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. Drawing on the words of Jesus, he reminds listeners that true discipleship is about knowing and following the authentic voice of Christ, which is direct, life-giving, and trustworthy. Father James calls Catholics to live with integrity, giving rather than taking, and embodying the cadence of Christ’s words and actions in daily life.

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 Christian hope is not mere optimism or human stubbornness, but the assurance found in Christ’s victory over death. This deeper hope, he suggests, calls us to live with courage and faith beyond fear, surpassing the limitations of each generation.

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 in both quiet suffering and extraordinary courage.

Father James Grant unpacks the heart of Catholicism — God becoming one of us, living out our calling, embracing forgiveness, and finding prayer in everyday life — with honesty, warmth, and a dash of humour.

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, arguing instead that clarity, not conformity, is what sustains faith. He critiques the rewriting of history, the culture of resentment, and the erosion of gratitude in modern Australia, while affirming the Catholic call to use our God-given gifts in service of truth, humility, and thankfulness.

Sales of Father James Grant’s “Making Catholicism Work”, along with his previous works, can be obtained from Connor Court Publishing.

Click here to buy Making Catholicism Work.

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.

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 parallel to modern Australia, particularly among disconnected and anxious youth, Father James warns of a creeping “psychological communism” marked by fear and comfort over courage and meaning. He offers a bold message from the Catholic faith: true security is not found in safety or control, but in a life of faith, freedom, and service to others.

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 freedom from fear and a call to live a life that exemplifies true freedom for others.

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 of modern culture.

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 of Mary from parishes has had a crippling effect on parish life, as her life is the quintessential life of vocation, and her words are the most powerful words ever spoken by a human being.

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 statement of God’s closeness and communication, is seen as a radical departure from these other perspectives.

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 communist regimes, highlighting the need for a realistic understanding of Chinese communism and its suppression of religious freedom.

Father James Grant discusses how Catholicism could never have existed without the resurrection of Jesus.

Father James Grant discusses the self help / self improvement industry and Australia’s infatuation with self help.

Father James Grant discusses stoicism, a philosophy focused on self-improvement and duty, which 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 improvement, extending beyond personal development to include spiritual growth and understanding life’s purpose. It emphasises humility as a virtue that curbs self-love and recognises humanity’s reliance on God. Maximilian Kolbe exemplified this humility through his selfless act in Auschwitz, showcasing its transformative power.

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 potential backlash, he believes honesty is crucial, as Christ died for each individual.

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 to transcend demoralising trends and fails to resonate with the average person.

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 belief in Jesus as the full revelation of God, contrasting it with beliefs that view God as an abstract force.

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 grandmother and her granddaughters, suggesting a disconnect between generations and a decline in religious influence.

The speaker reflects on the profound impact of two women in his life, his grandmother and wife, who endured immense suffering but remained steadfast in their faith and commitment to others. Their experiences taught him the importance of spiritual stability, consistency, and love in the face of adversity. He emphasises the Catholic call to be reliable, joyful, and loving, not just enduring life’s challenges.

Father James Grant’s presentation, “Creative Catholicism,” explores the purpose of faith and the transformative power of suffering.

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 finding closeness to his deceased wife through the rosary.

Father James Grant 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 Dolores’s eight-day coma and subsequent recovery. Despite receiving professional medical care, Father James expresses concern about the hospital’s lack of acknowledgment of Dolores’s humanity and dignity, particularly the absence of Catholic chaplains. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing the transcendent aspect of human life beyond physical care, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to patient care.

The speaker expresses gratitude for an actor and a power beyond the immediate who cared for a woman.

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, not just in themselves but also in the world, and to actively work towards changing it.

Father James Grant discusses the public’s general confusion about God.

Father James Grant discusses a common question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

Father James Grant discusses praying to our lady.

This episode Father James Grant discusses self help and self improvement.

Father James Grant discusses apathy in Australia.

Father James Grant discusses common misconceptions associated with Catholic forgiveness.

Father James Grant discusses the truth about confession in Australia.

Father James Grant discusses what’s different about the Catholic view of love.

Father James Grant discusses the vitality of Catholicism.

Father James Grant discusses why Catholics must live authentic lives.

Father James Grant discuss taking control of your life’s circumstances.

Father James discusses the difficulty of forgiveness.

Thoughts on the capabilities of decision making Drones.

What does Lent mean for Catholics and how should we conduct ourselves in Lent?

Catholic challenges of a secular society besotted with sport and trivia.

Why the claims of Jesus have been rejected in the modern world.

God can meet you in the most unexpected places, not just in Church. God can pop up when you least expect it.