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: Compassion
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.
A Disarming Presence
In Chicago, a Catholic procession attempted to pray and distribute communion outside an ICE detention center, highlighting the compassion towards detainees and the disheartening response from authorities. The act reflects a broader Christian message of love and inclusion, emphasizing humane treatment for individuals regardless of their legal status.
The Age of Anxiety
The increasing anxiety and depression in society, exacerbated by constant news exposure, is concerning. Experts suggest limiting screen time, engaging in nature and exercise, and fostering personal connections. Encouragement to create positive news is vital. Recognizing and accepting feelings of anxiety can be helpful, supported by understanding and open conversations with friends.
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”
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.
Strangers or Guests?
The text explores the significance of hospitality in ancient Greek and Hebrew cultures, contrasting it with contemporary American attitudes toward immigration and xenophobia. It highlights the biblical call for compassion towards strangers and emphasizes the contributions of immigrants to American society, urging a more loving response to migrants as a moral imperative.
Joseph Stoutzenberger 