Embracing Femininity During Lent
“From the beginning of Christ’s mission, women show to him and to his mystery a special sensitivity which is characteristic of their femininity. It must also be said that this is especially confirmed in the Paschal Mystery, not only at the Cross but also at the dawn of the Resurrection” (Pope St. John Paul II, “Mulieris Dignitatem”).
Bearing Fruit: Cultivating the Garden of Our Hearts
Gardens are an important setting in Scripture. Adam and Eve are created in the Garden of Eden, born out of God’s great love for us (Genesis 2). Jesus prays and suffers in the Garden of Gethsemane before he is arrested and crucified (Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46)—again, out of love for us.
This Lent, the Catholic Women in Business team is meditating on our interior garden, where we can invite God to help us bear fruit. As St. Augustine wrote, “The turn of phrase by which the man is said to work the land, which is already land, into also being landscaped and fertile, is the same as the one by which God is said to work the man, who was already a man, into also being godfearing and wise.”
Growing up, I always wanted to be considered a tomboy, good enough to play with the boys. I wanted to climb trees, play outside, and appear strong. While I still had plenty of activities typically considered “girly” (like dancing), I was always skeptical of appearing too feminine.
As I’ve grown up and learned more about the theology behind femininity and masculinity, I’ve realized how distressing it is that it is now considered countercultural to embrace part of what makes us who we are. As a woman, I want to embrace my femininity.
Don’t mistake this desire for wanting to fit into a stereotype. Rather, I’m talking about embracing the desires of my heart and the gifts that I have as a woman. Embracing my femininity does not mean I need to mold my interests, desires, and hobbies into a “perfect woman” mold—not at all. Instead, it means that I can be free to express myself in the way that God made me.
This Lent, I’ve been trying to dive into being receptive. In his “Mulieris Dignitatem,” Pope St. John Paul II wrote, “The Bridegroom is the one who loves. The Bride is loved: it is she who receives love, in order to love in return.” As a woman, I was designed to receive. I used to dislike the connotation of receptivity; it seemed so passive! But, I’ve come to realize through a lot of prayer, and through my relationship with my fiance, that receptivity is an action in itself. It’s a decision to hand over trust and hold on to the belief that Christ will sustain you.
I think about how Our Lady must have felt throughout Jesus’ passion. She probably felt helpless and powerless, yet she remained at peace, trusting in God despite the suffering she had to watch her beloved Son endure. She received what she was given, believing that Christ would give her the strength to get through it.
I want to emulate our Lady as much as I can, especially during these Lenten days. During Lent, we are faced with the uncomfortable. Especially during Holy Week, as we enter into Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection, consider viewing the season from Mary’s perspective: She experienced the greatest pain a mother can face—the loss of her child—yet she trusted Jesus and knew that her suffering was not meaningless. Similarly, instead of trying to think of a way to change my circumstances, I want to accept and receive the gifts and struggles that God gives me—with the knowledge that they all bring me closer to Jesus.
Do not be afraid to receive.
Mary Grace Dostalik, born and raised a Texas girl, recently graduated from Benedictine College with a major in evangelization and catechesis. She is a dancer, a writer, and a wanna-be explorer. Mary Grace loves to spend her spare time choreographing dances, going on runs, practicing calligraphy, and searching for the best chai tea latte. She is doing her best to go wherever God calls her, whether it be Oklahoma, Kansas, Ireland, or back to Texas. Mary Grace is currently living her dream of serving the Church by working as the marketing and communications manager at a parish in Frisco, Texas.