The post reflects on moments of connection and awareness, emphasized by the hospice nurse’s comment on dying individuals experiencing “gifts” of lucidity. It recounts an unexpected encounter with a police chief who offered free pumpkins, celebrating life’s simple pleasures. The author highlights the importance of appreciating these moments, both in life and through faith, as they carry significance beyond death.
Category Archives: Beauty and Awe
God Paints the Leaves
The author reflects on a moment with his grandson Brendan, who connects theology and nature through a simple observation about autumn leaves. This leads to a discussion on how religions express profound truths through stories and poetry, emphasizing the importance of faith and gratitude over scientific explanations.
Saints Among Us
by Joseph Stoutzenberger On September 7, 2025, the Catholic Church officially canonized as saints two young Italians from the past century: Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis. Pier Giorgio died in 1925 at the age of twenty-four. Carlo Acutis died in 2006 of leukemia at the age of fifteen. Both were renowned for their passionContinue reading “Saints Among Us”
What Does It Mean to Believe in Jesus?
by Joseph Stoutzenberger So many of my friends were brought up Catholic or some other religion but now have no time for it. If anything, they look upon religions in a negative light and no longer consider themselves Christian. My Jewish friends are for the most part “culturally Jewish.” Their identity as Jews is linkedContinue reading “What Does It Mean to Believe in Jesus?”
What Is the Mystical Body?
The author reflects on attending Mass in solidarity with their daughter-in-law undergoing surgery. They explore the concept of the “mystical body of Christ,” emphasizing the deep connection shared among believers and all creation. Through liturgy, they experience unity transcending physical distance, embodying Pope Pius XII’s vision of the Church’s inclusivity.
The Zen of Childlikeness
The author reflects on the essence of childlikeness, illustrated through a moment with his grandson, and connects it to teachings in the gospel. Emphasizing simplicity and presence, he differentiates childlikeness from childishness. The narrative encourages embracing joy and wonder while recognizing the importance of humility and openness in experiencing life and faith.
Where Is the American Dream Today?
by Joseph Stoutzenberger A few years ago, I had a class of twenty-five students. Looking over the class list, I discovered that thirteen students had Hispanic surnames. They typically were studying to be nurses or to work in another medical field. School policy was not to inquire about a student’s citizenship status, but it isContinue reading “Where Is the American Dream Today?”
A Culture of Life
In the mid-1970s, U.S. Catholic bishops proposed teaching a “Respect Life” course in high schools, emphasizing a broad, interconnected approach to life issues. Cardinal Bernardin and Pope John Paul II advocated for a culture valuing all life stages, opposing a limited focus on certain issues like abortion. Thomas Berry calls for a transformative “new story” that prioritizes life’s interconnectedness.
What’s Sinister?
The author reflects on a personal experience in a gay bar, paralleling feelings of discomfort with societal perceptions of difference, particularly for sexual minorities and left-handed individuals. Highlighting Pope Francis’ supportive stance, the piece advocates for acceptance and celebration of diverse identities, urging society and the Church to embrace rather than marginalize differences.
Holiness and Hope in the Ordinary
Joseph reflects on a positive train experience that reveals the connection between everyday encounters and divine love. Drawing from insights of theologians and scientists, he emphasizes humanity’s interconnection and responsibility to shape the future through kindness. Ultimately, he advocates for a collective effort to nurture love in everyday life.
Joseph Stoutzenberger 