The author reflects on Christmas through a Catholic lens, recalling warm childhood memories while emphasizing the holiday’s importance for spiritual reflection and connection. The message of peace and love, embodied in Jesus’ birth, should permeate celebrations. Amid distractions, a meditative mindset can bring joy and reverence to this sacred season.
Tag Archives: spirituality of the ordinary
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.
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.
Are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dirty Words?
Joseph Stoutzenberger reflects on the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in education. He contrasts past efforts to promote DEI with contemporary opposition that argues it’s detrimental. Stoutzenberger highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in enriching education and emphasizes that addressing DEI can foster unity without sacrifice to fairness.
Rest Stop Wisdom
Joseph Stoutzenberger reflects on the importance of brief, encouraging messages found in public spaces, like “You Are Loved.” Highlighting narratives of journeys in literature, he emphasizes the need for compassion and connection among travelers in life. Ultimately, the message “You are loved” serves as a vital reminder for all.
Is Non-Violence Dead?
Joseph Stoutzenberger reflects on the contrast between hopes for non-violence during the “dawning of the age of Aquarius” and the ongoing global conflicts. He cites Gandhi and Jesus as proponents of non-violent resistance, highlighting historical and contemporary examples of conflict resolution through empathy and dialogue, emphasizing humanity over division.
Joseph Stoutzenberger 