My Thoughts as a Protestant After Visiting a Carmelite Monastery

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Videos like this exist because some of you support the channel at patreon.com/tmbh . Thanks to all of you who've supported in the past or support now. This channel wouldn't happen without you.

[@Nicholas-Michael]

I watched your videos when I was still a Protestant, saw the Catholic Church tour and what you said to the Priest about wanting to do confession really struck me. This channel got me to open my heart and do research on the Catholic Church and other branches and Denominations of Christianity. I am now a newly converted Catholic. Matt I can see in your heart that you are not prejudice towards different denominations and I admire your work.

[@ruthweber9623]

❤ 🙏🙏🙏

[@italodisco007]

Welcome home Nicholas-Michael.

[@MrJairsierra2006]

Amen!

[@Being_Joe]

Welcome home. We are not perfect people but don't let that turn you off.

[@robertotapia8086]

Welcome home ❤

[@jenniferlawrence9598]

Just want to encourage you to keep going, Matt. I know the kinds of comments you will get from this (I’ve already seen at least one) and I hope you will not be discouraged by the ones who miss the point of your channel. The work you do is so valuable and many of us appreciate your efforts.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thank you for putting in the time and effort to listen carefully and understand me, Jennifer. I'm paying an algorithmic price for this, but I think it's worth it.

[@italodisco007]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH, I really enjoy your videos. From a Roman Catholic, Luke 12:52 "From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three;" If the price you are paying leads you closer to Christ and becoming more holy, then you are surely down the right path.

[@robertotapia8086]

@MattWhitmanTMBH Catholic here, thanks for your honesty, and great work your doing 👏🏼.GOD Bless your family and you. Robert from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@3121sd]

Lifelong Catholic here Matt. My son is in his final year studying at the north american pontifical college in Rome to be a priest in Oklahoma. Love your channel brother. Much respect! Dave W

[@isoldam]

Wonderful! God bless our priests and seminarians!

[@jays.8621]

God bless your family Dave, you must be very proud of your son and I will pray for his vocation.

[@orangemanbad]

Catholicism has restored my soul. I was raised Protestant. Fell into atheism. And the fullness of Catholicism has ignited a fire of the spirit in me.

[@davidk6022]

Matt, as a Jew these videos are tremendously educational and impactful. Father Artur was emanating a genuine humbleness and devotion to God you just don't see anymore. It came across as almost otherworldly (dare I say, "divine"). Thank you again for your effort and dedication.

[@lukefricke2968]

These church videos are super interesting

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

I appreciate that, Luke. I enjoy making them, and I learn a lot.

[@AbdulAlHasRol]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH Its time to visit the Dominican order. Those are the navy seals.

[@madeleine5803]

My husband and I love these types of videos, Matt! Thanks for all the time and care that you put into your work!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

You bet. I appreciate you saying that.

[@dianethomas9384]

I am Catholic but as a child my Brownie troop met in the basement of the Methodist Church across the street from m public school. When you mentioned church basements and remembering the smell it call came back. Thanks for the memory.

[@highlandwolfpoet]

This is highly relevant to my interests, KZbin. Thank you for the notification.

[@rockroc1]

I'm loving the content, Matt! I appreciate you being charitable to the Catholic Church. I'm a parishioner at an Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter parish (Anglican Ordinariate). We are in the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church and are in full communion with Rome. Pay a visit to a parish in our diocese sometime. We're all over the country. God bless you my brother in Christ. Gloria in excelsis Deo!

[@MarselStg-p6v]

Anglican is not Catholic, Anglican is a protestant denomination

[@larrym.johnson9219]

​@@MarselStg-p6vyou are the one that's mistaken the Ordinariate is in full Communion with the Catholic Church and encouraged by Pope Benedict XVI 🤟🔥💪🇺🇸🎄🙏

[@Gormezzz]

Hello Matt. Thanks for existing

[@bebetonguga]

It's rejoicing watching your videos. I learn a lot, as a catholic, and I can see our differences but also Our similarities and love for Christ the Lord. Keep doing this. It really makes a difference. I'm in Argentina and your videos help here as well. Blessings and a Happy Christmass for you and your familia!!!

[@alexabihabib8215]

Matt, you really are one of the most genuine people on KZbin. I'm a Catholic, but it shouldn't always be about one denomination versus another. I'm always grateful for the chance to listen to you, even if only for a few minutes. We appreciate you. God bless

[@Tobarius]

I'm a Catholic but I've never been to a monastery. I really appreciated your efforts to show _me_ more about the Carmelites.

[@lisamac6661]

The monastics and religious are witnesses of a value of a life totally given to God. They are the treasures of humanity.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

They certainly have my respect.

[@michaelrayson2656]

You are a good man , God bless you and your family, keep up the good work.

[@seranonable]

I've probably said this before, but you're the reason I'm not embarrassed about being a protestant (some protestant denominations can get pretty weird... and generally the weirder that they are, the louder and more judgmental they get towards others who aren't doing the exact same thing as them) and I love the appreciation that you have for the other faiths and rites and that's something I try to emulate in my own life. So thanks for giving us these glimpses into these other traditions and communities. I very much treasure it.

[@matttopper5017]

Algorithm boost for my favorite dude on the interwebs 👊 Really want to encourage you in your efforts Matt. You make great content.

[@Epsicron]

--- This is such a good reflection on digital life compared to monastic living. While watching and seeing the volumes and tomes on the shelves and the table, I started to feel like this video itself is a little bit of a departure from the sensory-overloaded life. It was a great relief to just sit quietly for a few minutes and listen to you, Matt, speak on these matters of the spirit. I am always grateful when you present these moments. God bless. ---

[@CarinRuff]

I like it when you take us to places I'd probably never venture but where I can learn things from your conversations. And in some cases, your visits make me want to check out worship in other traditions. Thanks as always, Matt!

[@claytonhall989]

Catholic here. Love your channel, Pastor Matt. For reference, The Lutheran and Catholic Church released a joint statement on the agreement of Faith Alone back in 1999. It occurs to me that some differences come down to definitions of words which I think is still a work in progress. I love all of my Protestant brothers and sisters and look forward to learning more from you, Pastor Matt.

[@magdaleneofdivinelove5984]

Thank you Matt for an objective, humble sharing of your perspective of Catholic life in a Monastery. I know this community and it was fun to see your videos on it. I've walked the Stations of the Cross and the Rosary --- so beautiful. I smiled when you were describing your initial assumptions of a Monk's life prior to visiting the Carmelites in Bunnell (you pronounced the name correctly) Even many Catholics, including myself, have questioned: "what do they DO all day?!" Then God invited me to live as a Carmelite Nun for a short period of time. Having dwelt with the sisters for 1 1/2 years, I can honestly say that living the cloistered life and praying 7 times a day is definitely not boring at all. Every day is structured but brings unexpected situations . . . one must not only be disciplined, but flexible as well! You never know what God sends your way (of course that is true out here in the world, too, no? 🙂 My time in Carmel was a time of spiritual, physical and mental growth. A time to spend with God in ways difficult to find in this crazy, busy, loud world. I miss the sisters I lived with and will never forget how God has touched me through them. God's love for us is greater / deeper / more intense than we can possibly imagine.

[@adventuresofsteveandlaurie]

I really enjoy watching these types of videos that you produce. As a Catholic Christian I appreciate your openness, nonjudgmental approach, which as you know, is hard to find on social media. I am bored with the "Catholics are bad because they worship Mary" videos (which we don't, but I digress). I just wanted to say thank you. By the way, nice Luther book! lol

[@tintinismybelgian]

Don't take this as an attack, but I have a question. If we were to go back in time to ancient Israel around the time of Elijah and we were to find a Yahweh-worshipping Israelite who keeps a statue of Moses in his home that he venerates and claims has given him a closer relationship with Yahweh. How would that be interpreted by his community? Would that be viewed as a form of idolatry or a valid expression of monotheism? If Elijah visited this man's home, what would he recommend be done with the statue? In what ways do you see this as a fair comparison with modern Catholicism's treatment of saints, and where do you see differences?

[@theBestInvertebrate]

I do not understand the algorithmic bafoonery that is going on with KZbin and your channel but I really appreciate that you are continuing to make and share things that I really benefit from, both the pod cast that helps me dive deep into God's word and videos like this that help look around at the breadth and beauty of those who do things differently than me and how they connect with the same God. I have learned many things from the stuff you do and I know, to some small degree at least, that I am better for it. Thank you.

[@claytonrichison7903]

Join for the Roman Guard press conference, stay for the thoughtful chats with people who are different

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Ha! That's quite the ride!

[@madeleine5803]

@@claytonrichison7903 I loved those videos lol

[@user-wo7rz3yn4o]

You educate us about other denominations and therefore help us to become better Christians. Thank you.

[@monalisa3873]

Catholic church is not a christian denomination, i guess

[@WillMartin86]

Matt, I highly highly recommend a book called The Fire Within by Fr. Thomas Dubay. It's an extremely accessible treatise on Carmelite spirituality. It is life-giving. Thank you for sharing your visit to this monastery.

[@feetoorourke]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with all these different churches, and the people within.

[@tomgjokaj]

God Bless you Brother Matt

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

You as well, Tom.

[@blob3478]

I would like to share a recent story. I talked about the history of the Catholic Christian martyrs in Tsuwano (Japan) on an Orthodox server, but an Orthodox member told me it had no place there, claiming we don't share the same faith and even comparing me to a Muslim. Ironically, I owe part of my re-conversion to Catholicism to an Orthodox nun from a convent in Minsk, whom I met in a Catholic cathedral in France. She told me that we are Christians first, before being Catholic or Orthodox. I’ve also met amazing people among Protestants. I believe we should pray and work towards Christian unity. There will always be extremists in every branch rejecting others, but I don’t think that was Christ's message. Alexis from France.

[@13Voorheespt2]

online orthobros are like that

[@pantasdiwa1622]

This series of episodes is very informative. Religious life within the Roman Catholic Church is often overlooked, despite the significant contributions of these communities to the faithful. However, not to be that person, but technically, the Carmelites are not monks. They are mendicants, or friars. While they are more contemplative than most mendicant orders, their charism is closer to that of the Dominicans or Franciscans than to that of the Benedictines or Carthusians.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

I remember that from seminary, but I think there was something slightly different going on here. Everyone on site used the terms monk and monastery. There was no talk of friars nor a friary. I wish I'd had the presence of mind to pull on that thread when I was there.

[@pantasdiwa1622]

@MattWhitmanTMBH you definitely did. It was just an extremely pedantic point, on my part, lol. And the more contemplative mendicant orders can be very similar to monastic orders, as evidenced by your video. Sometimes, it's just a semantic thing. Again, great episodes on the Religious Life

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thanks so much!

[@enderoctanus]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH To be fair, the two have become so blurred in the common vernacular that most people I know, including priests and religious, use them interchangably. I know one sister who refers to herself as a nun. She isn't one, she's a sister. But that's how many people grew up and how they express themselves.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

@@enderoctanus fair points all. The thing I keep coming back to is that they put monastery on the sign out front.

[@GratiaPrima_]

“How I’m tending the garden…” I love that! I enjoyed your videos on this experience :). I would love to have that rosary garden near me. Peace of Christ be with you all.

[@rdalbright1]

Excellent and informative video and interview. Great!

[@Holesdontexist]

I recently started listning to the podcast too. It's really helped. Thanks Matt.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

That great! What season did you decide to start with?

[@Holesdontexist]

@MattWhitmanTMBH Originally Galatians but I finished the backlog. Now I'm on Matthew but keeping up with the Galatians daily. Have a good day (from England it's 1am here).

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

The whole back catalogue! Wow! We've spent a lot of time together. Well, thank you for that, and sleep deeply!

[@Grandwigg]

​@@HolesdontexistI'm doing similar. I got boots and pieces of other seasons, but I've made some changes in my life and been keeping up on the whole GAL episodes. Right now I'm doing the BIBLE ones on weekends or other times. It's been incredible helpful, and have recommended it a few times. I am super grateful they're being made. In a lot of ways, it feels like it was made for me specifically.

[@rayweaver2069]

Appreciate the always thoughtful content! Wish the algorithm helped you more.

[@cameronprice474]

I love your videos, thank you for all that you do.

[@patrickj.behling]

You may be interested to know that the founders of the Discalced Carmelites, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, were both convinced that everyone, not just members of their order or religious more generally, was called to the heights of mystical contemplation. John wrote the Living Flame of Love for a laywoman who was one of his spiritual directees. Their works are absolutely worth reading. Their contemporary commentator Thomas Dubay is very helpful too.

[@johngeraldoy2615]

Love your content Matt. Enjoyed watching them. I love to see you staying overnight in a monastery. You can actually join the monks in their meals, prayers or even in drinking their famous beer. Also how about visiting a monastery with nuns. Thanks for a non bias content. May God bless you.

[@andreefontenot8035]

Your younger self thought monasticism had to be boring. You now call the constant pressure of the digital life tedious. There’s some thought provoking irony in your word choice. Thank you for your work, Matt. I benefit from it.

[@jerrylaney1700]

Great video as always!

[@MiscMitz]

I'm working on my relationship with Him and His word. As a part of accountability, I'm reading His Word on a year. And posting it.

[@toddvoss52]

Great reflection . One of my favorite channels.

[@karenmacqueen9460]

You might also be interested in visiting an Episcopal Church Benedictine monastery. That’s Holy Cross monastery in West Park New York. Ask to meet with Brother Robert Sevensky. Saintly, funny, humble, unassuming, all about helping the guest to be comfortable. After the Rule of St. Benedict who teaches all of his brothers to receive guests, “as Christ, himself.”

[@JosiahM77]

Your videos allow me to learn about other Christian traditions in a safe informative way. Thank you Matt! I’ve learned a little bit more on open-mindedness because of you so i appreciate it. May our Fathet bless you and your family continuously!

[@solt7001]

Love your channel absolutely beautiful 🎉.

[@kmrbsc]

Thank you Matt! Your videos are incredibly informative and thought-provoking! Your thoughts are awfully informative too! This is a wonderful place to enhance our faith journey!

[@ninamartin1084]

Thank you brother for your content. In these times all Christians need to understand and appreciate each other in all the diverse expressions of the faith today. Well said, blessings on you and your family and congregation. (Catholic, UK)

[@gazoontight]

Best video series on KZbin.

[@mattryan790]

Franciscan here. Thanks for sharing.

[@carolinefiller3745]

These and your study bible videos are wonderful, thank you.

[@iblameabel]

A channel like this is like spiritual candy

[@bekabell1]

Another awesome video. Thank you! I loved this series, I am one of your Catholic followers, and I already had a strong Carmelite spirituality, so it was a double bonus for me. However, i also love the videos you make about non Catholic Churches, I learn from them and i am grateful.

[@Deus-Vult87]

Matt I have to say you strike me as a true man of God. I’ve been following you for over a year now. As a devout Catholic convert from Protestantism I can honestly say that the your approach to all of Christ’s followers traditions is , without a doubt a testimony to the Holy Spirit’s working for the body of Christ. May God continue to bless you and your family. You are stacking rewards on the other side.

[@revision29]

As a Protestant, the monk life is foreign to me. I do appreciate how they use visuals to tell the gospel. I don’t know if I’ll ever get a chance to visit this place but it’s only about 2 hours from me.

[@enderoctanus]

Maybe this is a calling, an invitation from the Lord? Go and see. It won't hurt.

[@raeldc]

Thanks for the video Matt. I hope Protestants can try to understand that when Catholics say that the sacramental life is the way and the monastic life is the more secure way, they don't mean it as a way to "gain" salvation. It's a way to go deeper into the salvation that they already have, growing from one degree of glory to another as they participate in the divine nature of Christ. It is not about meeting God's requirements for salvation with enough obedience and enough good works but it's about experiencing and living out the life of Christ. This life comes with the virtues of faith, hope, and love, and these virtues are what Catholics want to sustain and grow. Catholics believe that when they were justified in baptism, their soul was elevated to participate in the inner life of God, which their nature, left to their own ability, cannot fathom. But by grace, our souls were renewed to become temples of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to commune with God in a supernatural way. This is what the sacramental life and the monastic life wants to go deeper into, and not to work to gain salvation.

[@lucimoraesdelima]

Matt, thank you very much for respecting our faith, which we love more than life. Life only has meaning and is only possible because of Christ Jesus Our Lord. I dare say that if you study the history of the Catholic Church, the lives of the saints are holy, the holy fathers who explain the Holy Scriptures and go to mass in Latin... You become Catholic! Many times we try and think we can and/or will be able to understand God... God is Infinite and we are finite, despite being created for Infinity... Our "limited" mind will never be able to understand God, his deeds, his actions... Once again, thank you very much for respecting our faith. Christ is that, unity!

[@microharman]

I got emotional seeing the views (or lack of.) I'm sorry the algorithmic world doesn't value these videos as much as i do.

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

It has been men and women of monastic orders that have brought me closer to Jesus - they have showed me along the way how beautiful it is to live a truly Christian life. This is why I converted. The repetitive prayers, the visual beauty, the rites - they put you in a state of mind where you are receptive to God. I don’t get that in a non liturgical based Protestant church-ie non denominational churches with bands and dry ice and coffee shops at the entrance. . But God gives people different churches that work for them. And that’s great. I would never have been a Christian without the Catholic Church though - in fact none of us would because they carried the torch of Christ for a thousand years before any of these other churches existed ❤

[@michaelb7160]

Matt, St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, AL would be a great visit. The monks are cool and the Ave Maria Grotto is an incredible work of art and Mother Angelica’s Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is right down the road. It’s worth looking up.

[@cheryljacobus]

Monks and nuns are deeply humble. They have this childlike inocence about them.❤

[@chacob3380]

God bless you Matt in your continued pursuit of truth and understanding and deeper relationship with God.

[@rosshere]

Well said. I'm so sick of just refreshing my email , x, or news feed over and over trying to get something new. I recently did a silent retreat and came out of that feeling so refreshed. I long for the simplicity of a more Christ centered less cluttered garden. Merry Christmas Matt.

[@MundusTransit]

Hey Matt, have you ever considered reaching out to Scott Hahn? Or Matt Fradd? I'd love to see a long-form discussion.

[@brianmurphy4702]

well said, brother... life is a journey of conversions and growth... I am Catholic but it is lovely to hear your reflection

[@damarisortiz2856]

Me gusta porque aun seamos Catolicos, los monasterios no son lugares tan accesibles porque como el te dijo, solo al que TOCA se le abre, yo en mi ciudad he ido a Monasterios de los Franciscanos y la primera vez que estuve ahi senti el cielo en la tierra... en lo sencillo y en el silencio. No tienes que vivir muchas vidas para experimentar la paz de los monasterios solo ir a un retiro pedir a Jesus que te muestre, en tu oracion pide el te dara esa claridad. Gracias por tus videos.

[@AdurianJ]

Lutherans have monastaries with monks.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

I plan to stop by soon.

[@christopherrich7107]

One here in Michigan, St.Augustine's House, Oxford, Mi. just north of Detroit.

[@WIPCatholic]

I was 9 y/o when my religion teacher taught me about "Vocations" ie its not a 1 size fits all. Some are called to monastic life, some are called to parent saintly children. Which is the heavier lifting? Either way, His grace is sufficient.

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

Some are called to do amazing KZbin videos ❤

[@WIPCatholic]

@MyLifeInTheDesert Exactly

[@enderoctanus]

Whatever God has planned for you will make you the holiest person you can be. Just say yes to whatever He plans.

[@AndyU3]

I do remember what those church basements smell like! I also remember my cousin having his wedding reception in one of those Midwest church basements.

[@thomaswhite8822]

Another excellent video! I’m sure you have run access the Liturgy of the Hours in your investigation of the Catholic Church. As a Permanent Deacon I say it twice a day and it has forced me to stop and step away from the world and focus on God. It may help you bridge the gap between the ‘real’ world and the monastic life.

[@toddvoss52]

Indeed . Such a treasure

[@paulmclaughlin710]

suggest you visit an Abbey - like Mempkin Abbey in Moncks Corner, near Charleston, SC.

[@dannyoconnor8357]

It is about balance. Without trying to convert anyone, all we can do is follow Christ as best we can. As human beings we are all striving for something, it is what that something is which differentiates us. We are all parts of the same Body -The Body of Christ - so we each have different functions. Some may seek to help the poor , others to preach the good news ,but we must represent Christ in how we live, so that others will know us by our fruits. Our lived lives as Christians may be the only witness we have ,how we despite our different theology can unite as children of God through our faith in Christ to be little Christs in the world around us. That is what the word Christian means. We are called to love one and other -not to fight with each other. Thank you for these videos, If we keep on following Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, all the powers of hell cannot stop us. Just keep on keeping on.

[@bluecomb5376]

Have you incorporated the rosary as one of your contemplative rhythms? Im curious. Thank you for your review!

[@triger464]

It was a pleasure hanging out with you too, Matt, even though that was through this dumb black rectangle. What you do allows these black boxes to be a tool to help cultivate a better understanding of all Christian traditions, and even forces us to deepen our own beliefs. Keep up the good work.

[@richardkasper5822]

Catholics are always humble its a teaching of our Church. Monastic life is a life of self discipline. Its not boring but an abandonment to Christ. Follow me for i am meek and lowly of heart ♥ said Jesus. Catholics dont mind humiliation as it draws us closer to Christ. Pray the Holy Rosary daily and obtain that peace that defies all understanding 🙏🏾💙🙏🏻💙🙏🏽

[@cheems222]

Matt, it would be awesome to see you talk to Abbot Tryphon at all merciful saviour monastery on Vashon Island Wa. God bless

[@johnbaugh2437]

Thanks for the compliments about our expression of faith brother. The thing is, our differences are much less consequential than our agreements. Jesus is the center.

[@chasbogatz]

Love this stuff man. But with all the recent Catholic content, what exactly are you protesting at this point? Praying the Holy Spirit keeps up His work in you

[@Jerome616]

There are two things that make me question if I'm actually a Christian. 1. reading the stories of the early church martyrs. 2. meeting Religious Sisters and Brothers (monks and nuns) and seeing their devotion to the Lord Jesus. I'm so far behind them all, Save me Lord, help my unbelief.

[@joselucasbadue7608]

Matt, you should really go to Mount Athos.

[@cynthiahall9297]

In my opinion Catholicism is the most beautiful religion. Deep history and deep theology!

[@jacobwoods6153]

If you can check out a parish that has a traditional latin mass whos in communion with Rome. So, a FSSP or Institute of Christ the King if youve got any of them nearby... An Anglican Ordinariate (theyre in communion w/ Rome) or an Eastern Catholic rite would be pretty sweet also. One more haha if you ever get a chance go to Clear Creek Benedictine Monastery in Oklahoma and stay there to experience their life. Keep up the good work.

[@michaelwhitworth8214]

Your "Outsider visits X church" videos are my favorite from your channel. I also enjoy your podcast. Keep up the good work. If you are ever interested in interviewing an Apostolic Pentecostal (aka "Oneness" Pentecostal) I would love to sit down with you and talk!

[@nicodemus9105]

I would definitely check out a orthodox monastery if you ever get a chance

[@larrym.johnson9219]

Matt thank you for your video! I've seen the other videos that you made I am an orthodox Catholic. I'm going to take a stumble and try to answer your question maybe! Your vocation is being a husband and father. And as you live in your everyday world and you do you you're everyday things including the things with the Bible and teaching the Bible! That is your vocation. And approach it this way, there's times when we all have to meet with Christ in the silence of our heart. You do it, you do it differently, but with Jesus.🔥🤟💪🇺🇸🙏🎄

[@ravesp35]

Appreciate your heart brother. When satan communicates to you through hateful and hurtful comments on your videos, that means you’re truly doing the Lord’s work. The more intentional disciple, the greater the spiritual attack. Praying a rosary for you brother. If you want a great book on Mary, I encourage you to read Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary. God bless Matt!

[@mariamdaisy1719]

How to become a monk in this monastery?

[@roguevirus]

I generally enjoy your visits to other Christian churches, and I especially enjoyed your videos about the Carmelites. May I recommend that in the future you visit a Catholic order that operates fully in the secular world, such as the Franciscans or the Jesuits? They will have a slightly different (and equally valid) view on Catholic spirituality. Keep up the good work!

[@hannahmb4654]

Love what you have had to say so far. I’m currently at the point where you’re speaking about how you had this notion that monastic life is boring. And I think this brings us to the point of monasticism, or at least, how I see it. The world is a very distracting place. God made it, so there are parts of it that are good and worthy of attention, but we are fallen so we tend to let it take up our whole scope. (Kind of like Eve seeing the fruit was good for food) The monasteries are there to shut out the world to some extent, and minimize distraction so that God can become your sole focus. Well, that’s the ideal anyway. Humans are very good at finding other distractions, even if they aren’t doomscrolling, lol. And the ideal that monasteries were in the middle of villages were to remind people that hey, you may not live here now, and it’s very likely the case that you shouldn’t live in the monastery, but Heaven is All God, All the Time, so, maybe join us when you can to prepare your soul for eternity

[@gregoryeidukas8354]

Deo Sit Gloria

[@emily43210]

If it makes you feel better (since you admitted that you see the point in some Catholic practices/ theology), I ofte feel that way looking at certain protestant groups/ practices, as a Catholic. It's probably a good thing/ suggests a longing for deeper connection to God possibly in ways that are emphasized better by some/practiced better by some.

[@IgneusDei2]

Catholic here, and I want to chime in on your comments about the differences between Catholics and Protestants regarding salvation. Please read the JDDJ. It's a short read, and you'll find that the old "faith vs works" debate you referenced isn't as divisive as you make it seem

[@Demetra719]

Do Saint Anthony’s Greek Orthodox monastery in Florence, AZ next!

[@Hevander75]

Imagine if Matt become a monk WILD but would make total sense

[@LearndingLife]

I've often thought about becoming a monk, being married makes that a little bit hard 😅 but I had been thinking about it a fair bit before I got married. It sounds so blissful, perhaps why I'm not supposed to do it lol 😮😂

[@donaldshelton1720]

After all we all brothers in Christ.

[@Bill-f5u]

It's a life long retreat, try for just a week go on retreat

[@Kdriggs15]

Try an Orthodox monastery sometime!

[@hazratmuhazmat8831]

I drove a woman to become a nun. Literally. She was my upstairs neighbor who sold me her car as she prepared to become a nun with the condition that I drive her to the monastery the day of her induction. It was the Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Arlington, Tx. In writing this, I decided to google the Monastery. It was just closed by the Vatican. Hmm.

[@enderoctanus]

Oof. That's rough. They broke the faith and went into schism and are now in rebellion against Rome, sorry to hear it.

[@benjaminlquinlan8702]

Theosis