Bishop Barron on “The Way of a Pilgrim”

The Way of a Pilgrim, whose author is unknown to us, concerns a man from mid-nineteenth century Russia who found himself deeply puzzled by St. Paul’s comment in first Thessalonians that we should “pray unceasingly.” How, he wondered, amidst all of the demands of life, is this even possible? With the Jesus Prayer on his lips, he seeks the answer on a pilgrimage. What he finds is a lesson for us all. Visit www.WordOnFire.org to learn more!

[@Giantsbran1227]

This book led me from Atheism to the Orthodox Church. Changed my life

[@jon250]

Thanks for your testimony, Adolf.

[@VENEKLASEN5]

It was also my gateway drug to orthodoxy from Protestantism.

[@Lasharella]

@@jon250 why would you call him adolf? Just curious

[@Lasharella]

@@that_sun_guy6527 he did live his life far from anything holy and worthy of priesthood or anything Christ like.. As a Georgian it pains me to admit it but he was far from Christian or holy, nothing short of pure evil!

[@rauldelarosa2768]

@@VENEKLASEN5 hi.. I'm a protestant Christian myself.. but I'm going to be reading books from other traditions within Christendom..

[@pauldiemert262]

The Way of a Pilgrim and praying the Jesus Prayer produced the most efficacious results in my 83 years as a Catholic..

[@johnkenneth3602]

Whoever is reading this I hope you had a joyful Christmas and may God bless you : )

[@jeremymaxwell4469]

john blanco God bless you too John. It's nice to read good comments on youtube once in a while :)

[@nelsonnoname001]

Same to all of you once again, this year, and years to come

[@natebutch3999]

Thanks Bishop! I'm a former New Atheist/Nihilist who just started Catholic RCIA thanks to individuals like yourself, WLC, Edward Feser, Frank Turek, Lennox, etc. who took the Christian fight to the front lines of the internet. I can't express the depth of my gratitude in text, but if all of the Christian intellectuals stayed in their places of worship I'd still be in my despair. God bless!

[@BishopBarron]

Dear Nate, I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. To God be the glory!

[@maritheresereyes]

Nate Butch Praying for you, Nate, as you begin the RCIA! There is no joy compared to knowing our Lord more. God bless you!

[@natebutch3999]

Keir Campbell Sure. Fair warning, I don't have all the answers. But I'd be happy to share my experience

[@natebutch3999]

Keir Campbell I'm sorry?

[@AlaskaFinal]

Hard question; I'm not sure what I regard that highly. Possibly my *Seijitsu no Monjou*; the crest of Sincerity, a Greek cross with quadrant triangles, but the very purpose of that crest is that you as the holder should one day destroy it; to codify how the virtue is something that comes from within, not from an object. It's very color & shape inspires me, but I could easily replace it if it was taken. ... My original Star Wars trilogy VHS tapes from 1996? After my John paull II Rosary, those would be the hardest to replace. There's also my old upright bass, something I once considered an extension of my soul. Now though, I've been thinking of getting rid of it.

[@toahordika6]

This was the first book that was given to me when I went to a church for the first time (I'm Orthodox). It was central to my conversion.

[@tvaldriz4934]

Same here.

[@clispyleaf]

This book, I listened to it narrated on youtube, was world changing for me. Ive never had a spiritual book have me so riveted as this one. Captivating, powerful. Glory to God.

[@devotiolumen6095]

I am Eastern Catholic and lost my prayer rope. I also lost my rosary once and drove thirty minutes out of my way to find it.

[@andersbald6756]

"Where your heart is is where your treasure lies "

[@fotyfar]

This short prayer saved me from a lot of troubles , very powerful , St. Augustine called the arrow prayer and it indeed is. By all means , great book so beneficial 🙏💕

[@mrpallycapoops]

It is indeed a glorious little prayer. And the story is heaven sent. I try to pray it whenever practical. I’m listening to it again because it is such a beautiful story. The one thing I definitely couldn’t live without is faith in God. The rest comes and goes.

[@rauldelarosa2768]

I'm a protestant Christian who left a hyper legalistic tradition in Christianity.. I stumbled across this book unintentionally..and purchased it . I'm planning to finish reading this book.. I believe that the protestant Christian traditions are lacking the devotional prayers that Roman Catholicism seem to possess..

[@heli0s101]

I hope you look into the Orthodox Church as well ❤

[@rauldelarosa2768]

@@heli0s101 thanks for your response.. I honestly am not impressed by the online Anti protestant orthodox Church folks I've engaged online even recently, encountered a very very cage stage orthodox Church convert who resorted to being racist towards me because I corrected him regarding cussing with the Bible. Out of all the orthodox Church people I've met,only one has been pleasant. Also I'm a former Roman Catholic,and I feel no pull towards Rome or the Eastern Church..

[@heli0s101]

@@rauldelarosa2768 A lot of online ones tend to be converts who are happy to belittle anyone who hasn't found the same path they have. I've had negative experiences in the Church before, but what I always remember is that I truly believe it to be the Church that Christ himself built. And if that's true, then my fleeting happiness isn't the priority - it's being there, ready to serve and carry out His will to the best of my ability. I hope you'll give it another look when you're ready, but God bless you all the same ❤

[@rauldelarosa2768]

@@heli0s101 there's nothing to look at again.. we're not saved by rituals.. I'm ex Roman Catholic.. the Eastern Church is just a schism of Rome..not feeling any draw towards Mary fixation,infant baptism or anything else your religion has to offer.

[@jeffryc.larson3952]

Recently I went on a 3-day silent retreat. I determined beforehand to stay off my phone for the entire time. Somewhat surprisingly I had no problem doing this. It was actually very refreshing.

[@ksmkvoyager]

I love your honesty Bishop Barron

[@sarahpamula778]

Father Eyman when he was a Priest at a Parish in Mentor, OH taught me this prayer. Being disabled leaves one with a lot of opportunity for spiritual growth and understanding, I spent a season with that prayer.

[@monicasmith6385]

My pets. That's what I would cling to if I could have each of them back. They all took a piece of my heart when they passed.

[@Rihew]

Father! We need you to become our pope!

[@Metatron141]

I just found this book like less than a week ago. I have already listened to it 3 times on audio books. It is just an amazing journey this monks takes me on. I've ordered it and now waiting for it to arrive. Can't wait to hold it and read it. 🙏🙏🙏👍

[@CatholicMagus]

Thank you for the lesson Your Excellence, I'll be sure to meditate on it.

[@sarkiesarkie4918]

Paragon Arc : Your Excellence ???????? You gotta be kidding you ignorant fool. This bishop is a pagan and speaks a false doctrine.

[@baoduong2203]

I recently purchased this book from a local Orthodox Church. I am hoping that I will have the opportunity to read the book soon. I thought that the Jesus prayer would be similar to the rosary, but it’s not. In the rosary you are supposed to meditate on mysteries of the rosary. For the Jesus prayer you are not supposed to use your imagination. But I was reminded whenever I recited the Jesus prayer I am talking to a person, who happens to be God..

[@HS-pz3sq]

I'm happy to see that roman catholics are now beginning to see the spiritual value of orthodoxy from which theu split in the 11 th century.

[@gusflo7300]

Thank you father from México...I love your channel and your wisdom...blessing to you and all brothers and sisters around here

[@bluesky7226]

I love this little book! It is beautifully written and inspiring.

[@peterbrookes3824]

Bishop Barron, the modern St Thomas Aquinas. 🙏

[@user-vu7rv1xf1l]

My dog. Shes what I would cling to. In her life I felt this way, & in her death I continue to feel that way. Her ashes. I can't imagine losing those. I already lost her life which was the worse grief I have ever felt. If she came back now I would cling to her. I look forward to dying to see her again, & it was actually her death that stopped me being an atheist & led me to Christianity.

[@nicolasuribestanko]

K..... I understand you 100%, although such feelings are nonsense to those who have never felt close to a dog - or other animal. What grieves me the most as I reflect on my life (I'm now 73) is that before my conversion I was actually cruel to animals.

[@veelehman8367]

loved this. Especially during the season of Lent

[@user-vu7rv1xf1l]

Thats given me a great idea. I will pray this over lent as he does in the book, to master it.

[@koko2bware]

I will desperately cling to the Lord's Forgiveness and His Mercy, .. nothing more.

[@alexpanagiotis4706]

We always should remember God! Every breath should be a prayer! Breath in: JESUS; breath out: CHRIST. JESUS CHRIST, JESUS CHRIST, JESUS CHRIST......

[@janetdrybread3158]

Dear Bishop Barron, I’m so very delighted in you. I have long prayed that God would send such priests as you to speak the truth in a way that works. Jesus is working through you. I pray that your work will open men’s hearts to Jesus Christ more and more as the word on fire movement builds. You are making miracles by the power of God. Thank you Bishop and Thank you Jesus!!!!!!

[@nickvela82]

A nice humbling reminder of our need for Christ and our need to keep in first over everything including those we love. Its a hard lesson but its truth non the less.

[@Ingrid0410]

What an interesting thought Bishop Barron! Thank you!

[@nevermind2886]

Bishop Baron, the letters that make up the words "thank" and "you" are beginning to show signs of wear on my keyboard from watching your videos. I don't mind. Once again, thank you.

[@IyadJabbour_thePhArMaCiSt]

Thank you your excellency for the commentary on the book. A lot to mention, and you hit one of the great points!

[@andrewthompson7008]

How capital "T" True that is! Thank you father for the wonderful comments. You have no idea how much you have helped my spiritual journey. Thank you and God Bless!!

[@rbmobile1]

Thank you Father Barron, I have been blessed to read this little book about 5 times. Originally I come from a military family that never took me to church but were kind to me. Later I spent 5 years in the Hare Krsna faith. But that was over 20 years ago. It's taken me a long time to figure out that I really like the Catholic faith. Let me say that it "feels" comfortable. On Facebook I have recently started a group called Krishna Catholics (facebook.com/K108C/) where I can express my love for both faiths. Speaking about what is most valuable, some say it is the Holy Name. I mean, there are books written about this. But the other day, after reading 3 books about the history of the Rosary ("Champions of the Rosary" among them plus the 2 other books the author mentions), I bought some beads and string, and with a cross I already had and some other medals, I made a prayer rosary of sorts. Never really prayed until I read "Champions of the Rosary." This is a game-changing book. I also once read that before you do anything you should pray, so now every morning (before I start my day) I have started praying and saying my Rosary. I mean, what is faith? You mention a cellphone. "Faith:" what is it? Sometimes on my i-phone I loose my connection when I am talking to someone but don't even know it. That happened just the other day. You feel kind of stupid after realizing you have been talking to a dead line for about a minute. "Hello, Hello, Can you hear me?" I am sure it has happened to you. "Hello, are you there?" Faith is believing that God is listening to my prayers. Without faith, that would be pretty stupid, talking away on my phone knowing that all I have is a dead line - nobody there. Without faith, now that would truly be loneliness. So I think faith is the most important thing. It connect me. It is my connection. Loosing that would be the end of all that I hold dear.

[@agapelove9816]

Thank you bishop Robert!!!

[@jeffreybarton1297]

I've nearly finished the book. I started saying the Jesus prayer (Including the 'A sinner' Part) before finding out about the book. Having read it, I've cut the 'A sinner' part from my prayers. I believe that cutting it might be more beneficial, either for my self, or for my connection with Jesus. Jesus knows what sins I'm guilty of anyway, and I certainly know most of them :-)

[@praxidescentenoortiz9664]

God is who care from world together. Give thanks with the pray

[@EC-rd9ys]

Found this gem in my public library. I think about it a lot.

[@middlegrounds109]

Very powerful point in this video.

[@Westwind17]

I would desperately cling to the one and only love of my life the one I can't live without and I will never let go

[@StJoseph777]

I draw endless inspiration from the East. I learned the Jesus Prayer meditation and with practice over the last year or so have learned often how to pray continuously, at least for long periods of time throughout the day. Your eminence would you please also do something on the Rosary? You know it truly is our uniquely Catholic prayer/meditation device. Actually learning the Jesus Prayer meditation and sort of habituating myself to do it while breathing and doing other things made learning the Rosary easier I think. Now how's that about East and West together?

[@StJoseph777]

PS: I say the Rosary prayers while continuously breathing in and out. You might call it a "speed Rosary" ironically because it does shave time off when you're not actually stopping to inhale. But in reality it also makes a deeper sense of reverie possible, especiall if you breathe deeply and steadily

[@rougeshot7395]

i deeply revere the orthodox church and culture i follow fransis but have the soul of the orthodox

[@essboarder23]

I really appreciate this video, and I hope perhaps you can have future videos that delve into eastern Christianity.

[@dmitri1483]

☦❤

[@fotyfar]

Well said 👍👍

[@Dwijhaixuj]

Love it!

[@sandr637]

@Bishop Robert Barron, Have you ever read the Philokalia? Also, what are your thoughts on the essence/energy distinction of St Gregory Palamas? Thank you for your great videos. I'd love to see one on the differences and similarities between Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

[@ХристоМартунковграфЛозенски]

I would definitely like that as well; to see his Grace comment on these things.

[@dumbox3590]

Bishop Barron I find your videos very helpful and insightful: please do a review of the January 2017 issue of National Geographic Magazine on "Gender Revolution".

[@Charlotte_Martel]

I'm pretty shocked that the Bishop cited his iPhone as the object he would mourn the most. I would have thought that it would have been an old Bible or rosary blessed by the Pope. Go figure. I'm one of those neo-Luddites (by Millennial standards) who just uses my phone to talk and text. Besides a few photos stored, it would be no grand tragedy to lose it, but each to his own. I will have to check this book out. It sounds very interesting, almost like Tolstoy's spiritual bio.

[@IyadJabbour_thePhArMaCiSt]

I think the Bishop wanted to show that anything we cling too is actually meaniingless to where it's not more than an iPhone!

[@iqgustavo]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 01:38 🙏 *Emphasizes the significance of the Jesus Prayer in the hesychast tradition, a form of constant prayer meant to be integrated into daily life, aligning breath with the prayer's rhythm.* 02:33 🚶‍♂️ *Describes the protagonist as a wanderer, reflecting Russian spirituality, who travels with only a Bible and the philic alia, trusting in the Lord's providence.* 03:38 😢 *Highlights a poignant moment where the protagonist, after losing and regaining his Bible and philic alia, clings to them with overwhelming joy, prompting reflection on personal attachments.* 04:58 📱 *Poses a thought-provoking question about modern attachments, contrasting the pilgrim's deep connection to spiritual essentials with the potential attachment to material possessions like an iPhone.* 06:16 🤔 *Encourages self-reflection on what individuals would cling to with tenacity, prompting consideration of spiritual priorities over worldly possessions.*

[@5692Nate21]

In the story he has a dream and his now deceased spiritual mentor said the books were stolen to “prevent him from spiritual pride. He must leave the material things behind.” So the main lesson is learning about God is great!! But at some point, experiencing God through prayer and inner silence (hesycasm) is more important that the theory on how to do it. That’s at least what I got out of it. Stop learning how to do something, and start actually doing it.

[@JimdalfTheOrange]

Fr. Barron, I'm not sure this comment belongs under this video, but I was curious. With social media allowing for people to go "live," would we be able to begin to live broadcasting Eucharistic Adoration? Does the live setting allow for this to help us "pray constantly," or would this be degrading the Holy Eucharist. Although there are definite evils associated with allowing someone at anytime to broadcast themselves, I also see a wonderful opportunity to bring Christ to the world.

[@annehenderson4868]

Very enlightening. You have given me so much to think about. I think the President Trump has a handle on the economy and what is going to happen!!! I think he will be prepared for anything! I hope that you have a blessed summer!

[@thadtheman3751]

The way to pray unceasingly, ie to talk to "I am", is "to be".

[@travvistodd6016]

This video reminds me of Salinger's "Franny and Zooey."

[@jamaicanification]

@Bishop Robert Barron. Long time fan of your and think this is a great commentary on the Jesus prayer from the east. I'm part of the Anglican tradition where we have the Daily Office or the Liturgy of the Hours. Do you think that is another way of reflecting on St Paul's injunction in 1 Thessalonians as well?

[@Richie_roo]

Bishop baron, What do you think about Pilgrims Progress?

[@DouglasProject2010]

Could you please make a review about the movie "Silence", so far I just found reviews from ateist or no catholic, And most of then avoid comments about the pain and suffering of our missionaries fathers. This movie is about the mission catholic portuguese in Japan, many people think it was a total failure but in 2017 will we Canonized the first Japonese Saint who was a former Samurai before his conversion. Thank you Father. Happy new year.

[@alex_roivas333]

i also came to ask about the movie "Silence" ^_^

[@QuisutDeusmpc]

the "yurodivy" / holy fool is Orthodoxy's [particularly Russian Orthodoxy's] understanding of St. Paul's "fools for Christ" [cf. I Corinthians 4: 10; I Corinthians 3: 19; I Corinthians 1: 18; I Corinthians 1: 21]. It is the equivalent to the western Church's monastic order giving up all one's possessions to go and follow Jesus Christ [e. g. the vow of poverty] - i. e. religious practices which directly confront and run counter to the prevailing culture's norms and mores. Thank you for the recommendation for spiritual reading. The Church's "Divine Office" or "Liturgy of the Hours comes to mind as a rough equivalent of the Latin west's version of the "Philokalia" - reading meant for prayer ['lectio divina'] to lead one into prayer of mediation and contemplation which would be one of those 'can't live without' books, as well as a Roman Missal [the readings of the lectionary for Mass for the three year cycle which covers 90% of the entire Bible as it is read in communal worship. Those would be my top two with the understanding that the sacred Scriptures would be the other.

[@CarmelZJ]

Bishop Robert can you please suggest more spiritual books to read.

[@francevenezia]

AE E The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a' Kempis or anything by Deitrick Bonhoeffer.

[@CarmelZJ]

many thanks!

[@francevenezia]

Also THE BIBLE daily! it's the Word of God!

[@CarmelZJ]

I do Bible daily

[@francevenezia]

AE E Another good book is Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyun. It's a must-read.

[@krdiaz8026]

Now the question is will Bishop Barron give up his phone for Lent 2017 (except for strictly necessary work calls). St. John of the Cross pray for Bishop Barron and merit for him more detachment this new year 2017.

[@lukehunnable]

Is it "Lord Jesus Christ" breathe in "have mercy on me" breathe out? Or Breathe in "Lord Jesus Christ" breathe out "have mercy on me"?

[@dariomijacx]

This is sad 😢

[@DouglasProject2010]

Father I just watched the Movie Star War - Rogue 1. There is one brave blind man in the movie go to the battle saing something like "I am one with the force, and the force is with me" . Could you please make a video about this movie?

[@MobiusCoin]

PLEASE tell me you will be reviewing Silence.

[@floydfan82]

I believe that Bishop Barron did already write a review on the movie, Silence. I think it can be found on the National Catholic Register website.

[@TheElizabethashby]

JESUIT

[@nadiabruce6389]

Losing my Catholic English and French bibles. I will be inconsolable.

[@thomasanderson1416]

Nothing to desperately cling to :-\ I don't know if it's good or bad.

[@MightybyGrace]

maybe you dont have long term plans, like eternity :)

[@antonygergis773]

ok then ok baiy ok haha lol k bai