Mercy – Practical ways to live out charity and self-denial.
4. Saintly Wisdom – Advice from the saints on how to live Lent with greater devotion.

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Conclusionary Prayer
"O Lord, as we continue our Lenten journey, grant us the grace of true penance. May we, like the Canaanite woman, cry out to You with unwavering faith. May we, like St. Colette, embrace fasting and prayer to grow in holiness. Strengthen us in our trials, cleanse our hearts of sin, and lead us ever closer to Thee. Through the intercession of Our Lady and all the saints, may we persevere in faith until the joy of Easter. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen."
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."