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Creativecatholicism Podcasts

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In a world shaped by dystopian fears and growing hopelessness, Father James Grant reflects on Mary’s “yes” to God as the beginning of a hopeful future, where humanity is called not to destruction but to fulfilment, freedom, and partnership with God through Christ.By creativecatholicism
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Father James Grant explores how modern Australian culture often avoids responsibility and embraces victimhood, contrasting it with Mary’s example of thoughtful discernment and courageous choice. He reflects on migrant successes and emerging struggles, urging a return to Marian responsibility as essential for renewing both personal faith and the Chu…
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In this episode, Mary and Truth, Father James Grant explores Pilate’s ancient question—“What is truth?”—and reflects on how Jesus’ answer shapes Catholic understanding in a modern world that often suppresses traditional moral voices. Through Mary’s quiet, transformative spirituality and Christ’s parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the ep…
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This episode of Mary for a Fragile World reflects on how decades of prosperity have left many Australians complacent, disengaged, and reluctant to confront the deeper causes of social problems, arguing that true compassion requires moral discernment and personal responsibility. Father James Grant critiques a culture that avoids judgment, noting its…
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In this episode of Mary for a Fragile World, Father James Grant explores the theme of “Mary and Mission,” reflecting on how Mary’s humble and faithful “yes” to God serves as the foundation and model for Christian mission. Drawing on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and scripture, he emphasises that mission is not only about helping other…
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Father James Grant explores Mary’s quiet humility and how her hidden faith reveals God in everyday life. He contrasts her selfless example with modern self-importance, urging listeners to take responsibility for their actions and serve others through small, unseen acts of love.By creativecatholicism
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Father James Grant explores how fear and hardship can test our faith and prayer life. Through a story of a desperate father and reflections on the saints, he shows that struggling with God is part of faith—and that the Holy Spirit restores our trust and communication with him.By creativecatholicism
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In episode 27 of Thinking Out Loud, titled “Trinity versus Chaos,” Father James Grant explains the Christian belief in one God as three equal persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and contrasts this divine community with today’s individualistic, disconnected culture. He argues that the Trinity reveals both the nature of God and humanity’s calling to…
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Father James Grant reflects on ageing, loss, and faith, challenging the idea of old age as a carefree “golden time.” Sharing the story of his late wife Dolores, he explores how suffering and loss can become paths to spiritual renewal. Drawing on Christ’s passion, he suggests that as we let go of worldly attachments and self-centered desires, we gro…
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant explores the universal reality of betrayal, from the failures of the disciples to modern examples in society and the Church. He reminds listeners that betrayal is part of human nature but that forgiveness—honest, humble, and responsible—is the path to healing and renewal. For Catholics, betra…
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In this episode, Father James Grant shares a story about a difficult person named Tony, who refused to take responsibility for his actions and blamed others for his problems. Using this encounter, Father Grant reflects on human selfishness and the Christian call to serve others and approach life with childlike humility. Despite frustration, he conc…
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In this episode, Father James Grant argues that the Catholic Church in Australia is being pressured to stay silent and avoid public influence. He urges Catholics to resist watering down their beliefs for acceptance, drawing on the example of Jesus’ rejection and Pope John Paul II’s boldness. The Church, he says, must speak the truth openly, even in…
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Mary for a Fragile World with Father James Grant opens with an exploration of Mary’s place in Catholic life and why devotion to her remains vital today. In this first episode, Father James reflects on Mary’s quiet strength, her example of humility, and her ability to guide us toward God through the ordinary and the small. Drawing on personal storie…
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on the Feast of the Ascension and its deeper meaning of human transcendence. He contrasts society’s pursuit of fame, recognition, and control—even through destructive means like pornography—with the Catholic vision of transcendence rooted in generosity, humility, and service. True fu…
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on the meaning of the resurrected life through stories from Brighton Cemetery, where his walks with his dog reveal tales of sacrifice, shame, dignity, and remembrance. He recounts the remarkable story of Maurice Buckley, a World War I soldier who overcame disgrace to earn the Victori…
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on the true meaning of love in light of Jesus’ words, “love one another as I have loved you.” While often used sentimentally in weddings or speeches, Father Grant explains that Christ’s love is not about emotion or group bonding, but about sacrifice, obedience, and surrendering our o…
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In this episode of the Modern Martyrs, Father James Grant tells the story of Blessed Bernard Lichtenberg, parish priest of St. Hedwig’s in Berlin. Known for his quiet but firm resistance to the Nazis, he opposed their sterilisation laws, protested abuses, and publicly prayed for Jews after Kristallnacht. Arrested in 1941 for his prayers, he refused…
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on the contrasts of modern life, where security and surveillance are rising yet crime continues to flourish, often through deception and scams. He shares personal stories and observations to highlight how trust, honesty, and authenticity have become increasingly blurred in society. D…
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on the meaning of “real hope” by contrasting the resilience of past generations with the challenges of today. Drawing on personal memories of his grandmother’s strength, the struggles of early Christians, and the story of a woman facing cancer with faith, he argues that true Christia…
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This is the first in a news series by Father James Grant. In this episode of Modern Martyrs, Father James Grant reflects on the life of St. Max Kolbe, the Polish Franciscan priest who gave his life at Auschwitz. Beyond his famous act of sacrifice, Kolbe’s daily devotion, service to the poor, and deep love of Mary reveal a model of faith lived out i…
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In episode 20 of Making Catholicism Work, titled "Change and Unchangeable Foundations", Father James Grant explores the tension between modern calls for institutional reform and the enduring truths of the Catholic faith. Drawing from his experience in industrial chaplaincy, Father Grant challenges the assumption that churches must adapt to survive,…
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Father James Grant reflects on his time living and working in communist East Germany and Hungary during the 1980s. He explores the illusion of state-provided security and the spiritual toll it took on society—highlighting how fear and dependency replaced freedom and personal responsibility. Drawing a striking p…
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Pilgrimage, or a journey to emulate someone’s life, is a powerful antidote to a lifeless faith. It involves detaching from self-centeredness and embracing a deeper connection with God and others. Through pilgrimage, we learn gratitude, compassion, and the importance of community, ultimately transforming our lives and relationships.…
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Father James Grant questions the true nature of freedom in modern society, contrasting it with the sacrifices made by Anzac soldiers. He argues that while Australians enjoy unprecedented freedom of choice, many lack freedom from fear and insecurity. Grant emphasises the Catholic perspective on freedom, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, as a free…
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Catholics value tradition as a preservation of truth, not just as an example. Modern Australians often criticise the church for needing change, yet are captivated by grand ceremonial events. Father James Grant argues that true love and commitment, like the Catholic faith, transcend personal needs and feelings, challenging the transactional nature o…
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The Catholic Church has largely stopped speaking about or calling people to a sense of vocation, which is the fundamental question of what task God is calling us to. This lack of discussion about vocation is the fundamental reason for the loss of energy and vitality in faith communities and the dismal connections to the wider community. The removal…
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Father James Grant discusses his directive approach to counselling, contrasting it with a more hands-off method. He applies this to religious beliefs, comparing the Catholic understanding of God as a communicating, self-giving Trinity to the more distant, aloof God of Judaism, Islam, and secularism. The Catholic belief in the Trinity, as a statemen…
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Father James Grant discusses Alexander Solzhenitsyn, a Russian author and dissident, criticised Western naivety towards communism, particularly American support for the Soviet Union. He argued this support strengthened communism and enabled the suppression of freedom movements. Solzhenitsyn also analysed the Catholic Church’s compromises with commu…
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Father James Grant discusses stoicism, a philosophy focused on self-improvement and duty, significantly influenced ancient Rome for 500 years. Despite its admirable principles, its practical application was often lacking, as illustrated by figures like Cicero and Marcus Aurelius. In contrast, Catholicism provides a more holistic approach to human i…
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Father James Grant recounts a conversation with a friend who rejected his suggestion to become Catholic, viewing it as controlling. He reflects on the perception of the Gospel as offensive to those who believe they are okay, and argues that the Church should proclaim the truth about self-indulgence and lack of love in Australian society. Despite po…
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Catholic art, rooted in the incarnation of Christ, elevates humanity and connects it to the spiritual realm. This is evident in architecture, such as Gothic cathedrals, and in sculptures like Michelangelo’s Pieta, which transform human suffering into inspiration. In contrast, modern Australian art, often elitist and government-subsidised, struggles…
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Father James Grant discusses the rise of various beliefs and practices in modern Australia, contrasting them with Catholicism. He argues that Catholicism, as a revealed religion, differs from these beliefs by asserting a specific understanding of God through the person of Jesus Christ. Father Grant emphasizes the uniqueness of Catholicism in its be…
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Father James Grant reflects on the contrast between his grandmother’s strong faith and the lack of religious practice in his own family. He recounts his grandmother’s hardships, including the loss of two husbands to war injuries, and how her faith sustained her through suffering. Father Grant contrasts this with a recent observation of a grandmothe…
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Father James Grant discusses the perception of God’s absence, highlighting how people often overlook God’s presence in their lives. He contrasts this with Jesus’ inclusivity and Mary’s continued work in the world, emphasising the importance of the rosary as a means of connecting with God and others. Father Grant shares his personal experience of fi…
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Father James recounts his wife Dolores’s hospitalization for heart surgery, which went awry due to extensive tissue hardening. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Dolores remained in a coma and was later diagnosed with a stroke. Conflicting opinions from doctors about her prognosis added to the family’s distress. The author recounts their wife Dolo…
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Father James Grant reflects on his time as a prison chaplain, challenging the notion that prisoners suffer from low self-esteem. He argues that many human problems stem from excessive self-importance and pride, suggesting that Lent should be a time for self-reflection on these issues. Father Grant emphasises the need for Catholics to confront evil,…
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