Creative Catholicism - The Witch, The Priest and The Puppet Maker - Episode 5 - Love of the Outsider

In Station 9, The "This World Station", Father James Grant reflects on the dangers of placing humanity, political ideologies and material possessions above God. Drawing on the failures of Marxism and other systems built on human power, he contrasts their destructive ambitions with the Catholic vision of human dignity, humility and service. Through the teachings of Jesus, he challenges us to look beyond worldly success, place our trust in God and discover that true fulfilment comes not from serving ourselves, but from serving others and seeking God’s kingdom.

In Episode 7 of The Witch, the Priest, and the Puppet Maker, Father James Grant explores the challenge of surrendering control and allowing God to lead our lives. Through three Gospel stories of humble, unnamed women, he reflects on forgiveness, compassion and the transformative power of faith. Drawing on the quiet lives of Dolores and Iranian puppet maker Shabnam Fedowsi, he reminds us that the path to God is found not in self-importance or worldly achievement, but in humility, trust and the willingness to let God do His work.

In this episode of Noticing the Unnoticed, Father James Grant explores the true meaning of honour and the dignity every human being deserves. Reflecting on the treatment of the elderly, the medicalisation of childhood and the growing neglect of those on society’s margins, he challenges Catholics to rediscover their responsibility to honour others through attention, compassion and service. Drawing on the example of his late wife, Dolores, he reminds us that genuine honour begins by recognising the God-given value of every person.

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.