Contemporary Catholics on Traditional Devotions

This series for Lent and Easter focuses on the world of devotions in the life of contemporary believers. America asked a number of writers, many of them younger Catholics, to speak about a favorite devotionits history, its place in the writer’s life and its possible role in the life of contemporary believers. In this fifth part of the series we look at two: lectio divina and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

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11 years 11 months ago

The series “Contemporary Catholics on Traditional Devotions” has been a welcome addition to my Lenten reflections this year, and I am grateful.

I was especially moved by Eric Stoltz’s “Our Lady of Guadalupe” (3/31). Recently it seems I am living in an alien world, where the evils of war, poverty, homelessness, injustice, discrimination and oppression by those in power can appear overwhelming. When I try to address (and redress) these issues, albeit on a very small scale, it sometimes feels hopeless. And it takes courage to be countercultural.

Our Lady’s message is a source of comfort and empowerment. Many thanks to Eric Stoltz for this beautiful reminder of her sustaining love and protection.

This article also appeared in print, under the headline "Contemporary Catholics on Traditional Devotions," in the March 31, 2003 issue.

James Martin, S.J. James Martin, S.J., an associate editor of America, is author of In Good Company: The Fast Track from the Corporate World to Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.

@jamesmartinsj