Spirituality
Almsgiving: An ‘act of trust’ in the new normal
Lent is a time to place less emphasis on stuff and possessions, and recognize that everything we own is God's gift. Our trust in his providence should help us to give more freely to those in need.
Redirect today’s ample fears to proper fear of the Lord
The halfway point of Lent is a great time to take stock of our thoughts and ask ourselves, who do we fear? Kim Griffin suggests that we follow the example of the saints and fear the Lord who redeems.
Readings of the Holy Mass – Third Sunday of Lent
Read, listen to or watch videos of the Mass readings with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
Three ways the Temple shows that God still dwells with us
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the image of the Temple -- a holy building, the body of Jesus and the living Body of Christ, the church -- presented in this Sunday's readings for Mass.
Slogging through hard times with St. Ansgar
The ninth-century saint, who faced pagans and pirates to spread the Gospel, can teach a much-needed lesson to faithful who are discouraged today, writes Gina Christian.
Jesus and his beatitudes are model to follow
Calling the beatitudes the "self-portrait of Jesus," a cardinal leading a Lenten meditation at the Vatican said "the life Jesus proposes to others is his way of being. He teaches by what he does."
Fast from indifference during communal heartbreak
Writer Claire Lucas believes that in a throwaway culture and at a time of pandemic suffering, it is easy to become apathetic. But the world needs our tender love in the model of the Lord.
Fasting from sin: the never-ending Lenten challenge
Fasting cannot be fixed solely on ourselves, nor on a desire to replenish our own bodies. It can lead us to a renewed appreciation and desire for God in our lives.
As walk with Peter through Lent, we see much of ourselves
In St. Peter we see eagerness trumped by fear, plenty of mistakes, feelings of unworthiness and deep regret, plus enthusiasm and a desire to do right. He's a subject of meditation for Effie Caldarola.
Making plans for death
One Catholic reader asks Father Ken Doyle about burial in a non-Catholic cemetery, and another reader fears for the state of his soul as he approaches his passage from life.