Myles Connolly’s Mr. Blue is a simple yet thought-provoking novel that introduces us to J. Blue, a modern-day mystic whose life embodies a radical Catholic vision of the world. Through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, we follow Blue’s joyful yet countercultural existence, offering a profound critique of the materialism that dominates modern society. This review focuses on how Connolly’s 1928 novel emphasizes Blue’s sacramental worldview, how Blue lived this out, and how we can adopt this perspective in our own lives.
1. What Is a Sacramental Worldview?
In Catholic theology, sacraments are visible signs that effect invisible graces. For example, water is a visible sign of cleansing and revitalizing. Therefore, God uses water in Baptism to cleanse the soul of sin and revitalize the soul with sanctifying grace.
For Catholics, the seven sacraments are meant to transform our entire vision of reality. From the grandeur of a sunset to the simplicity of a child’s laughter, from moments of joy to times of suffering, everything is a reflection of God’s presence and activity. We call this a “sacramental worldview,” whereby everything in creation can be a sign of encountering God’s presence and activity.
2. How J. Blue Lived This Worldview
J. Blue, the protagonist of Mr. Blue, saw the world as being alive with God’s presence and activity. As the narrator describes: “Blue impressed one as a sort of happy, young, and gallant monk with an order. Or perhaps his order was life and the world was his monastery… He created, wherever he went, a sense of the adventurousness and beauty of existence” (6).
Blue’s faith transformed how he saw everything in life. As the narrator reflects: “His faith did not transform things: it made him see things. And what he saw made him exuberant with that enthusiasm so foolishly thought madness” (67). With a sacramental worldview, Blue lived with profound freedom and joy, capable of giving away everything for the opportunity to provide others with a chance to encounter the living God: “He exchanged money for everything possible. He exchanged it with the poor for their delight. He exchanged it with the helpless for lighter hearts” (9).
One of the most powerful examples of Blue’s sacramental worldview is his imagined film about the last man on earth, who is willing to die for his faith in a world that has forgotten God (click here for the entire story). This vision encapsulates Blue’s belief in the deeper spiritual reality behind everyday life and the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom for Christ. For Blue, living a sacramental life means being a witness to the faith, standing in stark contrast to a world blinded by materialism and disbelief.
3. How We Can Live This Worldview Today
In a society that often feels disconnected from faith and meaning, Mr. Blue challenges us to rediscover a faith that embodies a sacramental way of seeing reality. How can we, like J. Blue, cultivate this faith that recognizes God’s presence in everything?
One of my favourite acronym’s can be applied here. AIR: Aware, Identify, Respond.
- Aware: We are called to cultivate an awareness of God’s hand in everything we encounter. Whether we are in nature, at work, in relationships, or experiencing quiet moments, we can train ourselves to look beyond the surface to the deeper reality of God’s presence and grace. Blue shows us that the ordinary can be extraordinary when we slow down and open our hearts to see it. Take time to slow down, marvel at the beauty of creation, and become aware of God’s presence and activity.
- Identify: Once we are aware, we must actively identify moments of God’s presence. This involves recognizing God’s action in our lives, even in the smallest details. These are moments when God’s grace becomes tangible—whether through an unexpected act of kindness, a moment of peace in chaos, or a gentle reminder of His love.
- Respond: Finally, we must respond with gratitude, praise, and joy. When we encounter God in our day-to-day lives, the appropriate response is one of thanksgiving and worship. Blue teaches us that true joy comes from recognizing God’s constant presence and responding with a heart full of praise.
By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can begin to live more sacramentally—aware of God’s grace, identifying His presence in all things, and responding with gratitude and joy. This way of living transforms how we experience the world and deepens our relationship with God, allowing us to become witnesses of His love to those around us.
I highly encourage that you read this short and delightful book. God bless!
Prodigal Catholic 
Leave a comment