Christians are called to asceticism as a way of reaching out, in faith, toward a life to come.
Lent
Posted inFaith
True Love: The first in a series of audio reflections for Lent
The note that the psalmist sounds at the beginning of Lent is not sin, but forgiveness.
Posted inFaith, Vantage Point
Will Lent resonate with Americans open to Dry January, juice cleanses and CrossFit?
‘Lent may once again don its public mask’: America’s editors from 1978 on an American Lent.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
The Catholic case for Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras must end; and yet its joys are right and good, in their time, in their place.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Pastries, parties and more: What Purim and Mardi Gras have in common.
Purim and Mardi Gras serve, paradoxically, as a farcical introduction to a period of deep religious seriousness.
Posted inExamen, Faith
Introducing our new Examen Podcast with Father James Martin
Lent is a popular time to make resolutions. And that’s all to the good.
Posted inFaith, The Good Word
Why Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day actually aren’t so different
In fasting, in abstinence, in visits to church, we are showing our love to God.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis: Beware of false prophets and cold hearts this Lent
The Pope called his message “Because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold.”
Posted inFaith, Last Take
Spending Lent with Alexa
A Catholic priest should not have a woman in his bedroom at night, but I have become quite dependent on Alexa.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Hate Valentines Day? This year, celebrate Ash Wednesday instead
Catholics are being given a reprieve from that most noxious of American holidays: Valentine’s Day.