Episode 2461: Upholding the Dignity of Women - Morning Episode

Pope John Paul II, a great advocate for human dignity, said: "It is the duty of every man to uphold the dignity of every woman." This profound statement speaks to the heart of Catholic teaching on the value of every human person, made in the image and likeness of God. The dignity of women, in particular, has been emphasized by the Church, recognizing the unique role women play in God’s plan of salvation, exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In our modern society, where women are often reduced to mere objects or treated as inferior, this call to uphold their dignity becomes ever more urgent. As traditional Catholics, we are called to counter the culture of utilitarianism and objectification with a deep reverence for the inherent dignity of women, whether as mothers, sisters, daughters, or consecrated religious.
The dignity of women is not a new concept; it is rooted in Scripture and the teachings of the Church. From the Book of Genesis, we know that God created both male and female in His image (Genesis 1:27). In the New Testament, we see how Jesus elevated women, treating them with profound respect, whether it was the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-30) or Mary Magdalene, who became the first witness to His Resurrection (John 20:11-18).
Pope John Paul II's call is an invitation to live out this respect in our daily lives, fostering relationships that reflect the love of Christ and honor the dignity of every woman.
Perseverance in the Spiritual Life
Perseverance in the spiritual life is essential to our journey toward holiness. St. Alphonsus de Liguori provides us with practical advice on how to persevere, saying: "Above all, it is necessary to ask of God every morning the gift of perseverance, and to beg of the Blessed Virgin to obtain it for you, and particularly in the time of temptation, by invoking the name of Jesus and Mary as long as the temptation lasts."
This guidance reminds us that perseverance is not something we can achieve by our own strength. It is a grace, a gift from God, that we must ask for daily. Our Blessed Mother, Mary, is our greatest intercessor, always ready to help us when we call upon her. St. Alphonsus emphasizes that we should turn to Jesus and Mary, especially in moments of temptation, trusting that their names carry power to protect and strengthen us.
The battle for perseverance is fought daily, in the small choices we make to follow Christ. By making prayer a constant part of our lives and by seeking the intercession of the saints, we can remain steadfast in our faith, no matter the challenges we face.

Glory in Knowing the Lord
The Prophet Jeremiah offers us a powerful reminder of where true glory lies. He writes: "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the Lord.'" (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
In a world that often glorifies power, wealth, and knowledge, Jeremiah redirects our attention to what truly matters our relationship with God. True glory is found not in our achievements, but in our knowledge of the Lord and our participation in His love, justice, and righteousness.
As traditional Catholics, we are called to orient our lives toward God, recognizing that all earthly glory is fleeting. By focusing on understanding and knowing the Lord, we align ourselves with His divine will, allowing His love and justice to shine through our actions.

Conclusion
Today, we have reflected on three key themes: upholding the dignity of women, persevering in our spiritual lives, and finding true glory in our relationship with God. These teachings are not only relevant but essential to living out our Catholic faith in the modern world. By embracing these principles, we can grow in holiness and witness to the truth of the Gospel in our daily lives.
Let us strive to be vigilant in our prayer lives, to honor the dignity of every person we encounter, and to seek glory only in knowing and loving God. May we continue to ask for the grace of perseverance, trusting in the intercession of Our Blessed Mother and the saints to guide us on our journey.
Closing Prayer
O Lord,
We thank You for the wisdom and guidance of Your saints, for the call to uphold the dignity of every person, especially women, and for the grace to persevere in our faith. Help us to seek You above all else, to find our glory in knowing and loving You, and to be faithful witnesses to Your love, justice, and righteousness in the world. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant us the grace to persevere in times of temptation and to remain steadfast in our commitment to You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.