In the latest issue of America, regular contributor Fr. Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M., has a marvelous reflection on Lent and water ("Thirsting for Lent"). After noting that some people might be looking for something beyond the usual "giving something up," he writes, "I suggest that this year we might benefit from focusing our attention on something totally different, something often taken for granted: water."

It's a very original take on Lenten spiritual preparation, a worthwhile essay not only over the next forty days but long thereafter. I would happily quote excerpts here, but I encourage readers to click on over and read the whole thing.

Matt Emerson's essays have appeared in a number of publications, including America, Commonweal, and the Wall Street Journal. The Catholic Press Association named his September 2012 essay "Help Their Unbelief," published in America, as the "best essay" in the category of national general interest magazine for 2012. He is the author of the book Why Faith? A Journey of Discovery (Paulist Press 2016).Articles:Fruitful Searching (Jan. 5-12, 2015)Preambles for Faith (May 13, 2013)Help Their Unbelief (Sept. 10, 2012)Posts at The Ignatian Educator