Prayer

3 Ways the Holy Family will Help Your Family

/ chicoinematt

Holy Family

According to St. John Paul II, “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” Families are a microcosm of society. The breakdown of the family unit is the greatest tragedy of our lifetime.

Living with other people is challenging.

Raising children is a full-time job. It’s an underappreciated and exhausting job. There is no parent manual. Too many unique circumstances exist for a clear-cut black and white rulebook. Right?!

While the details of parenthood can be debatable, there is a blueprint to raising a family with grace and love. This model is found by examining the Holy Family! Jesus. Mary. Joseph.

An analysis of Scripture and Traditional Catholic teaching will show us that the Holy Family’s love, obedience to God’s will, humility, and patience give you an example of how to foster meaningful and lasting relationships with your friends, spouses, children, and neighbors.

Model for the Family

In his Angelus on December 31st, 2006, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI declared, “The Holy Family of Nazareth is truly the “prototype” of every Christian family which, united in the Sacrament of Marriage and nourished by the Word and the Eucharist, is called to carry out the wonderful vocation and mission of being the living cell not only of society but also of the Church, a sign and instrument of unity for the entire human race.

Jesus displayed obedience to his parents. This truth is shown in the tradition of the Catholic Church. The opening Antiphon in the Divine Office for the Feast of the Holy Family is “Come let us worship Christ, the Son of God, who was obedient to Joseph and Mary.” Simple yet profound!

Imagine being God and still able to submit yourself to the authority of your father and mother.

Silence leads to sanctity

Guess how many words of St. Joseph did the Evangelists record in the Gospels? If you guessed a whopping ZERO then you are correct my friend! Though included in the key infancy and adolescent scenes of Jesus’ life the foster father of our Lord said nothing!

St. Joseph quote meme

The adage “actions speaks louder than words” applies more directly to St. Joseph than arguably any other person in history– as we can only analyze his actions. Cardinal Robert Sarah in The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise plainly stated, “Man must make a choice: God or nothing, silence or noise.” Using Sarah’s logic Joseph not only clearly, but overwhelmingly chose God!

Joseph’s ability to heed the Angel’s message to flee the wrath of King Herod demonstrates a complete trust and dependence on God. The noise of life yanks me in different directions– all away from God. Looking to the silent saint as a role model helps to remind me of the importance of asking the Lord for help.

St. Joseph provides the ideal for what it means to be a kind and loving father and man. More than ever this world needs strong men to be role models for their families and communities.

Humility overcomes Hubris

humility over pride

According to St. Louis de Montfort, “The Son of God became man for our salvation but only in Mary and through Mary.” Mary is honored because of her humility and obedience to the will of God. Her YES to God’s plan was the pathway by which Jesus entered our world.

Like St. Joseph, Mary’s trust in God was evident in her obedience, despite the unique circumstances the Holy Family was in.

Conclusion

Due to Original Sin, humanity suffers a fractured relationship with God. The Mystery of the Incarnation involved God becoming man in the Person of Jesus Christ. Divine Love selected Joseph of Nazareth to be the legal and foster father of Jesus Christ and protector of Mary. Mary was chosen to be the mother of the Son of God.

St. John Paul II closed his Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio by saying, “I entrust each family to Him, to Mary, and to Joseph.”

May all men reflect upon the silent, humble, and diligent example of the Holy Family. And may the Holy Spirit grant us opportunities to be holier versions of ourselves!

Related Resources

An Advent Reflection on Finding Gratitude in the Stressful Season

3 Titles of Mary that Give Me Hope

https://thesimplecatholic.blog/2019/12/25/a-birthday-letter-to-the-infant-son-of-god/

Thank you for sharing!

Why the Holidays Don’t Have to be Perfect in 2024

/ chicoinematt

💫💫💫Too often society places pressure for the perfect “holiday” season:

🔷all the gifts must be precisely wrapped and laden under the Christmas tree in a tidy order,

🔷the Christmas meal has to be cooked to the exact temperature and paired with the appropriate side dishes depending on the main dish,

🔷 family members need to behave–especially your “estranged/weird” uncle [or aunt or other unique relative you may have].

The Perfection Pitfall

⚜️Honestly, I fall into this fallacy almost every year myself.

⚜️This year was no different. Stomach flu, toddler tantrums, and lack of sleep dominated the weeks leading up to my Advent.

⚜️I struggled at times to see the purpose in the pain. Going to Sunday Mass helped reorient me back to the right path.

Reason for the Season

⚜️The season of Advent is not about preparing for the “perfect” Christmas where Mary and Joseph get a room at the inn.

⚜️Rather, Advent is about preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ. His birth took place in the messiness of the stable, his Passion and Death took place on the messiness of the Cross.

⚜️Not everything in my life will be neatly fit in my control. The same was true for the Holy Family.

Advent

Reflection Questions

❓Is you reaction to unplanned events similar to the humble reaction of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph?

❓How have you prepared your soul for Joy?

Thank you for sharing!

Happy Thanksgiving!

/ chicoinematt

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🙏🍂

Gratitude is our spiritual oxygen.

He has granted me many blessings this year.

I’m grateful for the many opportunities God has opened to me writing and marketing work as a means to provide for my family.

Thankful for my wonderful clients and for you my awesome supporters here in this group. 🙂

Grateful for my family, my dog, my friends, new teaching job, and the new magazine I started in city.

Most importantly, I’m thankful for Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar and the rest of the riches housed in the Catholic Church. ✝️ ♥️ 🙏

What are you most thankful for in 2024?

Thank you for sharing!

Happy Feast of Christ the King!

/ chicoinematt / 1 Comment

Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King in 1925. In his encyclical letter Quas primas the pope wrote,

Nations will be reminded by the annual celebration of this feast that not only private individuals but also rulers and princes are bound to give public honor and obedience to Christ. It will call to their minds the thought of the last judgment, wherein Christ, who has been cast out of public life, despised, neglected and ignored, will most severely avenge these insults; for his kingly dignity demands that the State should take account of the commandments of God and of Christian principles, both in making laws and in administering justice, and also in providing for the young a sound moral education (no. 32).

Christ the King icon

Jesus is a servant king. He came to minister to the poorest of humanity. As truly God and truly man, Christ is the Great Bridge to God the Father. The best kings unite and have the loyalty of their subjects. Unity can take place through force or love. Forced unity is not true unity—it is disunity masked under the guise of harmony.

People who live under the rule of a tyrant only obey the law because of penalty of prison or death. Lasting unity happens not in the form of forced government, but in the love of a family.

Through the sacrament of Baptism one becomes an adopted child of God. God rules through love not with intimidation tactics. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the Cross was in obedience to the Father’s will and out of love for us all. Let us see Christ, not as a distant aloof king, but instead a brother leading us with love!

Christ the King meme

Related Links

Christ the King of the Universe

Reflections for the Feast of Christ the King

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The Simple Catholic: A Journey of Faith, Humor, and Neurodiversity

/ chicoinematt

Life’s journey often resembles a winding pilgrimage, with steep climbs of joy and deep valleys of sorrow. My path as The Simple Catholic began in 2015, emerging from a crucible of intense suffering and anchored by an unwavering faith. Today, I invite you to join me in revisiting this pilgrimage, understanding the mission that drives The Simple Catholic, and exploring how faith, humor, and neurodiversity have shaped this unique ministry.

The Seed of Suffering

The year leading up to 2015 was marked by a series of profound challenges. My wife and I experienced the heart-wrenching loss of our unborn child to miscarriage. This loss was compounded by medical issues, the stress of new jobs, and the diagnosis of our son with autism spectrum disorder. In 2017, we faced yet another miscarriage, deepening our acquaintance with grief.

It was during this “Dark Night of the Soul” that my Catholic faith became more than just a set of beliefs—it transformed into a lifeline, an anchor keeping me tethered to God amidst the tempest of life. Like St. John of the Cross, I found that the darkness, rather than separating me from God, was paradoxically drawing me closer to Him.

The Healing Power of Words

As I grappled with the loss of our son Jeremiah, I turned to writing as a form of therapy. What began as a personal healing balm soon blossomed into something greater. Armed with a Master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a background in teaching, I found myself with a wealth of knowledge and a burning desire to share it, even as personal circumstances led me away from formal education.

Thus, The Simple Catholic was born—a mission to inform others about the Catholic faith and to demonstrate how joy can be found in daily life, even amidst suffering. Like St. Francis of Assisi, who found God’s presence in all of creation, I sought to reveal the divine in the ordinary moments of life.

Embracing Neurodiversity

My journey has been uniquely colored by my neurodiversity. Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, I’ve come to recognize this aspect of myself not as a weakness, but as a “superpower.” It allows me to make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, bringing a fresh perspective to age-old truths.

With the support of my wife (a special education teacher), our four children, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I’ve learned to harness my differences. My quirks and unique thought patterns, once seen as obstacles, have become valuable tools in communicating the richness of Catholicism.

This embrace of neurodiversity echoes the Franciscan spirituality that so deeply resonates with me. Just as St. Francis saw the divine reflected in all of creation, I’ve come to see the image of God reflected in the beautiful diversity of human minds and experiences.

Laughter as a Spiritual Practice

Humor has become a cornerstone of my spiritual life and my approach to The Simple Catholic. It serves as a stabilizing force during times when depression and anxiety threaten to overwhelm. This integration of joy and laughter into faith is reminiscent of St. Philip Neri, known as the “Laughing Saint,” who believed that humor and holiness went hand in hand.

From my love for “The Office” (Threat Level Midnight, anyone?) to my eclectic interests ranging from platypuses to board games, I’ve found that embracing life’s quirkiness can be a form of prayer and praise. After all, as G.K. Chesterton once said, “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”

Saints and Traditions: My Spiritual Roots

The spiritual context of The Simple Catholic has been shaped by a diverse array of saints and traditions. The wisdom of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross has taught me to seek God in the interior castle of the soul and to find Him even in the darkest nights. The boldness of Catherine of Siena and Athanasius of Alexandria inspires me to speak truth with courage and clarity.

The Carmelite emphasis on interior life and detachment resonates deeply with me, teaching me to seek God beyond the senses and imagination. Simultaneously, the Franciscan joy in simplicity and God’s creation informs my approach to finding the divine in everyday life.

The Mission Continues

As The Simple Catholic moves forward, the mission remains clear: to be the #1 source for funny and inspiring Catholic content. But beyond the humor and inspiration lies a deeper purpose—to walk alongside others on their spiritual journeys, offering hope, understanding, and a reminder of God’s constant presence.

Whether you’re a fellow neurodivergent soul seeking to understand your place in the Church, a parent navigating the joys and challenges of family life, or simply someone in search of a faith that engages both heart and mind, The Simple Catholic is here for you.

Together, let’s embrace the simple yet profound truths of our faith. Let’s find joy in the ordinary, strength in our differences, and hope in the promise of God’s unfailing love. For in the end, it’s not about being perfect Catholics, but about being simple, authentic followers of Christ, journeying together towards the joy that surpasses all understanding.

Welcome to The Simple Catholic. May our pilgrimage be filled with laughter, learning, and an ever-deepening love for the One who calls us each by name.

Thank you for sharing!

Sharing the Gospel: The Greatest Adventure in Life

/ chicoinematt

Have you ever felt that gentle tug on your heart, that whisper in your soul calling you to something greater? Maybe you’ve dismissed it, thinking it couldn’t possibly be for you. But what if I told you that this call is the beginning of the greatest adventure of your life?

As I sit here, reflecting on my own journey of faith, I’m reminded of the countless stories in Scripture and throughout history of ordinary people who said “yes” to an extraordinary calling. From fishermen becoming apostles to a humble nun in Calcutta changing the world with her love, the pattern is clear: God delights in using the unexpected to accomplish the unimaginable.

In our modern world, filled with distractions and comfort, it’s easy to overlook or ignore this divine invitation. We might feel unqualified, unprepared, or simply too busy. But today, I want to challenge you to see sharing the Gospel not as a burden, but as the thrilling adventure it truly is. Let’s explore together why answering this call might just be the most exciting thing you ever do.

The Call

God calls you to follow him. He did this with the first Apostles. Everyone’s calling looks a bit different but it almost always seems to be an interruption of your normal life and routine. I’m currently reading my children The Hobbit before bedtime. Something Gandalf the Wizard said in the opening chapter has prompted me into a deeper reflection of the Good News of Jesus Christ. He tells the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, “I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.”

How true is this when we are evangelizing? Once people realize that Jesus is calling us to a life of service and carrying the cross, it is easy for people to give up the journey or to never begin at all. The Hobbit’s tagline is “An Unexpected Journey”. Our journey of faith is often much like an unexpected journey too.

As Saint Pope John Paul II wisely said, “Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” This adventure, while unexpected and sometimes challenging, is the most fulfilling journey we can embark upon.

Thinking it over

Once the excitement of the call wears off worry and anxiety sets in. “What if I’m not good enough or talented enough or tough enough?”. You might question your worthiness in general. Paralysis by analysis. I totally get it! I have often struggled to act or start the “journey” because of the worry I let in and allowed it to simmer in my mind.

God knows that humans struggle with over analysis and angst. He wants to encourage us and gives us plenty of examples in the Gospel to show how He is trustworthy and to lean on Him. One of my favorite bible verses is from the Epistle of Peter. The saint writes, “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

In moments of doubt, it’s important to remember the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” This greatness often lies just beyond our comfort zone, in the realm of faith and trust in God’s plan.

You gotta just do it

The Nike slogan “Just Do It” is so simple and natural. It’s an effective brand saying because of its applicability to daily life. We see amazing athletes run, leap, and tackle difficulties in their sports. But it’s also a metaphor and practical mantra to take on life’s daily tasks. Wake up without hitting the snooze button. Make your bed before work. Eat your breakfast. These are things we should do and aren’t extraordinary, but they lead to extraordinary results when compounded day after day.

God is inviting you to join Him in sharing the Good News: Jesus died and rose from the dead. He wants to free us from our sins. But you gotta just do it. Jesus’ final words in Matthew’s Gospel were a command: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). In other words, Jesus is saying to just go out and preach the Gospel.

We are called to be bold. Not to hide our light under a basket. But to shine it and share it with others. Light begets more light. When you share your gifts God is generous and increases your gifts exponentially.

I have felt apprehensive about continuing on an adventure God invited me back in 2023. I let fear of failure seep into my heart and mind. Satan wants to sidetrack you and tempt you to give up the adventure altogether.

In these moments of hesitation, I’m reminded of the wisdom of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” This step-by-step approach can help us overcome our fears and doubts, allowing us to grow in our faith journey.

But remember, sharing the Gospel is the greatest adventure in life. It’s a journey that may seem unexpected, filled with challenges and self-doubt, but it’s also one that brings immeasurable joy and fulfillment. Just as Bilbo Baggins found courage he never knew he had, we too can discover strength we never imagined when we step out in faith to share the Good News.

So, are you ready for the adventure? The call has been issued, the journey awaits. It’s time to cast aside your worries, trust in God’s care, and just do it. The world is waiting for the light you have to share.

Thank you for sharing!

How the Letter of Saint James Guides Your Speech (and Heart)

/ chicoinematt

Saint James the Less

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on October 28, 2021.

The Sacred Scriptures contain truth and wisdom from God. These truths are eternal and ever relevant— and practical. When you live in accordance with the Word of God everything in your life is ordered. This doesn’t mean you will be free of struggles and suffering. However, you will experience an otherworldly joy and peace more often than when you don’t follow the Word of God.

One of my favorite books of the Bible is the Letter of Saint James. Despite being a short epistle (five chapters) it’s rich in wisdom and practical advice. Chapter 3 is especially relevant for my battle against sin. Saint James details out the importance of how your words can guide your spiritual life. The old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me” is false. Words matter. How you phrase something helps or hurts people. The Apostle gives a few tangible examples in chapter three of his epistle showing how speech helps or hinders the spiritual life.

Bridle the Tongue

How many times this past week have you said something you regretted? Emotions get high in stressful situations. This year (it still feels like 2020 right?) has tossed enough curveballs at us to last ten lifetimes. Pandemic. Social unrest. Inflation. And other unimaginable situations hit you. Even something simple as workplace conflict with a coworker can set your tongue shooting verbal fireworks.

Kindness in words

Saint James writes, “If anyone does not fall short in speech, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body also (James 3:2). The word bridle refers to headgear placed on a horse (including reins and a mouth-bit) to help restrain the animal from running too fast—knocking a rider off. It helps allow the rider to communicate with the horse. Synonyms include check, curb, tame, rule, or govern. The saint tells his readers the perfect man can govern his whole body when he keeps his words in check.

Words are manifestations of thoughts. In my life, I tend to lash out verbally at my family or at work when I internalize negative thoughts. Short-staffing issues at work has drained everyone in my workplace. Add increased demands and it is a potential emotional powder keg. How am I going to control my negative feelings amid a stressful situation? How can you prevent your tongue from steering you off the path of holiness?

Tongue is a rudder of the body

Rudder of the Mouth

Saint James calls the tongue rudder of the mouth. Boats were a common mode of travel in ancient times. The rudder is the part of a ship that steers—gives direction for the boat’s journey. So too, your words can guide how your daily travels with go. During the stressful storms (of a Monday or frantic weekend shift) how do you react? How do you show your frustrations?

While words (thoughts externalized) steer your attitude and have a big impact on your day don’t lose hope if you begin the day “sailing” away from your destination. The Holy Spirit is always present to help redirect you on the holy path. If you’ve ever sailed on a boat, you know how the impact airstreams are and how you need to adjust your sails. God sometimes allows you to suffer setbacks for you to realize you aren’t always in control. You need help. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak—it’s a strength and sign of humility.

Tongue is a fire James 3:6

Words are Fire (of Love or Hate)

The third image Saint James compares the tongue to is fire. Fire is often associated with being a destructive force. I remember teachers and my parents cautioning me against playing with flames. Stop. Drop. And roll. “Only you can prevent forest fires.” These words are imprinted into my memory forever. I stayed away from fire out of love and obedience to my teachers and parents. Saint James writes, “The tongue is also a fire. It exists among our members as world of malice, defiling the whole body and setting the entire course of our lives on fire, itself set on fire by Gehenna (James 3:6). Words have the power to set tempers ablaze. You don’t have to search far on the Internet to know how true this is.

Fire heals

But there’s another aspect of fire you might not immediately realize—healing. The Catholic Church’s doctrine of purgatory compares the process of being purged from impurities as painful. Saint John Vianney wrote, “The fire of Purgatory is the same fire as the fire of Hell; the difference between them is that the fire of Purgatory is not everlasting.” What a thought-provoking quote! To tie-up this point (before I fall into a theological rabbit-hole), fire is in one sense destructive, but in another a means to purify. God’s love is all-encompassing and fervent it sometimes it feels painful.

Saint Catherine of Siena fire quote

From Apostle to Doctor of the Church (A Brief Aside)

Saint Catherine of Siena often referred to the Holy Trinity’s love as a fire. Writing to Brother Matteo di Francesco Tolomei of the Order of the Preachers, Catherine offers words of encouragement that hope is founded in the love of God, “kindled by the fire of divine charity.” In another letter, to religious sisters, she longed for the passing of their suffering in saying,

Dearest mother and daughter in Christ sweet Jesus: I Catherine, servant and slave of the servants of Jesus Christ, write to you in His precious Blood: with desire to see you so clothed in the flames of divine charity that you may bear all pain and torment, hunger and thirst, persecution and injury, derision, outrage and insult, and everything else, with true patience; learning from the Lamb suffering and slain, who ran with such burning love to the shameful death of the Cross (emphasis mine).

Conclusion

Going back to Saint James’ letter, the apostle wanted to remind his fellow Christians how important words can harm or help in the spiritual life. Amid stressful situations you may have to bridle your tongue against harsh language. The mouth is a rudder of the body and sins like gossip, anger, calumny, and lying can steer you off course. Finally, his imagery of the tongue being akin to a fire ablaze in a forest teaches how words can build up (or tear down) your relationship with God and others.

Related Links

3 Ways the Epistle of James Will Help You Succeed in Daily Life

What Can St. James Teach Us About Redemptive Suffering?

James 3

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