Spirituality
Readings of the Holy Mass – Fourth 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.
In resisting temptations, we are strengthened
It's mid-Lent, and in weariness we can falter, but God allows us to experience temptation so that by resisting it we grow spiritually stronger, writes Father Christopher Moriconi. He finds in Jesus a model for dealing with temptation.
Lenten grace from a treasured hymn
You might know the words to an old song, but hearing them afresh can provide a new, valuable insight this Lent, as Susan Hines-Brigger did with "Amazing Grace."
Giving when you have nothing left to give
The desire to do more or "enough" during Lent can trick us into thinking that Lent is like a spiritual competition. Giving "alms" is an everyday act of self-sacrifice, for Christ.
The pardon from purgatory
While we don't know the exact nature or duration of "purification" after death, a person at the end of life may be spared purgatory by Christ through the church, writes Father Ken Doyle.
The life-giving water of our planet, and our Lord
The life Jesus offers is for all, and everyone is invited to share the living waters, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on this Sunday's readings. No one is so broken that they cannot be healed.
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.
During Lent a good hymn helps us experience the Lord
Sometimes we don't "go" to prayer, but prayer comes to us -- especially in a song, as Effie Caldarola knows. It can remind us of God's presence, making the ordinary world a sacred space.
Fasting: Our connection to joy
The ancient wisdom to "control your tongue and your stomach" is good advice for Lent, and Father Rick Malloy says modern fasting -- from Netflix, Amazon, cellphone -- can lead to real joy.
Really praying in Lent
A universal concern among people of faith is, "I wish I could pray better." Father Herb Weber explains how prayer is all about one's relationship with God, and how to deepen that bond.