Podcasts about lenten

In this episode, we continue our Lenten book study on "The Way of Trust and Love" and focus on Chapter 1: A Completely New Way. We reflect on the "little way" of St. Thérèse, the invitation to become spiritual children before the Father, and how weakness becomes the very place where Christ comes to meet us. We also talk about the difference between being childish and childlike, why true maturity in faith begins with admitting our own poverty, and how small acts of courage open the door to deep healing. This week, we invite you to name the desires stirring in your heart and let the Holy Spirit awaken a new song within you.   Heather's One Thing - Franciscan's Campus-wide "Behold" Retreat Sister Miriam's One Thing - Healing Wounds by Bishop Erik Varden  Michelle's One Thing - The O' Grady's Beach House  Michelle's Other One Thing - Emily Lex Watercolor Workbooks    Journal Questions: How often do I accept the letter of God's adoption of me, and not the spirit of God's adoption? Where in my life do I need Mother Mary to smile upon me? How have I turned to self-reliance this Lent? Where is God inviting me to become more adult and free? What is the new song the Lord wants to put in my heart?   Discussion Questions: When do you notice orphanhood in your heart? What are you learning from St. Therese this Lent? When have you experienced the healing delight of a mother? Is it difficult for you to name your desires? What is one desire God has placed on your heart this Lent? What is the "yes" God is asking you to make today?   Quotes to Ponder: "You know, Mother, that I have always desired to be a saint, but alas, I have always realized, when I compared myself to the saints, that there is between them and me the same difference as exists between a mountain whose summit is lost in the skies, and the obscure grain of sand trodden underfoot by passers-by. Instead of getting discouraged, I said to myself: "God could not" "inspire us with desires that were unrealizable, so despite my littleness I can aspire to holiness. It is impossible for me to grow up, I must put up with myself as I am, with all my imperfections; but I want to find how to get to Heaven by a little way that is quite straight, quite short: a completely new little way." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)   "Each of us has an absolute need for an inner transformation that makes us "as little as a child." What that means and how to put it into practice are exactly what Thérèse teaches in a simple, luminous way. That is why she was proclaimed a Doctor—that is, a teacher—of the Church." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 6)   "The heart of Christian life is to receive and welcome God's tenderness and goodness, the revelation of his merciful love, and to let oneself be transformed interiorly by that love." (Father Jacques Philippe, The Way of Trust and Love, Page 7)   Scripture for Lectio: "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)   Sponsor - Healed and Restored: Healed and Restored is a non-profit organization located in the Charlotte, NC area that was created in 2020 to fill a void and respond to a need that has been long overlooked in our society. A program that is 100% dedicated to helping women heal in the aftermath of abuse, assault, and other traumatic experiences. According to the United Nations, one in three girls and women around the world has been subjected to sexual and/or physical abuse at least once in their lives. Studies show that women who have been through abuse (of all types) have higher levels of fear, are more isolated, and face greater mental health problems. In the aftermath of any of these traumatic events, women will sometimes resort to hurting themselves through cutting, eating disorders, and addictions. Without proper care and healing, these dark cycles can persist for years. We help women and girls realize that God desires to heal every single one of His beloved children. We teach them that the enemy is a master manipulator. As soon as a person gets hurt, the devil begins to plant all kinds of lies in our hurting souls. Some of these lies are: God doesn't love you, everything that happened is your fault, you should be forever ashamed, and you will never find healing and peace. The Mission The Healed and Restored mission is to help women and girls who are survivors of abuse, assault, domestic violence, trafficking, and all other forms of trauma find healing and restoration. Grounded in Catholic teachings and through a combination of counseling, life coaching, intimate workshops, practical tools, spiritual mentoring, and community support we help women and girls transform pain into purpose— empowering them to not only survive, but thrive. Since 2020, Healed and Restored has helped over 500 women and girls on their journey to process their unhealed wounds. Never could we have predicted how much God would bless our mission in such a short period of time. All of this has us convinced that there are times when God uses our deepest pain to propel us on the path to our greatest calling! If you or someone you know could use the assistance of our trained and compassionate Catholic Therapists/Counselors and money is an issue, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by emailing info@healedandrestored.org for more information and guidance. Or if you feel called to be part of this mission by volunteering your time, we would love to hear from you. Together and guided by the Holy Spirit, we can make a difference in the life of those around us who are suffering.   Timestamps:  00:00 Healed and Restored 01:31 Intro 02:17 Welcome 04:26 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 05:35 Trusting in Our Creator 09:49 The Path of Spiritual Childhood 12:53 Healed by Delight 16:27 What is the "Little Way"? 19:36 Childlike vs Childish 24:05 The Role of Holy Scripture 30:10 One Things

Step onto the basketball court with Paul and his team as fear meets faith. When Paul's friend, Leo hesitates to make the shot, his coach has a story to help him face his fear: Daniel in the Lions Den! Dive into this incredible story and our very first Old Testament episode today! This episode is a special public release of the story of Blessed Stanley Rother that is part of our Hallow exclusive Lenten series for families: The Miracle Hunters! Tune in to a new episode everyday by joining the challenge on Hallow! Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a 30-day free trial! Please rate, review and share with friends and family! Find out more about Saints Alive at our website: https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/

Lent continues by inviting us to consider not only where we are going, but who we can trust along the way. In this third meditation of our Lenten series, I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Jesus’s words in John 10:7–10:“I am the gate.” Jesus offers this image in response to growing confusion and distrust among the people. Many had been poorly cared for by religious leaders and were unsure who to listen to or where to turn. Speaking into this uncertainty, Jesus uses a picture His listeners would have immediately understood—the shepherd and the sheep. At night, sheep were gathered into a sheepfold with a single opening. The shepherd didn’t simply stand guard nearby. He laid his own body across the entrance. In doing so, he didn’t just protect the gate—he became the gate. When Jesus says, “I am the gate,” He is revealing Himself as the One who guards, protects, and gives safe passage. He is not a barrier meant to confine us, but a presence that allows us to come in and go out freely—to live securely and find pasture. This guided Scripture meditation invites you to imagine yourself within this scene and reflect on where you may be longing for safety, clarity, or care. Through several slow readings of John 10:7–10, you will be guided to listen, reflect, respond, and rest—allowing Jesus’s promise of protection and abundant life to settle into your heart. Lent reminds us that we don’t have to determine what is safe or life-giving on our own. Jesus invites us to trust Him as the gate—the One who leads us into real and lasting life. Download your FREE Lent Companion Journal Here I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus This journal includes:• Each week’s Scripture passage• Reflection prompts from the meditations• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing Here are some additional helpful links: Learn more about Jodie:http://www.jodieniznik.com Follow on Instagram:@jodieniznik Follow on Facebook:@JodieGNiznik Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:https://www.lifeaudio.com Today’s Scripture John 10:7–10 (NIV) 7 Jesus said,“Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” If you are helped by these meditations, consider sharing them with a friend or leaving a review. Simple acts like these help create space for more people to slow down and listen. Thank you for joining me on So Much More.We really do believe Jesus has so much more to say to us—and this is one way we are creating space to listen. Today’s meditation music was generously provided by Simon Wester. If you enjoyed the music, make sure to listen to and follow him on Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2qUycRIHExBVUPIoq6RUkO?si=vQranvhdRW6NNoMNG7Q9dQ Learn more about Every Woman’s Bible today by visiting: https://hubs.la/Q041HkRL0 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

From the Roadside to the Roadway: True Freedom of Life and Spirit This Lenten retreat centers on Jesus as the Light who seeks us out . . . . . . and invites us into deeper conversion. Using the story of the healing of the blind beggar, the conference emphasizes that the spiritual life is not primarily about our search for God, but about God's relentless search for us. From the beginning of salvation history, God takes the initiative, calling humanity into relationship and asking for a response of faith. Lent, therefore, is a time of intentional discipline . . . prayer, fasting, and sacrifice . . . not as punishment, but to rediscover what truly matters and to remove whatever “blinds” us spiritually. Sin is described as a kind of blindness that prevents us from seeing reality, God's presence, and the path to fullness of life. Seeing the Face of Christ: Perseverance, Faith, and the Light of Conversion Like the blind man who cries out despite opposition, believers must persevere even when enthusiasm fades or when others discourage their commitment. Following Christ always involves resistance and ultimately leads to the Cross; yet the Cross is not the end but the path to salvation. Jesus' question, “What do you want me to do for you?”, becomes the central personal challenge of Lent. Each person must answer honestly, ask for spiritual sight, and choose to follow Christ with faith. When one truly “sees” the face of Christ, one cannot help but follow Him. The candle-lighting and procession to the crucifix symbolize this journey: moving from darkness to light, from blindness to faith, and from intention to committed discipleship. For listeners to this conference, place a cross in your hand, and meditate on your response to Jesus' question, “What do you want me to do for you?”. As you gaze upon His face commit your Lenten Season to Following Him. Listen to this second devotional Lenten Retreat Conference and let it transform your heart. Listen to: From the Roadside to the Roadway: True Freedom of Life and Spirit ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ Carrying the Cross: Italian Painter: Giovanni Bellini: 1500 The painting presents a quiet, intimate moment. Christ is shown close to the viewer, transforming the scene into a personal encounter . . . a call to contemplation and compassion.

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!A bright cloud, a trembling heart, and a voice that still calls us by name: the Second Sunday of Lent leads us up Tabor to glimpse what grace intends to complete. We read the traditional Mass texts and sit with the Transfiguration, then follow the thread back into ordinary life where sanctification looks like chastity, fairness, and fidelity when no one applauds. The light isn't a detour from the cross; it's the courage to carry it.We unpack why Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus about the Passion, and what that means for our own desire to build tents around fleeting consolations. The Father's command—“Listen to him”—reframes our Lenten work: prayer to anchor our identity, fasting to train desire, and almsgiving to heal our neighbor's wounds. We talk about how sin disfigures, how grace refigures, and why God sometimes withdraws felt support so love can grow sturdy. “Jesus alone” becomes a practical rule for dry seasons, disappointments, and the quiet heroism of keeping our promises.If you've wondered how to hold on to hope when comfort lifts, or how to turn daily frustrations into fuel for holiness, this conversation gives you a clear path. Expect real talk on suffering, a sober word about purgatory, and a tender reminder that Tabor's glory is not lost in the valley—it goes hidden within you. Join us, pray with the readings, and step into a Lent that actually changes your heart. If this speaks to you, subscribe, share with a friend who needs courage today, and leave a review so more people find their way to the light.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Every year, the Holy Father offers a message to his flock to assist them in enhancing the spiritual benefits they receive during the Lenten season. In 2026, Pope Leo offered his message for Lent and focused on the concepts of listening and fasting.

The Eastern Catholic Churches are known for the richness, depth and sometimes length of their liturgical prayers. However, two favorite Lenten prayers are actually short but poignant.

This week we hit pause on our Lenten series for a conversation with Doug Pagitt of Vote Common Good about the ICE attack on Minneapolis, the recent US/Israeli bombing of Iran, and how people of faith and good conscience can respond in these precarious times. ⛪️ To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit https://gracepointe.net/about-us

Father and Anna discuss why we would be hearing readings about the calling of Abraham and the Transfiguration early on in the Lenten season. And they unpack how we must trust in the Lord and his grace to continue our journey to Jerusalem for the passion.

The USCCB Lenten Reflection 2026 is based on Laudato Si, and is a wild departure from Catholic understandings of conversion.Sponsored by Charity Mobilehttps://www.charitymobile.com/rtt.phpSources:https://www.returntotradition.orgorhttps://substack.com/@returntotradition1Contact Me:Email: return2catholictradition@gmail.comSupport My Work:Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/AnthonyStineSubscribeStarhttps://www.subscribestar.net/return-to-traditionBuy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/AnthonyStinePhysical Mail:Anthony StinePO Box 3048Shawnee, OK74802Follow me on the following social media:https://www.facebook.com/ReturnToCatholicTradition/https://twitter.com/pontificatormax+JMJ+#popeleoXIV #catholicism #catholicchurch #catholicprophecy#infiltration

Jesus gives two clear conditions for following him: deny yourself and take up your cross each day.  Lent is a clear invitation and opportunity to do this. 

This Lenten reflection explores how classical music turns Scripture into a deeply emotional encounter with Jesus.Morning Offering, February 28, 2026Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!A hard headline at dawn and a holy invitation at hand: we step into Ember Saturday with fasting, prayer, and a clear-eyed look at how grace meets a restless world. We keep the focus tight—covenant fidelity in Deuteronomy, the lived texture of Christian charity in First Thessalonians, and the mountain light of Matthew's Transfiguration—then move into a grounded guide on confession that trades clichés for clarity.We talk about why frequent confession should never become just a routine, how absolution is Christ acting in the soul, and why naming motives behind venial patterns exposes the roots of anger, pride, and acedia. You'll hear practical steps for a better examen, what to share when you're not confessing mortal sin, and when to book an appointment so those in crisis aren't left waiting. Along the way, we hold together two anchors of Lent: intimacy with God through honest repentance and solidarity with others through fasting and intercession.The thread tying it all together is simple and demanding: hear him. The Father's command on the mountain becomes the plan for the week—listen to Christ in Scripture, in conscience, and in the quiet of the confessional. Let the Precious Blood wash the past and brace the future. Make space for family, keep Ember Saturday with abstinence, and pray for peace, priests, and vocations while the world trembles. If you're ready for a Lent that actually reshapes your habits and steadies your heart, this conversation will give you both vision and tools.If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review so others can find the show. What one practice will you keep today to ground your heart in Christ?Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

Lent gets real: Lindsay Sant, Caroline Knight, and Lino Saubolle unpack Pope Leo's call to listen deeply, fast from harmful words, and rebuild community—then Caroline flips to space with Betelgeuse's hidden companion star. What if your words are your Lenten fast? The post Listening and Fasting Together appeared first on StarQuest Media.

“If you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that?” Today Jesus challenges us to step outside our comfort zones. Don't just greet your friends. Don't just love the people who are easy to love. Go out and greet people today. Look them in the eye. Preach the Gospel — and if necessary, use words. Let's change the world one person at a time. Rise Up – Day 11 is here.

Over 25 years ago, I was engaged in the strictest Lenten fast of my life. Where was I that I was fasting like this? You can guess, but the real answer is on today's reflection.

Saturday, February 28, 2026E11: Invitation to RepentanceIntroduction:On this Saturday of the first week of Lent, let us explore spiritual repentance and our willingness to confess our transgressions to God. Join me as I guide you through a moment of spiritual reflection and growth.Scripture Reading:Isaiah 1:18-19Meditation:Find a quiet space free from distractions and focus on your breathing, inviting the presence of God, centering your hearts to hear God's word. Let us take some time to feel God's presence as we bring to mind our sins and our desire to turn away from them.Reflection Prompts:What areas of your life do you need to ask for forgiveness and need repentance?Are there ways in which you have fallen short of God's commands?Are there injustices you need to address or opportunities to extend compassion to others?**************EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE1. I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me. • Have I treated people, or things as more important than God? • Do I give God time every day in prayer? • Do I seek to love Him with my whole heart? • Are there other "gods" in my life? Money, security, power, people, etc.? 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. • Have my words, actively or passively, put down God, the Church, or people? 3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day. • Have I missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation? • Do I look for ways to spend time with family on Sunday? 4. Honor your father and your mother. • Do I show my parents due respect? • Do I seek to maintain good communication with my parents where possible? 5. You shall not kill. • Have I harmed another through physical, verbal, or emotional means, including gossip or manipulation of any kind? 6. You shall not commit adultery. • Have I respected the physical and sexual dignity of others and of myself? • Have I been faithful to my marriage vows in thought and action? 7. You shall not steal. • Have I taken or wasted time or resources that belonged to another? • Have I stolen what is not mine? • Do I waste time at work, school, and home? 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. • Have I gossiped, told lies, or embellished stories at the expense of another? • Do I speak badly of others behind their back? 9. You shall not covet your neighbor's spouse. • Have I honored my spouse with my full affection and exclusive love? 10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods. • Am I content with my own means and needs, or do I compare myself to others unnecessarily? • Am I jealous of what other people have?**************I invite you to join me daily in this sacred journey of Lent. I encourage you to embrace the transformative power of God's grace in your life.The best way you can support this podcast is by taking a few moments to RATE & REVIEW on your podcast app. This will ensure this podcast is visible to more listeners.Also, if you desire additional faithful inspiration beyond this podcast, follow me on Instagram @_bythewell. There, we can continue our journey together, sharing reflections, thoughts, and moments of spiritual connection.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/_bythewell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Note: Each episode of "Seasons By the Well: Lenten Reflections and Meditations" will follow a similar format, providing daily reflections, guided meditations, and opportunities for personal growth throughout the Lenten season.

Discover the power of faith and the unshakable promises of God in this Lenten sermon, “Faith Receives What God Promises,” based on Genesis 12:1–9. Join Pastor David Balla as he explores how Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness, how Nicodemus was born again, and how God's promises are received—not earned. This sermon highlights the distinction between the Law and the Gospel, showing that righteousness does not come from human effort but is a gift from God through Jesus Christ. Learn how Lent is a time to strip away illusions of self-reliance, embrace God's grace, and trust fully in Christ crucified. Perfect for daily devotion, Christian meditation, Bible study, or anyone seeking spiritual encouragement during Lent, this sermon emphasizes faith as receiving what God freely gives. Strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of salvation, and reflect on the eternal promise of God's Word.Support this ministry and help share the Gospel by buying me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph or visit buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph.Hashtags:#FaithReceives #LentenSermon #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #Genesis12

During Hour 3 Patrick, answers questions about the Lenten practice of abstinence from meat from John and Brandon. Can you still eat a burrito on Friday if you take the bacon out of it? Also, what about eating lobster and would this be breaking the spirit of Lent? (3:44) John - If I take out bacon from a burrito can I eat it on Friday? (12:05) Cecilia - I have tip for distraction during prayer. It can be an opportunity for grace Break 1 (19:04) Denise - I am wondering if my marriage could not be valid. (25:22) Joan - Is there only one devil? Are demons different? (29:12) Laurel - I just came back the Church through traditional Latin mass. Is that okay? Break 2 (36:11) Brandon - My father passed away a couple months ago, but they never did a service. Why is this and how can I change it? (39:51) Brandon – I gave up alcohol but messed up. Should that be a part of confession? Can I eat fancy fish on Friday even though it goes against spirit of lent? (46:05) Nancy - Is it sinful to waste food on Friday of lent if we throw out the meat part?

This six part series explores how we get into vibrant, spiritual shape.  In this 2nd presentation Fr. Andrew discusses some of the key components of the spiritual life for consideration, including Daily Prayer, Sacraments, Scripture, Saints, Study, Virtue, Spiritual Direction, Liturgical Life, and Service. February 26, 2026 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Jim O’Day, Executive Director of Integrity Restored, joins Trending with Timmerie. Episode Guide What do you replace porn with? The science! (2:21) Pope Leo’s warning against AI chatbots — Faces and voices are sacred, so are relationships (21:30) Help for your Lenten sacrifices – 5 ways to grow in virtue with Aristotle (40:07) Resources mentioned: Integrity restored https://integrityrestored.com/ Heal from betrayal trauma https://www.bloomforcatholicwomen.com/ Canopy Parental Controls https://canopy.us/ Study on AI partners https://ifstudies.org/blog/artificial-intelligence-and-relationships-1-in-4-young-adults-believe-ai-partners-could-replace-real-life-romance

Lent in Middle-earth. In this episode, we discuss the Lenten subtext, language, and images in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Return of the King." What can Christians learn from fiction authors about the faith, devotional reading, understanding the world outside the churches through the view of the cross, and how all of reality is bent towards Easter at all times, in all places, by all people? SHOW NOTES:  Wardrobes and Rings: Through Lenten Lands with the Inklings https://a.co/d/0bjsTwnn  Malcom Guite https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=malcolm+guite The Language of Creation: Cosmic Symbolism in Genesis https://a.co/d/0i6hb3bz  Reflections on the Void: negativity and difference in the Bible and contemporary thinking https://youtu.be/10DS7IxOVro?si=uRlsyIxFLJX-ZYDD    More from 1517: Support 1517 Podcast Network: https://www.1517.org/donate-podcasts 1517 Podcasts: http://www.1517.org/podcasts 1517 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1517org 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/1517-podcast-network/id6442751370 1517 Events Schedule: https://www.1517.org/events 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education: https://academy.1517.org/   What's New from 1517: Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419961-being-family The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419121-the-essential-nestingen  Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419299-philip-melanchthons-commentary-on-ecclesiastes  Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419312-face-to-face  Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird https://www.amazon.com/Untamed-Prayers-Devotions-Christ-Psalms/dp/1964419263    More from the hosts: Donovan Riley https://www.1517.org/contributors/donavon-riley  Christopher Gillespie https://www.1517.org/contributors/christopher-gillespie   CONTACT and FOLLOW: Email mailto:BannedBooks@1517.org  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BannedBooksPod/  Twitter https://twitter.com/bannedbooks1517   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BannedBooks Rumble https://rumble.com/c/c-1223313  Odysee https://odysee.com/@bannedbooks:5 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-books/id1370993639  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahA20sZMpBxg9vgiRVQba  Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1370993639/banned-books    MORE LINKS: Tin Foil Haloes https://t.me/bannedpastors Warrior Priest Gym & Podcast https://thewarriorpriestpodcast.wordpress.com   St John's Lutheran Church (Webster, MN) - FB Live Bible Study Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356667039608511  Gillespie's Sermons and Catechesis http://youtube.com/stjohnrandomlake  Donavon's Substack https://donavonlriley.substack.com Gillespie's Nostr https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqszfrg80ctjdr0wy5arrseu6h9g36kqx8fanr6a6zee0n8txa7xytc627hlq   Gillespie Coffee https://gillespie.coffee   Gillespie Media https://gillespie.media  

Rev. McDowell and the Rev. Valarie McGee discuss the New Thought metaphysical interpretation of the Lenten season. They also teach how this season can help transform your life through mental fasting and embracing Divine Truth. Find Rev. Gaylon McDowell on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a textDuring the season of Lent, Bishop Wright invites all to a five-week Lenten teaching series, We Confess, with weekly video meditations and study guides that frame Lent as a loving turn toward healing, renewal, and hope through honest confession. You can learn more about the series at episcopalatlanta.org/lent26.In this week's episode, Melissa has a conversation with Bishop Wright about the second reflection: We Confess God is Our Portion. What if confession started with an inventory of abundance rather than a list of failures? Through the story of Abram and Sarai, they explore how trusting God as our portion reshapes how we understand hardship, delayed timing, and the hidden mercies of “no” and “not yet.” Listen in for the full conversation.Support the show Follow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.

“Death in battle for God's sake is better than a shameful and sluggish life.” There is always a lion for the man who does not want to begin. Always a reason. Always a danger. Always a wiser moment to wait for. And so he remains on the road his entire life. Careful. Thoughtful. Unbloodied. Unchanged. St. Isaac is merciless here. Much wisdom can damn a soul. Not the wisdom that fears God, but the kind that calculates and delays obedience. The man who watches the winds never sows. The man who weighs every risk never enters the fight. The simple man jumps into the water. He does not negotiate with fear. He does not preserve his body. He burns with first ardor and moves. This is what we lack. Not knowledge. Fire. The way is filled with blood. Blood means loss. Blood means humiliation. Blood means the death of the life you hoped to keep. If you wish to begin, hold your death in your mind. Remember the day after your burial. Let eternity crush your attachment to this present age. Hope in this life weakens the soul. Do not begin with a divided heart. Divided labor exhausts and yields nothing. God does not give grace in proportion to our techniques but according to the ardor of love and the boldness of faith. “As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.” Some beat their heads in repentance. Some drown in prostrations. Some burn in psalmody. Some are seized into silence. There are many forms. But all give themselves without reserve. Then comes the ruin. One tastes and turns back. One tastes a little and grows proud. One is enslaved by ambition. One by vainglory. One by greed. One by habit. One begins well and does not endure. These are the lions. Not in the street. In the heart. The one who stands firm does not turn back until he receives the pearl. He begins again and again. He refuses slackness. He does not wait for ideal conditions. He does not demand guarantees. Always begin. If the heart is pure from passion and doubt, God Himself raises the soul. Not because it was clever. Not because it was impressive. But because it believed and stepped onto the blood-stained road without bargaining. Begin. Or die still talking about the journey. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:07:55 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Anthologion 00:08:15 Jesssica Imanaka: https://ignatius.cc/products/anthologion-modern-english 00:08:28 Una's iPhone: What about The Agpeya? Coptic 00:08:43 Jessica McHale: I use the Publicans Prayer Book. Sophia Press. It's a Small Horologion. 00:09:14 Anthony: Reacted to I use the Publicans ... with "❤️" 00:09:24 Una's iPhone: What book is Gather talking about? 00:10:49 David Swiderski, WI: Reacted to "I use the Publicans ..." with

The Dismantling of the Religious Self Four Lenten Reflections on Delusion, Abandonment, and the Life That Remains in God “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24 The fathers speak very little about religious success. They speak constantly about religious delusion. Not because religion is false, but because the ego can survive inside it indefinitely. It can pray. It can fast. It can obey. It can sacrifice. It can appear humble. It can appear faithful. It can appear entirely given to God. And yet never cease to exist as the center of its own life. The religious self is the final refuge of autonomy. It is the last structure to collapse. Christ did not come merely to forgive sin. He came to destroy the self that lives apart from Him and to raise the person into a life that is no longer his own. This destruction does not occur all at once. It occurs in stages. First, the destruction of false fulfillment. Then, the destruction of false righteousness. Then, the destruction of the self that believed it belonged to God. And finally, the revelation of the life that remains when the self that lived has died. This is not metaphor. It is the path. First Reflection The False Light That Feeds on Devotion On Seeking Fulfillment in Religious Things Instead of God “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?” Psalm 41:3 (42:2) Evagrios of Pontus returns again and again to the command of the Lord because he knows the tragedy of the human heart. The command is heard. It is repeated. It is admired. But it is not yet obeyed. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Matthew 6:33 This is not because the man refuses God. It is because he does not yet know how to live from Him. The soul seeks life with a desperation deeper than thought. It cannot endure emptiness. It cannot endure groundlessness. It must drink from something. And until it drinks from God Himself, it will drink from what surrounds Him. This is the beginning of the spiritual life for nearly every man. He turns away from obvious sin. He enters the life of prayer. He begins to fast. He reads the Scriptures. He studies the Fathers. He orders his days toward obedience and repentance. He removes himself from the chaos of the world and places himself among holy things. Everything outwardly moves toward God. But inwardly, something subtle and terrible begins to form. The man begins to live not from God, but from religious life itself. He begins to draw life from proximity. From belonging to the Church. From serving others. From participating in sacred rhythms. From being known as faithful. From being recognized as someone who has given his life to God. These things give him structure. They give him identity. They give him continuity. They give him the sense that his life has weight and meaning. And this feels like life. But it is not yet life in God. Christ did not say blessed are those who surround themselves with religious things. He said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4 The branch may rest against the vine. It may touch the vine. It may appear connected to the vine. But unless the life of the vine flows into it, it remains dead. St. Isaac the Syrian speaks with terrifying clarity about this condition. He writes that the soul seeks rest relentlessly, but until it rests in God, it will rest in created things. Even in holy things. Even in prayer itself. Because prayer can become a place where the ego hides. St. John Climacus warns of this when he writes that vainglory attaches itself to every virtue like a parasite. It feeds on fasting. It feeds on prayer. It feeds on silence. It feeds on obedience. It feeds on tears. It feeds on devotion itself. It is possible to pray constantly and remain centered in oneself. It is possible to serve constantly and remain untouched by God. It is possible to build an entire life around God and never yet have surrendered one's life to Him. Christ speaks of this with devastating simplicity. “Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you.” Matthew 7:22–23 He does not deny their works. He denies their communion. They lived around Him. They acted in His name. They built their lives in His presence. But they did not live from Him. This is the great danger of religious life. It offers proximity without union. The ego adapts itself to religious structure because religious structure can sustain its existence indefinitely. The ego does not resist religion. It colonizes it. Abba Macarius the Great said, “The heart itself is but a small vessel, yet dragons are there, and lions are there, and poisonous beasts are there, and all the treasures of wickedness are there. But there too is God.” Both realities coexist for a long time. The man prays, and the ego remains. The man fasts, and the ego remains. The man serves, and the ego remains. The ego does not fear religious activity. It fears death. Because Christ did not come merely to improve the ego. He came to crucify it. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20 This is not metaphor. It is ontological violence. The ego can survive prayer. It cannot survive crucifixion. This is why the ego draws life from religious participation rather than from God Himself. Because participation strengthens its continuity. Communion destroys its autonomy. Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou writes that God allows the man to labor in the life of the Church for years while this hidden foundation remains intact. Not because God is absent, but because the man is not yet capable of bearing the loss of himself. So God permits him to live from secondary things. From belonging. From service. From stability. From identity. These things are not evil. They are merciful accommodations to weakness. But they cannot give life. The prophet Jeremiah speaks with words that cut through every illusion. “They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:13 The tragedy is not that the cisterns are wicked. It is that they cannot sustain life. They leak. They empty. They must constantly be refilled. The man must constantly reaffirm himself. He must remain useful. He must remain faithful. He must remain visible. He must remain necessary. Because his life depends on these conditions. But life in God does not depend on conditions. Life in God survives abandonment. It survives obscurity. It survives uselessness. It survives the loss of identity itself. This is why God begins, at a certain point, to remove the cisterns. Not as punishment. As mercy. He allows the man to lose what sustained his sense of himself. He allows him to lose position. He allows him to lose recognition. He allows him to lose certainty. He allows him to lose the emotional consolations that once accompanied prayer. Prayer becomes dry. Service becomes empty. The structures that once gave life now give nothing. This is the beginning of truth. St. Silouan the Athonite describes this moment as the withdrawal of grace that reveals to the man the true poverty of his soul. He writes that when grace withdraws, the soul sees its own weakness and learns that it cannot live without God. Not without religious life. Without God. The distinction becomes absolute. The man discovers that he does not yet know how to live from God Himself. He only knows how to live from what surrounds Him. This revelation feels like death. Because something is dying. The false center. The imagined continuity. The self that lived from participation instead of communion. Christ spoke of this death when He said, “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25 This loss is not symbolic. It is experiential. It is terrifying. Because the ego experiences the loss of its foundations as annihilation. Abba Moses said, “Go, sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.” What does the cell teach? It teaches the man that he does not yet live from God. It removes distraction. It removes affirmation. It removes reinforcement. And what remains is his poverty. His inability to give himself life. His inability to sustain himself. His inability to exist without drinking from God. This is the beginning of real prayer. Not prayer that expresses devotion. Prayer that expresses need. Not prayer that affirms identity. Prayer that arises from groundlessness. The publican understood this when he stood at a distance and said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Luke 18:13 He had nothing left to sustain himself. And Christ says he went home justified. Because justification begins when illusion ends. God does not remove the false light to harm the man. He removes it to save him. Because whatever the man cannot lose without losing himself has become his god. God removes every false god. Even the religious ones. Until only God remains. St. Isaac the Syrian writes that the man who has learned to live from God alone becomes free from all fear. He can lose everything and remain alive. Because his life no longer depends on created things. It depends on the uncreated God. This is the passage from religious life into real life. The passage from devotion into communion. The passage from illusion into truth. It begins in loss. It ends in God.

Pope Leo XIV concludes a Lenten retreat at the Vatican. Meanwhile, U.S. bishops weigh in ahead of a hearing on Trump's birthright citizenship order. And, post-State of the Union, Trump travels to Texas touting energy and oil.

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Ready for a reset that goes deeper than giving up dessert? We take Ember Friday as a clarifying lens on Lent: why the season spans 46 calendar days, how abstinence and fasting work today, and why these practices still matter for real conversion. Then we open Ezekiel 18 and John 5 to trace a through line from personal responsibility to healing grace, where God's mercy moves first and then asks us to walk in it with resolve.We walk through Ezekiel's stark promise and warning—turn and live, turn away and lose what you had—not to spark argument, but to recover urgency. At the pool of Bethesda we meet a man frozen for thirty-eight years until Jesus cuts through the inertia with a question and a command. That moment becomes a template: receive the gift, carry it forward, and “sin no more.” From there we turn practical with the daily examination of conscience, not as a guilt checklist but as a skillful search for motives and the dominant fault—pride, sloth, or self-love—that powers many small falls. We show how to fight roots with opposite virtues, how to teach the examen to kids in simple steps, and how small, steady course corrections build perseverance.Along the way we unpack the differences between the traditional and new liturgical calendars, why Ember Days focus prayer on priests and vocations, and the U.S. history behind partial abstinence on Ember Saturday. The thread that binds it all: grace is a gift meant to be walked with. If you've been looking for a concrete way to align desire, habit, and hope, this episode offers a map you can start using tonight.If this helped you see Lent with fresh eyes, follow the show, share it with a friend who could use a nudge, and leave a quick review with your biggest takeaway. Your notes help others rise and walk too.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

In this week's Lenten reflection, Bishop Gruss focuses on the significance of prayer in understanding and fulfilling God's will in our lives, particularly in the context of the mission of Jesus. Bishop Gruss asks, “How often do you pray seeking God's will for your life?”

Show Notes: Healing and Wholeness — Wrestling with God and Listening for Whispers Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness Podcast | Lent 2026 In this episode, Scott Stoner reflects on two powerful biblical stories that illuminate what healing and wholeness can really look like — not always peaceful or easy, but sometimes raw, wrestling, and hard-won. Drawing on the story of Jacob wrestling with God the night before his reconciliation with his brother Esau, Scott invites us to see that God is present not only in the moments of clarity and consolation, but in the darkness, the struggle, and the dis-ease we carry. Whatever we are wrestling with — a broken relationship, a physical challenge, an emotional weight — we do not walk through it alone. Scott also revisits the story of Elijah from 1 Kings, reminding us that God's healing voice doesn't always come in the dramatic and overwhelming moments of life. More often, it comes as a gentle whisper — through Scripture, a meaningful conversation, a moment of stillness in prayer, or a quiet sense of being led forward. The episode closes with a beautiful reflection from contributor Robbin Brent, who writes that faith is not about certainty or the absence of questions, but about the willingness to keep trusting in the deeper reality of God's healing presence, even when circumstances seem to contradict it. Wherever you are on your Lenten journey, this episode is an invitation to be still, listen for the whispers, and trust that way will open. The full Lent 2026 devotional booklet and the option to sign up to get the Lent daily reflections for "Cultivating Healing and Wholeness" by email are available at livingcompass.org.

Dr. Tom and Kari Curran give a check-in on their Lenten disciplines, such as: listening to The Bible in a Year podcast, participating in the Well-Read Mom Book Club, praying for humility, calling on the intercession of the saints, and more!References:The Bible in a Year Podcast by Ascension Presshttps://app.ascensionpress.com/podcasts/bibleWell-Read Mom Book Clubhttps://wellreadmom.com/Padre Pio and You: An Epic Story of Spiritual Fatherhood by Mary O'Reganhttps://sophiainstitute.com/?product=padre-pio-and-you

When was the last time you went to confession?   In today's Gospel, Jesus makes something very clear: before we approach the altar, we are called to reconciliation. Confession and the Eucharist belong together.   Lent is the perfect time to reflect, repent, and return to the Lord.   It's okay to go to Mass and not receive Holy Communion — but let's not stay away from confession.   Let's make Lent amazing by repenting of our sins.   Rise Up – Day 10 is here.  

Friday, February 27, 2026E10: Call to Mercy Towards OthersIntroduction:On this Friday, of the first week of Lent, I invite you to continue to explore the theme of mercy and how we can show our mercy and compassion towards others. We are challenged to let go of judgement, condemnation and unforgiveness and embrace the spirit of generosity and grace. Join me as I guide you through a moment of spiritual reflection and growth.Scripture Reading:Luke 6:36-38Meditation:Find a quiet space free from distractions and focus on your breathing, inviting the presence of God, centering your hearts to hear God's word. Let us meditate on ways God is calling us to show mercy towards those around us.Reflection Prompts:Let's reflect on your own capacity for mercy and forgiveness.Are there areas in your life where you struggle to extend grace to others?Are there grudges you need to release?Are there acts of kindness you can offer?Are there people in your life that are struggling right now? Can you offer them a friendly ear or a shoulder to lean on?++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++I invite you to join me daily in this sacred journey of Lent. I encourage you to embrace the transformative power of God's grace in your life.The best way you can support this podcast is by taking a few moments to RATE & REVIEW on your podcast app. This will ensure this podcast is visible to more listeners.Also, if you desire additional faithful inspiration beyond this podcast, follow me on Instagram @_bythewell. There, we can continue our journey together, sharing reflections, thoughts, and moments of spiritual connection.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/_bythewell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Note: Each episode of "Seasons By the Well: Lenten Reflections and Meditations" will follow a similar format, providing daily reflections, guided meditations, and opportunities for personal growth throughout the Lenten season.

By Kate Gaston

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam realizes that he really had no choice over what he gave up for Lent - it was given to him and he's not happy about it.  ----- Our new puppy continues to rule the house and my life. She was trained by the breeder to urinate on a pee pad which is exactly what it sounds like – an absorbent mat for dogs to urinate on indoors. At our house, that means the carpet. She'll trot off the hardwood floors, pass the open back door to find the Persian rug and squat and look at me with an expression of "look how good I am!" Meanwhile the whole yard in available to her. Making this a bit more challenging is, as I write this, my wife is in Raleigh with her parents, and my twins are in the throes of their senior year of high school which means friends are greater than puppies. That leaves me. I find myself explaining to the puppy why a yard is better than a rug to leave her mark. Her expression is, well, skeptical. As I write this it is my deceased mother's birthday, giving me a solemn feeling and I learned today that I had volunteered to spend the night with my father after his knee surgery helping him dress and get to the bathroom and all that. All this leads me to this – apparently, I gave up happiness for Lent. I don't remember choosing this. I think it was put upon me by the Almighty. And it has started out strong, I must say. I can only hope it's easier from here on out. I mentioned my Lenten happiness sacrifice to a friend and he paused and said, "Yeah, but Cam, is that truly a sacrifice for you? I mean, is that really much of a change?" which stung a bit and made me unhappy. However, considering that I've committed to unhappiness for lent, I thanked him. In order to maintain my commitment, I plan to do the following until Easter: First, I will read the headlines and scroll through social media within five minutes of opening my eyes each morning. This will set the unhappiness expectations for the rest of the day. If something that I've seen or read gives me lift, I'll immediately add flavored creamer to my coffee which will return me to my targeted Lenten disposition. Next, I'll list all my unachievable goals and list everything I've ever wanted to own and don't own. I'll read the lists aloud each day. Third, I'll live in the past and recall my regrets and worry about the future and the bad things that will certainly befall me. That's a good one. Happiness evaporates when you do that. Works every time. Fourth, I'll become an Auburn fan. Fifth, I'll beg my sons to get a haircut. If I run out of ideas and find myself slipping into happiness, there are a few of you I know I can call to get me right. You seem to have mastered unhappiness. Not only are your cups half empty, your cups are full of holes. Normally I avoid you but until Easter, I'll need your help. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to keep it real.

Parents Lenten Small Group: Week 1 by Christ Church NYC

Parents Lenten Small Group: Week 2 by Christ Church NYC

We're back, and life got realIt has been the lightest recording stretch the show has had in almost ten years. Adam owns the delay and explains why. Since the last episode, baby Mary arrived very early at around 27 weeks and about two pounds. She was baptized immediately, and there is a question about whether she was also confirmed due to the use of holy oils and the circumstances.A few days after birth, Mary underwent an intense and invasive surgery that lasted more than six hours. The surgeon later said it was the hardest operation he had ever performed. The procedure connected her esophagus to her stomach, and the family is now living the day to day reality of the NICU: small adjustments, constant monitoring, and a careful balance with oxygen, blood pressure, heart rate, and long term risks.The charity that is hard to receiveA theme that keeps surfacing is gratitude, and how hard it can be to receive help when you want to be in control. Adam and David thank listeners for prayers, meals, transportation help, and the quiet generosity that shows up when you least expect it.They give a major shoutout to the Ronald McDonald House, which provided a place for the family to stay near the hospital, along with meals and support that would have been financially impossible otherwise. Adam also mentions friends and patrons who opened their homes and brought food. It is a reminder that “village” is not a cliché when your world turns upside down.Also, in the middle of all this, Adam's son Leo drops a classic kid moment at Mass: during a serious homily he leans over and asks when he will get to meet J.B. Mooney, the professional bull rider. Fatherhood keeps you humble.What they're drinkingDavid brings a bottle from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society featuring Royal Brackla. The tasting notes are ridiculous in the best way, described like “dessert in the workshop,” with custard, toffee chunks, marshmallow, and an unexpected “carpenter's shop” vibe. It even has a hint of iodine that makes David think of Islay, without the heavy peat and smoke.A relic in the hotel roomA priest from the diocese drops off a first class relic of St. Gemma, telling Adam to keep it while the family walks through this trial. Adam and David talk about the reality of having the body of a saint in the room with you, and the comfort that brings, especially when the road ahead is long.Lent and temperance: not a “no,” but a “yes”The episode's main topic is temperance, framed as the Lenten virtue that touches everything. The simple kid definition they love is: temperance is having a healthy amount of everything. Not perfect, but memorable.They push back against the idea that temperance is just restriction. Temperance is not merely refusing the extra piece of cake. It is also the positive ordering of your life so you can say yes to the right things at the right time in the right way: exercise, prayer, rest, work, family presence, joy, celebration.The key theme: virtue is always a yes. The “no” exists to protect the “yes.”St. John Cassian and the “bread” of SodomOne of the most interesting turns comes from St. John Cassian's Institutes. Cassian argues that Sodom's first sin was not the obvious sin people associate with Sodom and Gomorrah. He points to Ezekiel and emphasizes surplus, abundance, and gluttony. Cassian's logic is that the disorder starts low and spreads upward: feed the appetite, then the passions grow louder, the will weakens, and eventually the mind rationalizes what it should never have chosen.They connect this to the common sense link between food appetites and sexual appetites. If you cannot curb the basic, you will struggle to curb the...

this is part 1 of a series on the Cardinal Virtues. 

This powerful Lenten reflection reveals the “missing” prayer in Esther—and why the Catholic Bible includes what others removed.Morning Offering, February 26, 2026Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!What if the one obstacle to holiness isn't scandalous sin but quiet hesitation—the elegant excuses that slip between intention and action? We open Scripture with Ezekiel's hard clarity on personal responsibility and the Gospel scene where a marginalized mother refuses to let go until mercy answers. Those readings set a challenge: justice must be lived, and faith must persist, even when it's uncomfortable.From there, we dive into Divine Intimacy's piercing take on imperfections. These aren't headline-grabbing failures; they are the habitual refusals of “the better act” that charity quietly suggests. We talk candidly about how self-love disguises itself as prudence, how good reasons can become polished delays, and why a life of minimums keeps the soul heavy. Temperament enters the picture too: some of us process before we move, which creates a tiny window where excuses multiply. Rather than shame that wiring, we train it—just like learning fast, safe responses in emergencies.You'll hear practical, field-tested ways to make generosity easier and overthinking harder. We share simple pre-commitments that reduce friction—like keeping a set amount of cash for almsgiving, deciding in advance when not to give, and otherwise choosing the more charitable assumption. These small designs of the will help us act before hesitation talks us out of love. Along the way, the Canaanite woman's grit inspires our own: stay, ask, trust.If you're ready to use Lent as a training block for the will, this conversation offers a clear path forward—Scripture for vision, spiritual tradition for diagnosis, and concrete habits for change. Listen, reflect, and then try one pre-commitment this week. If it helps, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who overthinks generosity, and leave a short review to tell us what habit you're testing next.Support the showNeed seafood for Lent? Check out https://shoplobster.com/ and use code AB10 to get 10% from Maine's ONLY Catholic lobster company.Check out our new sponsor, Nic Nac, at www.nicnac.com and use code "AB25%" for 25% off of your first order!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss

On today's episode, Johnnette Williams talks about the fruits that come from your Lenten devotion! She shares how she is diving into Divine Intimacy and the fruits you can receive if you do the same. Listeners call in sharing their Lenten prayer devotions and what they love about the book of Jeremiah.

On today's episode, Johnnette Williams talks about the fruits that come from your Lenten devotion! She shares how she is diving into Divine Intimacy and the fruits you can receive if you do the same.

Father Martins continues our Lenten audio reflection. Thank you to Hallow for sponsoring this episode!Hallow.com/exfiles , start the Prayer40 challenge...it's not too late!!! Get 90 days freeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 286 - Give Me My Inheritance Have you ever wanted God's gifts, but not the relationship that comes with them? Continuing their Lenten journey through the Prodigal Son, the friars reflect on the bold and painful demand: "Father, give me my inheritance." They explore the deeper movement beneath those words, the desire to take control, to live on our own terms, and to separate blessing from belonging. This episode looks honestly at the nature of sin: how we grasp at what was meant to be received, how freedom can be misused, and how chasing independence often leaves us isolated and burdened. What looks flashy and exciting on the surface can quietly bend the heart inward, cutting us off from the very love we were made for. Join us as we ask the Lord to reveal where we've chosen autonomy over intimacy, and to lead us back to the freedom of being sons and daughters in His house. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home

Join Mia and Paul for the final chapter of Blessed Stanley's story. In our story today, Father Rother returns to his flock, choosing love over safety, and gives his life as a shepherd and martyr. This episode is a special public release of the story of Blessed Stanley Rother that is part of our Hallow exclusive Lenten series for families: The Miracle Hunters! Tune in to a new episode everyday by joining the challenge on Hallow! Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a 30-day free trial! Please rate, review and share with friends and family! Find out more about Saints Alive at our website: https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/