Episode 110: Is "Nice" a Virtue?

[@KittyM-]

Fr Bertrand-J definitely succeeding!

[@elizas8501]

I really appreciate Fr. Jacob's sarcastic humor and Fr. Gregory's reactions to it ahaha

[@JosePerez-is6nn]

Well balanced conversation don't you think 🤔

[@KittyM-]

+1

[@KittyM-]

​@@JosePerez-is6nnvery

[@Ana-hoc-aliquid]

Woah, thumbs up for good camera quality!

[@stanlynnspirit8667]

The title cracked me up 😂

[@maryhuber81]

Listening to it again, I had the sense that the "niceness" that Fr Bertrand is opposed to is the kind of niceness that has more to do with the person who is being nice such as to get a positive reflection from the person they're being nice to, which would be more a selfish sort of transactional mode than an actual kindness which puts the essence of the other person at the center of the gesture/posture.

[@danielkelly9678]

I dislike the word “nice” because I do not see it as a virtue at all unlike “kindness”. To me the word “nice” is more of a passive aggressive phrase than one of virtue. I live in west Michigan which is heaped with the west Michigan calvinistic niceness, which drives me crazy. The virtue of kindness speaks louder to me with sincerity than being “nice”.

[@KokaFilms]

For anyone interested, I'd recommend Father Faber's "Kindness" and Father Lovasik's "Kindness". I found both to be quite helpful and fundamental accounts of kindness in Christian life.

[@bcampbell8344]

I’ve only read Faber’s book. Like you said, it’s very helpful. The title belies its depth.

[@maryhuber81]

Excellent discussion. In my world, being kind/nice means being sensitive to who the other person is, and as such is very non-prescriptive as a generality. In being kind in this way, I find (through report of others) that it allows others to set down their defenses and be more in service to what God asks of them.

[@mikethemonsta15]

Great video!

[@christiannefex4400]

Very practical - thank you 👍🏼

[@speroconstantine9957]

Thanks so much

[@edinnm8212]

Nice episode! 😂

[@josephzammit8483]

Being nice even with those who are not nice with you is a heroic virtue. So the virtue is not 'nice' but 'being nice' I’m publishing a weekly KZbin video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you.

[@marcela7197]

Well, me am excited that its the first time I have watched an episode and google decides to put up an ad... finally... Good Work Fathers. You bless us always.

[@zombiechik190]

I appreciate yall. As one who often feel many being nice are being fake.. although with my emotional deregulation I'm constantly being told you catch more flies with honey.

[@mazikode]

Wow..got me thinking of myself.

[@grunt12394]

Dr. Matthew Minerd on Reason and Theology, says kindness is pertains to the virtue of Justice(which you talked about) rather than Charity. To me kindness is about, being a gentlemen or gentle lady, not about being Holy in a strict theological sense. One can have Charity (which is love of God beyond all things) while being a an unsocial jerk, but it is unjust to be unkind in social situations, because one should show others the love and tenderness of Our Lord. (I personally prefer the word kind because it is less cringeworthy) I understand however where Fr. Jacob is coming from (fellow Connecticut man) and I myself have the same problem when Catholics talk about being "joyful" as if we had to be annoyingly giddy, bubbly and sanguine. Just some thoughts :)

[@sweetlorre]

❤

[@zombiechik190]

Mercey does not = just tolerance. I really enjoy that statement.

[@vituzui9070]

He precisely said mercy was more than just tolerance. Tolerance is the cheap secular version of mercy.

[@zombiechik190]

My bad I'm dislexic thank you I'll edit

[@VACatholic]

FYI, the "shop our store" link seems broken to me? Not sure.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Holywood is full of nice X-D.

[@guillermomarciano1390]

Nice is not a virtue it's a signal

[@ellenmiller5797]

Nice is NOT a virtue. If the intention of your behavior is to be unselfish and charitable, then your apparent " niceness" is good. If the intention of your " nice" behavior is insincere, and simply to make yourself look good --- your " niceness" is not only not good --- it could be sinful! And " Tolerance"! That's another whole conversation. When exactly is THAT appropriate?? We're called to LOVE people --- not tolerate them. And BAD ( sinful) ideas --- God forbid we tolerate them! I suppose we could tolerate being served a meal we don't like --- but that's about it in my book.

[@therese_paula]

Good that Fr. Jacob is aware of his being 'cold and calloused'. But what is sad (for me) is that he is resigned to being that. God bless you, Fathers 🙏

[@ffvvaacc]

Not “be nice,” but don’t be mean. Meanness is never useful or pragmatic. Be honest and truthful. Be clear and straightforward. Use humor if possible. The Good Samaritan indeed wasn’t being “nice,” he was being helpful. Pragmatism toward the greater good, always. And if the greater good is joy, spread it by being joyful. Much richer than just being “nice.” Eugenia Moskowitz

[@jocelynchau7452]

I guess Canadians aren't all virtuous 🤷

[@elperinasoswa6772]

Oh please don't tell me nice is a virtue cuz I will need to develop it cuz I have been making fun of nice ppl.