Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
James Martin, S.J.February 16, 2010

Here's a very brief video I did last year for Loyola Press, who asked me to speak on what it might mean to be joyful during Lent, traditionally a "sad" time.  Here is my suggestion.  We at America join with you in prayer during this Lent, that we may all draw closer to Christ.

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Thomas Hart
15 years 2 months ago
Very nice. Saint Benedict calls it "The Joy of Lent."
Joe Garcia
15 years 2 months ago
Excellent, practical, succint. Thanks, Father.
AMDG,
15 years 2 months ago
Thanks, Fr. Martin.  Inspiring  :)
Ash Kuruvilla
15 years 2 months ago
Dear Fr. Martin,
Thanks for reminding this lost truth :) I will keep it in mind and act on it whenever the occasion presents this lenten season.
Regards,
Ash
 
Margaret Riordan
15 years 2 months ago
Thanks for that positive reflection, which I found inspiring. I struggle with all sorts of things-Catholic, and the over-emphasis on 'giving up' for Lent is one thing that never made much sense. But teaming it with 'giving away' puts a whole different slant on it.
Last year during Lent I printed off something from a church newsletter that also promoted a positive approach. I will just quote a few lines: "Give up complaining- focus on gratitude. Give up harsh judgments- think kindly thoughts. Give up bitterness- turn to forgiveness." The lines from that newsletter I have on my desk in front of me- and I often read them, and they have helped me all year.
Margaret
 

The latest from america

A Reflection for the Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, by J.D. Long García
J.D. Long GarcíaApril 30, 2025
A Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter, by Terrance Klein
Terrance KleinApril 30, 2025
In a pre-conclave meeting, an Italian cardinal, and backer of Cardinal Parolin as next pope, attacked Pope Francis for opening positions of responsibility in the church to men and women not in holy orders.
Gerard O’ConnellApril 30, 2025
Michael B. Jordan, left, in “Sinners” (Warner Brothers)
As the film’s title promises, there is plenty of sin on display, even before the vampires arrive.
John DoughertyApril 30, 2025