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

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What is prayer and how can we pray? How do I know if God is responding to my prayers? What does it mean to live a spiritual life? “The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.,” focuses on how people experience God in their prayer and their daily lives. The show combines practical wisdom with deep reflections from spiritual masters and well-known seekers, all tracing the mystery of God’s activity in their own lives. You can visit the show's webpage at www.americamagazine.org/thespirituallife.

  1. Kate Bowler on how to accompany those who are suffering

    1D AGO

    Kate Bowler on how to accompany those who are suffering

    American culture often tries to emphasize “learning lessons” in the middle of suffering. For example, “Everything happens for a reason.” But Kate Bowler doesn’t think those “lessons”  are coming from God; rather, God draws close to the brokenhearted and accompanies them. On this episode of “The Spiritual Life” podcast host James Martin, S.J. is joined by scholar of American religion history, Kate Bowler, who is also the creator of the popular podcast “Everything Happens” and the author of bestselling books including Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved) and No Cure for Being Human. Her latest book is Joyful, Anyway! Timecodes: 0:00 God’s grace is not like math 1:05 Who is Kate Bowler? 5:22 How getting diagnosed with stage 4 cancer changed Kate’s faith 11:55 What not to say to someone who is suffering 19:38 How to accompany those who suffer 26:37 The problem with happiness and “good vibes only” 31:32 The paradox and practice of joy 44:10 Kate’s spiritual practices of honesty and service 47:35 Why its so hard to suffer in America 50:00 Audience Question: How do we believe in a just and loving God in the midst of an unjust and unloving world? 56:30 Kate’s blessing 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

    1h 4m
  2. Jesuit musician Cristóbal Fones on praying with the Pope

    MAR 17

    Jesuit musician Cristóbal Fones on praying with the Pope

    Cristóbal Fones, SJ, is many things- a talented musician, a Jesuit and the international director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. He joins host James Martin, S.J., on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to share how he learned to pray from a place of deep emotional connection and authenticity, and how, from his new post at the Vatican, he coordinates the prayer petitions for the Catholic church. Timecodes: 0:00 Why we pray with Cristóbal Fones 1:00 Understanding the morning offering and the Sacred Heart 7:10 The pope has a prayer network  16:08 Praying with the Sacred Heart includes our emotions 23:50 Cristóbal is called to be a Jesuit and inculturate Christ’s message in music  37:00 Music can affect how you relate to God 46:32 What Jesuits do on retreat 51:00 Audience Question: Why do Catholics pray to saints and how does that work? Read Fr. Jim's article on The Sacred Heart 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

    57 min
  3. Gregory Maguire’s spiritual journey–From a Catholic orphanage to ‘Wicked’-fame

    MAR 10

    Gregory Maguire’s spiritual journey–From a Catholic orphanage to ‘Wicked’-fame

    Long before he wrote “Wicked” Gregory Maguire has been weaving careful attention into his artistic pursuits and his prayer. He joins host James Martin, S.J. on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to talk about his spiritual journey, from a Catholic orphanage and formative education with religious sisters who helped him draw his first picture of God, to his current practice of seeing Jesus’ face on the margins.  Timecodes 0:00 Introducing Gregory Maguire, author of “Wicked” 5:04 The tragic circumstances surrounding Gregory’s birth 11:42 Gregory’s first image of God 17: 45 Discerning the shape of his own ministry 25:42 The art of paying attention + studying people’s faces 35:55 Are there Christ-figures in “Wicked”? 40:40 The experience of being gay and marginalized 42:50 Audience Question: What advice would you give to a young, gay, Catholic striving to live authentically? 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

    50 min
  4. Writer Kathleen Norris on her disabled sister’s inspiring life

    MAR 3

    Writer Kathleen Norris on her disabled sister’s inspiring life

    New York Times bestselling writer, Kathleen Norris, joins host James Martin, S.J., on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to share her experience with Benedictine monks, which formed the basis of her beloved book "The Cloister Walk," and to introduce her new book, "Rebecca Sue," a memoir about her younger sister who had a developmental disability. Kathleen retrieves spiritual wisdom from the ancient desert fathers and mothers on dealing with perennial psychological challenges, including jealousy, boredom, and bad thoughts. Timecodes: 0:00 Bad thoughts, not sin, was the focus in Early Christianity 1:10 The “Kathleen Norris-effect” 4:37 Getting to know the desert fathers and mothers 9:10 Kathleen Norris gets acquainted with monastic life 17:58 Hospitality is at the core of Benedictine spirituality 26:30 Rebecca Sue- Kathleen’s sister with a mental disability 30:57 Dealing with jealousy 33:15 Finding God in the desert 37:15 How the desert fathers and mothers dealt with sin 39:35 Acedia-restlessness, sadness, boredom 45:20 Audience Question: How important should it be that the parish we attend feel like a spiritual home? Read Fr. Jim’s review of Kathleen's book, "Rebecca Sue": https://www.americamagazine.org/books/2026/02/12/review-kathleen-norris-on-a-sisters-love/ 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

    51 min
  5. A Black, gay Catholic priest on living authentically

    FEB 24

    A Black, gay Catholic priest on living authentically

    Fr. Bryan Massingale is a Black, openly gay priest, but not, in his own words, “a hybrid car,” that can be segmented into identity categories. Instead, he’s compound reality, a mystery made by God’s grace. Bryan joins host James Martin, S.J., on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to talk about the values of authenticity and integrity in his life and ministry.  Timecodes: 0:00 Bringing God’s love forth 2:38 Why Bryan’s race and sexuality are significant 5:36 Challenges of being a Black and gay Catholic priest 11:35 How Bryan came out as gay 17:40 Authenticity frees us and others 25:55 Bryan’s advice to someone struggling with the church 29:38 The church’s tragic track record on racism 34:53 Why Bryan remains in the church despite racism 39:34 The spiritual practice of journaling & music 44:45 Audience Question: What can parents of L.G.B.T.Q. children do when their kids refuse to come to Mass? Read Fr. James Martin's article reflecting on this conversation 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

    52 min
  6. Praying with the Bible during Lent

    FEB 17

    Praying with the Bible during Lent

    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:  thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  7. "Help, Thanks, Wow": Three prayers that changed Anne Lamott

    FEB 10

    "Help, Thanks, Wow": Three prayers that changed Anne Lamott

    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: thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at ⁠Americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  8. FEB 3

    Richard Rohr on God, brokenness and healing

    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: thespirituallife@americamedia.org Become a subscriber today at Americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min
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What is prayer and how can we pray? How do I know if God is responding to my prayers? What does it mean to live a spiritual life? “The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.,” focuses on how people experience God in their prayer and their daily lives. The show combines practical wisdom with deep reflections from spiritual masters and well-known seekers, all tracing the mystery of God’s activity in their own lives. You can visit the show's webpage at www.americamagazine.org/thespirituallife.

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