How Cats Perceive: Self-First, Others-Second

Cats pride themselves on independence. They are selective about when they respond and can often seem aloof, tuning out distractions from their surroundings. They might think, “They provide for me; I must be a deity.” In our self-centered culture, there’s much we can learn from these creatures, descendants of the powerful lion.

How Dogs Perceive: Unconditional Devotion

Dogs, on the other hand, are generally about surrender. If you seek a loyal companion, a dog is your best bet. They align with you and your lifestyle. However, without your presence, they may feel lost and might sulk if they sense neglect.

Dogs think, “They feed me, take me on walks, and include me in their lives; my owner must be a god.”

Cats, Dogs, and Cultural Lessons

Are you more inclined towards cats or dogs? We often switch between the two mindsets: either disengaging or genuinely surrendering to a higher purpose.

“Dogs default to friendship unless provoked; cats seem to make enemies unless persuaded otherwise.” — Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick, The 12 Cats of Christmas

When do you embody the spirit of a cat versus that of a dog? My Polish ancestors resisted German and Russian control while placing their faith in the Church. Thus, they exhibited both the defiance of cats and the loyalty of dogs, depending on the circumstances.

Recently, Michigan State University's student newspaper discussed whether to resume classes after a tragic shooting that resulted in fatalities and injuries. They called for a break, yet the university insisted that a week was sufficient for healing and community reconnection.

Nearby churches have been filled with students searching for answers to profound questions that faith can illuminate.

Meanwhile, at Asbury University in Kentucky, a continuous “spiritual revival” has been taking place since February 8, originating from a routine service. A student openly expressed his vulnerabilities, leading to an unbroken chain of worship that has drawn thousands, all surrendering to Jesus and experiencing a transformative wave.

Father Patrick Gonyeau from the Encounter School of Ministry visited Asbury recently and remarked, “It’s genuine; it’s impactful.”

“Imagine turning to God with complete trust, surrendering entirely to Him, deciding to set aside personal fears and hopes, and embracing only what He desires.”

With this mindset, you will discover true freedom and will not be troubled again—no earthly force can disturb your peace. — Father Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure and Blessed Claude de la Colombière, Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret of Peace and Happiness

Who Do You Trust Most?

Understanding trustful surrender to Divine Providence involves what Father Boniface Hicks identifies as three vital steps in the Christian journey:

1. Try.
2. Fail.
3. Surrender.

“Nothing in the universe occurs without God's will. This principle applies universally, except in the case of sin. Every event in our lives has divine intervention.” — Father Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure and Blessed Claude de la Colombière, Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret of Peace and Happiness

Life as a Story, Not a Problem

Father Mike Schmitz emphasizes that life is not simply a problem to solve but rather a narrative to experience. Surrendering instead of giving up means facing reality head-on rather than retreating into escapism.

Those battling addiction often forget the sanctity of their lives, tuning out from their responsibilities to escape into fantasies.

“Escaping my reality means spending excessive time observing someone else’s life—that’s giving up,” Schmitz explains. “Life isn’t a challenge to resolve; it’s a journey to embrace.”

The distinction between surrendering to God and giving up lies in engagement versus avoidance. Surrender reflects trust—unconditional and unwavering.

We may struggle and suffer, but ultimately, we surrender and recognize that Jesus is present in every experience.

“Jesus instructed his followers: ‘You have heard it said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other cheek as well.’”

He continued to advise generosity and love, urging us to strive for perfection just as our heavenly Father is perfect. — (Mt 5:38–48)

Psychology Insights: Dogs and the Human Mind

In America, we pride ourselves on independence and self-reliance, much like cats. But what happens when our efforts yield no results?

Martin Seligman, a noted psychologist, researched dogs and identified a phenomenon known as learned helplessness. This concept links closely with self-efficacy—our belief in our capacity to achieve our goals.

Learned helplessness suggests that clinical depression may arise from a perceived lack of control. In such moments of feeling powerless, surrendering may seem preferable to the cat that scurries away from visitors. In contrast, a dog may bark, attempting to regain control, yet they also know how to surrender and embrace the current moment.

Depression often involves dwelling on the past, while anxiety tends to fixate on the future. Fulton Sheen remarked, “All worry is atheism,” as it disregards God's overarching plan. Trustful surrender resembles a dog trusting its owner and cherishing the present as a divine gift.

“We discussed cats and dogs recently and concluded that both possess consciences; however, the dog—being honest and humble—often has a guilty conscience, while the cat, like a Pharisee, feels righteous.”

When a cat gazes at you, it’s as if it thanks God for not being like those dogs, humans, or even other cats! — C.S. Lewis, Letters to an American Lady