Comparison is the Thief of Joy! | Mthr. Natalia

Mthr. Natalia talks about why we shouldn't compare ourselves to others. How comparison makes up Despair. Is Comparison ever good?
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[@jorklind]

Being single at Mass - and not even part of a Catholic family, so I sit alone. This hits home. I can’t tell you how many times I have sat alone, surrounded by people my age with spouses and children - and allowing myself to be taken out of the moment wishing I could have their gifts. Or even seeing people move on from the ministry I am involved in to start families. Ignoring the gift that my singleness allows me to pour out for the service of others. Even if that new season in life never comes, I still have a worth and a purpose and still have hope to work towards. Thanks for something to think about and a little healthy tear, mother.

[@elalaube8480]

I love you Mother Natalia. English is my second language, but the way you speak I can understand. I feel I learn a lot from You. God bless you.

[@christusenciaga]

We love Mother Natalia!

[@carissimaamicitiaest5535]

We do! ❤🙏🇻🇦

[@twopintsofmilk]

My name is twopintsofmilk and I endorse this announcement.

[@anajuliasilveira7953]

We absolutely do!! ❤

[@Ca8tisawesome]

I used to be really envious of the Blessed Virgin. I was hurt by the fact that God would give her the grace of being Immaculately conceived, and not me. A few realizations helped heal me from these envious feelings and thoughts: 1. Mary’s Immaculate conception does not just bless her, but it blesses the entirety of the Body of Christ! 2. The Lord desires to love me just as deeply as He loves our Blessed Mother. 3. Mary loves me and wants to share her graces with me! 4. This envy really stems from a great shame of my own sin. Rather than despairing and hating myself for my own sin, I should repent and hope in the Lord’s mercy! That same mercy saved the Blessed Virgin from original sin and saves me as well! Now, I truly love my Mother and consecrate myself to her Immaculate Heart daily!

[@anajuliasilveira7953]

Saint Phillip Neri (if I’m not mistaken) once said that when God wants to grow a specific virtue in us He usually tests us with the opposite. I’ve seen on people that are victorious over this temptation of envying the Blessed Virgin end up loving her way much more and are very specially devoted to her ❤

[@isaiahjohnson7427]

We also got to remember the crosses Mary had to bear She fled her home Was at constant threat of Jesus being seen as being born out of wedlock And she watched her son die and held his lifeless body Mary was amazing and I never would have been able to do that and honestly I’m a little (a lot) happy that I wasn’t the one chosen to have to do that

[@user-jk2wc4kj1t]

This one is interesting, could u give any specific resources and references that maybe I could reach and learn?? @@anajuliasilveira7953

[@williamrussell6941]

I'm so glad Mother was added to the Pints with Aquinas line-up. She is a Blessing to us!!

[@nataliediscovers]

Having mother on the show is one of the biggest blessings of 2024. I already see how much it helps me spirually to listen to her wisdom.

[@PatristicRecluse]

The timing of this video couldn't have been any more perfect. I'm currently a nursing student in my second semester. I'm repeating my second semester. I've had setback after setback and frustration after frustration in nursing school. The past couple of months I've been seeing people that I started the nursing program with already in their fourth and final semester just weeks away from graduating. I'm very happy for them but at the same time I am filled with such bitterness because I keep thinking about how I could have been in that position with them. People that are no doubt smarter than I and others who literally had mental breakdowns in the start of the semester with me and look at them now! I cannot fail another semester because if I do I am out of the program and I surely will not put myself through this torture again even after waiting 5 years for readmittance. It's been rough and I don't have a plan B at the moment. So it's very difficult to not compare myself and to appreciate the gifts which the good Lord has put upon me. This video put things in a little positive light for me and I'm looking at it in a different perspective. Little by little, day by day, step by step I will continue to appreciate the many blessings that the Lord has given to me a wretched sinner.

[@sabrinatiahrt3062]

This Catholic Faith is so beautiful. Thank you Mother Natalia for being a sister in Christ to us all. How amazing to have such a beautiful sibling to look up to. God has made a blessed family that's for sure.

[@IONov990]

Thank you Mother Natalia!!! I compare myself with everyone and I become annoyed with my shortcomings. God has given each of us a unique role. I often question my self worth. It is so easy for me to envy women who are naturally beautiful or have that "cool" factor. It is nice to feel better than others but when you compare you can feel worse. I feel like I'm always trying to keep up with others

[@candace7310]

I am aways amazed by how easy and true these explanations are and yet so many of us wouldn't even get to know it on our own

[@littlechildinbigworld]

that's how God lets His whole Body work together edifying one another, having an opportunity to bear fruit others can eat which will benefit both:)

[@Laurefin]

I’m so grateful to these new videos with Mother Natalia! ❤

[@guadalupano1531]

Thank you, Mother Natalia. I was just praying on a tendency I have long had at times, which is, to notice the gifts I lack, and then rather than be envious of those who have it, or get defensive of myself, I rather follow a third route--beating myself up interiorly for not having them. I've known this is wrong and not what God wants of me, but it has been difficult to work past it. This video, which I'd glanced upon but not watched, came up in prayer to go watch, and I see why now. Your reminder to me that that longing I have for those things beyond my reach are NOT bad. Rather they are indicators pointing to our longing for God. I can therefore now neither beat myself up for lacking, nor beat myself up for beating myself up lol--but rather recognize that it is GOOD that I long to have things things I lack. That recognition is extremely validating. Now that lack, which seemed so threatening before, is converted into a direct line to God's love and a source of grace. As you say, everyone in the Body of Christ shares in one another's victories and joys and gifts.

[@thethreefriends3002]

These episodes with Mother Natalia are so healing! Thank you!❤️

[@josemue154]

She made me cry with that closing prayer. Thank you Mother Natalia.

[@roseparente7839]

I look forward to these every Sunday. Thank you Mother Natalia 💚🤍❤️

[@mrsandmom5947]

I’m in my 60’s and I can tell you younger people. Do not look upon others for happiness or for you thinking you need to become someone other than yourself

[@Steve-130]

This is beautiful - I hope I can quote you on this: "Jesus and the devil often times both want us to see our sin. The difference is this, Jesus wants us to see our sin and to do son in light, in the glory of the resurrection, in hope. He wants us to have a self-awareness that leads to contrition that leads to repentance. The devil wants us to see our sin and be self-focused, which leads to self-hatred, which leads to despair. Jesus reveals our sin to us to lead us into relationship, and the devil wants us to be led into isolation." - Mother Natalia

[@barb4645]

I’ve been searching for peace from this kind of issue. Just taking a step back to listen thoroughly to what you’ve been saying, Mother Natalia. It’s very helpful thank you

[@JW_______]

Thank you Mr. Natalia. I stuggle with this, low key, on a weekly if not daily basis, I believe. I'm not Catholic but I'm always happy to call Mother or Father those who have committed their life and vocation to Christ in genuine devotion.

[@im3369]

What a humble and wise and honest Sr Natalia ❤

[@MariaA-pf8yd]

One of the best talks I’ve heard on this topic ! Thank you Jesus ! Thank you Mother N !

[@CTdonnner1991]

I try to remember this always but it's difficult at times. I know the Lord knows my heart and how I so deeply desire a family but I always try to place my trust in Him and until the day comes, should He see fit, that I have that I will do whatever I can to grow in faith and in means so I can fully be the man my wife and children would need me to be. God bless you Mother Natalia, this video was immensely helpful to me.

[@jacinthahenriques7817]

Thank you Mother Natalia. God bless you.

[@user-yh3bl6bp3j]

God bless you Mother Natalia .. you are such a gift to us all… absolutely love these videos. You’re truly using your God given talents, ❤

[@shell41arotc]

That point on the Pharisee and Publican hit hard - thank you fir that insight!

[@gather.sip.flourish]

Thank you Mother Natalia!❤

[@mostreal907]

I see Mother Natalia and I click. Simple.

[@TaylorRose91]

Thank you so much these are what I need every week ❤ God bless you!

[@caterinadc5567]

Prayers would be appreciated, as I struggle with this. Even (forgive me, consecrated sisters and brothers everywhere) watching this video: comparison-based bitterness rose up in me listening to a sister talk about how her gift is for tax receipts so she does that, while a different sister doesn't have to do the tax receipts and does different work. As a single person in the world (no community, no spouse, no family), I have to do everything for myself, In isolation. And I'm equally ungifted (as Mother Natalia here says she is) at many things but whereas she has different community members to step in and do the things she's less gifted at, I have to do all those things for myself, because I have no one else to do them for me. To be honest it can sometimes be harder to listen to consecrated religious than almost anyone else, because of this sort of thing. They just seem to have SO much privilege and ease, compared to involuntary hermits living and supporting themselves alone in the world. I've been to monasteries. They usually eat better quality food and have more leisure (and more peacefully-ordered work lives) than the rest of us. And I'm not even begrudging them that. I'm genuinely glad they have those privileges. But it makes it hard to take advice from them. Does anyone have advice of holy single people to learn from? Unmarried, unconsecrated role models, who understand what it's like being a Catholic alone in the world having to do everything for yourself, including the things you CAN'T do so you just have to suffer the ill effects of those things not getting done properly? Day in, day out, until you die? I could honestly do with hearing advice from these people. It's be a less bitter pill to swallow I think. Though honestly, prayers would be appreciated so I can be less bitter and more able to hear from people I think are privileged. The point of this video is about not comparing, and the reason I clicked on it in the first place is that I realize this is a problem for me and agree in principle that stopping comparing would probably help me be happier. And I see all these commenters on here making purely positive comments and that seems so healthy and I wish I had in my soul whatever you have. But I just feel so lonely and bitter, and I can't seem to receive consolation about that from listening to people who have the comfort of friends, family, or community. It doesn't feel like they REALLY get it or can really be speaking into the actual life I'm living. And maybe they even do. But it's be easier to hear the "don't compare your life to others" message from someone with similar sorrows to myself. It feels like being a hungry beggar in the street hearing the rich man dining at the banquet tell you not to compare yourself to him.

[@themshann]

Hello! I don’t know who you are and your whole story, but in a way I understand what you feel. I have been there. Envy and jealousy, although not good things, can be used to make us act on something-for the better. For example, instead of saying, Oh she’s so sexy. I’m so jealous. Why can’t I be that? Reframe your mind into thinking, Wow she is so sexy. I want to be like that too. HOW can I be like that? The answer is of course healthy diet and exercise. Discipline, delayed gratification. I am craving for cookies right now. If I eat it I will feel better…but after that I’d feel disgusted. If I don’t eat it, I can start the small step towards my health goal. And so in the meantime I will find other things to do to distract myself in a good way to avoid temptation. Then I continue those good habits of healthy diet and exercise and I willingly achieve my goal of being sexy. First of all for my health and to give glory to God. The confidence I gain is just a result of it. I am sorry for the long and different example, but the point as I said is, what can I do in my own way to be happy? Use your envy to strive to be better. Take inspiration instead of being bitter. Another advice: romanticize your life. Take pleasure in small things. For example, you have to do all the household chores by yourself. So how do you make it more enjoyable? Think not of, Ugh this is so tiring, why do I need to do this? Reframe it as, Thank you Lord for this house. I need to clean because I have a house of my own. While you are at it, listen to music or podcast while cleaning. Heck, listen to Marie Condo for example when cleaning so you will be motivated. Finding joy and pleasure in mundane things removes bitterness. I hope it all makes sense. God bless!

[@evrebop]

This landed in my feed at the exact time that I needed to hear it. Thank you 🙏

[@Loolooette]

Truth!!! Thank you for sharing this!

[@dawndiscusses5685]

Thank you ❤ much needed message, and you delivered it so well.

[@jamesbonner7251]

Truly brilliant as always ❤

[@kayleebaginski]

SOLID and deeply edifying listen!!!! So good!!!

[@1annewatkins]

Once again you hit it out of the ball park. Absolutely brilliant . Thank you sooooooo much.

[@philomousia]

Thank you so much for this, Mother Natalia. God bless you.

[@lindaharper2870]

Thank you for your insights Mother Natalia. So helpful

[@RelaxAndMeditateChannel]

I really needed to hear this as my life has recently been turned upside down and I've found myself being jealous of others (something I have never really struggled with before) you have given me a new perspective. THANK YOU!

[@piaagbayani4949]

Thank you for this, Mother Natalia! I took down notes in my journal so that I can go back to it when I forget how loving and faithful our God is. ❤

[@fabioeberharddini4073]

Thank you Mthr. Natalia for the great insight about how differently Jesus and the devil make us look at our sins. That's the true only perspective where to place our life

[@agathacamilladcruz4938]

Thank you, Mother Natalia. I needed to hear this badly.

[@jeromevillanueva2207]

Your walk and talk with Fr. Gregory must be a sight to behold.

[@lisaculbertson9909]

Thank you, Mother Natalia.❤ I needed this message more than you know. Praise be to God the Holy Spirit put this message on your heart.

[@LionBaller15]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@ReminisceLogic]

God bless you Mother. Thank you

[@adelidaa1]

So much to say but I’ll just leave it at thank you!! You are in my prayers Mother Natalia❤️

[@brob368]

God bless you Mother. That was very wise.

[@jopa24601]

Thank You Mother Natalia!

[@robmcdonagh8367]

Thank you Mother Natalia your wisdom shared on Sin was beautiful it really helped.

[@SteadmanShorts]

absolutely fantastic... thank you

[@jrl507]

Thank you for bring “comparison” up as a prayer focus …we may find ares of our life where this influence needs to be probed for impact on our decisions. I think it may be driven by our pride… God’s peace

[@_Thats_Right]

Bless us, sister. God guide you and thank you for your insights

[@triciaklug8097]

Great video. Thank you so much!

[@LizethSandoval006]

Gracias a Dios por Madre Natalia 🥰

[@alphacause]

Mother Natalia, thank you so much for this presentation. It is an indictment of my own personality, and your wisdom in tbis matter is a much needed corrective in my life. I have a persistent tendency to compare myself with others, and that disposition has led to a whole host of counterproductive and hurtful behaviors, from being jealous, engaging in gossip to expressing condescending comments towards others. This is not to mention how this fixation on the ability of others detracts from time I could have spent cultivating my own strengths and ameliorating my own shortcomings. I need to listen to this video every time I find myself envious of another person's good fortune or abilities.

[@me-ds2il]

Skufias (head cap) clothing, which form a part of canonical attire awarded to monks, nuns and Bishops, are a mark of honor. While nuns and monks are prescribed black colored skufias, clergy can don these clothing items in various liturgical colors such as claret, gray, violet, red and purple. I love the skuffia. Unfortunately I'm not of the profession to wear it

[@mateaskender1292]

Thank you,I felt God's mercy through you 🥺❤

[@yolandagutierrez7465]

Am a widow too! 💜🙏🏻💜 Thank you!

[@gabrielviana008]

We urge to a podcast with Mthr. Natalia + Fr. Gregory Pine!

[@DominicMazoch]

Some of thos stresesvcome from consumerism and the false need for stuff interfering with our judgement.

[@Olivier1]

Pure gold. Thank you Mthr Natalia. Is it possible to distill this into a small piece of writing? Or add some links to scriptures. I feel it's something Jesus could have said, and you're explaining it to us now 😅.

[@martinarooney228]

Wise words

[@walthutch7485]

Glory to him forever!

[@user-vz1lh6vq3g]

that s how i vonstantly feel.. i m not ..confident in my identity.. i don t know what i m good at and atm i have too much resentment and fear ..

[@moniquearseneault1458]

Amen ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@anacristina-fx1nq]

muito bom

[@melaniejane3116]

🖤

[@_Thats_Right]

Your final point was effective.

[@MsRyankerrison]

Wow

[@elieeid3955]

❤

[@NoleNoleNoleJole]

Go have some coffee and pray the rosary! Bring that joy back! and don't go crazy with tobacco

[@DominicMazoch]

There is one thing in the LR we meed to stop doing. Putting stuff in sentences so complex and compound that a PhD in English could not diagram it. The non IN BRIEF canons of the CCC are bad about this. Have things in a way George Jestson or Archie Bunker could understand. Without water ing down the Faith. Archbishop Sheen and Mother here are good examples

[@alphacause]

I totally concur. Much of the catechism is written with such sophisticated rhetoric as to be inaccessible to the common man. Employing esoteric terminology may make those who drafted the catechism sound learned, but it alienates those who seek to understand and follow their faith, who are mostly laymen.

[@bethmcmullan7686]

Peter Kreeft’s Catholic Christianity is an excellent alternative if you find the Catechism itself overly challenging.

[@mathematicsandstuff]

You got it? Justin Welby spells intestinal worms to myself. Like tiny English sausages. Maybe because he's bold?? :))

[@kevinhodges867]

Jesus Christ be praised

[@mathematicsandstuff]

It is a sport, it is called Aussie Rules, it is pretty physical, ma'am. If you know what I mean. Praised by Allah.

[@mathematicsandstuff]

Well why do we do these things to women? ;;;)

[@suesmith9665]

You muslim and you kill mary?