“Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be and becoming that person” (St. Therese of Lisieux).

Bold Women: Presence and Passion at the Foot of the Cross

Catholic Women in Business’ Lenten Theme

On reflecting on and discussing Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, the Catholic Women in Business leadership team saw a common theme: women. In the New Testament, we read of bold women who encountered Jesus and were forever changed. These women boldly spoke to him, boldly loved him, and boldly took his message into their communities. This Lent, our writers will be exploring this theme in their articles. Share how you are carrying your cross boldly and passionately in our Facebook group!

Throughout our lifetime, the way we describe our identity may change many times. Our mission, however, won’t, and we need look no further than to Jesus to discover it:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6)” … “I am the bread of life (John 6:48).”

In other words, our mission is to be in relationship with Jesus Christ.

Lent is a season where we can refocus, and our relationship with Jesus can bear many fruits. This Lent, I am focusing on ways to be closer to him by participating in the sacraments and adoration more often.

How did women in the Gospel stay close to Jesus? The example of Mary and Martha stands out. When Jesus came to stay in Martha’s village home, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, while Martha busied herself with the tasks of the hostess. Jesus told Martha, “There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:42).

Megan Hjelmstad, a blogger, speaker, and Army reservist, says that she picked another Mary — Mary Magdalene — for her saint of the year:

“Before her conversion, Mary Magdalene was so deeply entrenched in the world and its lies. She chased every comfort-wielding counterfeit version of love and vanity and pride and success that the world had to offer. But when she met the person of Jesus, her heart was filled with the truth of love and dignity, and it transformed her. She continued to live in the world, but with a new heart transformed by the merciful love of Jesus — living every new moment she was given for love of Jesus. She was not ashamed to be known by her love for Him; she was enlivened by it.”

As women in business, a fruit of our relationship with Jesus Christ could be demonstrations of extended social teachings found in the Catechism and the Bible. Hjelmstad personally orients herself in this way:

“Whether I’m leading a Catholic small group or working in my military unit, I have an even greater responsibility than others as a faithful Catholic and as a leader to be honest and loving in my work and conversations. Our communion can be reflected [in] our business relationships with other companies, with colleagues, and with clients.”

With that goal in mind, here are six ways your business relationships can reflect your relationship with Jesus:

1. Seek Community

It’s not only on Ash Wednesday that we are ambassadors for Christ. As we develop our niches, it’s natural and beneficial to do additional outreach to organizations, joining groups and associations and extending personal invitations to get to know clients, colleagues, and even competitors.

Jesus did not stay in Nazareth to conduct his ministry. Instead, he traveled and talked to people outside of his Jewish origins. Through it all, his messages were unwavering, and he demonstrated his social teaching through acts of generosity, healing, and compassion. In communion with Jesus, we can be good examples of Catholic women wherever our paths take us. Expanding your network is not only an opportunity to share about your business and about yourself; it’s also an opportunity to share the love of Christ.

2. Share Your Purpose

The goal of marketing and branding is to target an audience and fulfill their specific needs or desires.

As Catholics, we believe we all born for a purpose. Our purposes are individual, personal, and designed only for us. What has God called you to do through your professional work? Even if you are unable to articulate this information in a secular work environment, you can keep it in your heart and build your personal brand around it.

3. Be Transparent

Jesus already knows we are imperfect. Why hide that imperfection? It’s likely that challenges you face at work are shared by many other people. As Catholic businesswomen, sharing our challenges is an opportunity to grow, enhance the quality of our products and services, and improve our strategy. It may even present opportunities to partner with another person, brand, or organization.

How can your business grow in community and communion through transparency?

4. Sharing Resources

Hjelmstad has a unique perspective on sharing about her faith and her life:

“As humans we don’t really take on a posture of debate or criticism when faced with joy — and I find that others, even with no faith background, are often surprisingly engaged instead of dismissive when I’m authentically and joyfully sharing my passion that animates me so completely.”

For every successful businesswoman, there are many other women trying to grow their own ideas and develop their own story. Jesus never said, “I’m already going to heaven. Good luck!” He gave us prayer to walk with him. He gave us the Church. We can follow his path and support other Catholic women. A great example is the Catholic Women in Business’ mentorship program.

5. Be Loyal

Jesus demonstrates and teaches great loyalty to his apostles, friends, and family — and all of humanity — in the Gospel. He knows us as well as he knew the people who were close to him during his time on earth. He knows what we need, and he knows our temperaments. We can show similar faithfulness and loyalty, not only to him but to the people he has placed in our lives.

Hjelmstad notes, “The wounds of our society are so deep and widespread, and darkness is everywhere. People are starving for even the dimmest light of love and compassion and encouragement as the face difficulty and darkness.”

How can we show genuine consistency in our business and loyalty to our audience?

6. Communicate Authentically, and Be Responsive

Whether by circumstances or by answers finally falling into place, many of us have felt Jesus call us by name. He invites us into dialogue with him, opening up a pathway for prayer. We can use his open dialogue and responsiveness as a model for our communications with our colleagues and customers.

Hjelmstad says, “We as women have the unique capability and opportunity to elevate the moral fabric of society. This is a very real mission and vocation in the workplace. Again, it starts first and foremost with our own efforts to grow in personal virtue with God’s help.”

“I’m experiencing that the more honest and open I am in my own relationship with Jesus, letting Him share and guide me in everything, the more I just can’t contain that incredible, sustaining joy of His love and grace when I’m out in the world,” says Hjelmstad.

How can you walk with Jesus through your business and work life this Lent?

Molly Franzonello is a brand new wife and health care systems innovator in Washington, D.C. When not driving all over the metropolitan area to see “her people,” you can find her reading, writing, podcasting, or staycationing at her favorite spots in the District.