Why do we flee silence for constant busyness? And how can beauty draw us back to God?
In this episode of Power & Witness, Fr. Mark speaks with Fr. Christopher Seith, priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC and Coordinator of Spiritual Formation at St. John Paul II Seminary. Together they explore the timeless insights of Catholic philosopher Josef Pieper on acedia (spiritual sloth), wonder, leisure, and beauty—and how these themes open us to reality as a gift and draw us deeper into God’s presence.
If you’ve ever felt restless, distracted, or caught in endless activity, this conversation offers a path back to peace, joy, and authentic Christian living.
0:00 – Introduction
1:12 – Who Was Josef Pieper?
4:08 – Acedia Explained
8:15 – Busyness & Distraction
12:27 – Leisure as the Basis of Culture
17:49 – The Role of Beauty
23:35 – The Present Moment
28:52 – Formation & Priesthood
34:10 – Living Pieper’s Wisdom Today
38:45 – Closing Reflections
