Episode

Your Lenten Journey

Podcast: Catholics Coast to Coast
Published: Mar 14, 2026
Duration seconds: 3296
Processing state: processed
Canonical source: https://i.listen.ewtn.com/~PM/~PM20260314.mp3
Audio: https://i.listen.ewtn.com/~PM/~PM20260314.mp3
JSON: /v1/public/podcasts/catholics-coast-to-coast-6364443/episodes/your-lenten-journey
Markdown: /podcast/catholics-coast-to-coast-6364443/your-lenten-journey.md

Actions

POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/catholics-coast-to-coast-6364443/episodes/your-lenten-journey/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.
GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/catholics-coast-to-coast-6364443/your-lenten-journey.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.

Summary

Fr. Larry Richards explores the true meaning of Lent, arguing that Christian discipleship requires active self-denial rather than passive belief. The discussion contrasts modern individualism with the biblical call to take up one's cross and submit to divine will.

Topics

Lent
Discipleship
Self-denial
Catholic Tradition
Spiritual Discipline
Christianity
Asceticism
Church Authority

Highlights

Main idea: True discipleship requires more than baptism; it demands a daily commitment to deny oneself and follow Christ
Practical takeaway: Use fasting and personal suffering as opportunities to unite your pain with the sacrifice of Jesus
Failure mode: Avoiding self-denial in favor of a 'living my best life' mentality that centers on the self rather than God
Main idea: Church traditions and disciplines are not necessarily 'Pharisaic' but are tools used by the Church to maintain unity and avoid scandal
Practical takeaway: True spiritual growth involves getting out of the way so that Christ can live through the believer

Chapters

1:00 The Call to Self-Denial: Fr. Larry discusses the Gospel mandate to take up one's cross daily and the challenges of navigating a chaotic world.
5:20 The Trap of Individualism: A critique of the modern tendency to prioritize personal happiness over the sacrificial nature of the Christian faith.
9:20 Surrendering the Ego: The importance of recognizing human weakness and allowing Jesus to take full control of one's life.
13:30 The Purpose of Fasting: How to use physical asceticism and fasting as an offering for others and for the glory of God.
26:00 Addressing Accusations of Pride: A look at the tension between institutional authority and individual opinion within the Church.
38:20 Tradition vs. Pharisaism: An analysis of whether Church disciplines are man-made burdens or Spirit-led tools for the good of the community.
50:20 The Supreme Law: Reflecting on the salvation of souls as the ultimate guide for all Christian conduct and law.