Didn’t the past year feel like one, long season of Lent? Do we really need to observe Lent 2021? At America, we get it. That’s why we’re offering all new Lenten reflections each week to accompany you through this difficult period. Journey with America’s editors as they reflect on Scripture, prayer, fasting and almsgiving both in written form and on “The Word” podcast.
This page will be populated throughout the duration of Lent. Subscribe to “The Word” in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player and never miss a reflection. You can also sign up for America’s daily newsletter to receive the written versions every day in your inbox.
Latest Reflection: This Lent, remember that the key to God’s forgiveness is to forgive others
Before Ash Wednesday:
What America’s editors are giving up (or taking on) this year
‘Haven’t we been living in Lent since last year?’ What America’s readers are doing this year
Ash Wednesday:
James Martin, S.J.: On Ash Wednesday, remember ashes are a symbol. The goal is transformation.
Terrance Klein: Why we need to hear the reminder ‘you are dust’ every year on Ash Wednesday
Imagine Lent Podcast Ep.1: Accompany Jesus at a vulnerable moment in the desert
Week 1 of Lent:
Jeremy McLennan: Catholics and Muslims: Who is really better at fasting and prayer?
Sunday Reflection by Jaime Waters: God loves all of creation. We should too.
Monday Reflection by Sebastian Gomes: Saint Peter’s flaws are a reminder that God loves us just as we are
Wednesday Reflection by Sebastian Gomes: Jesus warns against an ‘us versus them’ attitude. We should give it up this Lent.
Imagine Lent Podcast Ep.2: Watch Jesus call (and heal) Peter
Week 2 of Lent:
James Martin, S.J.: Want a better prayer life this Lent? Start by being honest with God about everything. (Yes, everything.)
Sunday Reflection by Jaime Waters: Lent reminds us we are not alone in our quest for understanding
Monday Reflection by Ashley McKinless: This Lent, remember that the key to God’s forgiveness is to forgive others
Wednesday Reflection by Ashley McKinless: Use this time of Lent to reorient yourself towards serving others
Imagine Lent Podcast Ep.3: Jesus heals a paralytic
Week 3 of Lent
America Staff: Tired of cheese pizza and fish sticks? 10 Lent recipes for no-meat Fridays
Sunday Reflection by Jaime Waters: People in Jesus’ time faced the challenge of diverse viewpoints, too.
Monday Reflection by Matt Malone, S.J.: Every human heart contains an infinite desire for God. What does that mean in a finite world?
Wednesday Reflection by Matt Malone, S.J.: For Catholics, it isn’t enough to just know and follow the rules.
Imagine Lent Podcast Ep. 4: Will the woman caught in adultery be condemned or shown mercy?
Week 4 of Lent
Sunday Reflection by Jaime Waters: Shrouded in darkness, we can do evil. Jesus invites us into the light of truth instead.
Monday Reflection by Kerry Weber: It might be cliché, but Jesus really is there with us for good times and bad. Let’s embrace it.
Wednesday Reflection by Kerry Weber: We all love our independence—but none of us get there on our own.
Imagine Lent Podcast Ep. 5: Witness Christ heal the blind man
Week 5 of Lent
Sunday Reflection by Jaime Waters: Look for the angels in the desert of your soul
Monday Reflection by J.D. Long-Garcia: Women were oppressed in Jesus’ time, too. How much longer will we stand by?
Wednesday Reflection by J.D. Long-Garcia: The freedom that Óscar Romero found in Jesus
Imagine Lent Podcast Ep. 6: The Woman with a Hemorrhage
Holy Week
Palm Sunday Reflection by Jaime Waters: Jesus died—and then rose—so you could walk together
Monday Reflection by Colleen Dulle: God lives in our traditions. Keeping them is a form of prayer.
Wednesday Reflection by Colleen Dulle: Don’t place a price on other people’s lives. That’s what Judas did.
Imagine Lent Podcast Ep. 7: Agony in the Garden and Peter’s Denial
Imagine Lent Podcast Final Episode: Jesus Appears by the Sea and Heals Peter
Easter Reflection by Fr. James Martin, SJ
Essential Lent Reading:
- Why Catholics fast: searching for the tradition
- Lent is just not what it used to be
- What my 5-year-old taught me about prayer during Lent
- Will Lent resonate with Americans open to Dry January, juice cleanses and CrossFit?
- Fasting: a fresh look
- A mercy-filled Lent
- Pope Francis says give to the homeless, don't worry about how they spend it, as Lent begins
- A farewell to alms?
Check back each week for new reflections
