Creative Catholicism

In this episode of the Caravaggio series, Father James Grant explores Caravaggio’s painting The Taking of Christ and the profound nature of betrayal through Judas’ kiss. Reflecting on the contrast between words and actions, he examines the human cost of disloyalty and our own repeated failures in faithfulness to Christ. Ultimately, the painting challenges us to choose Christ not through declarations of support, but through humility, repentance and the daily imitation of his life.

In Station 8, Humility, Father James Grant explores the importance of self-reflection, confession and repentance in Catholic life. In a society increasingly focused on personal rights and self-development, he challenges us to recognise our own weaknesses, accept correction and seek God’s forgiveness. Through the teachings of Jesus, he reminds us that humility is the foundation of a deeper spiritual life, stronger parish communities and the possibility of continual renewal.

In this episode of The Witch, the Priest, and the Puppet Maker, Father James Grant reflects on the spiritual poverty that can arise from self-centred living and the pursuit of self-redemption. Drawing on personal loss, his own failures, and the biblical stories of Zacchaeus and the Prodigal Son, he explores the transformative power of God’s boundless love, forgiveness, and grace. The challenge is to recognise our need for God, move beyond self-love, and welcome the healing that only God can offer.

In episode 6 of Noticing the Unnoticed, Father James Grant explores the difference between building a meaningful life and becoming its own vandal through self-centredness and relentless self-expression. Drawing on Jesus, Leonardo da Vinci, Shakespeare, and the life of his wife Dolores, he reveals how enduring values, excellence, gratitude, and genuine attention to others help us build lives of purpose, fulfilment, and faith.

In this episode of the Caravaggio series, Father James Grant explores The Crucifixion of St Peter, reflecting on the humility, fragility and sacrifice at the heart of faith. Through St Peter’s turbulent journey and Caravaggio’s powerful painting, he considers how Christ transforms ordinary, flawed people through love. Drawing on his own life with Dolores, Father James reflects on the cost of following Christ and the enduring hope that love will overcome all our failures.

In Station 7, Father James Grant reflects on the tension between our own plans and God’s calling. Drawing on the examples of Mary, St Maximilian Kolbe and Cardinal Mindszenty, he explores how God’s plans often emerge through ordinary opportunities to respond with courage, generosity, patience and love.

In Episode 5, “Love of the Outsider,” Father James Grant explores the Catholic call to community, inclusion, humility and service. Reflecting on the tragic story of Shabnam Fadowsi and the parable of the Prodigal Son, he contrasts Catholic spirituality with an increasingly individualistic view of life, asking how we can learn to share in God’s joy for others and embrace even those who seem forgotten or insignificant.

In this episode of Noticing the Unnoticed, Father James Grant explores prayer as more than a private conversation with God. He reflects on the communion of saints, the quiet presence of Mary, and how humility can transform our prayer life. By learning to notice the unseen community praying with us, we discover a deeper understanding of grace, faith and the humble trust that allows us to accept God’s will.

In this episode of Caravaggio: Catholic Spirituality for Imperfect Catholics, Father James Grant reflects on David with the Head of Goliath and the relationship between humility, self-knowledge and true freedom. Through Caravaggio’s haunting self-portrait as Goliath, he explores our human tendency to blame others, avoid correction and place our own will above God’s, suggesting that genuine freedom begins with recognising our failures, embracing humility and allowing repentance to lead us towards new life.

In Gethsemane, Jesus enters the deepest experience of human loneliness, betrayal and abandonment. Yet his anguish is not a failure of faith—it is a profound encounter with the reality of the human condition. This episode reflects on the different forms of loneliness we experience, from the isolation that can be transformed by Christ into joy and peace, to the destructive loneliness born of selfishness and despair.

Through the stories of Gethsemane, the unnamed woman who anoints Jesus’ feet, and Judas, we are invited to consider how our own moments of failure, suffering and abandonment can become opportunities for transformation. A meditation and prayer for all who feel alone—and especially for those facing difficult decisions about life, pregnancy and hope—bring this station to a close.