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

How can Scripture help deepen our prayer lives this Lent? The New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III joins host James Martin, S.J., to share his own paths of prayer- through scripture, music and poetry. 

Timecodes:

0:00 Who is Ben Witherington III?

3:40 What do scholars mean by the ‘historical Jesus’?

6:33 The last 7 words of Christ

7:57 Biblical roots of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving

11:10 Ben reclaims his faith and is called by God

17:30 Praying with the Bible and grief

33:20 Where to start reading the Bible

34:55 Christianity is a historical religion

40:55 Why Catholics should read the Bible

44:58 Audience Question: How do I hear the readings at Mass with freshness? 

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:  [email protected]

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Host James Martin, S.J., welcomes New York Times best-selling author and Christian convert, Anne Lamott, onto “The Spiritual Life” podcast.

0:00 Who is Anne Lamott?
5:00 Welcome Anne Lamott
6:50 Synonyms for God
12:08 Anne’s leap of faith
22:38 How to find God when you’re struggling
29:22 What would Jesus do?
32:33 Anne’s daily spiritual practices
39:40 Praying “Help, Thanks, Wow”
42:00 Anne’s secret to good writing
45:15 Audience Question: How do you handle distractions during prayer?

Read Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode:

https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2026/02/09/anne-lamott-james-martin-podcast-spiritual-life/

Check out Anne's book "Help Thanks Wow"

Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at: [email protected]

Become a subscriber today at ⁠Americamagazine.org/subscribe
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Host James Martin, S.J., welcomes the Franciscan spiritual master and author, Richard Rohr O.F.M., onto “The Spiritual Life” podcast. They dig deep into:

- The meaning of “The Universal Christ,” or the Christ of faith, who transcends time, place, and culture, and allows us to find God in all things.
- Moving from a moral framework of sin and judgment to brokenness and healing
- Richard’s contemplative practice of “holy gazing”

Read Fr. Jim's spiritual advice article on this episode: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2026/02/02/interview-richard-rohr-and-the-universal-christ

Listen to Fr. Richard’s podcast, "Everything Belongs," here: https://cac.org/everythingbelongs2025

Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at: [email protected]

Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe
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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:  [email protected]

Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe

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Sometime in his midlife, after becoming a priest and then a bishop, Cardinal Ladislav Nemet experienced a difficult period of burn-out. It took a community of family, friends and comrades in ministry to restore his spirits and sense of purpose, and now he has practical advice to share with anyone dealing with this kind of professional exhaustion.

Cardinal Ladislav Nemet is the Archbishop of Belgrade, Serbia, and a member of the Society of the Divine Word. He was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, served as a delegate for the Synod of Bishops from 2021 to 2024, and was part of the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV. 

Together with “The Spiritual Life” podcast host, James Martin, S.J., they discuss:


How growing up in a communist country made Cardinal Nemet’s family “Catholics at home” but quiet in the public sphere 


The importance of humor and joy in the spiritual life


Recovering from burnout and turning to the psalms during a dark period


Cardinal Nemet’s participation in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV

Read Fr. Jim’s spiritual reflection about this episode: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2026/01/20/james-martin-cardinal-nemet-burnout

Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at:  [email protected]

Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe
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