by Jen Norton | Mar 2, 2026 | Painting Stories
Who should we blame for the state of the world? We revel in pointing out the proverbial splinter in our neighbor’s eye, believing it is up to us to enforce righteousness in others. But that is only self-righteousness, and not at all aligned with the God-given dignity...
by Jen Norton | Feb 5, 2026 | Painting Stories
One of the pillars of just about every religious tradition on earth is that of treating others as you would like to be treated. In a world with increasing violence towards those seen as disposable, it’s worth revisiting this idea and pondering why it has been a...
by Jen Norton | Feb 5, 2026 | Painting Stories
Nobody wants to mourn. Let’s face it, we do everything possible to distract ourselves from the uncomfortable. We sacrifice current Joy in fear of losses to be. We follow every medical fad that offers escape from our dreaded—and inevitable—death. We’ll...
by Jen Norton | Dec 18, 2025 | Painting Stories
It’s no accident that the “poor in Spirit” are named first in Jesus’ list of those who are blessed (or, happy) in his Sermon on the Mount. The poor in Spirit are those of us who understand that it is better to turn to God in our lack and frailty than...
by Jen Norton | Dec 4, 2025 | Painting Stories
Advent is now my favorite liturgical season. It wasn’t always that way. In fact, I’m not even sure I was aware of it’s existence as a child, despite growing up in a Catholic household. Reflecting on my young adult self, I don’t remember any...
