The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.

Kate Bowler, scholar of American religious history and author who writes about illness, faith, and joy. She reflects on her cancer diagnosis and why phrases like "everything happens for a reason" hurt. Conversation focuses on what not to say to the suffering, how to accompany people with honesty and presence, the difference between joy and fleeting happiness, and spiritual practices that invite hope.

Cristóbal Fones, SJ — Jesuit priest, musician, and director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. He discusses the morning offering and the Sacred Heart devotion. He explains how the Pope’s prayer intentions are chosen and how prayer includes emotions. He reflects on music shaping prayer, inculturation, Jesuit retreat practices, and why Catholics ask saints to intercede.

Gregory Maguire, novelist best known for Wicked, reflects on his Catholic orphanage roots and a lifelong practice of paying attention. He explores how early religious education shaped his imagination and how art, prayer, and noticing faces intersect. He also discusses marginalization, being gay, and how those perspectives inform compassion and storytelling.

Conversation about Benedictine monastic life, hospitality, and how liturgy shapes daily faith. Exploration of the desert fathers and mothers, their approach to bad thoughts, and the psychology of acedia. A memoir about a sister with a developmental disability and the family dynamics around jealousy and care. Reflections on finding a spiritual home and the role of beauty in worship.

Bryan Massingale, a Black, openly gay Catholic priest and theology professor known for racial justice and LGBTQ advocacy. He discusses living with compound identities, the costs and grace of coming out, loneliness and rejection within the clergy, why he stays in the church, and spiritual practices like journaling and music.

Ben Witherington III, New Testament scholar and Amos Professor, brings scholarly warmth and personal faith to the conversation. He explores praying with Scripture during Lent, the four Gospel portraits of Jesus and the last words on the cross, biblical roots of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, using music and poetry to enter prayer, and reading the Bible with fresh, accessible starting points.

Anne Lamott, bestselling writer known for candid memoirs and spiritual books, reflects on faith, recovery, and writing. She recounts a vivid encounter with Jesus and what led to her conversion. She describes daily spiritual practices, the three prayers Help, Thanks, Wow, and tips for honest prayer and overcoming distractions. She also shares her secret to better writing.

Richard Rohr, Franciscan friar and author known for contemplative teaching, explores the Universal Christ as a presence beyond time and culture. He discusses shifting from moralism to brokenness and healing. He describes his practice of holy gazing and connects contemplative life to compassion, social ethics, and finding God in all things.

Sister Norma Pimentel, M.J., the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, joins “The Spiritual Life” podcast to talk with host Fr. James Martin, S.J., about her four decades of ministry with migrants and refugees on the U.S.-Mexico border, in South Texas.  Together, they discuss: - Sister Norma’s call to religious life, what prayer practices have sustained her over the years and the big boost she received from Pope Francis. - Misconceptions about migrants and refugees and how best to address them.  - The power of personal encounter in changing minds and hearts, along with Sister Norma’s commitment to being present to those she ministers to.  Read Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode: Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cardinal Ladislav Nemet, the Archbishop of Belgrade and newly appointed cardinal, shares his journey from burnout to recovery. He discusses how growing up under communism shaped his family's faith, reflecting on joy and humor in spirituality. Cardinal Nemet emphasizes the importance of community support and professional help in overcoming burnout. He also shares insights from his experience in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, highlighting how this moment deepened his appreciation for prayer and creation.