The Garden of Eden: Temptation, Free Will, and the Word of God

In this episode of SOME WOMEN, Angela, Jackie, and Pat share personal reflections on the events in the Garden of Eden. They discuss insights from Scripture scholar Dr. Brant Pitre and explore the contrast between God’s desires and Satan’s intentions. The group also considers the meaning of the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil—and the lessons we can carry into our own spiritual lives.

Who were the women who followed Jesus and His disciples? Why do we follow Him today—and how do we serve Him faithfully?

The SOME WOMEN podcast explores these questions.

Inspired by Luke 8:1–3, Magnificat® brings together a lively panel of women—plus occasional guests—to discuss the issues shaping women’s lives today. Topics include holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit–led life, spiritual warfare, prayer, and more. Each conversation looks at Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Join us as we pray, learn, and discover what God can do when we open our lives to Him.

 Magnificat® Presents – SOME WOMEN Episode 3: The Garden of Eden – Temptation, Free Will, and the Word of God

Hosts:

• Angela Rizzo – Assistant Coordinator, Central Service Team of Magnificat®

• Pat Higginbotham – First Assistant Coordinator, Central Service Team

• Jackie France – Historian, Central Service Team

Episode Overview

They explore:

• The three temptations in the Garden of Eden

• How Jesus confronted the same three temptations in the desert

• Why Scripture is our primary weapon in spiritual warfare

• How free will, disordered desires, and our modern culture all tie into the Fall

• Simple, practical ways to begin letting the Holy Spirit transform our hearts

The conversation is honest, relatable, and full of encouragement for women who want to walk more closely with the Lord.

Opening Prayer

The episode begins with the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer, asking protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil, especially as the hosts discuss temptation and the Fall.

“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…”

The hosts invite listeners to pray in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Main Themes in This Episode 1. The Three Temptations in the Garden
Pat walks through Genesis 3 and highlights three reasons Eve gave in to temptation:

• The tree was good for food – pleasure

• It was a delight to the eyes – possession

• It was desired to make one wise – pride / wanting to be like God

These same three areas—pleasure, possessions, and pride—are still where we are tempted today.

2. How Jesus Reverses the Fall in the Desert
The hosts compare Eve’s temptation with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4):

• Bread from stones (food/pleasure):

  “One does not live by bread alone.”

• All the kingdoms of the world (possession/power):

  “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him alone shall you serve.”

• Throw yourself down from the Temple (pride/presumption):

  “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Jesus answers every temptation with the Word of God, modeling for us how to resist the enemy.

3. Why We Must Know Scripture
Angela shares how memorizing Scripture transformed her spiritual life:

• She used to write verses on index cards and review them while waiting at appointments.

• Scripture is “sharper than any two-edged sword” and our weapon against the enemy.

• Jesus Himself used Scripture when speaking to the devil—so we must, too.

“If you’re going to get into a dialogue with the devil, just use the Word of God.”

4. Image and Likeness: Walking with God Day by Day
Pat reflects on Adam walking with God “in the cool of the day” in the garden:

• We are made in God’s image instantly.

• Growing into God’s likeness is a process—a daily walk.

• The enemy tempts us with a “quick fix” to become like God without walking with Him.

Instead of patient growth in relationship, Adam and Eve reached for a shortcut.

5. Free Will, Disordered Desire, and Modern Culture
The hosts discuss:

• Adam and Eve had free will even in their sinless state.

• Their fall came quickly—possibly within a short time of being in the garden.

• Temptation today still plays on the same desires:

  • “More land, more power, more control.”

  • Advertising that appeals to possessions, pleasure, and pride, often misusing sexuality.

• We often try to fill a God-shaped void with earthly things that never satisfy.

6. Putting Others & Things Above God
Angela reflects on Adam’s responsibility:

• Adam was likely standing right next to Eve while she was tempted.

• The command was given to Adam; he was called to lead and protect.

• Adam put Eve above God, receiving the fruit instead of guarding obedience.

They invite listeners to ask:

“What am I putting on a pedestal before God—food, work, control, children, money, power?”

7. Grace, Confession, and the Virtues
The women discuss:

• Our ongoing struggle between the life of the Spirit and our sin nature

• The help of Confession, the sacraments, and virtue as answers to the seven deadly sins

• The patience and kindness of God, who continually invites us back

They stress that God has already given immense provision: His Word, His Church, the sacraments, and His grace.

A Gentle First Step: Asking the Holy Spirit

If you feel overwhelmed, the hosts encourage a simple, honest prayer:

“Holy Spirit, show me where I’ve put something above You.
Show me what I need to detach from.”

They suggest starting small:

• Try fasting from one meal.

• Notice how, as you surrender one area, God begins to touch others: screen time, work, control, etc.

• Let God form you into the beautiful woman He created you to be.

Scripture & Spiritual Practices Mentioned

• Genesis 3 – The Fall of Man

• Luke 4 – Jesus’ temptation in the desert

• Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

• Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (mentioned as a memorized verse)

• St. Michael the Archangel Prayer

• Lectio Divina – Encouraged as a way to pray with Scripture

• Eucharistic Adoration – Gazing on the Lord and being transformed

They also mention:

• The USCCB online Bible as a free resource for reading Scripture

• Reading Genesis slowly, with introductions and footnotes

• Using books and guides to help understand Scripture more deeply

Resources & Mentions

• Magnificat® Store:
  Angela shares about a Magnificat mug and other beautiful religious items available:

  • Plaques

  • Jewelry

  • Clothing

  • Gifts for conversation and evangelization

You can pour a cup of coffee, invite a friend, and talk about Jesus together.

Key Takeaways

• The same three temptations from Eden—pleasure, possessions, pride—still tug at our hearts today.

• Jesus shows us the way to victory through obedience and the Word of God.

• Scripture is not just inspiring; it is powerful spiritual armor.

• We often put people, things, or desires above God without realizing it.

• The Holy Spirit is gentle and will show us, step by step, where to surrender.

• God longs for us, thirsts for us, and has already made provision for our healing and freedom.

Closing Prayer

Pat closes the episode in prayer, thanking God for:

• Sisters in Christ

• His Word

• His provision from the very beginning

• The grace He gives as we say yes to transformation and the renewal of our minds

***

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, is an international nonprofit with more than 70 Chapters worldwide. Its mission is simple: evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness by opening their hearts to the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” from Luke 1:46, begins Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting.

This moment—the Visitation—inspires the entire Ministry. Each quarter, Chapters host gatherings that include a Meal, praise and worship, and guest speakers who share how God transformed their lives. These events offer faith-sharing in a relaxed, social setting. Women (and men) come away inspired and strengthened in their faith through the Holy Spirit.

Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, Mother of God. She is the image of the Church and the model for every Christian, especially women.
Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

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