Looking for ways to infuse new life into your penitential practices this Lent? As we prepare our hearts to honor Christ’s death and resurrection, we invite you to discover five inspirational devotionals to read during Lent. Featuring reflections from Catholic leaders both old and new, each of these books would make an excellent addition to your daily devotionals during this penitential season.
Cardinal Zen’s Lenten Reflections
In this 208-page book, Joseph Cardinal Zen of Hong Kong uses candor and compassion to explain how to grow in your love for God during Lent. Collected from His Eminence’s homilies and pastoral letters, these eighteen meditations were written during a time of social and political tension. Their wisdom will strengthen your devotion and fortify you to overcome the various temptations of the world.
A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery
A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery sweeps readers through the various liturgical celebrations of Lent, the Paschal Triduum, and the Easter Season, unveiling the rich spiritual treasures contained in each. Based principally on the solemn texts and the writings of the Fathers of the Church, it clarifies the meaning and purpose of each celebration and suggests practical ways for participants to observe them, revealing how prayerful participation in the holy season of Easter brings life, joy, and holiness.
Meditations for Lent
Born in 1627, Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet won renown as one of the greatest preachers of his time through his pious example and simple eloquence. A perceptive writer, Bossuet helped believers understand the significance of Lent with his insightful sermons and spiritual writings.
Translated from French by historian Christopher Blum, this compilation features 50 brief but powerful meditations from Bishop Bossuet that complement the daily readings at Mass during the Lenten season, making it an excellent addition to your Lenten devotions.
Aquinas’s Lenten Meditations
In the straightforward, logical language for which he is famous, St. Thomas Aquinas reveals how to turn from the things of this world and focus on the things above in these Lenten Meditations. Reflecting on Our Lord and Our Lady as models, he explains the importance of fasting and how to grow in humility and purity.
Let St. Thomas Aquinas help you foster a deeper devotion this Lent with stirring reflections on topics such as: ways in which the blood of Jesus is precious and salvific; how Our Lady suffered and how she personifies charity, patience, humility, and obedience; how Christ manifested all virtues on the Cross, the “pulpit from which He taught all mankind,” and more.
Remember Your Death: A Lenten Devotional
What began as a series of social media posts about the ancient practice of “Memento Mori” – remembering our death – culminated in the creation of this Lenten devotional book. Written by Sr. Theresa Aletheia, it contains daily reflections based on the liturgy of the day for the duration of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter.
During the season when we remember Christ’s death on the cross, this devotional will help you meditate on the fragility of your life on earth and the incredible gift of eternal life. This book also includes a review of the day, a daily moment of prayer, and insights from the Church Fathers and saints. Prompts are provided for journaling that can be used along with the Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Journal, also available at the National Shrine Shops.
*Book descriptions adapted in part from their respective publishers.
Looking for more book recommendations?
In our previous Basilica Book Club post, discover three books that explore the faith journeys and spiritual insights of instrumental members of the Black Catholic community.