Pastoral Reflection: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026
What we focus our attention on has a profound impact on our lives. By paying attention to certain things, we give them agency and make them prominent in our minds and hearts. These influences shape our worldview and character, which in turn affect our relationships with others, our environment, and our relationship with God.
Focusing on toxic emotions like anger, bitterness, revenge, and jealousy can have detrimental effects on our hearts, families, communities, and the world at large. Instead, we should strive to focus on life-giving and uplifting things. As Dostoevsky famously said, "beauty will save the world."
By reflecting on true beauty, we can elevate our hearts and contribute to a better world. To make the world a better place, we can start by paying attention to the words of St. Paul in Philippians 4: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
By focusing on these uplifting qualities, we can become better people and make a positive impact on the world around us.
With love in Christ,
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