Pope's message for Lent: Synodal and Lenten journeys require effort, sacrifice, focusing on God

Tradition is a source of inspiration for seeking out new paths to take with Jesus and for avoiding the traps of stagnation or impromptu experimentation, Pope Francis said.

Lent: A spiritual springtime

A bishop recently recounted for me a humorous incident that occurred during a Mass he had celebrated. When it came time for the washing of the hands during the preparation of gifts, the altar server informed the bishop that the sacristan had failed to put out the bowl of water and towel.

Happy Lent!

Did anybody besides me notice how dark and gloomy the weather was at the end of January and the beginning of February this year?

Lenten conversions

“Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel.” This simple formula is spoken as we receive ashes on our heads to mark the beginning of the season of Lent. These words remind the baptized that Christian conversion involves both an ongoing rejection of a sinful life and also a fuller embrace of the Gospel.

Fasting during Lent, Ordinary Time connects us to joy

Here’s some challenging, ancient wisdom from the desert fathers: “Do not trust in your own righteousness, do not worry about the past. But control your tongue and your stomach.”

Meditate on ‘Ubi Caritas’ this Lent

As we approach Holy Week and look forward to the promise of Easter joy, we may look back on the last month or so and reflect on how the Lord has been present to us this Lent. Have we personally succeeded or struggled to meet our expectations for prayer, fasting and giving?

Lent and God’s economy of salvation

The Gospel proclaimed on Ash Wednesday is taken from the beginning of Matthew 6:1-6 and 16-18. The intermediate verses (7-15), which recount Jesus teaching the disciples to pray the Our Father, are omitted. Removing these verses results in a smoother flow in the presentation of the three penitential practices, as equal attention is now given to them. But this editing of the original text also draws our attention to the fact that almsgiving, praying and fasting share a common trait. All involve some kind of “recompense,” “repayment” or “reward,” words that appear seven times in this short passage.

Taking out the trash

One of things I dislike most about housework is how constant it is.

Ash Wednesday: Leave the ‘Egypt’ of our hearts and return to God

One of the challenges we Catholics face is the way in which our liturgical calendar almost becomes like white noise.

Becoming more human through almsgiving during Lenten season

“Love ought to show itself more in deeds rather than words.” — St. Ignatius of Loyola One of the basic things we do to express love is giving. Naturally, we give of our time, talents and treasure to our family and friends.
1 2 3 4 5 >

Advertising