Seeds of Truth Ministries

Joseph Hollcraft

More Blog Entries

Come and See

I still recall as a young boy walking to our local grocery store, and one of my older brothers going underneath a bridge to find some crayfish. At the time, I had no idea what he was doing, or why he would be doing anything other than getting to the... Read more

Stretch for God

What is the first thing we do when we wake up in the morning—if not, before we get out of bed? Stretch (and yawn). We do this instinctively. Our bodies need to stretch after a good night’s rest, because it loosens our muscles and helps blood circulation. Stretching is more... Read more

The Son Becomes the Father and the Father Becomes the Son

In June of 2006 my wife and I went to the theatre to watch Superman Returns. As usual, I did not leave disappointed: from the imaginative cinematography to the engaging storylines, the movie moved swiftly along, but it was one encounter that had the hair on my skin stand up... Read more
  • 1 of 13
  • >

A lesson from Inigo Montoya (Princess Bride)

Growing up in a large family, it was common for us to gather around the television on the weekend to watch some of our favorite movies. If it was not Star Wars or Indiana Jones, it was often a movie that was silly enough for us to laugh at, and later quote over and over again. One of those movies was The Princess Bride (1987). No matter what we were talking about, the words of Wesley (the protagonist of the story who was eager to regain his lost love with the Princess), a.k.a. “the Man in Black”, and Inigo Montoya (who was somewhat obsessed with a grave injustice done to him early in his life), had their way of being a part of our living room conversations. The Princess Bride quickly became a Hollcraft pastime.

Fast forward twenty-seven years, and it should come to no surprise that we are still shamelessly quoting those cast of characters. In point of fact, it was just a few months ago that I found myself quoting the sword-fighting Montoya's timeless words: “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means”, when it occurred to me that the Spaniard who lived to avenge his father’s death has an important lesson for us today. Essentially: “know what you mean to say, and keep it in its proper context."

Words have meaning and purpose. We dialogue with words in order to create an understanding of tthe culture we live in, and the truth about the world around us. For this reason, it is important to know the meaning of the words we use, and keep in mind their proper use.  

That being said, words are never to be reduced to what is heard.  What do I mean? The origin of every word we utter comes from a place that is inaudible; the man who first thinks and feels within himself. Consequently, the inflection and tone of the words we use point as much to the interior life as they do to the world we hear and see. It is not enough to say that words are important, and be done with it. Words are important because they point to the contemplative state: the place where God inserts words into mind and heart that we might proclaim and live the eternal Word, Jesus Christ (cf. Jn 1:1). In both our prayer, and the relationships we share, words are to affirm the beauty of truth, and encourage the love that abides in that truth.  Indeed, words are life giving when they are drawn from the Source that gives life.

With its words, this blog intends to encourage critical thought and dialogue about subject matter that intersects faith and contemporary culture. Dialogues are much more interesting than monologues. If you would like to chat about the words on this blog, please do not hesitate to contact me (link).

Along with periodical reflections that will respond to contemporary questions, this blog will be highlighted by the Sacred Word, Sacred Scripture.  In this way, we will be better served to advance our religious conversations in their truth, beauty, and goodness.

All will be in the name of Jesus Christ!

View Dr. Hollcraft's author profile on Amazon
Unleashing the Power of Intercessory Prayer - Book Cover

“Hollcraft's book engagingly integrates his personal experience with the luminous witness of Scripture and the overflowing holiness of the saints to help you maximize the effectiveness of your intercessory prayer.”
Bishop Liam Cary
Diocese of Baker, Oregon

“With this book, Hollcraft opens the door to the humble act of praying for others and invites us, through practical and accessible tips, to step through that door with trust.”
Dr. Anthony Lilles
Author and Academic Dean of Saint Patrick's Seminary, Menlo Park (CA)

"As I read through these pages, I am reminded of our beautiful calling to pray for others, and Dr. Hollcraft explains here how to do so in deepest intimacy with Jesus Christ!"
Fr. Dave Pivonka T.O.R.
President of Franciscan University of Steubenville

Buy Now on Amazon.com

Buy Now from Sophia Institute Press

A Heart for Evangelizing - Book Cover

“Evangelization is never about numbers, and never about programs. It’s one heart setting another on fire. With this book, Dr. Hollcraft helps us keep the home fires burning—even as we set the world ablaze with Christ.”
Mike Aquilina
Award-winning author of more than 40 popular books

“Hollcraft wonderfully displays the tapestry of Catholic life and evangelization by weaving solid Catholic teaching, its application to the modern world, and clearly expressed examples that bring out the light and shadows of this beautiful picture.”
Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.
Author, television host, Senior Fellow of the St. Paul Center
for Biblical Theology

"In a world of burgeoning textbooks and media, the reminder that  catechesis is inescapably a personal task to which we are all called, through a cooperation with the redeeming and educative work of the Person of the Holy Trinity, is a timely and important one."
Dr. Petroc Willey
Professor of Catechetics, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Buy Now on Amazon.com

Buy Now from Emmaus Road