Adorable

by Mary Luti | published on Jan 26, 2026

Discussion Questions 

  1. Read Philippians 4:4-9. Then read the devotional below, “Adorable.”  
  1. Paul urged the Philippians to think about things that are good, commendable, just, and pleasing. Does that mean we’re supposed to ignore the violent and unjust things happening around us and just think “happy thoughts”?  
  1. Where is your attention fixed these days? If you’re in a doom loop, what could help you get out of it? 
  1. What do you think Mary Luti means when she writes that watching cute videos is (or can be) akin to prayer and defiance? 

Devotional 

Finally, beloved, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8, excerpted (NRSV) 

The only thing wrong with cat videos is that they’re too short. There’s one teensy orange kitten I could watch all day, but the clip’s only 20 seconds long.  

Now, before you judge me – “The world is on fire and you’re watching cats?!?” – please note that the apostle Paul approves.  

Well, no, he wasn’t thinking cat videos when he urged us to dwell on commendable things. But he could’ve been. Kittens are pleasing, and way worthier of our attention than conspiracy theories, alarmist memes, the pitiful performances of pusillanimous politicians, and the grotesque perversions of the vastly wealthy. 

Paul knew that dwelling overlong on crapioca like that is deforming and enervating. It takes the fight out of us. Whereas dwelling on honorable and pleasing things inclines us towards the good, strengthens us for doing it, and encourages us to keep at it.  

And – all appearances to the contrary notwithstanding – there’s so much good to think about, so many good people to honor with our attention, so much good justice being waged that we can celebrate. And, yes, so many adorable cat videos to enjoy.   

So don’t judge yourself (or me) for watching kittens and frolicking adolescent otters. It’s not evasive or shallow. Well, maybe it is a little. But in this hard-edged age when the powers take pleasure in being cruel, to let your spirit be shaped, your mind filled, and your heart reoriented by good and pleasing things – however small, silly, or trite – is nothing short of an act of faith.  

The pleasure we feel in them is akin to prayer, our relief is praise, our laughter is defiance, and the sweetness that pervades us is God’s own.

Prayer
Did you see the one with the teensy orange kitty, God? Wasn’t it adorable? You are, too.

Mary Luti About the Author
Mary Luti is a long time seminary educator and pastor, author of Teresa of Avila’s Way and numerous articles, and founding member of The Daughters of Abraham, a national network of interfaith women’s book groups.