Spirituality
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.
Monthly novena to St. Joseph launches March 19
The Philadelphia Archdiocese invites all to unite in prayer for the intercession of St. Joseph starting March 19 and continuing on the 19th of each month through November.
God offers humanity a love with no equal on earth, pope says
Pope Francis continued his series of talks on prayer by looking at how Jesus opened the door to God, revealing his true identity as a loving father with whom one could talk through prayer.
A holiness that doesn’t make headlines
We have all known quiet, hidden souls who build the kingdom of God through their simple, steadfast witness, writes Gina Christian. Like St. Joseph, such individuals are humble reminders of the Father, and for them we are thankful.
Lent’s one goal: Entering a relationship with Jesus
Effie Caldarola offers a Lenten meditation on living as the Gospel calls her, and facing the things that are holding her back from the heart of Jesus. May this Lent be a time to move forward.
This Lent, risk prayer
How does prayer transform us? By changing what we desire, writes Jesuit Father Rick Malloy. When we open our hearts in prayer to the God who desperately loves us, watch out. Anything can happen!
Our simple good deeds make God’s love present in the world
When we listen to Jesus and follow his model of sacrifice then we are participating in his offering to the world as he shows the way to the Father, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Readings of the Holy Mass – Second 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.