Meet the Blogger - Rob Sexton

Rob Sexton is a Catholic writer, husband, and father whose work explores the intersection of faith, suffering, vocation, and the interior life. Drawing on lived experience, Scripture, and the spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church, his writing seeks to bridge the gap between theology as an abstract concept and faith as lived in the weight and noise of ordinary life. His reflections often engage themes of endurance, masculine responsibility, and the pursuit of holiness amid work, family, and modern distractions.

He is the creator of Costly Things, a personal blog dedicated to honest, theologically grounded reflections on discipleship, prayer, suffering, and lay sanctity. Through essays, meditations, and long-form projects, Rob writes for readers seeking to live the Christian life faithfully without reducing it to sentimentality, self-help, or performance. His work is shaped by influences such as Romano Guardini, Dietrich von Hildebrand, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. John of the Cross, and is marked by a contemplative yet grounded voice.

In addition to nonfiction, Rob is the author of the popular The Fr. Gabriel Chronicles, published on Costly Things, a set of theological horror novellas that blend supernatural investigation, psychological depth, and Catholic theology. The series draws inspiration from works like The X-Files, Mindhunter, and classic spiritual literature, exploring evil, fear, and redemption through the lens of the Church’s understanding of the spiritual battle.

Rob’s writing has appeared in Catholic publications, including Catholic Exchange, where he has written on topics ranging from fitness and embodiment to silence, prayer, and encounter with Christ. He lives in Michigan with his wife and children, where he balances work, writing, prayer, and the ongoing task of becoming a better man, husband, and father.