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

November 18, 2024November 18, 2024 / 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!

Are You a Salt or Sugar of the World

March 1, 2022February 28, 2022 / chicoinematt

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According to Matthew 7:15, Jesus cautions us by saying, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.” Frankly, I did not realize that adage originated from the Gospels. Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Thinking about this phrase I have come to realize that Jesus is speaking not only to humanity in general, but directly to me! I need to be consistent in my love toward God and my fellow man in order to avoid turning into that same false prophet I am called to be on the look-out for.

Jesus spoke with such clarity and used tangible examples. I am not going to “reinvent the wheel” regarding today’s topic. During his Sermon on the Mount discourse in Matthew 5, the Good Teacher charged his followers to be the salt of the earth.

Above there are two pictures: one is salt the other is sugar. At face value both appear to be indistinguishable—similar to a wolf donning lamb’s fleece is camouflaged from its prey. Salt and sugar play a significant part in our life. Both add flavor to otherwise dull food. Excessive amounts of sodium and sugar lead to health problems. What I want to focus on is the dichotomous relationship between salt and sugar? Am I the salt or sugar of the Earth? Let’s see!

To preserve or not to preserve…that is the question

Aside from flavoring bland dishes or enhancing taste in already good meals, the main purpose of salt is to preserve food against deterioration. Salt draws out excess water from foods and dehydrates it. This process allows for increased storage times—especially in cases where food is in abundance and needs to be saved for later periods. Jesus used the example of salt because of its universal application and practical usage in daily living. He calls Christians to act as theological relish and preservative to society.

Sometimes a little salt goes a long way in improving the taste of food. We need not feel defeated if it feels like we are moving against a seeming endless tide of negativity from the world. Holiness is what all Christians are called to—look at the saints and the witness they provided a world in despair.

Deny Yourself and Follow Him

In high school, I took chemistry and became fascinated with the various atomic structures of elements, molecules, and compounds. I found a certain beauty in their ordering and design. Below are picture of the atomic structure of NaCL [sodium chloride- table salt] and C₆H₁₂O₆ [glucose- a common sugar].

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From a microscopic vantage point, a clear distinction may be made between these two common household items. Both are composed of entirely different elements [hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen in Glucose] and [sodium and chloride in salt]. Along with the having different building materials, sugar and salt are fashioned with different types of bonds—covalent and ionic respectively. Covalent bonds are stronger because the shared electron is what keeps the elements held together whereas in an ionic bond one element loses an electron to another causing one element to become positively charged and the other to become negatively charged such as in the case of NaCl or table salt.

In other words, the elements in table salt lose an electron to effect the ionic charge of the sodium or chloride molecule. Initially, losing may be viewing negativity [no pun intended!]. One may think that due to the stronger nature of the covalent bond in sugar that it should be preferred to salt. The New Testament does shed some light on the reality of loss and rejection. Luke 9:23-25 turns this notion on its head when Jesus says,

“Then he said to all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily^* and follow me. 24For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?'”

Christ’s words elicit a sense of paradox, yet allure within my mind. Interesting, I gain life when I serve other’s needs above my selfish desires. In my weakness I am stronger! Through a theological ionic bond, Christians act as holy seasoning to embolden our world.

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Instant Gratification Leads to Decay

Dentists frighten me. Not in The Exorcist or The Shining sort of way. Still, I get apprehensive, anxious, and move toward hypochondriac-like behaviors when the subject of dentists come up. Perhaps, it stemmed from my penchant as a little kid for losing my teeth quickly and easily. Or maybe my periodontal panic happened due to my need for braces– not once, but twice in my elementary school years! Regardless of where this toothy torment began, I recognize that when I limit my sugar intake life is much easier during my semi-annual check-ups.

Excess Destroys

Excessive sugar proves damaging to both our physical and mental well-being. Unhealthy attraction to sugar is simply a euphemism for the sin of gluttony. Our society suffers from the belief that instant gratification is better than self-denial or self-control. I am as guilty of this vice as anyone. I have made it a point to limit my sugar consumption and practice fasting– to help me both spiritually and physically. Jesus chooses not to use sugar as an example to relate to Christians because he understood the appeal and temptation this food item poses for humanity.

While sugar and salt look similar in outward appearance the two are vastly different. How do we distinguish between the two? First, we learn to trust the authority of the manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of these products. We trust that the packaging is correct. When a box at the grocery store says “SUGAR” it really is sugar and not salt. A second way to learn is more difficult– through the school of experience. Maybe sugar is housed in a clear container in your home. If you forgot to label it only tasting the substance, will you determine if it truly is sugar and not salt.

How Will You Season the World?

The same may be said about temptations and goods sent our way. Oftentimes, Satan dresses up sin as “sugar” to enhance its allure. This makes is easier to fell prey to his trap. Our adversary disguised sin under the costume of a juicy fruit– see Genesis 3 for the story of the Fall. May we continue to rely on the tradition of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scriptures, and testament of the saints for guidance in our journey toward holiness. Let us be the salt of the Earth and preserve society! There is more to you than meets the eye.

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Examples of a [Grand]Father

January 18, 2018January 18, 2018 / chicoinematt

Early this week, my grandfather passed away at the age of 95. He left 11 children my grandmother in an abundance of Grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. It is with more sadness and joy that I write today. My family – and the world – lost a holy man. His passing provided me an opportunity to pause to reflect on my own life. Sometimes it is important to stop and assess our spiritual life. Reflecting on my own path of holiness I need to take stock of whether I am living as God intended of me. Am I the best possible husband my wife deserves? What virtues may I improve on to become the best version of myself for my children? How am I doing as a Catholic man in today’s world?

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Saint Joseph is the Standard upon which all fathers should be measured on their greatness. St Josemaria Escriva said this about the foster father of Jesus, “St. Joseph was an ordinary sort of man on whom God relied to do great things. He did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do, in each and every event that went to make up his life. ” I am convinced my grandfather model his life after St. Joseph. As a farmer, husband, and father, himself my grandfather diligently and humbly worked to provide for his family and lived in obedience of God.

Obviously, we become biased toward our family members and especially hold them in higher regard after their passage from this life into the next. However, I have evidence that my grandfather modeled his life after the greatest male saint of all–Joseph. Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 7:16-20,

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.^k16^l By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.19Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.20So by their fruits you will know them.

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I see the holiness in my own father. I see my dad‘s humble witness to truth and to love for both my mother myself my siblings and the Catholic teaching. While my dad is a holy man in his own right, I believe his path towards holiness was forged in the days all his youth by my grandfather. I see loving examples of husbands and fathers in my uncles as well.

The example of a holy father figure carries a lot of weight. Its effects are tangible and stand the test of time. “Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength,” proclaimed Saint Francis de Sales. The gentle, patient, and humble example upon which my grandfather lived his life will not fade with his death. Instead, the legacy of strong father figures is continued in my father and uncles. Ultimately, I am faced with an important question: which kind of father do I want to exemplify to my own children? I hope to live up to the gold standard example of my grandfather’s [and St. Joseph’s] humble life. I continue ask God to give me grace to become the best version of myself on my pilgrim pursuit toward a joyous life!