Another Year in the Life of a Part Time Hermit - Episode 4 - Of Air-fryers and Society

[@donjojohannes]

Text of the Reflection: In the previous 3 episodes we have looked at religion as a virtue connected to justice and distinguished it from the loose and free form "modern spirituality". We have spoken of the concreteness of religion, the consequences for worship as well as foundational truth claims. I proposed that it was worth giving these claims consideration and that false inclusivity - while attractive - was ultimately not helpful in this regard. In this episode I want to go beyond the individual and enlarge the sphere of consideration. There are two competing views of human nature. There is a modern conception of the individual primarily as a radically isolated being which engages, when and if it so desires, in contracts that provide it with benefits. And there is a more classic view of human nature, in which the individual - aside from free association - is embedded necessarily, that is: by nature, in a social context. The first is an abstract concept originating in the minds of certain thinkers such as the 17th century philosopher Thomas Hobbes. The second is, as I would argue, an observable fact of life. For no human being has come into this world without relations. No-one chooses their father or mother - neither biologically when it came to genetics, nor when it came to those who invested time in raising them. Humans in fact cannot properly and socially develop when they are lacking all human relations. Some have maybe heard of the language deprivation experiments in which at different times in Egypt, the West and India emperors had isolated children and provided only the physical needs. Why? To determine what language they would speak naturally by themselves. In Frederick II's experiment in the 13th century it is reported by the monk Salimbene di Adam, that the children did not speak Hebrew as the emperor suspected - or any other language. Being deprived of all tangible human interaction they died. Whether this report by Salimbene in his chronicles is factual is sometimes disputed these days, for - despite great attested reliability in most of his accounts - the good monk was quite critical of the stupor mundi - the wonder of the world - as the admirers of the emperor had called him. But whether Frederick's or any other cruel language deprivation experiments have actually taken place, it is certainly true that language itself is a product of socialization and thus relational. We are from the beginning of our development all the way to our final breath - and the theologian would say: beyond that - embedded in relationships. So it stands to reason that the individual cannot really be understood as an abstraction simply on its own. Rather everyone develops and flourishes as a member of a family, a clan, a society. This may seem a strange insistence by a man that many of you know primarily from some lonely hut in the mountains. Aristotle put it thus: whosoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a god. For he too was convinced that human nature was fundamentally relational and social. Aristotle might have been a tad too generous is assigning potential divinity to hermits, but other than being yourself a god it is exactly by being with God as a hermit that Aristotle's description of human nature is not violated. A hermit - and I mean a proper one, unlike my traveling self - still fundamentally lives and thrives on account of a relationship that he pursues - the one with God. He is therefore not delighting in solitude but in particular company. For he does not perceive himself as being alone. If any survivalists out there feel more confident in the mere joy of solitude, the archive of the TV show "Alone" suggests that people really need more than sustenance and a skill set after a few weeks. They need company. That is the reason why people typically forgo the price money and end their time in the wild on that show. And by company I don't even mean necessarily people. Even a book, a story, a video tape or internet connection may go a long way to make us feel less alone. Our mind is made for conversation - it thinks discursively, that is relationally. Self-sufficiency, in the sense of complete isolation, is no aspiration but typically used as a form of torture in which people are brought to the brink of madness. Why do I harp on this fact? Because our social nature has repercussions for our question. It means that religion will typically not only have individual interior acts such as prayer and devotion - acts that have an outward expression corresponding to our bodily nature. But on account of our social nature religion will also have a social dimension. Religion gives rise to and forms a culture with its liturgies, calendars, feasts, gatherings. Again we do not have to judge any particular expression here. We can merely content ourselves with the observation, that because it corresponds to our human nature, religion will have and seek such a social expression. Even those who espouse what we have called modern spirituality will relish in community, whenever its eclectic and individualistic proponents find like minds. But they would probably say that they are weary of formalized structures. And they have a point. Structures come with order. Order comes with people maintaining that order. And people are flawed. One of the reasons why some might be inclined to reject religion over spirituality is thus the understandable fear that by entering a religion they may fall prey to people - people abusing their power and position. That is a real concern. One that needs to addressed. Again, I hold that “organized religion” is not a slur. It is the simple and on account of human our nature even necessary shape that our pursuit of the Divine will take. Yet because it is us humans doing the pursuing, like in the case of everything else we do - religion, that is our attempt to live just lives rendered to God - is tainted by our failures. Now, if this flaw in necessary, is it insurmountable? Can it be mitigated? What do I think, being a priest of a Church, whose members in high places have not only failed the faithful in the appalling more recent scandals, but throughout 2000 years of history. This is what I hope to explore with you in the next two episodes.

[@CountryCampers]

Bless you FR. please remember me and my wife in your daily prayers. James & Susan

[@gerardbrady7049]

Our priest used that exact quote from Aristotle this morning at Mass! It was the feast of the Holy Family and apparently that is a favourite quote for the feast!

[@Rafa-el21]

Vater kommt diese Reihe auch noch auf Deutsch ? Liebe Grüsse

[@Pilot333]

Concerning the experiments on depravation of children and their development of speech / language... a modern day tale comes from the life of Hellen Keller. Hellen was born blind and deaf, and though raised within a family she too behaved more like a wild animal than a dignified human being. That was until Annie Sullivan took it upon her to help Hellen Keller to teach her letters, words, concepts and finally complete sentences! Due to the persistance of Annie Sullivan , Hellen Keller even developed her language skills good enough to attend college. THis story actually happened, I think it has been put in a play or a movie. There is also an Indian movie called "Black" with the exact same theme... heart wrenching to watch but the moment the girl has a click in her mind that the symbols written in her hand signify REAL WORLD experiences.... her whole world opens up. That moment is magical!!!! So yes.... We need eachother! Thank you father Johannes!

[@Pilot333]

Concerning the experiments on depravation of children and their development of speech / language... a modern day tale comes from the life of Hellen Keller. Hellen was born blind and deaf, and though raised within a family she too behaved more like a wild animal than a dignified human being. That was until Annie Sullivan took it upon her to help Hellen Keller to teach her letters, words, concepts and finally complete sentences! Due to the persistance of Annie Sullivan , Hellen Keller even developed her language skills good enough to attend college. THis story actually happened, I think it has been put in a play or a movie. There is also an Indian movie called "Black" with the exact same theme... heart wrenching to watch but the moment the girl has a click in her mind that the symbols written in her hand signify REAL WORLD experiences.... her whole world opens up. That moment is magical!!!! So yes.... We need eachother! Thank you father Johannes!

[@keturahcj9]

What a wonderful vlog, please keep going.

[@dcamille-]

Watching you work through your daily chores, your praises to God, listening to the sounds of silence, taking in the picturesque country side and listening to the beautiful bird song brings me peace, tranquility and hope. Thank you Father Johannes and God Bless🙏📿🙏

[@elisabethbenders-hyde5286]

The vegetation on your side of the mountain is so different than that on Martijn's side. So much lusher and varied. His side looks very alpine whereas your side looks like a nice verdant hillside somewhere. I love the overhead shots, especially of the table sprinkled with the first flakes of snow.

[@jeanneusereau3525]

Always enjoy your content. Happy and blessed new year.

[@jessiahstalbirds.j.794]

Thank you Father for your lecture on Human Nature and Religion.

[@carmelafonti6694]

Thank you for bringing me the peace that I needed today.🙏 God bless.

[@florentinalily]

Just a complete joy, thankyou Johannes.

[@NGregrk]

Hey Father, Thank you for taking the time to post these beautiful videos. Your reflections are very thought-provoking. In one of your old videos, you said something along the lines of how you wanted to do a pilgrimage to Mt. Athos but was then put off by certain interactions in Jerusalem (I think this is right, from my memory). I think you should go. It's a shame you had a bad experience, but catholics are not unwelcome on Athos. In fact, if you search up "Amalfion - une présence bénédictine au Mont Athos", you can see a documentary on the ancient (pre-schism) benedictine monastery on Mt Athos, now abandoned. The documentary shows Catholic priests visiting Mt. Athos, one of them even had a visit before his ordination and met one of the monks that helped him out again during the doc filming. I think Simonopetra would be especially friendly. Admittedly, I also say this for the selfish reason of seeing / reading / hearing Mt. Athos through whatever medium you chose to document such a pilgrimage if you ever (are inspired to?) change your mind. Thank you for your work. Please remember me, Jacob, in the prayers and masses you have in your own little holy mountain.

[@karenpatotafounderofababys1782]

Dear Father, I'm so impressed with your videos and your beautiful way of sharing our Catholic faith. As I mentioned before, my spiritual director is a Carmelite hermit, and you speak well of your hermit lifestyle even when it is only part-time. Thank you, and God Bless. I will pray for your success in acquiring more souls for Christ.

[@hilarydrinkwater5392]

Thanks for sharing your journey, it makes for careful comparisons. My own journey began at the age of one day short of fifty years old. I had carefully prepared for the next day and I sat quietly and said, with deep sincerity that I had sought him and failed to find him but I could feel and see his presence everywhere. Having assured him that I was aware that he didn't need any help from me to keep everything balanced and in order, I celebrated with friends and then went off to the library to catch up on some philosophies. He found me immediately and never once left my side as I faced every unholy demon on the planet who came to investigate. So, I can say with absolute certainty, and with the authority of the first person's experience ~ that every being in a state of laziness or inertia remains that way unless an external force is applied. I can attest to the force, it was always the equaliser when the monstrous bramble descended with intent. The Monstrous Bramble didn't stand a chance.

[@2otterboy]

Though presently I am counted as one of the "spiritual, but not religious" as is so popular today, I may have been called to follow a religion if I had the opportunity in my youth to hear your voice and through it the Love of God. If someone told me ten years ago that I would be transfixed when I feel and see the genuine Love you channel as a catholic priest, I would not have believed them for a moment. I would have smiled politely trying to conceal my discomfort and dash away. I find that for me the future is nearly always unpredictable. it is rarely what I think that I want it to be, rarely what I expect it to be, rarely what I think it should be. But I also find that it is always workable and in surprising ways. You are gifted with opening hearts and providing tools for organized thought. Thank You. Your humble feral hominid, Forrester

[@lucarolando]

Grazie Padre Johannes è sempre un piacere guardare i tuoi video

[@janelte]

THose closing words brought me to tears. I am so grateful for these videos, these images, these words, these thoughts.

[@Pilot333]

Me too.

[@4cecil9]

As always, grateful for your sharing, ALSO giving names to creatures large/small, plants & flowers. Truly appreciate the time, effort, care you demonstrate with these postings. I return again & again to watch, listen, learn, contemplate. Celebrate this new year, respect all you do. Grateful.

[@mitchellandsonwoodworks]

Like many, I found you through Martijn's journey but find myself watching your videos just now. I'm sad I waited this long. Beautiful video work and narration. While I am by no means religious, I thoroughly enjoy listening to you speak on the topics you have recently broached and truly admire your approach. Thank you for creating and sharing with us!

[@melissaanne9562]

I did a pilgrimage in 2018. The Camino de Santiago. I did this pilgrimage to renew my faith in humanity. Im a Registered Nurse and was becoming tainted by humanity. What this pilgrimage taught me was that we are all flawed. Humans are flawed. And my role was to practice been a better human.

[@marilyns6043]

I was there the same year. Life-changing. 🐚💕

[@pennyportolese6064]

You said exactly what I needed to hear

[@MyWalk3296]

I did a pilgrimage/mission throughout the United States. Was called & followed no matter where led I stayed true to the original intent of pilgrimage. I do not regret one thing g d is omnipresent g d is good g d is everywhere

[@JamesGroce-p2l]

Thank you, Father Johannes. These episodes, so beautifully written, spoken, and filmed, are informative and inspiring. God bless you and the work you are doing.

[@faithg9766]

Thank you for sharing your uplifting & challenging reflections. The camera work & editing is beautiful.

[@eziotaddeo1726]

Excellent!!!. Well done Johannes. Le Marche beautiful architecture, views of the countryside. That waterfall, WOW! Cheers

[@mariavittoriagrilli8734]

La campagna delle Marche è bellissima, così come le sue città. Grazie padre Johannes 🙏🏻

[@donjojohannes]

vero. Mi ha piaciuto molto. Anche se si deve dire che tutta l'Italia è belissima.

[@barbkeil-burton6894]

Hi Johannes, 😊 Showing Us Your Beautiful Drone Shots & The Past Few Months of 2024!! Hiking Trip to the Valley, Taking Paper Down to Recycle, Putting in a New Monitor Mount, Hiding Your Air Fryer...Excellent Job!! Garden Work & Getting Fresh Air! As for Snow, You Might Like It, but Not Me Anymore...Means Shoveling & I have to Do it to Feed My Birds & Squirrels Everyday!! We Didn`t get as Much as Most Cities, but I`m 73 Yrs Old! Yes, I Miss Spring, Summer, & Fall Season!! I Love Your Lizard...Does it Hide Come Winter? Seeing Ian Marche..Last Time Before Winter, but saw 2 Pretty Cats!! 1st one looked like My 1 Cat Tiger Baby, a Stripper Tabby & have a Orange Cat named Sleepy, & the Black & White Cat named Speedy...All 3 are Indoor Cats!! Closing Reflection -Part 4 Beautiful Waterfalls, Drone Shots, & Only English Language, Never Saw a Real Wild Boar!! As Always Inspiring & Spiritual, Thank You Johannes!!💖 Take Care & have a Blessed Evening!!✝❤ Love Barb from Central Illinois USA❣I Will Share Your Video to Facebook/Newsfeed

[@SapperMorton]

Thank you for your post. I am a simple man who discovered your channel through Martijn’s videos. I find myself drawn to your lifestyle and solitary way of living. I am about to retire at the age of 50 here in the US. After a long career in police work since I was 21, I feel the toll it has taken on me both physically and spiritually. I am now preparing for a future lifestyle that will be spartan and simple. My plans include starting a garden, planting flowers, enjoying outdoor fires, and seeking a deeper connection with God through orthodoxy. This journey will be new for me, so I expect to stumble along the way. For now, I truly enjoy your thoughtful and quiet videos, especially the reflections at the end. Take care, sir.

[@danaysalvarado367]

Thank you for your service

[@susanB24F]

Wonderful video. Photography is beautiful. Love the plant and insect identification. The weather looked splendid for the time of year. Such a thoughtful message

[@fracosimoeremita]

Grazie fratello mio e il Signore sia con te. Un abbraccio in Cristo 🙏💞

[@TGTree]

You probably didn't realize how many viewers you would have. THIS IS GOOD.

[@sonjasleeper1511]

I like your thoughts on religion and humans. I also enjoy the photography and seeing new places. I believe in god but have had no formal interactions. My family did not attend church but my grandmothers did. My mothers mother was a Lutheran from Norway. She came to America because of the war. Her faith was very strong and I can say she was the purest Christian sole. Remarkably so. It is her faith that makes me believe in god. Thank you for sharing your thoughts it helps me to learn and understand more.

[@sunshinewaters5335]

Thank you for taking my mind off the LA fires I live near LA. My mind is full of hate. Trying to mitigate that. You have helped me.

[@edwarddiekhoff859]

It is a pilgrimage, so one goes with God. Beautiful.

[@sandyhazeltine862]

Perfect timing! You on Saturday and Martijen tomorrow!

[@pattywest1]

I find your episodes so relaxing & informative. Your voice is a perfect fit for reading books on tape. Very good communicator. Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

Thank you, I did enjoy this video, and listening to your reflections; they are very helpful. Lovely photography.

[@Travelling_Jonoberries]

Johannes - excellent job with the set up of the monitor no more sore back and neck really ergonomic for your work station, thank you for another most enjoyable episode, be safe, take care and God Bless. 🙏😇👍❄️

[@MrRoastedSnow]

Wonderful. Thank you for broaching this. Go in Christ brother.

[@Utterandcompletenonsense]

Dear Father, thank you for living the truth and bringing us the truth.

[@danieladeutsch1708]

Sehr geehrter Herr don Johannes, ich mag Ihre Videos so sehr. Sie sind sehr beruhigend und Ihre Gedanken am Ende mag ich am meisten. Obwohl SIe ein sogennanter "Part Time Hermit" sind, leben Sie so ein schönes, volles Leben. Sie inspirieren mich sehr. Toda raba! Mazel Tov! Daniela aus der Slowakei mit Österreichischen Wurzeln :)

[@donjojohannes]

Einen Gruß in die schöne Slowakei. 2013 am Weg nach Jerusalem hab ich das Land auf dem SNP durchquert. Es war hart, aber eine bleibende Erinnerung.

[@nativetexson]

Thank you for allowing me to trek with you on this pilgrimage.

[@user0247Kno]

Glad to see you back working on projects. You were missed.

[@patnorton1273]

Your video are so needed for todays existence… Christ is Baptized and Happy New year!

[@deborahevans4811]

I was very touched by your closing reflection, Johannes. I am not religious, but I am seeking the Tao, the way.

[@tomstock9546]

Simply awesome ❤

[@ledaboff51]

Gosto muito dos teus vídeos és um trabalhador incansável, acompanho o Martin também VCS tem uma linda amizade

[@dr.rebeccastout1878]

I needed this today. Thank you Father Johannes

[@benbaruchblich8892]

Though I can hardly identify with your cleverly said words, I do appreciate your open mind, honesty, and may I say grace, towards other ways of life, and faiths (religions).

[@sebastian46808]

Thank you so much for being such a good example of one way to live out the Christian life and for your reflections which bring so much clarity in a confused and confusing world. It is not always easy to trust the church or her ministers given that they, like the rest of us, are fallen, imperfect and sometimes even criminal. Yet, I could never leave the church, "to whom shall we go;" but I can no longer nievely trust her. For me church is like family, we love each other and stick together no matter what even though we sometimes argue terribly and hurt each other deeply.

[@chrisjones-ys5zg]

thankyou... much love xxc

[@danielgoldberg2129]

I, too, enjoy the four seasons. By August I’m tired of the hot weather and the bugs. By February I’m sick of the cold and lack of color. 😊

[@MarkDudgeon]

EXCELLENT….every part! I believe we all have our own salvation to work out with God. We are definitely flawed….

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

Thank you!

[@Cignets]

Gracias Padre

[@adelheidsnel5171]

I thoroughly enjoy each and every episode. Walk with God brother

[@BelakianNA]

I really enjoyed the time you chose to share with us and also your thoughts on all things.😀

[@UncommonCurations]

Another great episode. For your back, consider a Herman Miller chair. They are expensive but you may be able to find one used online. Apparently, there is a showroom in Milan. Of all of the computer equipment my son has invested in (by the thousands), he says his Herman Miller chair is the best investment by far and the only thing he’d grab in a fire (so I guess I know where I stand…). Let me know if you have any questions about it. God bless you always.

[@doua667]

Thank you for this content. It feels good.

[@asztapaszta9]

I loved the conversation at 37:00 !

[@leticiawhite2747]

Happy New Year! Thank you for the video! I enjoyed it very much!

[@fragrantforestofthesource]

Love you bro! Happy New Year! Thank you for all of these wonderful videos

[@smoovegittar]

Thank you Johannes

[@fabrijohanna]

Mei Herr Pfarrer vielen Dank

[@AptosGrandma-u9n]

Thank you Johannes. It is so calming to share in your life. The landscapes are fantastic!! And it is so impressive to hear someone of the church speak about it with such objectivity. Please share the names of the books you wrote...are they for lay people??

[@jonasio2]

You are a good human, keep going.

[@karipreston1204]

Thankyou

[@CinderstoneCabin]

Pleasant Greetings, I am wandering what the name is of the round leaves of greens are called that you pick for your wonderful salads? Danke schön! Danke! 🙏🏼

[@donjojohannes]

That would be Nasturtium, if we mean the same thing

[@bernardh9994]

It usually pays to pre-bore a small hole for a screw in the face edge to avoid possible splitting. Otherwise, thanks, this series has been an inspiration..

[@donjojohannes]

a lesson learned with that unfamiliar particle board :-) I used the drill on the other one for the hot plate I did later

[@bernardh9994]

👍🙏

[@lilaskye2375]

Try eating the feijoa with the skin. It’s so flavorful and delicious with the skin.

[@saeedandalusi7579]

To know the Prophet is to love the Prophet, follow the call when it comes bro......🙏

[@jeanadamsick9854]

Do take care. Fl., USA

[@MyWalk3296]

💞🙏

[@thepowerfulpractice]

Did the saddle actually improve things? Fellow slouching non-spring chicken here. Curious if I should give it a try…

[@donjojohannes]

I did not have acute back pain, but when I did silly monkey swings down the stairs (sorry, don't know how to describe that accurately - but certainly a childish behavior left over from spring chicken times...) for example I have felt pain in the lower back for some time. That is gone now. The posture seems to have strengthened my back or resolved it some other way. I made the switch when my last office chair was finally unsalvageable, and I was looking for a replacement. The saddle takes some getting used to and is nothing I would enjoy a movie or something in. It is not comfy. Rather it forces you to actively correct your posture all the time and thus is more like exercise. I don't mind that. Overall I find the standing desk setup works for me. Things like proof-reading I now do standing upright and after a while when the saddle gets too uncomfortable I stand up. I modified an in-bed-tray for the keyboard when standing as my table does not adjust in height. There are these electric standing desk legs, but if you don't go high end then I just see another broken elektro junk item two years down the road (the reviews were not instilling confidence and adding self-made wooden extensions to my home mode desk seemed the better way to go, ecologically and economically).

[@fredsimon6640]

You have the perfect hermitage.

[@maryd9947]

Who is the man quoted at the end? He speaks them to me today.

[@BarbaraDanquard]

Hallo ! Vielen Dank für die ungeheuer schönen Videos . Ich versuche immer ihre philosophischen Texte auf englisch mitzuverfolgen ,aber meist klappt das nur zur Hälfte. Wäre toll, wenn sie auch eine deutsche Übersetzung anfügen könnten . Vielen Dank und Grüsse

[@Arminbo]

Lieber Pfarrer Johannes! Ich erwarte sehnsüchtig Ihre deutschen Videos. Wann kommt da was neues ?

[@donjojohannes]

Ja, tut mir leid, ich bin da ziemlich hinten nach und auch im Jahr das vor mir liegt, wird wenig Zeit bleiben. Ich hoffe...aber ich kann nichts versprechen.

[@Arminbo]

@donjojohannes alles klar vielen Dank für ihre Arbeit!!! Ich denke es gibt einige deutsche die auf ihre Videos warten.

[@wcx2]

Anyone know the monitor/size Johannes is using? Saluti dalla Scozia 👍

[@cherylbertolini3140]

❤

[@orhanuralortac2566]

😊👍

[@mjkelly9999]

At 33:57, I thought that wild boar was going to change you.

[@fritsvlierdenvan6521]

🙏😇👍

[@lailamakinen5633]

Dear Johannes, thank you for giving my Finnish soul a chance to settle down and rest after watching the latest Trump reports.

[@Pilot333]

This is not about worldly things like politics

[@joanmoss9371]

Add a drop shelf/ swing shelf to LHS as you face the sink?

[@yelloww9822]

I, Average Listener esq, listen to your lectures and wonder: what is your goal? You obviously hope to change me in some way, but what way? Should my vague and inconclusive spirituality sublime into religion and make me a regular churchgoer? Or else? What is your goal?

[@donjojohannes]

You are right. Of course I have a goal. Though my goal is rather modest. I try to put into words things that I think about; things I hope some will find helpful in how they look at the world or at religion or at the Church or at God. I hope they provide a new look or perspective for some. Insofar as I naturally hope these reflections are not merely "different" but contain something true, I can also trust they will be helpful. How do I want the "average listener" to change? There is no set answer to that. The thing is that nobody will take the same from these reflections. They would not even take the same from the same reflection one year apart. Most books or essays seem to give me something different every time I pick them up. The words I read are the same, but I have changed. After all it also depends on where I'm at on my "pilgrimage". So I hope people can take that which they are ready to receive. I take things in turn from the feedback or criticism. For even if it seems so, this conversation is not entirely one-sided. So, if you hold certain things now and something I say rings true - even if it is not my main point or just a good quote I included - then I trust you will take it up and think about it some more. You may adjust it because what I said seems deficient. Or it may "hit" you at some other random time years from now after you have long forgotten this channel. Then, because it was true, it has had its purpose and merit and my "modest goal" was indeed achieved. In any case: "Making someone a regular churchgoer" - as beautiful and necessary as I hold churchgoing to be - could not be the goal. Going to church is not the object of the Christian life. For you could go every day and it still be meaningless. The goal of Christian life, and thus that which a priest would hope for everyone to find, is a relationship with God and the Word made flesh, the consequence of which is the attempt at a good life, a virtuous life (including the virtue of religion described here - and even churchgoing) despite all failings that will follow. What's the difference? Love. For the lover does not ask the beloved with suppressed frustration: "do I have to do this...or that... to satisfy some law?". No, rather he says full of joy: "here I am my beloved. I want to do whatever I can".

[@yelloww9822]

@@donjojohannes I understand, that your goal is to make me love God, or at least move me closer to that. Thank you.

[@tomstock9546]

26:46 I think this should be Sarnano, not Samano? Samano is in Spain, whereas Sarnano would be on your path I guess.

[@BerndKla]

bitte in zukunft automatische übersetzung in deutsch einschalten bietet yt seit einigerzeit an! Danke!!

[@donjojohannes]

Muss ich mir mal ansehen. Aber für die Schlussbetrachtung poste ich den Text immer im obersten Kommentar und empfehle deepl.com als Übersetzer (ist besser als google)

[@Kwazulujabul]

Only when an individual is in-bedded in a social group he has purpose. Individual human rights will be the down fall of humanity, this is the seeded for the destructiveness woke.

[@GupStar]

Do you guys ever wonder why you are watching a priest living in the Italian alps hang his monitor..

[@sylvester2294]

As to glue...gorilla's are one of Gods creation...:-)

[@Pilot333]

😅 His clay shoes got me off guard... I couldn't stop laughing. It was such a comical match with the topic spoken about.

[@kasiamilarski9494]

🫶

[@danielaito323]

Where is God right now in LA?

[@donjojohannes]

A fair question. And a very old question. Where would you say is God in any suffering - big and small? Your answer will much depend on how you conceive of God ... and humanity ... and suffering ... and justice. To only reference the first for brevity: if God is primarily some impersonal force or some power that you turn to for wants and needs, your attempt at an answer will be different from the attempt you might formulate with a conception in which God himself took on humanity and suffered, and again different from where there is a pantheon of the gods that are powerful and engaged in a battle... As I said it is a very old question. And while there are different answers in different religions, the curious thing is that for many today it is less of a question and more of a gotcha. The problem of evil, they feel, is an argument against a good God. It really is only an argument against a particular view (or distortion) of God (and humanity, suffering and justice). And that is btw why suffering historically does not lead to atheism in those who might have suffered much more than we do today. So where would I as a Christian say that God is in LA right now? He is in every burning street (and also everwhere else). How? Maybe in a way different than what your question implies.

[@MarkDudgeon]

I would encourage anyone to read the book of Job when enduring suffering. He lost everything, but kept his faith. He didn’t get an answer from God as to why, but he wasn’t considered wrong for asking. In the end he was rewarded twice as much as he had before everything was taken from him.