Bishop Barron on Stephen Colbert and Providence

Watch more videos at wordonfire.org. In a recent interview, comedian Stephen Colbert was asked about the pain of losing his father and two brothers as a young boy. Colbert's remarkable answer, which referenced a line by J.R.R. Tolkien, helps us see how God's providential purposes stretch infinitely beyond what we can immediately grasp.

[@chokersandcardigans]

At the age of 15, I lost both of my parents, two months apart, from two different causes. I knew there was a reason why I loved Colbert and Tolkien, and there was definitely a reason why I was led to click on this video and watch it. Thank you, Bishop Barron.

[@BishopBarron]

God bless you, Ana. I promise to pray for your parents.

[@chuckhockey9464]

I almost lost my dad at 12 and totally feel for you. Know that love is eternal

[@kristenwack476]

Bishop Barron, I had a similar experience as I lay with my sister, Natalie as she was in the throes of having lost her fight with cancer. My sister waited for me to travel over 200 miles to be at her bedside before she gave up her last breath and in doing so, suffered unspeakably. I laid next to her, crying, praying, and begging for God to help her, while no relief seemed to come. It was our "my God, my God, why have you forgotten me!" moment. And I was suddenly struck, I don't know how else to describe it but as a resurrection of my spirit, (I hope that doesn't sound blasphemous, I just have no other words) I sat up and took my sisters hand and looked deeply into her eyes and professed out loud for the both of us that 'no matter how horrible the experience would get that I would never lose my faith in You, Heavenly Father!' And my sister, who herself had a deep and abiding love for God, but was unable to speak, held my gaze and nodded as if to say 'I'm proud of you, sister'. And it was the moment my faith was sealed and my entire being transformed. Natalie's gift to me, God's gift to me. In other words, I love the thing I wish most had not happened.

[@BishopBarron]

+Kristen Wack Amen. Thanks for that testimony.

[@dillon6428]

+Kristen Wack My heart goes out to you. I myself wear pink seeing I lost a sister to breast cancer. Only God can & will fill that void. I trusted him,& he has done as I asked by filling that void. May the Lord Bless you at this time.

[@dillon6428]

+Bishop Robert Barron Hey I see you got uped! Congrats!

[@kristenwack476]

Dillion, thank you for reaching out. I'm so sorry for your loss. We both know well how our lives will never be the same without them. God bless you and your family.

[@dillon6428]

Kristen Wack Yours as well, I will be praying for your family at church today.

[@princekazhila2003]

Im not catholic but i can never have enough of Bishop Barron's videos.

[@paul4636]

I fully agree. I am so much not into Catholic tradition but love this Bishop.

[@paul4636]

@@jpbernie72 why?

[@paul4636]

@@SaintCharbelMiracleworker the birth of the church in the first century is nothing like the church now. History will show you a system of evil popes, and wickedness at a high level. The tradition now has nothing to do with jesus of history and or what the apostles envisaged. The early church was escaholgical and not sacramental in its order. The pope as mediator between God and man? Popes are to be prayed for for healing? The Virgin Mary to be our access to God? Where do we stop? Celibacy for all priests? Okay There was a Jewish fraction that did so but for a different reason. The Cathloic church is guilty of evil in history towards both people of colour and the Jews that would leave even the devil shaking his head. The reading of the church fathers? The apostle were all dead within 70 years max of jesus death so the Catholic church is birthed in a depth of error that is too long for this. Apologies for any offence but this is merely based on truth.

[@paul4636]

@@SaintCharbelMiracleworker creating my own bible ignores the facts I have outlined. The Oxthodox church has it's own Cannon so your get your own bible comment is unjustified. The Catholic Church DOES NOT own the bible. As a church, the Jewishness of the culture is written down but that's just a guilty side point. Tell me, place the model of the Catholic Church Juxappse to the models of the church and find we how it works? This is not a matter of biblical ownership but a theology of pious idolatry. We have the infallibility of the Pope with a list of evils too long to mention. Tell me, how has the Catholic Church supported that fact? God is a God whi declares evil practices by the pope as he is infallible? The bible was formulated by the Apostolic Church not merely the Roman Church as Catholic is universal and Roman is what it says on the tin. All have sinned (including the POPED) and that is your premises to start from. What I have said is not meant to be bashing but a clarification of the truths not the facts as facts are subjective. I respect SOME of the good it has done but my point remains. Finally remember history HIS STORY is written by the winners but doesn't make it true! But Peace be upon you.

[@paul4636]

@@SaintCharbelMiracleworker And the Catholic church is the authority i guess. Not a problem. I just feel its rooted in errorenius practices, its hands are dripping in blood and it offers a theology wherein a pope or priest is the only means of access to God, view the Mary who was a virgin at conception and maybe a collection of saints, many of which were questionable. Apart from that, it's fine with me.-)

[@stanblackburn700]

This reminds me of a Henri Nouwen quote that I display in my classroom: "The fruits of your labors may be reaped two generations from now. Trust, even when you don't see the results." Life is full of hiccups, avalanches, and deep scars. But you are so right in this. God has a plan; there are no coincidences for the faithful. Our life's witness is a ripple for others to see. Thanks for this.

[@davidscott2343]

Thank you Bishop Barron for your beautiful and insightful sermon.

[@markfrank0924]

Listening to Bishop Barron is always a learning experience. I enjoy his videos so much.

[@marypoje920]

I appreciate a Catholic voice I can trust. Thank you for being so readily available. Peace.

[@colleenhoffman2817]

Mind Blown!!! ❤I love my Catholic faith!

[@anthonydesouza1187]

Thank you Bishop Barron. Stephen Colbert's wit and faith are inspirational to me! God bless you.

[@whitefang6930]

Anthony De Souza Stephen Colbert is ANYTHING but Catholic. He's a corrupt mouthpiece for the Podestas, Clinton's, George Soros and globalist Marxist elites. He's anti Christian at the core

[@carlosrincon1551]

Anthony De Souza Yes, I agree. Colbert is a great example of his faith. I love that he’s very open about it and often brings it up during his show.

[@kevinsullivan7831]

@@carlosrincon1551 you might want to listen to some of the bile and lies that comes from colbert's mouth on a nightly basis.

[@roisinpatriciagaffney4087]

We are part of God's plan. There are no coincidences in our lives. Fundamental statement of the Catholic faith. Beautifully articulated by Bishop Barron. ❤

[@jimepley1210]

Bishop, I think Stephen's life touches countless lives, and his faithful witness is a wonder to behold. I claim kinship with all who claim our Lord as Savior, and I firmly believe that Mr. Colbert is a saint in the making. Blessings

[@ashbell1046]

Thank you! The Bishop’s reaction to Colbert ‘s personal journey seemed a bit disrespectful in my opinion

[@dixonbuttes]

The connection back to Newman really made me happy. This is beautiful

[@sfender2182]

I would love to see Father Barron guest on Stephen Colbert's TV show. That would be very interesting!

[@bufnyfan1]

Colbert supports same sex marriage and is "pro choice"--he picks and chooses the commandments/rules in his faith he likes and discards the rest-he's nothing but a hypocrite

[@rachealbrimberry8918]

This video, which I serendipitously found after watching Bishop Barron's current video, encompasses every single thing I'm grappling with, this very evening. The words I heard today at church, and the theme of suffering. But also events that happened about 4 years ago...and that Blessed John Henry Newman is special to me and I am thankful to the Newman Society for all they do...the spiritual conversions of Mabel Tolkien and Blessed John Henry Newman run parallel. (The oratory is in the city some of my relatives live in and that I've visited). All of this is neatly tied together in this video to lend me support in this desert.

[@Artyforpeace]

Another great video Fr. Barron! Thank you and if I may say, I am a great fan of your videos and commentary. You have always stood out to me as an extremely wise man, something that I don't a lot of in our current world. God bless.

[@MRBOBBY8706]

+Artyforpeace I second this wisdom.... This guy is truly a gift from God

[@Pankracyogame]

+MRBOBBY8706 Oh really?! Didn't he say sth about reasonable hope that all people will be saved? That is pure heresy.

[@andrewvallot9337]

Wow. Thank you. I'll pray for Stephen Colbert.

[@christianevans5471]

Growing up I had always been deeply intrigued by Dan Brown as well as the Inklings but I never read too much of their works. Perhaps that's why I remained unmoved for so long. We lost my sister this year to suicide and though my faith had been in a discovering, I knew that this couldn't wait any longer. I move within your diocese at Holy Spirit with Father Tom just before finding out that you were just assigned here. My wife had even been moved to motion toward the Church with me through Father Mike's videos. I had been heavily influenced by Jung, Peterson, Sagan, the New Atheists, etc. Your clarification helped me realise what my dear friend - also a devout Catholic - had been attempting to convey. I can't thank you and Father Mike enough.

[@njo7086]

Not a Colbert fan but I appreciate where he is coming from, and Bp. Barron's analysis.

[@johnbrowne3950]

If you believe Colbert is a Christian, I've got some swamp land to sell you.

[@dourtan6928]

He hates on Trump too much but I do not doubt his sincere faith.

[@johnbrowne3950]

@Ian Colbert was raised Roman Catholic. Is that what you are basing your claim on him as a Christian? Have you heard his jokes over the past five or six years? Colbert may have religion, but saving faith? Not a chance. Defend him if you wish because he's a nominal Catholic but you might want to check out just exactly what he believes first.

[@johnbrowne3950]

@Ian Anti-Christ president? Is that because he isn't a Roman Catholic? Odd because most Christians refer to popes, especially Francis, as anti-Christ. PS: You are welcome to Colbert. I guess you've never heard any of his many off-color jokes.

[@johnbrowne3950]

@Ian I agree with everything you said about Trump, but I still prefer a pro-life president to any pro-abortion Democrat. And every Democrat I know, including those who claim to be Catholic, are pro-abortion.

[@kimastrup9385]

Once again bishop displays abundance of brilliant insight!

[@meganmulliez3846]

Thank you for you videos. They are compassionate and lucid. When talking to my non-believer friends, I often quote you and find they are very open to what you say. They can see the faith is logically defensible.

[@kayfarquar2034]

And if you take this a step further, look at the sheer number of people that Colbert can influence as a public figure. He is someone who has come along and been given a pulpit of sorts, at a time of great need. Thank you, Bishop Barron for connecting this so beautifully with your talk and the photos.

[@sundevilification]

Comfort and Joy, comfort and joy. Good tidings of comfort and joy. Thanks Father.

[@sisterdeborahgilbreathlove6684]

Thank you so much, Bishop Barron. I so enjoyed your presentation on the significance and meaning of suffering, and was much surprised by some of the apparent flowering and fruitfulness of other people's lives as a result of taking their suffering in the presence of God and under His Sovereign Guidance. May God Richly Bless You.

[@HumanbeingonfloatingEarth]

Always good❤thank u Bishop Barron

[@ChrisLupetti]

Thank you For. Barron for another excellent message.

[@Manuel.Valencia322]

I lost my mother when I was 5 years old she was a born again Christian. Because of her I am a believer and when I got saved at the age of 9 when I decided to accept christ into my heart that is when I felt closer to my mother as well even tho she wasn't alive she lived through me.

[@Davidjune1970]

Anyone who has experienced great tragedy know the transformational opportunity it provides to make your relationship with Jesus more intimate and valuable. And that through tragedy we learn to love others more and have empathy for their struggles to be the helping hand they need.

[@triciad1701]

The difference between knowledge (something we can all aquire) and Wisdom (a Grace from God) is evident in Robert Barron in his love for sharing his gift of wisdom with the world. Humbleness follows Wisdom, where the ego/pride follows knowledge.

[@kelly39655]

This was the most deeply moving work of art I have ever encountered, Thank you for making this video.

[@deaconbilldrobick]

So glad to see you comment on the article! Have to admit, I wondered if you had seen it because Colbert's comments struck me with a similar "musing" but I don't have your skills at tracking it down! Bless you in your new duties, may God's angels always protect you!

[@woodsplitter3274]

"Offering our suffering to God". Someone told me that and I must recognize this.

[@confirmationsofself6666]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you 🙏

[@GarrettFruge]

For a long time I never liked Stephen Colbert, I just wrote him off as a hack. But until I recently watched a few interviews he gave I discovered that he is actually a very smart and deep individual with a strong faith. So, even though I may not agree with all of his politics, I think he's a very interesting and sincere fellow nonetheless.

[@whitefang6930]

Garrett Frugé Stephen Colbert is ANYTHING but Catholic. He's a corrupt mouthpiece for the Podestas, Clinton's, George Soros and globalist Marxist elites. He's anti Christian at the core.

[@annchovey2089]

@@whitefang6930 Right on! He is of the party of abortion!!!

[@annchovey2089]

@@bluegriffin9453Correct. A person can SAY anything but what they really believe is what they DO and we know what side SC stands on. There's nothing Christian/Catholic about it!!!!

[@weaver6341]

@@bluegriffin9453 i guaranty Colbert has brought more people to Christ than you have if this is how you talk. Many people like me have come to research the Catholic Church because of people like Colbert. You are pushing people away from it

[@kevinsullivan7831]

@@weaver6341 I can guarantee you that he hasn't.

[@robertpicard6270]

Every moment is the unfolding and manifestation of God's Will through Providence.

[@wellnessgirl2806]

Excellent analysis as aways. God's grace and providence are at work in our lives, I think I may take some comfort there.

[@jaehokim9266]

A great message during this pandemic to reflect on

[@dominicperez3777]

I recently started watching Colbert through various videos on YT and he's very funny. Tragedy can potentially ruin someone's life, but can also change men into something great. Thoughtful commentary, Father.

[@whitefang6930]

Dominic Perez Stephen Colbert is ANYTHING but Catholic. He's a corrupt mouthpiece for the Podestas, Clinton's, George Soros and globalist Marxist elites. He's anti Christian at the core.

[@jamespuso1627]

@@whitefang6930 How so? He's an opponent of the republican party sure, but I can't recall a time when he said anything in favor of like abortion or anything like that. The only time I can think of him saying something that made him seem like a mouth piece was recently when he had Tulsi Gabbard on and seemingly echoed a lot of pro war talking points, which was shocking and honestly kinda disturbing and disappointed I'll grant.

[@jamespuso1627]

@@RomanusVII What's Love Stage? I've been into anime for 20 years and I've never heard of it....is it one of THOSE anime or something?

[@RomanusVII]

James Puso It’s not something that I would recommend to anyone, ever, due to some explicit themes. It’s not one of THOSE anime, but it definitely has THOSE themes and THOSE hints as to what the two main characters are actually doing. All I can, and want, to say is, it’s kinda messed up.

[@chuckhockey9464]

Everything in life is a gift

[@TheContessa52]

It's a wonderful life! Thank you Bishop elect Barron!

[@jmeyer3rn]

God's ways are mysterious. Thanks be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you Bishop Barron for a little lesson on faith.

[@thecrafterman541]

It's good to see he's still doing these as a Bishop-Elect

[@maggiefoster8878]

Fr. Barron, I would love to see a video on the Kim Davis controversy. Especially as a young girl living in Kentucky, hate from both parties is blowing up my social media accounts. I think a thoughtful, Catholic perspective on the issue would add a much-needed peaceful voice to the uncivil debate.

[@andremendoza712]

+Maggie Foster Catholics need to have a larger presence in the mainstream media. It should not be that the largest widely circulated opposition to the gay marriage ruling is a Protestant opposition. In all love and fairness to our Protestant brother and sisters, often they do not present an effective christian perspective. In this case many people are poking fun at her defending "the sanctity of marriage" while having had four marriages. I would love to hear what Fr. Barron has to say about this issue. The church is so blessed to have priests like you! You're in my prayers.

[@lynalbino4246]

A sacred thank you , Fr. BARRON!

[@lourdesbalo9066]

NO FEAR CAUSE MY GOD IS HERE IN ME,GOD BLESS....

[@unsc595]

Father, you are truly one of the smartest men I've ever seen, thanks for doing all these awesome videos.

[@tinman1955]

In Lord of the Rings the elves, who were immortal, considered mortality to be a gift to men. I guess even elves thought the grass is greener...

[@labrynianrebel]

+Tin Man The funny thing is that the elves envy man's mortality, and men envy elves' immortality. It's such an interesting concept in the mythos.

[@labrynianrebel]

immortal in the sense that they don't die naturally.*****

[@Creedonator]

+Armahx If you read the Silmarillion, you learn that when elves die, they go to a place within creation much like Valhalla, and from there are, after some period of time, reincarnated as another elf, so elves are locked inside creation. By contrast, when men die, they go to some other, unspecified place outside the normal created world.

[@tinman1955]

+Rigid Dirigible Christians believe they get resurrected to live forever in a better world so in principle it's not so different than being an elf. I've read bits of The Silmarillion ages ago. As I recall it begins with a very good creation story. What a pity that Tolkien wasn't available to write Genesis.

[@Creedonator]

The resurrected world is qualitatively different than the fallen one, though. For a Tolkien elf, it's just more of the same, forever. Much like the idea some have about the condition of infants who die before baptism, that is, they experience the greatest possible natural happiness, but are denied supernatural happiness.

[@irmamoreno6350]

What a beautiful reflection. Thank you Bishop Baron! God Bless you

[@Rose-fg2wy]

This video moved me to tears. Thank you for sharing this perspective.

[@praxidescenteno3233]

😇😇😇 God bless all!

[@Duarte1298]

"boy did I had a bomb when I was ten"...i just heard that in Colbert's voice...anyone else?

[@heatherallingham7120]

Stephen Colbert is one of my greatest Catholic inspirations...saw him on Salt and Light...amazing interview

[@kevinsullivan7831]

so his support of perverted lifestyles and abortion are something you look up to?

[@malcognito7210]

Being more of an open theist, I don't believe death is a punishment from God, I do value Bishop Barron's teaching. I think it's in accordance with Romans 8:28, "...all things work together for good to those that love God..."

[@wendyfield7708]

I came into the Catholic Church in 1958, agd 24, and you are right. In England because of the history of the Reformation, it certainly was a big deal for an Anglican to convert. I had to renounce completely my former beliefs, receive conditional Baptism in case the Anglican one had not been done in the proper way, and attending any non Catholic service was banned….even Evensong. Some of my family accepted it but others thought I had taken leave of my senses. I had an anglican vicar grandfather on one side, and Protestant missionary grandparents on the other. There is still a hangover today of these attitudes, and I would say still influences decisions like Brexit subconsciously…..”none of that foreign stuff” being similar to no Roman papists thank you. Nowadays I think the pendulum has swung too much the other way, so that many cradle Catholics see no difference between Catholic and other Christians. +

[@dinhhoangtu311]

Love your video. God bless you father.

[@jeffduran8031]

Damn Robert Barron is the man!! Awesome video.

[@kiwi1043]

Father, you guys totally need to meet up at some point. I can only imagine how awesome the conversation would be. Look up his bit with Bill Maher! His charity and composure in the face of Maher's attacks are a testament to all of us as Catholic's. lol

[@serpico5394]

I love that you favor two of my favorite modern poets: Thomas Merton and Bob Dylan

[@AM-ni3sz]

Thanks

[@praxidescenteno3233]

Thank You Jesús Christ!

[@nl2766]

I don't like Colbert at all but I'm glad he found consolation for his loss

[@InglebertHumptyDump]

@Ian I see you are replying to everyone Ian. Don't assume to speak for all Catholics. And don't be so condescending. Jesus would slap the s out of you.

[@InglebertHumptyDump]

@Ian Who told you to call him the prince of peace? That's not in the bible. Did Satan tell you to call him that? He said he came to bring division not unity. You don't speak for all Catholics and you certainly don't speak for all Christians. Go find some humility and stop looking down on others and assuming that you know something more than them.

[@Dori95Marie]

Wow, wonderful and eye opening reflection. Thanks Father Barron. God bless. PS. God truly works in mysterious ways. haha

[@cinnamondan4984]

This has given me a stronger testimony of Jehovah

[@joaquingimenez6152]

Please, Bishop Robert Barron. Spanish subtitles for spanish speakers. Thank you.

[@anthonydesouza1187]

+Joaquín Giménez 1. Click the cog icon 2. Select 'Translate Captions' from Subtitles/CC drop box 3. Select Spanish. Might not be the best translation but trust me the English captions are hard to read too ha ha

[@deadbirdy7101]

learn English

[@rainadkins4827]

How do you know he isn't brand new to English and _trying_ to learn? Should there be no leeway for that? Are you saying he just shouldn't be able to understand anything till he does? What about people who just aren't good at languages, and for whom it takes a long time? For that matter, in how many languages besides your own have _you_ become fluent, and how fast did _you_ do it? . You don't know enough to judge. And Jesus said not to anyway.

[@ominoreg]

And that, is how you take 8 minutes to not talk about Stephen Colbert, on a video titled Stephen Colbert. I don't blame his excellency. I don't like watching Colbert, let alone talking about him either.

[@keledele]

that’s your interpretation of Christian love there. Impressive

[@roscianyt]

@Rose Benson Beyond political barriers? Democrats are now asking for post-birth abortions. How do you get beyond that?

[@roscianyt]

@K W This has nothing to do with love. I don't hate them, I don't wish harm to them. I don't want them in office, and I hope someday they will see the folly of they're stance. Now, if you want to 'love' people who murder then go ahead. If fact why don't you send Stephen 400,000 roses. That's the number of babies they 'love' killing in the U.S. every year.

[@gemdom6585]

@@roscianyt Who is killing the babies? Think before you answer.

[@roscianyt]

@@gemdom6585 What a stupid reply. If you don't know then that's the problem. More than half the year is over and that might be the stupidest thing I read all year. "Who is killing the babies," wait, of my darn, you got me. You were just being an idiot on purpose. You had me going for awhile.

[@sarahpamula778]

Where I might differ in seeing say J R Tolkien who lived an exciting life full of great companions, when there is a great distance from trauma of course your thoughts express that great distance with gratitude so reflection becomes far and away easier, and then true champion faith sees that life is the result of yesterday's devotions and intercourse with God.

[@paulasant8859]

Colbert shared his faith with an honest and heartfelt experience. Saying we can learn from punishment as a gift from God. I applaud him but he obviously sees the new administration as punishment but is treating it in a vile and descipable diatribe on his show recently. The resistance has gone to far and does not set a Christy example. His works are not reflecting his former values and he has way to munch influence on our milleniels, just like Bill Nye.

[@QuisutDeusmpc]

Calls to mind a hymn of William Cowper, circa 1774: God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform: he plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines, with never-failing skill, he treasures up his bright designs, and works his sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace; behind a frowning providence he hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour: the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower. Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.

[@marlogue53]

From Newman to Colbert. The Sublime to the Ridiculous.

[@danoneill84]

I was hoping this was going to be about the conflict between his beliefs/the things he says on his show and true Catholicism. akin to how Joe Biden, and nancy Pelosi were/are "supposedly" catholics despite their stances on abortion, etc.

[@roscianyt]

Heck, Democratic now want post-birth abortions.

[@agalo3631]

Mark Rios Absolutely not.

[@retsea1]

And, as it happens, this is one of the lessons of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

[@sarahblanchard9972]

I have a lot of trouble understanding providence. Even in the light of cancer, murder, death by natural disaster, rape, etc., are we meant to say "Amen, God's will be done. He works all things together for good! His ways are greater than ours!"? Or are we meant to bitterly rage against these influences that sin/Satan has on the world? Or maybe somehow hold the two together in tension? Any guidance on this, Bishop-elect?

[@HolyKhaaaaan]

+Sarah Sullivan Evil is hard for us to understand emotionally. It also makes no rational sense. But God, and who He is, and what He means to do with us, does. As erudite as I pretend to be, really the main thing keeping me going as a Catholic is who God is, what He has done, and what He has demonstrated He will do - as He did through His Son. The last part's especially important. He, literally, let His Son, Jesus, go through Hell and back - and urged Jesus to do it. But Jesus not only survived, not only returned with far, far more than He had than before, but _He stayed the course the whole time_, even at the point which, for us, would make no sense. Why didn't Jesus "call down a legion of angels" to save Him when He was His most vulnerable, on that dark Thursday night? If God can make of what happened to His Own Son - who ought to be more precious, more pampered than any of us - something so glorious not only for Him, but also for all mankind (being that Jesus shares our flesh, and therefore whatever happens to Him we are co-heirs, inheritors, brothers in) and for the whole world - what can't God do with the most estranged sinner, or the most hardcore hater? What can't God do with the worst sufferings in the world? But there it is - the sufferings must come with His work, for He did not even spare His most Beloved Son. As Terry Eagleton once put it: "If you don't love you're dead, and if you do, they'll kill you. Here, then, is your pie in the sky and opium of the people."

[@suzannewilson5631]

I think you hit the nail on the nail on the head when you spoke of holding the two together in tension.

[@stpetric]

Beautiful tracing of the links that connect us to each other through the years. By why stop with Newman? If not for Newman's collaboration with John Keble and Edward Bouverie Pusey in the Oxford Movement, he may never have found the receptivity to examine seriously the claims of the Catholic Church.

[@BertramGroverWeeks]

Dylan's line is I am hanging in the balance "of the reality of man"

[@roddy2422]

Nietzsche also spoke something very similar to this. He spoke that of the greatest and most traumatic events, the best and most unique and admirable traits in us that separate us from the "under-men" and make us an "overman." (themes in nietzsche's work.) Essentially, what I take from this, is that nobody who has had a great impact on the world has gone through a life without tragedy. Tragedy shapes us in some way to make us ready for the events we choose to face later in life to varying degrees, because some things will impact some people more than others. You can believe God has a hand in that, I disagree, but I respect your opinion nonetheless. :)

[@michaelalam8653]

+David Rodriguez there is one key difference my friend. Nietzsche has no justification to say these things. If you are adhering to Nietzsche's principle's, then when tragedy strikes, i have absolutely no reason to think that this tragedy is for my betterment, or that it would make me ready for events later in my life. If your claim is that God does not have a hand in these things, then (unless you appeal to something else that is objective; which would go against Nietzsche's principles) you cannot ground these things in anything other than your subjective opinion.

[@roddy2422]

Nietzsche has no justification to say these things? Why not? What does that even mean? You are making no sense whatsoever. Are you implying Nietzsche did not have a tragic life? That his life did not have trauma? Because I can assure you, it did, and I suggest you do a bit more research if that is indeed what you are implying. I am not "adhering" to Nietzsche's or anyone's principles, Nietzsche is a very dangerous man and should approached with caution. To use the phrasing that Nietzsche wanted you to adhere to his principles shows a complete misunderstanding of Nietzsche's philosophy, which is to abandon the values, morals ( i.e.principles) of Christianity and it's obsession with death and otherworldly things and form your own values "life affirming, yes-saying" values that are of the earth without the influence of something or someone else. Some people like Sam Harris argue that morality is inherent in humanity, for example, most people don't need to read the bible to know that rape is bad. You might say that this is because of the spread of christian values int he world that society changed it's mind. To which I say Slavery. The bible promoted slavery, said it was okay. But we as a society decided it was not okay, and that was that. I speak to you like this because you spoke to me like you wanted to engage in a debate, so here is your debate. Your last sentence is complete irrelevant because of the last line I made in my first comment, and you came off as rude saying it for no reason. Michael Alam

[@michaelalam8653]

+David Rodriguez if i came across as seeking an argument, i apologise. That wasn't my intention. But i hold to everything i said. Perhaps some of my points need clarification. Firstly, i did not say Nietzsche did not have a hard life. In fact i have studied his works for years and know all about him. Here's what i meant when i said he has no justification to say what he said. If you believe in an objective God (regardless of the plausibility of this notion), we can justify the fact that when evil happens, there can be an upside to it, there can be a learning curve. These things are possible because you believe in an all-powerful and all-loving deity. If you do NOT believe in God, then when evil happens, there is no reason for us to say that this evil happened for a 'positive' reason, or that this evil will help us learn for the future or bring about a greater good. You can still think this, but you do not have a reason to think it. I won't address your other points because much can be said and that is not why i replied to your original comment. I hope you can see that the only way to justify evil as being something that shapes us for the better, is to ground your existence in a being whose aim is goodness itself. If not, then the most reasonable conclusion is the following: Things happen, good things, bad things, but there is no reason why they happen. Good things may shape us for the better, maybe not. Bad things may shape us for the better, maybe not.

[@roddy2422]

Michael Alam I disagreed with you until your final statement. Well said. You were speaking in absolutes before, and not every situation will be like that, nor every person, etc.

[@tomsaltsman]

The scriptures in Judith, I Corinthians, Hebrews, and others make it crystal clear that our Father in Heaven chastises his children because He them. Those who have it good are the ones who really need to worry. The Ronald Chumps of this word need to note the 16th chapter of Luke, "Son, remember in your lifetime you received good things and Lazarus bad things? Now it's turned around!" The Church has long called this suffering of the favored ones "temporal punishment." The really great thing about temporal punishment is that it can be at least lessened if not avoided altogether by judging oneself and seeking plenary indulgences. In one year alone, I was miraculously healed because I always sought a plenary indulgence whenever going to communion. Twice I was healed of my infirmities right after communion. One time I had excruciating sciatica that disappeared right after communion.

[@tomsaltsman]

+Tom Saltsman I wish we could edit on this space. I meant to say, "chastises his children because He LOVES them," and, "the Ronald Chumps of this WORLD."

[@Ahoj4U]

This is a beautiful reflection on providence. Just a pity that Mr. Colbert continues the "Catholicism routine," as he ends up mocking the Church. He may believe that using extreme satire makes people think or draws them to the Church, but it is too subtle for the uninformed and only confirms what they may see as the ridiculousness of religion. Evidence for this is in abundance in the viewer comments posted on his videos. Given the national audience he draws, we need to really pray that the guy comes to realize the harm he is doing.

[@maskirovka77]

I understand the argument about human evil proceeding from free will from your various videos. But I was wondering if you have a video that addresses "natural evil" (i.e. terrible natural disasters or horrible diseases). I understand in part that the suffering resulting from those things may be part of a greater plan, but I was wondering if there's more arguments for why those things occur.

[@caseycates8089]

Reminds me of Lord of the Rings. All of these seemingly random yet connected things happened as if there is an unseen Strategist. (See Peter Kreefts - Lord of the Rings Christan Themes) Isildur cut off Sauron's ring of power which was lost in the River. Then the ring was "inadvertently "found by Gollum who then loses it to Bilbo. Having an opportunity to kill Gollum, Bilbo's pity results in Gollum unknowingly becoming the catalyst of the ring's destruction.

[@natale149]

The eyes of faith.

[@kichigan1]

The Catholic Church has made mistakes and has been trying to correct them since. I am proud to be a Catholic.

[@montmorency1950]

You had two prominent Catholic laymen, William S. Buckley and Gore Vidal who were as different as day and night. We need great Catholic clergy and great Laypersons to inspire us.

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

Tolkien was also partially the reason that C.S. Lewis, a former atheist, became a Christian.

[@GuineaPigDan]

The title made me think you actually appeared on Stephen Colbert for a moment.

[@huskyfaninmass1042]

+GuineaPigDan The title made me think he was going to discuss the capital of Rhode Island.

[@anndanehower8879]

If it wasn’t for Bishop Sheen, I would not becoming a Catholic. If it wasn’t for John Henry Newman, I would not have survived childhood trauma. The Oxford Movement which founded AA saved my life. There are no accidents.

[@imhoffbros3]

Congratulations Bishop Barron on your appointment to the Archdiocese of LA.

[@jorgejohnson451]

I don’t believe God “punishes” us. Our “suffering,” however, is a gift. If we did not “suffer,” we would not be human. We be robots who did not experienced have emotions. It’s a terrible thing to lose a parent, especially at such a young age. I don’t believe God plans that. But when it happens, God offers us his Grace. To remind us that, ultimately, he is our only parent. “Our Father, who art in heaven...” And that, indeed, is a gift. A gift we deny at our own peril.

[@Teachering]

Lovely!

[@psmaureen]

I always felt the calling from Christ?

[@JohanOliveire]

I saw this already but wanted to re-view and "like" it. Let people say what they will about Colbert, but it's the "outside" glimpses of him like in GQ or Witness that get me to like him.

[@Bikewithlove]

It only reinforces Bishop Barron’s point that I dislike Colbert’s recent work, which seems to be largely dismissive of reason, because even though Colbert is flat-out wrong for abiding by his irresponsible dictum of “leave your soul in the dressing room, you can get it back later,” he has nevertheless achieved a level of notoriety through his suffering that could be more unifying than divisive should he decide to change his course for the better. For now, people like Jerry Seinfeld, Joe Rogan, and Owen Benjamin - who also suffer - are carrying the torch of comedy.

[@michaelcali8304]

Any chance you go on Colbert’s show?

[@virginiaarellano2192]

When God visited his people there were demons among his own chosen who did everything they could to destroy Jesus and his followers, but our Lord commanded them to leave the people they were tormenting with all kinds of things; however, these demons thought they could kill Jesus when in reality Jesus gave his life for us. And he did die ; however, Jesus Resurrected and is well alive. And not only Resurrected, but He and His Father sent us their Holy Spirit who is still working in us. His Holy Spirit is the same Spirit who Created everything and everybody including Lucifer and his followers of then and now. These demons are in people who are self served, self centered and like in Jesus visiting us are trying to deceive many astray and self centered. Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Holy Spirit come.

[@eobardthawne7836]

So God causes other's to suffer.... to pass on lessons to other people? Seems a bit sadistic, especially when other methods, which involve no suffering on the part of anyone are available to him. Not to mention that some suffering is seemingly meaningless, carries no worthwhile message or lesson. It's a creative answer to why we suffer, but in my opinion it's still not a great explanation. You can always just say 'we don't know the reason' but, that's a pretty weak response. I am not necessarily a non-believer but I find it hard to see God in this light.

[@christophermartin8685]

Drug addicts actually endure a lot of suffering, but it saves their life in the end. Trust in God.

[@jonmkl]

There’s very few people that frustrate me like Colbert. I’ve seen his interviews and read his stuff outside of his shows and I believe he’s a very intelligent and interesting man, and Catholic, but within the limelight he’s practically a cheerleader for leftism these days... I’m a fan of him as a man, but not as a comedian or a political agent. I think he’ll get himself back on track, some day.

[@HotEatTheFood]

Where in the bible does it tell people they can't be democrats?

[@specialteams28]

@@HotEatTheFood Thou shalt not kill= Abortion Thou shalt not covet they neighbors possessions= tax the rich Thou shalt not bear false witness= Gay marriage is good, people can choose their genders, white people are racist, police officers are racist, homosexuality is not a sin. America is evil...

[@videolifeca]

I am not a believer.. a skeptic.. but he is a person that is soothing to listen too. However, is it objective reality? I think not.

[@jasperthorne3965]

I note you overlook Colbert's consistent rank progressivism, your Grace. I'm sure I could cherry-pick some fairly Catholic-sounding things the most zealous liberation-theorists said, but would that make them less than heretics?

[@NeedASparkB4Fire]

Can someone link the interview from Stephen Colbert, please?

[@clarasantiso8246]

An actress Diane Keaton called Colbert a pervert. Don't think Colbert is as Catholic as Bishop thinks.

[@paulcandiago9339]

SOFONIA are your prophecies still valid?