Episode 1862: Soulful Reflections for Lent

Fat Tuesday
The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is called Fat Tuesday because it is traditionally a day of feasting and indulgence before the solemn period of Lent begins for Christians. During Lent, which lasts for 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday, many Christians practice fasting, abstinence, and penance as a form of spiritual discipline. Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras in French, is the last day before Lent begins, so people often celebrate by eating rich, fatty foods and enjoying festivities before they start their period of fasting and reflection. The term "Fat" refers to the rich foods traditionally consumed on this day, as people would use up their butter, eggs, and fat before the Lenten fast began.
Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday is the English term for the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar. The name "Shrove" comes from the old English word "shrive," which means to confess one's sins and receive absolution or forgiveness.

In the Christian tradition, Shrove Tuesday is a day of preparation before the solemn season of Lent begins. It is traditionally observed as a time for people to confess their sins, seek penance, and receive absolution from their priests before entering into the Lenten period of fasting and repentance.
The practice of confessing sins and receiving absolution on Shrove Tuesday has been a long-standing tradition in Western Christianity. People would traditionally clean out their pantries of rich foods such as butter, eggs, and sugar in preparation for the fasting period of Lent. These ingredients would often be used up in making pancakes, which is why Shrove Tuesday is also commonly known as Pancake Day in many countries.
Overall, Shrove Tuesday serves as a day for spiritual preparation and renewal before the Lenten season begins.
Starting Comments
As we say the litany of humility after the Rosary there are some keep recitations in the litany, and I do not want to recite them all, but some very keys ones as follows:
From the desire of being preferred to others
From the desire of being consulted
From the desire of being approved
From the fear of being humiliated
From the fear of suffering rebukes
From the fear of being forgotten
From the fear of being ridiculed
That others may be loved more than I,
That others may be esteemed more than I,
That others may be chosen, and I set aside,
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
What I have noticed in our modern culture is that it has somewhat affected our faith in a unique way. This need for individualism rather than a community of faithful who require, and I mean require each other to fortify us in our faith. Today everyone wants to do their thing their way because they need to find themselves. Although I am big on everyone’s spiritual journey when people start to go down this road of individualism they risk a certain
Selfishness: Individualism can foster a mindset of self-centeredness, where individuals prioritize their own desires and interests over the needs of others or the common good.
Erosion of Community: When individuals prioritize their own autonomy to the detriment of communal values and responsibilities, it can lead to a breakdown in community cohesion and solidarity.
Moral Relativism: Individualism can sometimes lead to moral relativism, where individuals believe that they can determine their own moral truths independent of any external authority or moral framework, including religious teachings.
Loss of Social Responsibility: In extreme forms, individualism can result in a lack of concern for the well-being of others, particularly those who are marginalized or disadvantaged because they become too consumed with themselves. The ideology of my truth and what I need. What if someone needs you? Where are you when you are consumed with what you need?

Disregard for Authority: Traditional Catholicism emphasizes the importance of authority structures, including the authority of the Church and its teachings. Individualism may lead individuals to disregard or reject these authority structures in favor of their own personal interpretations or beliefs. This can happen during lent when everyone become so touchy as to how they want to practice in their own way.
In short, get over yourself and work with others that may need you as much as you need yourself.
Title: Finding Solace in Divine Timing: Insights from St. Anthony of Padua and Fulton J. Sheen
On this day before Ash Wednesday we will delve into the wisdom of spiritual leaders throughout history. Today, we are looking at the profound insights of St. Anthony of Padua and Fulton J. Sheen on the themes of patience, humility, and divine timing.

Drawing from St. Anthony's teachings on finding peace and encountering the Divine in stillness and humility, and juxtaposing it with Fulton J. Sheen's reflections on the mysterious nature of God's delays and the greater good that emerges from moments of sorrow, we explore how these insights can bring solace and understanding to our spiritual journeys.
St. Anthony of Padua's Teachings
Exploring St. Anthony's words on the necessity of quietude and humility to perceive the presence of the Divine. Discussing the analogy of murky waters and the significance of stillness in encountering God.
Fulton J. Sheen's Insights
Examining Fulton J. Sheen's reflections on the mysterious nature of God's delays and the deeper purpose behind prolonged sorrow. Discussing the concept that Heaven's clock operates differently from our own.
Comparison and Contrast
Comparing and contrasting the perspectives of St. Anthony and Fulton J. Sheen. Highlighting the common thread of finding meaning and purpose in moments of stillness and waiting, despite their differing emphases.

Practical Applications
Discussing how we can apply these insights to our daily lives. Exploring ways to cultivate stillness, humility, and trust in divine timing amidst life's challenges and uncertainties.
Conclusion
Summarizing the key takeaways from St. Anthony of Padua and Fulton J. Sheen's teachings. Emphasizing the importance of faith, patience, and surrender in navigating the complexities of divine timing and the purpose behind moments of delay and sorrow.
Now lets add a dash of St Thomas Acquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas would view the divine purpose of delays as intricately tied to the concept of God's providence and His perfect plan for each individual's spiritual journey. From Aquinas's perspective, God's delays are not arbitrary or indifferent but are instead purposeful and guided by His infinite wisdom and love.

Opportunities for Growth: Aquinas would emphasize that moments of delay and adversity provide fertile ground for spiritual growth and development. Just as physical exercise strengthens muscles, challenges and delays in life provide opportunities for the soul to grow in virtue, resilience, and faith. Through facing and overcoming difficulties, individuals can cultivate virtues such as patience, perseverance, and fortitude, which are essential for spiritual maturity.

Purification of the Soul: Aquinas would also underscore the purifying aspect of delays and trials. He believed that God uses challenges and sorrows to purify the soul from attachment to worldly desires and sins. Just as fire refines gold by burning away impurities, moments of delay and sorrow purify the soul, stripping away distractions and attachments that hinder spiritual progress. In this way, individuals are drawn closer to God as they become more detached from the fleeting pleasures of the world.

Deeper Union with the Divine: Aquinas would view delays as opportunities for individuals to deepen their union with the Divine. He believed that God desires an intimate relationship with each person and often allows delays and trials to draw them closer to Himself. Through moments of waiting and sorrow, individuals are invited to turn to God in prayer, seeking comfort, guidance, and strength in His presence. In this process, they come to know God more intimately and experience His love and grace in profound ways.
Encouraging each other during lent to reflect on their own experiences with divine timing and to find comfort and hope in the wisdom shared by these three spiritual giants.

Closing Message: "May we find solace in the stillness, trust in the timing, and faith in the greater purpose unfolding in our lives, guided by the timeless wisdom of St Thomas Aquinas, St. Anthony of Padua and Fulton J. Sheen."
Now go out and convert somebody to look upon the Holy Face of Jesus during this Lenten season for fortification of not only themselves but others and draw nearer to each other than separate as individuals because someone may need you.
Good day!