One Year in the Life of a Part Time Hermit - July - Of cute enemies and building an unworthy temple

00:00 Walipini and much greenery
4:08 Lightning bugs
5:40 A neighbor
7:02 Morning light
8:00 Throwback to the building of the chapel
20:51 Cuttings from a vine and flowers in the garden
25:44 Lightning storm and rain
27:31 More berries
30:10 Concluding reflection

[@donjojohannes]

Closing reflection as a text WITH BONUS REFLECTION ON GOD's PRONOUNS (in a separate comment, because it was too long for one comment - look at the comments to this pinned comment below): If I'm somewhat correct - with due simplifications - there are three conceptions of religion. They differ markedly. But they also have things in common. Religions come with an ethical system. That is not surprising. An ethical system would be needed simply by fact that we as humans are social creatures. And because society can not function without the same fundamental rules, these systems - at least regarding the basics - are usually not worlds apart. In most religions and philosophies it is for example frowned upon to stick a knife in your fellow man. It is discouraged, if for no other reason - some would argue - that you cannot have a flourishing society if you always have to watch your back. Where religions may differ regarding this rule is who counts as “your fellow man”. Is it anyone? Even your enemy? Is a women? Do you extend the same treatment to your kin and to a stranger? Religions have different answers, some more tribal, some more universal. But aside from these general rules for communal living, they differ also with respect to their core religious practice. And I find that difference illuminating and noteworthy. To paint with a broad brush: the more philosophical conceptions of religion typically pursue some kind of knowledge and the learning of techniques. Your aim is to master a practice and through the practice advance on a given path of illumination and virtue. You may learn how quiet down and to tap into the great nothingness beyond. You may learn to unlock energies and acquire knowledge on how to unblock their flow. So it is for the most part a human effort that produces results. You are the author of you own salvation. That makes these conceptions particularly attractive nowadays to modern people in the west. The old nature religions of the polytheists on the other hand stem from a wilder, untamed world. They emphasize the fragility of life and the seeming capriciousness of the powers beyond man. Hence religious practice was chiefly concerned with ensuring the safeguarding and flourishing of the community through sacrificing to the gods. You give to the deity. And the deity turns to you with favour. In some of these religions the exchange may even be necessary for both. The gods depend on being worshipped. The gods might even diminish if their servants stopped with their sacrifices - dooming both. One could call it a needs-based economy between gods and men. The adherents of the transcendent one God cannot approach him in that way. They cannot give anything to God, that is not already Gods to begin with. After all he is the source, creator and sustainer of all in every moment. Further this God is infinite. He cannot be attained simply through learning or with the quasi mechanical success of mastering a certain meditation technique. He is beyond the grasp of mortal men. He is beyond the grasp of anyone. If indeed he can be known any more than as an intellectual abstraction - as a first cause or unmoved mover - it is because he makes himself known. He extends himself to man and it is Him that thereby establishes a relationship. By the way: I've been calling this God He and Him for a while now - even though he obviously cannot be male - or female for that matter. These categories pertain to physical beings that possess a successful strategy for reproduction in mixing and remixing DNA. There is a reason for why nonetheless these pronouns are fittingly used, but I fear that goes beyond the scope of this short discourse. Now someone might say: Hold on. How can your differentiation be true. Doesn't Judaism have also sacrifices? And does not even Christianity? So how is that different from the polytheist religions? Well, in transcendent monotheism sacrifice has a different meaning. Here it is not the object of a trade, but a the attempt at a fitting expression of man's response to the relationship God offers. The sacrificial lamb is not slain because God benefits from its burning fat in any way. It is slain because in a shepherd culture the first, best and most precious possession on which the very livelihood of shepherds depends is the sheep. To give the first and best - as it were - to God means to place God above oneself, to recognize oneself as a creature, to manifest the proper relationship, to express devotion and love. That is why a small coin by a poor widow is more praiseworthy, according to the gospels, than a huge sum given from the excess of the rich. Though lesser in objective worth it has a greater value in terms of devotion and love - because it means more to the person. But more importantly - this is not done, because it establishes an entitlement to receive some benefit. It is true that even people of a monotheistic faith at times approach such actions with the intention of bargaining: I give to you. But then, you God, give to me. It can also be heard in the frustrating exclamation: But why did this bad thing happen to me? Have I not always done this or that godly thing? But this is really an aberration from the creed. As a creature I have no claims on the creator. If my life lasts one day or a hundred years there is no injustice either way. Because because in both cases the life given is an immeasurable gift, that I'm not owed, but that is freely bestowed and that ought therefore to be received with humility and praise. It is true, we might fall short of this view that begins and ends with gratitude. For there is a little pagan lurking even in those professing a one, true God, fountain of all goodness. Another may ask: But what about techniques and practices. Can they not also be found in the transcendent monotheistic conception. Yes, there is prayer, there is meditation. But again it is not by the mastery of the technique that God is reached, but at best these techniques help to create the space in which God may reveal himself - not out of a mechanical necessity but if he so chooses. They may create the silence in which the noise of the world no longer drowns out the quiet voice of God. The Judeo-Christian religion is about a relationship. It's nothing earned through a trade, nothing attained through technique. It is about love freely given - love as extending itself towards man and man responding to that love - however inadequately - with his own. This relationship is not established by man, but by God. It is a gift. It is grace. I think here lies the chief challenge of the Judeo-Christian religion - that which makes it easy and hard at the same time. Techniques and knowledge can be gained by applying oneself. It's chipping away at something. It is in a way self-sufficient. It is also suitable to customization. You give it the space you want. Offering sacrifice, on the other hand, to capricious powers in exchange for benefits as in a classic polytheist religion, lacks that sureness of the path. It is still about what you do - but to some degree - because of the capriciousness of the powers - it may fail to produce the result you hope for. What I find striking is that two approaches - the ethical, philosophical and the polytheist are, in a final though admittedly crude analysis, centered on the self, the ME, the “what I can do”, the “what I can get”. Love, on the other hand, are not about self. Love is about the other. And this particular love is something fundamentally gifted, something in which I'm unequal, inadequate, unable to point to my achievements as establishing some special dignity, a right and something owed. That is what makes it hard for many. I cannot produce mutual love, even if I try. The only way to attain it is to receive it and then respond - however imperfectly. This relationship is not about becoming a spiritual master of the builder of the biggest temple for this deity the world has ever seen. It is about becoming like a child. A child of God. A child which feels unending gratitude for what is freely given and never ceases to marvel at the goodness of the giver.

[@donjojohannes]

BONUS REFLECTION on GOD (he/him) - I had already written it, but the year has only 12 months and so it was "left over". But I can add it as "food for thought", if you want to understand my take on it: In 1995, as my year abroad in Australia was coming to an end, the alternative rock band Dishwalla released its first and most successful album. Its catchiest track was called Counting Blue Cars. That this song was not really about adding numbers was revealed by the brackets next to the title: (Tell Me Your Thoughts on God). It is the story of a young boy's spiritual journey. And thus goes the refrain: "Tell me all your thoughts on God, 'Cause I'd really like to meet her." That was quite purposefully transgressive and celebrated by some and rejected by others. The singer and songwriter later said in an interview: “I think we take things in a much more honest way - when we are young - because we are not being biased by how we're supposed to all think the same.” And there seems almost a hint of contentment when he relates that he supposedly received death threats for those lyrics. In 1995 I was young, a believer for barely a year, but apparently I was not young enough to not be “biased”. The lyrics seemed odd. I was not concerned because I believed God was a man. The catechism, which is a synthesis of catholic teaching in book form, states that while the human person is made in the image of God, God in no way is in man's image: “He is neither man nor woman. God is pure spirit in which there is no place for the difference between the sexes. But the respective "perfections" of man and woman reflect something of the infinite perfection of God: those of a mother and those of a father and husband.” (CCC 370) That makes perfect sense, I thought, and yet we refer to God as a “He”. We pray “Our Father, who art in heaven - and not our Mother”. For a believing Christian this may be warranted simply on the grounds that Jesus taught his disciples to pray in that way. It would be a bit much if I thought I could do better than him. So I may just receive it and pass it on as something received - something which it is not mine to change. Not all hold that view however. Just a few weeks ago at a shrine in Switzerland I heard a doubtlessly well meaning lady hand out “her version” of the Our Father to the group she was leading, so that “people could discover it anew”, or so she hoped. Call me old fashioned. If the God-man Christ teaches me something then I'll seek to honour and preserve it. I may seek to understand it more deeply, sure, but I don't like changing it. It is a 2000 year old prayer. I has been on the lips of billions before me. I do not presume, that any version I could come up with should be used instead of it. But then, how do these things go together - the catechism which repeats age old teaching on the sexless, spiritual nature of God and the Our Father? Despite the modern self-invention movement that has put gender on a spectrum and multiplied its recognized expressions to dozens - from Butch to Pangender to Two-spirit - humanity until a few minutes ago seemed somewhat contend to relate gender and sex, holding to a meager but solid two genders. This was not the opinion of a few experts. It was the common position - so common that it not only affected aspects of social interaction and public toilets but the very foundation of any culture and common life: language. From a time that is lost in the prehistoric past - so before an expert class existed for anything other than for hunting mammoths - most languages have been based on male and female grammatical genders - with a neutral grammatical gender most commonly added for those things that are sexless, have not come into their own, or have for some reason not been related to the sexes in some way. Modern English is one of the few exceptions. In English grammatical gender fell out of use during the Middle English period, though it still exists even today for nouns relating to the natural gender. The point here is not a study in linguistics. The point is simply to state that language and our use of it, typically bears traces of the fundamental human reality that has always been shaped by the male and female. In the religious realm this finds an expression in the gods that are worshiped. It is no accident when gods of fruit, grain and harvest are typically female or when earth is worshiped as a mother. For in human society it is the woman that bears the offspring; it is the mother who nourishes the child. Fertility is linked to the female not in an arbitrary fashion but because of a fundamental human experience. Now there might be other kinds of fertility - those procured through war, for example. And it should not surprise if the gods related to these are typically male. In most cultures men have been the warriors and the ones that do the fighting. There are not only cultural but also biological reasons for this. This much could be gathered even from social groups of apes. The concepts of male and female - even when applied to gods - are deeply rooted in our development in how our environment shaped us. If the two concepts of immanence and transcendence are being compared then we find that the former, which means resting and abiding in something, is a female attribute and the latter, which means going forth and beyond, is a male description. If you want to denote a god that has the former characteristics you will choose a female descriptor. If you want to denote a god that has the latter characteristics you denote him with male pronouns. You do not need a theory to do that. And in a way it is older than any language itself. All you need is to have inherited the human experience. You choose the descriptor fitting to express the nature of that deity. Now the God of Israel and thus the God of Christians is pure transcendence. This God is beyond the world, not part of it. And it has been already stated that unlike the gods of polytheist religions, he is neither male nor female. But if I wanted to communicate his transcendent nature, I would be right to give him male titles such as father and male pronouns. Not because he is a gendered being, but because humans - ALL of which have a father and a mother (even if absent in some cases), can intuit, the different qualities that mothers and fathers possess - or somehow should possess given that our own mothers and fathers will often fall short. It is woven into our human nature. It is not something we make up as we go along. A mother gives life. We are, especially at the beginning, almost an extension of her, completely dependent, we are loved unconditionally in our defects, nourished. Home is where the mother is. A father on the other hand will seed life, protect, aid, train, challenge and call us to leave home and accompany us into the adventure of the wider world. A father will also be always there - but "out" there. The God of Israel is much more of a mother then any human mother could ever be. He is much more father than any earthly man. As the catechism said: The respective "perfections" of man and woman merely reflect something of the infinite perfection of God. But it is essential to understand the Jewish-Christian God is calling us to a life beyond this world. For this world is not the eternal dwelling place of God as if it was a necessary pantheistic emanation tied to him forever. It is a gift, a sharing of his goodness, but a passing place, a temporary abode during our pilgrimage through life. God, while present through his power in all existing things, is challenging us, calling us out on our failings, calling us to the beyond. And that is why - even though God is neither male nor female - it is fitting that he should be called “our Father who is in heaven”. Helpful? Controversial? Disagree? These at least are my 2 cents on the question of calling God "Father" though he is pure spirit.

[@micheleshave323]

Thank you for this incredibly fast reply! I will read it many times in order to understand better what you have said. It is very reminiscent of what J.R.R. Tolkien expressed in his Lord of the Rings trilogy which I am delving into. He basically said what you have said. At any rate I am grateful for your time and response and I wish back for you the joy that your videos and meditations have given me🙏🙏

[@kahae9858]

Lol! I agree with you on some things but if I am not mistaken the Chinese language does not assign genders. (There may be other languages like this. I could speculate on the reasons why but it is only speculation.) When I worked in Hong Kong my Chinese secretary who spoke fluent English would nevertheless stumble over pronouns of gender. On the question of religion, I was not given the privilege (and comfort) of finding God through a particular religion (I used to often wish I had been) but God chose to reveal Himself to me as formless unconditional love outside the bounds of religion for reasons that remain obscure to me. (I was an atheist at the time.) You will note however that I use the male gender to refer to Him. Intellectually it makes perfect sense to me that God is beyond gender and I still believe this but even though God as I experienced "Him" was without form I nevertheless thought of Him as God the Father afterward when my mind tried to grapple with what had happened. Later I wondered about this issue of gender. Maybe it was because the experience revealed power beyond anything I had ever imagined and I associated power with the male gender. Or maybe it was simply that my mind had only ever encountered the notion of a male God at that time. Or maybe it was some other reason. Finally, the Abrahamic religions are not the only religions that recognise a transcendent God without form. Hinduism is not monotheistic, obviously - Hindus have a vast panoply of lesser gods - but if I am not mistaken Brahman is the supreme creator God or absolute reality and beyond all gender. Buddhism does not concern itself with such seeming abstractions. It focuses on alleviating suffering of all beings. @@donjojohannes

[@caronadams4486]

I see your point. However, Jesus was a man and influenced by the patriarchal society of his day. Gender roles and ethical considerations towards the oppressed have evolved somewhat since then. I think today, Jesus would not assign a gender to God because his teachings were egalitarian by nature. In fact, referring to God as the Father is a misrepresentation...as you indicated.

[@donjojohannes]

@@kahae9858 From what I understand Mandarin does not gender language like our indoeuropean languages. That is true. But it is pictographic language. And there the radical (base) symbols (such as for man or woman) frequently combine with others to convey a meaning or a male/female connotation (both positive and negative). So it is gendered in that way and not gender neutral. I'm not sure about Cantonese but assume it is the same. That explains the translation difficulty (no grammatical gender) but does not mute my proposal. As for Brahman in Hinduism. Yes, it is absolutely transcendent yet entirely impersonal. So it might be fine to call Brahman "the divine" but I would hesitate to call Brahman (a, even a single) God. The conception is different from the personal God of Israel. Brahma, Vischnu and Shiva would be gods with a personal nature, but they are a level down from Brahman, if you will, and also introduce the element of polytheism back into the equation. In Buddhism you would technically have to distinguish between Hinayana Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism. What you say seems certainly true of Hinayana Buddhism (which is more a inculturated philosophy than religion - but a very narrow path of self-negation open in any real sense only to monks). But the other forms count for religious progress on Bodhisattvas (figures human [progressed to Nirvana but not entering it for the sake of others] or heavenly that take on even negative Karma for the believer to quicken his path of annihilation [i.e. redemption]). And in the case of Vajrayana Buddhism next to the way open in the others the "preferred "way is "magical" exercises that reduce karma (Mantras, touching sacred objects, prayer wheels etc).

[@gloriahuntington7354]

Each week I watch and each week I am in awe of your gifts of creativity… in your gardening, your craftsmanship and your inspiring words. What a gift you are to all of us who watch and listen. Thank you.

[@blueclue57]

Is it wrong to want more (and I will firmly say that I don’t ever feel dissatisfied or shorted at the end of these videos)? I start pondering the message of the discourse, and wish there was something of a reading list given for greater exploration. These discourses are wonderful summaries of some important themes.

[@elicas0319]

Indeed

[@Del213]

@@blueclue57yes it is wrong - three he’ll Mary’s and no supper 🙏

[@vittekantilles4178]

I'll admit I'm no man of faith, but watching you create the chapel is nothing short of awe inspiring. What incredible workmanship. Simply amazing!

[@Smoke-N-Shot]

Thank you for the time you spend helping making the rest of us a little more happy in our chaotic world with both the views of nature's wonders and your sound words... 😘

[@stumblin_along9021]

Your videos are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@accendilaluce8616]

Lovely art, Beautiful Latin chanting, and words of wisdom. A wonderful experience. Thank you for inviting us into your piece of the world.

[@leslierosslentz1988]

It is a real comfort to be with you.

[@belgianwaffleknit]

So well stated. True comfort and peace.

[@davidrichardson5163]

You are a true artist and craftsman; your extreme attention to detail in everything you do is inspirational. I am not a religious person but I found your Sanctus very uplifting. Thank you.

[@reneesmith7996]

Thank you. Thank you, Fr. Johannes! I love your clear thinking and the ways you lay out certain ideas and truths.

[@johnmfroehlich2915]

How God has blessed you, Father Johannes, with faith, physical strength and know-how, and your steady hand for glorifying Him with designing and finishing the chapel. God bless you.

[@lisakenyon9429]

I am amazed at how very talented you are ! And so much talent next door to you Martjin is a skilled painter also! Absolutely beautiful work on everything: the temple is so gorgeous! The Rock walls, they sunken patio, the porch… everything you build is wonderful! I’m thankful that you share your ventures. You even sing wonderfully! God has blessed me with your presence in my life… thank you Johannes. ♥️👩‍🌾♥️

[@ernstoud]

Such a multi-talented man. I watch in awe.

[@duncanfrere2656]

Being from south Louisiana, I fully understand why your LSU charges weren't bothered by the weather in Rome. We had 30 days in a row of temperatures over 100 degrees this past summer, unheard of since records were first kept. Your beautiful temple and the extraordinary skill you show as an artist are testaments to you devotion, faith and talents. By any metric, they are surely worthy!

[@loriwagner667]

Hi neighbor!!

[@lumberger6497]

Hello neighbors! Geaux Tigers!

[@WicherBos]

I love the philosophical aspects you present in these posts! 🙏

[@WicherBos]

As a creature I have no claim on the creator… As Jeremia was told… by his visit to the pottery…

[@lindakelly6444]

Your words are so beautiful! You are a blessing to us!🙏❤

[@joycehauke6027]

What a beautiful and peaceful place. You are so lucky to have it. Thank you for giving us a peek at your Eden.

[@paul-ks3jt]

All for the glory of the TRINITY and our Blessed mother 👍🇬🇧🇮🇩🇮🇪

[@joycekepic8947]

Thank you, father as a Catholic from New York City I enjoy the peace and tranquility of your program. You are so talented in your building skills. I mostly enjoy the end with all of the insights should give us !! thank you♥️🙏

[@user-yt6ho9rb6t]

All your hard work paid off so beautifully, you are so talented in many ways. You sure found your calling. Thank you for sharing your videos.

[@marymesquita2564]

Thank you for being a priest, Father and for sharing these videos with us.

[@cshevlin]

Blown away by the attention to detail spent building that holy space. Absolutely amazing!

[@joannecanetti7481]

Beautifully calming and peaceful video. What a gift you are Johannes to all that watch. Bless you and thank you for giving us a peek into your glorious hermitage.

[@Imbridget2003]

I am so overwhelmed with the beauty of your Art ,Icons. What beautiful prayers of color and imagery.

[@ZaiyaKai]

I always watch your videos and Martiins right before bed to decompress and relax. And I’m always dozing off about the time the power tools scare me back into reality! The art you created for your prayer room is beautiful.

[@rachidramy502]

Your videos are so peaceful , thank you Father. and what a beautiful job you are doing with everything, from the gardening to the woodworking to the magnificent paintings. May God be always the guidance of your thoughts and your hands and may his Mother protect you with her prayers.

[@evablcher8788]

Dear Johannes - Everything around you is so beautiful. Your videos are amazing.

[@airforce1971]

I’m neither a wise man nor a skilled man of any particular skill. I seek meaning and peace in the Lord Christ and savior. The simple joy I feel in your videos will perhaps guide me to a path of peace and joy. Thank you, thank you dear friend. God bless

[@sylviabrink871]

You manifest how all we need is Gods love and grace, which clearly you have in abundance. Thank you Johannes!

[@maryannguess7115]

👋 👋 FATHER. J, TOMATOE MAYHEM...😅YOU ARE SO FUNNY..I NEED A GOOD LAUGH. At work..taking a coffee break... Watch later...ty for sharing ur beautiful world with us.. ❤BIG HUG from MARTIJN....❤🎉😊❤ CHIO...glad to see warmth there.

[@pattymcmullen8551]

Thank you for your example of how to live in Godly joy. I like what Jeremiah chapter 10:23 says.

[@carolyncollins5367]

Good morning ... Thank you for sharing God's love with us. And for using your talent to praise him.

[@salliehull7846]

Deo Gracias! Dearest Father, I stumbled upon your videos, and I thank you for them. I have only been a convert to The Holy Catholic Church for a year now. And It's felt like coming home; there is always so much to learn, about her histories, liturgies, and traditions. I cannot help but to follow along in your snippets of doing Mass, as my heart leaps with hearing the liturgy. I have faith in you Fathers in health, strength, and spirit. Pax Vobiscum.

[@theresaniemann3899]

Thank for Fr. Johannes for Holy Mass in your beautiful little chapel in Latin. The weeds grow so fast while one is away from home. You had lots of berries to pick. Your homily is always very interesting and thought provoking. May peace be with you Fr. Johznnes

[@nativetexson]

Your artistry with words, painting, woodworking, gardening are an inspiration. Merci Johannes.

[@midway241]

Excellent video with a beautiful ending. Thank you Father, God Bless

[@markschiltz8954]

Thank you, Father, for another video and including footage of you celebrating the usus antiquior in your amazing oratory. The sharing of your Catholic faith/priestly vocation through your reflections at the end and showing you celebrating Holy Mass, is what separates your channel from all others, gardening, carpentry and otherwise. These videos are truly edifying each week. Thank you for sharing your many gifts, all for Gods greater glory!

[@420Kathie]

Don Johanannes you cause me to contemplate more deeply. Your words are definitely seasoned with salt for my soul takes them well. So I thank you and say stay salty brother!

[@theartness1]

Thank you Father Johannesburg, as an altar boy many years ago, I remember the Latin mass as if it were yesterday. I am pleased that you are sharing this. The best to you and your endeavors.

[@MichaelSmith-ys4ki]

Outstanding episode. Throughout all the episodes, I find I’m initially drawn to the videography but am most enjoying the last 10 minute message. This week, especially. Thank you Fr. Johannes!

[@lynnmacleod1879]

I so enjoy your videos, so organic and authentic, thank-you!

[@barbkeil-burton6894]

Hi Johannes, 😊 will come back tomorrow morning, sorry!! I`m back now, on Monday!! July 2023 Your Walipini or I call it Greenhouse is packed with so much vegetables, Tomatoes, Zucchini & other plants!! The Drone Shots was Absolutely Gorgeous & night time with Fireflies!!❤ You & Martijn sitting at Your Beautiful Table You Built for Lunch..was Awesome!!❤ Yes your neighbor the Door-Mouse is cute & yes it eats your Garden Outside, but I would Never Eat It, we have Gray Squirrels who get Our vegetables & pears!! In fact, a small mouse came into our house & 1 of our cats got it!! August 2016 Johannes did You Draw the Artwork before Transferring it? Your cutting of it & painting was So Beautiful!!❤ When You were Talking, Praying in the Chapel, I put on Closed Captions, To See it in English..but Only says Music. ☹ Your Whole Yard with All Your Flowers & Berries, Butterflies & Bees is Beautiful !! The Tadpoles that have changed now to Toads, & I Love the Lily Flowers next to the Pads in Your Pond!! @24:57 what is the 2 Insects Matting? Rain Storm at Night..was a bit scary!! @29:11 what was the 2 Berries that You picked Black & Green? @ 39:09 what was the Red Berry? Reflection of Religions was Very Interesting & so Knowledgeable...Thank You for that & God Bless You!!❤ Take Care & have a Truly Blessed Evening & Week!!❤ Love Barb from Central Illinois America❣

[@paul-ks3jt]

Wow!! The holy sacrifice of the mass 🙏

[@eloquentlight]

Ok, it was lovely to hear you sing the Eucharistic Prayer in Latin, thank you for having that be a part of this!

[@charlenequinilty7252]

Your patience and talent shows in everything you do. Love watching.

[@virginiadavis4108]

Father, thank you so much for your commentary; it is meaningful to me and I am grateful. I also really appreciate your video identifying the plants, berries and little creatures living in the space you also live in, I am learning. I had no idea a doormouse had ears that could move like that; adorable but I am certain, a maddening housemate. You bless my world with your prayers and thoughts and I am the better for it.

[@dban3750]

In this world, where it seems people are filled with such hate, watching you create the oratory with love and devotion was inspiring. It made me tear up.

[@leannsmarie]

I look forward to your concluding reflections. Its like a mini-sermon and is most welcome. What you said is reflective of a deep understanding of God's Love and is sadly not common, yet you spoke only truth. As the Scripture says: "We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19). We cannot repay him for his undeserved kindness (grace). Thank you, Father Johannes

[@wiseasha]

You’ve turned your surroundings into pure art and glory. Love all the nature.

[@gabrielecovottaformatore7877]

Grazie Johannes 🙏❤️ i tuoi video trasmettono tanta pace e serenità. Mi piacerebbe un giorno farti visita. Un caro abbraccio.

[@paul-ks3jt]

You are a gifted human 🙏your parents must be so proud of you .. they raised you perfectly

[@m2fks00]

I find peace in listening to your words and watching your adventures/work. Thanks.

[@marilyns6043]

Seeing the tomato plants made me want to literally count the days until I can start my tomato plants indoors this spring. 🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅

[@marylowder2931]

You Johannes, are a true gift from God to this earth. I found your videos after recently watching Martijn’s builds. Your reflections delivered are with logic, intelligence and not preachy. I was reared a catholic, and knew the Mass in latin. I since have not practiced my religion, but it will always remain in my heart. Your kindness with a touch of humor regarding the animals around you brings a smile. Your videos bring a sense of calm and peace. The one on silence before this video was very moving. Greetings from The USA, Tucson Arizona.

[@mikepallister3037]

Blessed are they the see HIM in all his glory

[@LCelta]

Thank you beautiful mass in latin remind me of my childhood great video God bless.

[@Trishisadish]

The Latin you chant is so familiar. When I was younger, I was in the choir at church and sang Gregorian and high masses...hearing you speak it I responded automatically....it is warming to my heart to hear it again

[@cpollner]

Such a cute little guy! Haven’t seen fireflies in years. Everything is so beautiful! Makes me excited for summer. Don’t know how many I have left so really enjoying this.

[@saraf9883]

☺😇 This is my favorite lecture so far- thank you for the reminder that love is giving without expectation of reward, and certainly God gave much without any promise of appreciation or return, as any parent would..

[@holly-go-lightly]

Love your messages. They are a reminder of what is important in life. Thank you ❤

[@jeanadamsick9854]

GOD HAS BLESSED YOU W/MANY GIFTS!!!! Do take care. Fl., USA

[@Juan-Pedro6612]

Being faithful about the life which is given to me, it’s the question of living the relationship to the creator and not about religion. Thank you Johannes.

[@donjojohannes]

I would agree that the relationship (in the Christian view at least) is key. But I'm not sure that I would separate religion from that relationship. For religion (and its rites) may be the very way in which that relationship is cultivated and even received. That is way the temple (or tabernacle sanctuary) in Judaism existed since the time of the covenant - and why Christ would prescribe actions (for his community) to establish and nourish that relationship. Man after all is not mere spirit but a bodily creature and it is a kindness on God's part that spiritual acts find also a physical expression and conduit.

[@rsause]

The closing reflection was so clear and well stated. Along with the beauty captured in the close up shots and the sky illuminated by lightening... Another uplifting video from Johannes :)

[@marypaddey4625]

Just because Martjin has resumed his vlogs do not be concerned that you will lose followers. We are hooked Johannes! Fireflies stars and city lights...a world of light if you stop and look. "Oh hush the noise ye men of strife and hear the angels sing"

[@caronadams4486]

"Love is about the other." Watching a loved one suffer is soul crushing though and I wonder why God designed it that way. I believe helping others is the same as helping ourselves. Hopefully, humanity will be fully capable of realizing this one day. Another beautiful video and thought provoking words. Thank you!

[@ecoop1234]

That was beautiful ... and Thank you ... God Bless You

[@lorifalk5517]

I am enjoying the peace, tranquility and wisdom in your videos very much.

[@maryannguess7115]

Beautiful LATIN..Wish catholic churches would go back to LATIN MASS..SO LOVELY❤😊❤😊❤

[@holly-go-lightly]

Exactly...

[@mariavittoriagrilli8734]

Poter capire quello che si dice è un grande dono che il Concilio ci ha fatto anche se la messa in latino ha sempre il suo fascino

[@vcie515]

​​@@mariavittoriagrilli8734 Ce n'est pas une question de "charme", mais une question de raison. Le latin utilisé dans la Sainte Messe est une expression de l'église universelle. En plus, s'agissant d'une langue morte (langue qui n'est plus utilisé et ne change donc plus) la précision du latin évite des erreurs de traduction et des interprétations fantaisistes des textes de la liturgie. C'est merveilleux de pouvoir participer à la messe dont la liturgie et les textes sont partout pareilles, où l'on peut activement participer parce qu'on connaît les textes, et ce quelque soit l'endroit où on se trouve sur le globe!

[@pmlm1571]

Beautiful meditation, beautiful glimpses. The Mass in front of that glowing art. Thank you.

[@poodlegirl55]

I am amazed at how you built and painted that. You are so talented.

[@ggardiner5333]

Johannes, your intelligent but respectful teachings? thoughts? are very special and helpful. Would you consider doing a series where you continue this? I think it would help so many. I very much enjoy listening to your discussions and hope you continue. Thank you!

[@eziotaddeo1726]

Wow!! the chapel. Your wood work skills are not too bad. really good actually! another gr8 vid, the out door table was a fair effort. Cheers Johannes

[@BrotherMichaeloftheCross]

I don't get to Mass, so hearing you chanting the Mass in Latin is a gift and a pleasure :) +

[@albee6216]

Thank you for sharing your life and teachings with us.

[@lindosh-mu8kf]

Praise the Lord! Your reflection part brought me closer to God. Thank you for sharing. Amen 🙏

[@fionavanwyk6441]

Beautiful! Thank you, Johannes.

[@metalyn]

Wish I had your carpentry skills. My attic needs a ceiling and sides and knotty pine would be so gorgeous. Thankfully I can garden and grow vegetables so I can enjoy the garden like you do. Your videos are so inspiring, calming with an overlay of poetic peace and God. In a never ending world of chaos what a bright 40+ minutes.Thanks.

[@Gnuddelunke]

Thank you for your wise words, Johannes.

[@curioussoul5051]

Thank you for your reflection. Beautiful teaching that resonates truth for me.

[@vickibythelake]

Thank you for another video ❤ I’ll be watching with my 96 year young Momma. Give our best to your neighbor Martin hopefully he’s keeping well. Are you watching his chickens?

[@bugdayunu228]

Thanks for sharing. I got to know you from Kirsten Dirksen's episode on you. I admire the way you put your approach to life into practice.

[@lindabrooks8242]

Thank You, Johannes, for sharing another beautiful video. I love listening to your words, as I feel they are full of magnificent wisdom.❤

[@kailapiazza]

13:40 this is pure artistry ❤

[@lynsmith2698]

It always truly makes my week when you videos come out. I am not a religious person but I find myself loving your words you speak near the end of the video. You speak so graciously and from the heart and in a way I can understand. Thank you for your beautiful videos, 🇨🇦🌷

[@IceHeat1988]

Amazing series! Feels sad that we are already halfway through, I hope you will keep on producing more even after the series is distributed. May God give you inspiration and strength🙏

[@lisamarie2784]

From the Gloria Patri in the early silence of morning to a power saw😖. Father Johannes! The reflection at the end was totally worth it though.

[@nancylagoyda5337]

You are blessed with so many talents! So beautiful!❤

[@leighalmond4128]

Oh that smell of tomato plants! What a wonderful surprise! You are an inspiration to me 💗🙏🤩

[@marieleopold1625]

'The attitude of BE-attitude is GRATITUDE'. this is something I would teach my children B 4 catching the school bus and facing all manner of challenges...I would explain 2 them that they have MUCH 'power in their purity' and could do an endless amount of 'good works' in their days if they kept 'fighting the good fight'. I pray, now that they are with families of their own and miles away from me in all manner of directions...some good has been remembered/learned/passed on. Dear Lord, I watch and think; Fr. Johannes, lives in a 'piece of paradise'...how blessed you are! I have chipmunks in place of your house mice...and beautiful thieves they are! I was waiting on a particularly lovely strawberry and thought to myself; 'Tomorrow I shall have my first bit of crop.' How I longed for it, as I live in a clime of short summers. At 5 a.m. the next day, I was in my small bathroom upstairs and looked out upon a lovely morning in my backyard. I looked in the direction of my ripening single strawberry and there on the berm wall...was a 'very cute thief' eating away at the strawberry I was anticipating. All I could do was watch with a 'drooping spirit'! UGH! I see he thought this day was also the perfect day to partake of my lone and lovely strawberry! And then I hear the words of my Spiritual Director: "Detachment from EVERYTHING!" The chapel you have been blessed to build is beautifully decorated and a choice 'meeting place' for your 'beloved'...How intimate! Thanks 4 sharing...health and blessings! Saw you invite Martijn 4 lunch...What wonderful neighbors you are to one another...'Nothing for nothing.!"

[@steppenwolf5064]

Thank you for these videos, they are appreciated more than you know.

[@loriwagner667]

Thank you for mentioning my little state of the world, Louisiana and our tigers!! Enjoyed your perspective on the weather as well! It is always humid here in Louisiana and any place on Earth that has less than 70-80% humidity is very comfortable regardless of the temperature. I so enjoy your videos and perspectives on spirituality and God ❤

[@user-yv3fc8gf3v]

In praise of shadows: I watched with great interest your Episode 7-July of your blog especially the segment where you trace out and paint the icons on the alter in your chapel. Of particular interest was watching you apply the gold leaf to the dividers of the alter. Later in the episode when you were praying I observed the light of the flickering candle on the gold leaf. At that moment I realized what the author of the book “In praise of shadows” was relating in his book. The author Jun’ichipo Tanizaki discusses the merits of traditional Japanese homes where little to no direct sunlight enters the home. One part of the home is reserved for a shrine. The area is bound by black lacquer panels with gold leaf images. The author describes how the light of the candles in the dimly lit shrine dances on the gold images. I had the pleasure of observing that phenomenon in your video. Thank you.

[@basickarma7331]

Beautiful, thank you? You master many skills!

[@letsparadise]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom 🙏

[@D15Deutz]

Danke Johannes, dass Du uns die Zeit ohne Martin so wundervoll überbrückt hast. Ich hoffe, Du nimmst uns weiter mit auf Deiner Reise, denn Deine Videos sind nicht weniger inspirierend. Herzliche Grüße aus der Eifel, Roger

[@efortunywhitton]

Beautiful. You are an artist in every sense of the word: poetic, creative, reflective & even though you don't enjoy our reflections of you, you are filled with wisdom. I'm not a religious person, but, I appreciate the depth of your thoughts. I always judge a person by how observant they are of the natural world around them; it's ironic of course, that even though I don't consider myself to be religious, if I had to say that I worship something, it would be the breathless beauty of the natural world of which we are a part, and sadly, have become experts at destroying. I'm also a vegan, perhaps this is also linked to my overall outlook... At any rate, I love your vlogs, hearing your thoughts, and so on. I don't know if you plan on continuing these after the 'year' is over, but I really think you should consider it. Hugs! x

[@dcamille-]

Father Johannes, your attention to detail, construction and artistry in honor of our God is magnificent🙏 Amen and God Bless🙏📿🙏

[@johnlorrieboskovic2836]

I really enjoyed the segment where you said Mass. While no longer practicing, I grew up Roman Catholic and remember Mass being said in Latin, with the priest facing the altar as you were doing. I still find comfort in hearing the Mass in Latin (although I suspect you were saying it in Italian). A bit of a nostalgia mixed with a return to a time past - somewhat hard to describe - but not unlike returning to a place of comfort and peace. I'm not sure if I have progressed or regressed since, but a bit of the mystery went away when Latin turned to English and the priest said the Mass at us rather than leading...Anyway, I admire greatly your piety and your humble approach.

[@fabsecond306]

Viel Dank Johannes 🙏

[@escapetoouritalianhouse]

❤Love watching your channel your aura, spoken words of wisdom are calming and seeing your flourishing beautiful garden is an inspiration to one day achieve in the much needed wild garden of our @escapeToOurItalianMountainHouse in Camandonna Italy province renovation house. Thank you🙏🏾

[@KAC-5555]

Thank you ✝️🙏❤️