The Latest
Pope Francis’ Message for Lent/2021 [Podcast]
Pope Francis reminds us of the meaning of Lent and offers practical advice on how to deepen our experience of it.
Catholic Stuff Even an Atheist Could Love
Just cause you aren’t Catholic doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from some things Catholicism has to offer.
Hope: A Lenten Parable
Halfway through the desert, I found him, standing at the top of a sand dune. With my net full of rocks, I struggled to the top of it and fell at his feet…..
Pope Francis: Politics Can Still Be a Force for Good
Politicians can still fulfill what Pope Francis calls a lofty calling working for the common good. But also, what role does the church play in fulfilling that goal?
What Does a Healthy Populism Look Like?
What does a healthy populism look like? Pope Francis explores this in chapter 5 of Fratelli Tutti.
The Prison of Pride and the Home of Humility
This is a 3 minute video meditation on pride and humility – the way one imprisons us and the other sets us free.
Globalization or Localization? Pope Francis says, “Both!”
Pope Francis says we need to hold the two goals of dealing with global problems and taking care of our own in tension with one another.
What Does a Healthy Populism Look Like?
Pope Francis addresses the need for good governance and politicians who look towards the common good of all those they serve.
Links for a Defense of Catholicism
People have honest questions. Here are some sites that address concerns protestants, atheists and others might have about the validity of the Catholic faith.
How to Keep the Fire of Faith Burning
It’s one thing to light the fire of faith. It’s something totally different to keep it burning. In this video, I go over basic practices that help me keep my Catholic faith alive.
What Every Bishop should Say to a President
The church has a long, proud history of calling world leaders to the carpet. The USCCB’s statement to President Biden was wholly appropriate.
What does Loving the Immigrant Actually Mean?
God wants us to love the immigrant and refugee in our midst. But what does that really mean? Pope Francis addresses the practical steps countries need to take to love the stranger in their midst.
Atheist Women can be Pro-Life, Too
You do not have to be religious to be pro-life, and saying you do is intellectually lazy.
When I Evangelize, I am Not in Control
Evangelism is not about conquering opponents, and the outcome is not ours to control.
Why I am Catholic – Closing Thoughts
This is the last video in the “Why I am Catholic” series I put up on my YouTube Channel.
Why I am Catholic – Specifically
With the multitude of denominations out there, deciding to “follow Jesus” can mean a lot of different things. This is why I chose Catholicism specifically.
Why I am Catholic – Miracles
It might sound strange, but miracles are part of the reason I believe in God. In this video, I explain why.
Politics is Dirty. What is a Catholic to Do?
Catholic citizens of the US have a responsibility to help shape political life. But how?
Why I am Catholic – Biblical Evidence
The Bible, however old school it is, is still one of the reasons I’m Catholic. It is evidence for faith.
Why I am Catholic – Evidence for God in Nature
In this video, I give the evidence for God in nature specifically – human nature and the nature of the universe – that is most compelling to me personally.
Why I am Catholic – the Movie
Someone on the internet asked me for evidence of my faith. In response, I thought I’d explore again why I became Catholic. This is the introduction to the series.
Yes, Even Countries Should Care about Other Countries
If I am my neighbor’s keeper, does that mean families, communities and even countries need to care about others on a larger level? Pope Francis says, “Yes.”
You Can’t Do This Alone
How can I fix the world’s problems? It is overwhelming. But in discovering our personal vocation, we find our part to play in making the world a better place.
What, Who and Why is Catholic Anonymous?
What I do, and why I do it.
Pope Francis: See the Poor and Act in Concrete Ways
Pope Francis encourages us to see how we can be a little bit like the characters in the story of the Good Samaritan. He counsels us to really see the poor and disadvantaged and act in concrete and local ways to help them.
Which Story Tells Us the Truth?
The stories we tell ourselves shape us. The world has one story about Christianity, but I have mine.
The Monsters of Social Media, Fr. Grunow’s Talk
Fr. Grunow insists that we need to understand social media platforms as artificial intelligence – something that is learning from us day by day.
What Does the Good Samaritan have to do with Global Issues?
Pope Francis insists that the parable of the Good Samaritan has a lot to say about how we must address pressing global problems today.
Pope Francis: Texting ≠ Real Relationship and the Need to Help Immigrants
Pope Francis makes the case for relationships IRL and explains the responsibility we all have to be open to immigrants.
When I was Weak, You Gave Me Strength
This is a short, 2 minute video meditation on God being everything we need in life.
Pope Francis Calls on Countries to Work Together
In the first chapter of Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis calls on countries to work together to deal with the pressing global issues of today.
The Spiritual Bonds that Tie Us Together
We know what divides us as a country. And what divides us matters. But what unites us spiritually and ties us together matters, too.
After the Riot on the Capitol, What Now?
The problems change, but the answer always stays the same.
Toxic Politics and Globalization – YouTube Video
This is the third Wisdom of Pope Francis podcast episode I have converted into a YouTube video. Continuing in Fratelli Tutti, I get into the section where Pope Francis talks about the benefits and perils of globalization and also the way a toxic political culture can divide us.
Can We All Just Go to Confession?
After the rioting in the Capitol, and all the insanity that has gone on in 2020, let’s look at the sin inside us before finding it in others.
Intro to Fratelli Tutti – YouTube Episode
This episode of Wisdom of Pope Francis covers the introduction to Fratelli Tuttie, the pope’s latest encyclical. These are podcast episodes I am converting to YouTube videos.
We Need to Hear Pope Francis’ Call to Fraternity
Now more than even, we need to hear Pope Francis’ call to friendship on an individual and societal level.
3 Spiritual Exercises to Help You Grow in Christ
Sometimes we need practical exercises to help us grow spiritually. Here are 3 that can help jump-start your walk with God in 2021.
Splitting this blog up…. again.
This blog is splitting up into three…. again…
3. Biblical Overview: From Abraham to the Promised Land
In section, I go from Abraham to the Promised Land in my “Through the Bible” series.
How to Rip a Soul From God: Thoughts on the Ravi Zacharias Scandal
Do religious leaders like Ravi Zacharias realize the devastation they cause when they abuse the flock or live a double life?
I Don’t Remember – Music Video by Catholic Anonymous
My father died a few years ago. This is a song I wrote about the good memories we had together. I hope you enjoy it.
Sola Scriptura Doesn’t Work
Reading the Bible as though it were our only source for Christian dogma puts us in a sticky situation. We need the context of the larger tradition of the church.
Any Other Woman – a song by Catholic Anonymous
This is a music video of a song I wrote for my wife a few months ago. I hope you enjoy it.
Happy New Year and Thank you!
It’s been a crazy year. I hope the next one is better for all of us!
5 Amazing Catholic Movies
Christian films can be a little… meh. These, however, are cinematic masterpieces. How many have you seen?
Is the Catholic Church a Force for Good?
The church is a force for good – both now and in the past. To say otherwise is to ignore the thousands who have toiled throughout history in the name of Christ.
Mental Illness is Not a Death Sentence
Mental illness can wreck lives, or it can make everyone stronger and more compassionate. Here is what I’ve learned along the way.
Carry Me – a Song by Catholic Anonymous
A music video about depression and running to God in the midst of it.
2. Biblical Overview: From Adam and Eve to Abraham
The cycle of sin, cleansing and salvation repeated itself from Adam and Eve down to Abraham. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Christ: the Mediator Between Us and Everyone
Relationships become dysfunctional and abusive when Jesus is missing in the middle of them.
1. Biblical Overview: Angels, Demons, and the Fate of Humanity
The beginning of a broad overview of the Bible in my “Through the Bible” series on this blog, starting with the angels, demons, and first parents.
The Original Silent Night vs. the Vatican’s 2020 Nativity
Fred and Pete were appalled at the Vatican’s 2020 nativity scene. So God took them back 2000 years to the original one.
Pissed at God? Remember the Cross, Part 4
When we suffer, we must think about the suffering of Christ. It pulls us up from the hole we can so easily sink into.
Pissed at God? Practice Gratitude, Part 3
Gratitude doesn’t come easy. It needs to be practiced. But once it takes root, the blessings are enormous.
Pissed at God? Pray the Psalms, Part 2
When we are full of emotion and don’t know how to talk to God, he gives us the words to speak.
What Do I Do When I’m Pissed at God? Part 1
It’s normal to feel angry at what God puts your through. How do we work through our emotions without jettisoning the faith?
What is the Heart of the Catholic Faith?
Catholicism is a big, sprawling religion, but at the heart of it is a very simple message every Catholic must come back to every day: the Kerygma.
Pope Francis: Communities can be Self-Focused, Too
Pope Francis encourages families, communities, and even whole countries to stop being self-focused and look to how they can help others.
Going Through the Bible: An Introduction
I’m beginning a new section on this site going through the Bible. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Is this a Dialogue or a Debate?
Being open to dialogue and another point of view are acts of love for our neighbor. It doesn’t mean we have to let go of our convictions.
Catholic Culture Even an Atheist Could Love
In the rich history, culture and tradition of the church, even an atheist can find something to enrich the soul. Here are a few things the church has to offer.
The Catholic Marriage is a Romantic Adventure
There is nothing more crazy and romantically wild than a Catholic marriage. Hands down. No contest.
Keep Up that Humble Catholic Blog
Fellow humble Catholic blogger, you may only be getting two views per post, but it might still be worth it. Here’s why….
Banning Facebook Commenters
I am happy to have a conversation with you if you disagree with me, but you need to be aware of the ground rules first. Don’t cross the line.
The Catholic of Honor
Another cool site! This one from a Catholic apologist who knows his stuff.
The Shades of Sin and Holiness
People may mock the idea of venial and mortal sin, but knowing there are degrees of wrongdoing can be a comfort for the Catholic person.
Remember Me – Music Video
I took one of my songs and put some video footage to it. It’s about dealing with doubt.
Wrestling with God
A short (but not too short) story about three people, their relationship with God, and the eternity it leads them to.
When Pagans Help Me Worship Jesus
Should I feel bad that Bjork and Rufus Wainwright’s music inspires me to worship God? Nah
Spiritual Direction in a Pandemic
I wrote a post over at All Along the Watchtower. Paul counsels us to pray without ceasing, abstain from evil, and give thanks in everything.
What Matters to Us Does Not Matter to God
What matters to us often doesn’t matter to God.
What if Giving $10 Could Eliminate $1000 of Medical Debt for Someone?
One work of mercy you can do this Advent? Eliminate a very large amount of medical debt for your neighbor at very little cost to you.
Why Do You Matter?
Why are we important? What gives us value? These eternal questions are not as easy to answer as you might think.
A Very Important Man
What is the most important work we do?
Calling All Catholic Content Creators!
Want to help and be helped by other Catholics trying to spread the beauty and truth of the faith online? Check this out.
How to Pray the Way Jesus Taught Us
The Lord’s Prayer is deceptively simple but packs a wealth of spiritual insight into ourselves and our relationship with God.
The Culture War’s Collateral Damage
Who becomes the casualty when Christians fight Christians in today’s culture war?
All Along the Watchtower – a Delightful Site
I found a cool Christian site! You should check it out.
Three Cheers for the Boring Priest!
We hear stories all the time about the young celebrity pastor or priest who falls from grace – Carl Lentz being the latest. Maybe it’s time to appreciate the old, boring ones.
Where are All the Fathers?
There is a shortage of good fathers in the world, but the good news is, you do not have to have a biological child to be one.
Are You Ready for the Advent of Our Lord?
He came a helpless child. He will come again a mighty king. A video reflection on the coming of Christ.
Forget the Year of the Ox. This is the Year of St. Joseph!
Pope Francis has declared this coming year in the Catholic Church the Year of St. Joseph, encouraging Catholics everywhere to look to the foster father of Jesus as a model for our own lives and for intercession.
The Link Between the Protestant Reformation and Polarization
Polarization is nothing new. Could looking at the Protestant Reformation help us diagnose our problem and find a way out of it?
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Catholic Fatherhood Hit Me
You are never totally ready for it, but if I could go back ten years ago, this is what I would tell myself.
My Journey to Catholicism
I’m writing over at jessicahof.blog as well as here. Check out my post there and read other great writers on the site.
Why This Blog?
What is this blog about?
You are going to be OK. Don’t give up.
Hang in there. You are going to be all right.
Who are You in the Story of the Good Samaritan?
Continuing our deep dive into chapter two of Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis challenges us to ask ourselves what we can do to help the poor and disadvantaged.
Giving to the Poor is a Matter of Justice, Not Charity
I mean, it IS about charity. But if we think being generous is a matter of giving what we don’t owe to someone who doesn’t deserve what we give, we are way off the mark.
Wrestling with God – a New Fiction Book on Prayer
A new book about Heaven, Hell, prayer, death, life, and true love all in under 7000 words.
What Did Mary See? A Video Reflection on the Incarnation
A video meditation on the beauty and meaning of the incarnation. I hope you enjoy it. Happy Advent!
Pope Francis on the Good Samaritan and Global Issues [Podcast]
Episode 7: In chapter 2 of Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis explores what the parable of the Good Samaritan has to do with addressing global problems today.
What Does it Mean to Be Catholic?
What does it mean to be a Roman Catholic? Find out what the church calls the “very necessary minimum” for being in and growing in the church.
The Problem with Burning Everything to the Ground
Love them or hate them, we need institutions, and we need to listen to their collective wisdom – now more than ever.
Pope Francis on Why Facebook Cannot Take the Place of Real Community. Also, Care for Immigrants [Podcast]
Continuing through Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis explains why online community is not the same as in-person community. Also, the dignity and humanity we need to show immigrants.
When Bishops Get it Right
The McCarrick report highlights the need for the church to take seriously the cries of those who are abused. Thankfully, in many ways, it’s already begun to do that. May more still be done!
I’m a Conservative Catholic, and I Love Pope Francis
I think you can love the traditional Catholic faith and be a cheerleader for Pope Francis at the same time. Here’s why.
The Value of a Single Human Soul
For the first time ever, I’m not comfortable arguing with a pompous attitude.
Pope Francis Outlines the World’s Most Pressing Problems [Podcast]
We’ve got human trafficking, poverty, abuse of the environment, and disregard for the disabled, unborn and elderly. Pope Francis encourages us to come together globally to do something about it.
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