The Biggest Problem in our Church Today

[@sttommore]

This is endemic to current American pop society. We have become very comfortable (well, as a society at large, not necessarily the individuals within) with classifying ourselves, and associating or identifying ourselves based on preferences (or "orientations" as you address in other comments). We have disallowed ourselves the freedom to merely like, or enjoy, or prefer one or another person, place, or idea by clinging to those totems as creeds of a sort. This distancing of ourselves from the broader picture is fatal to civilization, and to community -- which, by definition, is a recognition of what is held in common, or what unites. Within the Church Universal, there is great breadth, but as we approach the terminus of a road toward the horizon, there is only one point. When we begin to distract ourselves with the intricacies of the road, or become invested in kicking a rock off the side, or worse, ridding the road of all pebbles, we forget that the Church is the road to Christ, and every road is composed of billions of pebbles of infinite variations of size, color, shape, and origin. All those pebbles serve one purpose, and are united in that purpose. We have become eager to judge and condemn, to "make distinctions among [ourselves] (James 2:4). It'll take an eternity of merciful justice to repair the fractures we caused to ourselves (both communally and individually).

[@yahulwagoni4571]

"Judge, and prepare to be judged." - Ayn Rand. A self proclaimed fan of Aristotle and Aquinas, but really a disciple of Nietzsche in drag.

[@sttommore]

And again, you made made assumptions about what I think/believe/hold to. To judge the hearts of people is always beyond our purview. To judge the acts of others is within our scope, and indeed, we're called to do so. We are not, however, at liberty to then make inferences about a person's character, or condemn or write them off as this or that "type" of person. Pray, how did I "paint Christ to be some type of hippy"? I did rather infer that there's only one road to him, we must needs be on it to "be saved", etc. My comment is much more concerned with the self-mutilation to which much of the Church appears addicted.

[@stephenyosef1731]

A tip: watch series on flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching lots of of movies lately.

[@nixonroger9612]

@Stephen Yosef Definitely, I have been watching on Flixzone for since december myself =)

[@rexgage9350]

@Stephen Yosef yea, have been using flixzone for since december myself :)

[@tedphillips2501]

Favorite theologian : Mary. Her one sermon: "Do whatever He tells you".

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

That's a good one, but I prefer her Magnificat.

[@tedphillips2501]

@@BreakingInTheHabit She a perfect example of humility and devotion. Blessings on you all your days.

[@therighteousrighthand]

Amen. I asked her once she pointed me to Jesus...now I go straight to Jesus.

[@machtnichtsseimann]

As long as you hear right. Many a mortal has believed God was directing them so, only to find out later it was their own voice.

[@maninoymultimedia379]

@@therighteousrighthand and that doesn't make Her less. And why do you think people there came to Her to ask Jesus on behalf of them? Did Jesus reprimand those who came to Her? Hey you people why did you come to Her, you should come to me directly. It is not an "either-or" it could be both.

[@JP2GiannaT]

No, I'm not liberal. I'm not conservative. I'm Catholic. I'm glad to hear someone talk about this.

[@JP2GiannaT]

Also, did I see that right? Do you have a pocket in your sleeve?!

[@litaandrews377]

Yaaa I'm catholic. I'm proud of it

[@EasternRomeOrthodoxy]

That's right, but the question is whether you are a Novus Ordo/Vatican2 Catholic, or a true one?

[@leifewald5117]

@@EasternRomeOrthodoxy did you not hear what Father Casey Cole was saying? Btw, Vatican 2 ain’t liberal.

[@EasternRomeOrthodoxy]

@@leifewald5117 Vatican 2 is a Protestant heresy- that is a fact

[@glasserbuds]

Well said. Reminds me of what Abraham Lincoln said. "Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right".

[@motnosniv]

Lincoln was a fascist.

[@JamesMartinelli-jr9mh]

Jimmy Catalina More than one saint has seen Lincoln burning in hell. One saw George Washington and wife and Jefferson Davis and wife in heaven. These are private revelations.... no doubt unwelcome in the 'Conciliar Church'.

[@harrysmith9872]

I find it strange that I third-year history student, who discovered this channel whilst researching an essay on the power of St Francis and haven't been able to stop watching these videos yet.

[@dianedruck2007]

Before our last election the homily delivered by one of our parish priests, also an OFM, told us that the reason why the Catholic church does not officially endorse any party or candidate is because there is no party or candidate that represents all the teachings of the church. Discern and do your best to follow God's will.

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

That, and the fact that our allegiance is not to political parties or government entities but to Christ. No human institution should get our full allegiance.

[@ianprince1698]

generally, when we vote for someone at an election we are often voting for the least worst option

[@thehippiecatholic]

This video is SO IMPORTANT!!! Omg. Thank you so much for making this. Some Catholics have told me that I’m not a “real” Catholic because I lean more liberal, politically. I’ve been told to “shut my mouth” and “get out of the church”. This has been very painful for me because my faith has been a core part of my life. This message you’re spreading is so important for the world ❤️

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

I'm so sorry to hear that. We can often be most cruel to our fellow church members.

[@thehippiecatholic]

Breaking In The Habit thank you. Yeah and I think the only way we can combat it is to have conversations with one another and realize that we have a HUGE Church family that’s called to love one another.

[@fld9266]

Sorry to hear you have been treated this way . Don’t let anyone chase you from Mass and the Rosary

[@jiminycricket1593]

Sorry but I doubt that actually happened. Who said that your brother?

[@thehippiecatholic]

@@jiminycricket1593 lol read my comment sections

[@josephryan5949]

That's what I like about the various religious orders. Although we have our differences, we seem to value and appreciate each other, and indeed learn from each other also. It brings a wonderful richness and joy to our lives.

[@splashpont]

@John Jealousy is always ugly. (By the way, the Franciscans were with the Dominicans on that one!) Definitely about politics of the time rather than the spirituality and charisms unique to each.

[@cherylanne2029]

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." ~John 13:35 Love, prayers, and much gratitude for you, Dear Brother.

[@caz604]

We all judge things. However, when we judge as followers of Christ, as Catholics, we must do it with Love, Tolerance, Patience, Grace. This is very similar to the thought of being judgemental. Judging things without Merit and Charity. Thank you Brother Casey! GOD Bless.

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

Yes, and judging with careful attention to specifics. To judge an entire group is different than to have a thoughtful (and even challenging) conversation with one person about their life.

[@polanco187]

Father Casey is extremely well educated and thoughtful.. Uncommon in today's society.

[@mg7094]

That's why sunday school and coffee hour as well as agape meals are so important. The more fellowship time you have the less divided the church is.

[@heyjess7232]

I agree this is a big problem. But I humbly suggest the biggest problem is the sex scandal and all the allegations left unaddressed by the church.

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

I agree that it is the biggest external problem, the one with the most direct consequences, but the problem I suggest is more pervasive, having a hand in every problem we face as a Church and leaving us unable to effectively respond to them. Even the sex abuse crisis is fraught with this underlying problem with camps forming to point the finger at who is to blame, blinding us to any real path of reconciliation.

[@heyjess7232]

@@lesliecuff2079 I am downright disgusted by your comment. Please check yourself and why you would make these nasty assumptions. Hold yourself to a higher standard than name calling and uncharitable assumptions.

[@heyjess7232]

@breaking in the habit I definitely see what you are saying - in the reaction to the abuse scandals, the picking sides and pointing fingers is very defined, divided and destructive. However, I would argue that the abuse crisis/scandals are an internal problem, deeply rooted in our structure and leadership. People's reactions to the crisis, while also bad and divided, are a separate issue. I agree with your whole video - I just thought the title was inaccurate given the season the church is in. Thank you for your constant work and kindness.

[@lesliecuff2079]

I never claimed that this fella was gay per se. Nonetheless, you are right to feel disgusted. The standards that informed my statement were mathematics (probability theory) and pattern recognition.

[@heyjess7232]

@@lesliecuff2079 think what you want, but be civil. And let me be clear, I'm disgusted by your behavior. Not him.

[@anipigs]

All those labels, I started to hear them in the US. In Venezuela, the only "division" I knew, was practicing and non-practicing Catholics.

[@jegraham440]

Thank you, thank you. This is even more relevant two years later when we have discovered even more new boxes to push each other into.

[@carverredacted]

One of my good friends is considered incredibly conservative and I am seen as a bit of socialist. Most people are so confused that we are friends. We bonded over a strong love of Christ and knowledge of scripture and theological ideals. We're not same denomination anymore but we still get along. I never thought it possible when I was younger. Now, as someone apporching their 30s, I see the value of having my own values and labels while still respecting other opinions. It's not easy but in my experience, it's worth it.

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

And what you probably found in that relationship was the this person was more than just a "conservative," but probably had lots of interests, values, character traits, and abilities that had nothing to do with ideology, and what you saw and liked about this person was those things, not the ideology.

[@thehippiecatholic]

C. August McMullen this is such a beautiful story. One of my most wonderful mentors in my life is a conservative, where I’m more liberal. And we love each other. We’re so much more than political alignment. And I’ve noticed that so often, politics get in between fellow Catholics, even if it’s not left or right politics, it’s “traditionalist vs everyone else”. It’s a very toxic way to view other people. It’s also cool to find a Catholic socialist. A lot of people have told me that those two ideologies don’t coexist. Well, they’re wrong lol.

[@ninguem3910]

the HippieCatholic Honestly, there IS a lot about socialism that is anti-Christian(the cathechism of the church even points out, if I’m not mistaken, that it’s the ideology that MOST opposes the Catholic Church).For starters, if you’re a Marxist than this means you would believe the main direction of history is decided by the the various socio-economic systems, which would appear by taking the place of their predecessors up until socialism and, afterwards, communism was reached. The center of history would be this. Meanwhile, for a catholic, the center of history is Christ, since God molds the structure of history in order for his first appearance to occur and for preparations to be made for his second. Another problem with socialism is what socialism deems to be THE problem in contrast to Catholicism. For socialism, the biggest problem mankind faces is the oppresion of the lower class by the higher or/and rulling class, a ideological concept that’s almost some kind of “secular gnosticism”, in which the /higher/rulling class is made the Demiurge, the origin of all evils, the “bad god”. Meanwhile, Catholicism believes mankind’s biggest problem is sin, a problem that comes from within man, not from the surroundings, which can be commited by both members of a lower class and a higher/rulling class - although the higher/rulling class would be tempted WAY more often, due to access to riches and luxuries. This is not to say Catholicism disregards the matter of oppresion, it does refer to it various times, but it also believes that the matter of sin precedes even that. And these two are the ones I could think about. I believe I’ve heard of other greater differences, but I can’t quite remember than. Simply do beware what you’re getting into when you get near those ideologies. Christ should always come first. “Whoever is not with me is against, and whoever does not gather with me scatters”Mt 12:30. Anyways, you might also mean that you are a lot into social issues when you said “socialist”. In this case, sorry for the long paragraph hahaha. I just really think we, as Catholics, should be aware of that.(Obs.: capitalism isn’t that Christlike either, but it still has more validity in the eyes of the church than socialism does).

[@sjenner76]

Loved this video on so many levels.

[@elizabethg363]

YES YES YES! Thanks for talking about this, Brother!

[@williamdunson7163]

I found this to be true all across the board. In many conversations with those of faith and non-:believers alike. Thank you for this video.

[@splashpont]

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find out what it means to me R-E-S-P-E-C-T Take care...."

[@gridcaster]

I'm not sure what so many people apparently found controversial about this video. It seems like a simple statement. Being merely Christian is a challenge for all Christians, not a challenge only for the ones with conservative or liberal ideas. There are no political parties in The Body of Christ...people ought not to approach Church as any other earthly institution that can be dominated by beating your opposition. I think perhaps conservatives already feel under attack, and they assume that this message is aimed only at them...but in reality it is a universal call.

[@misterdavid4072]

Conservatives are usually the perpetrators lol am not even a liberal

[@drewcharpentier8670]

"'Alas for the folly of these days!' said Legolas. 'here ALL are enemies of the one Enemy, and yet I must walk blind, while the sun is merry in the woodland under leaves of gold!' 'Folly it may seem,' said Haldir. 'Indeed in nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him.' " i can relate to Legolas, even at mass. unwillingly blindfolded while the sun shines, lest my eyes stray into the shadow of division. Psalm 73...when i tried to understand these things...it was too hard for me. until... "the world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all the lands love is mingled with grief, it grows perhaps greater." Perhaps. Come O' Spirit. Open our eyes, so we can behold. All we gotta do is behold.

[@sttommore]

Beautifully connected. Tolkien is a hidden genius of the Catholic life.

[@drewcharpentier8670]

sttommore thank you.

[@culturecoroner]

I’m over here fist-pumping. ❤️💪🏼

[@culturecoroner]

Drew Charpentier I like your brain.

[@dobermanpac1064]

LOL.... I'm so Traditional, I have to choose my words carefully when speaking to new people...don't need to run anyone off here!...Now to your topic...Unfortunately I have found many Catholics who haven't even read the Bible, with the exception of the Gospels on Sunday....It's a huge problem today...so here's my local solution for the "Get Catholic Quick People"....attend the RCIA classes this year...get headed in the right direction...who knows, your Faith just might be bigger than you thought and studying might become a pleasure...For the past 4-5 years now, (locally) I've seen 40-50 cradle Catholics in the RCIA class every year and afterwards they continue their studies and prayers and have gone on to do great things...Something to consider.....

[@kimfleury]

Wonderful! I'm in a much smaller town and parish, but when the new young priest started offering these opportunities, cradle Catholics jumped for it. For us, it was only about 10 regulars, up to maybe 20...but we're a small parish, so that's not a bad head count.

[@DecoAoreste]

The biggest problem in the Church today is that it's closed.

[@Eye_of_a_Texan]

My sympathies friend. Are you still having this issue?

[@wazzup893]

Only like how people just present Jesus, the easiest or the simplest way. Yes, it helps but Jesus is far more complex and even our minds can't even comprehend.

[@redimerfortitudo]

I appreciate your videos. I have to agree with you that classifying and separating ourselves according to “liberal” and “conservative” labels is something that doesn’t belong in the Church. We are one body in Christ and we must always remember that. Classifying ourselves as liberal or conservative is very much letting the spirit of the world influence us more than the actual teaching of the Church. The truth is that “liberal” or “conservative” labels have no place in the Church - they are worldly labels. HOWEVER, there is one definite distinction that this video failed to point out. While “liberal” and “conservative” are inappropriate, the more proper understanding is that there are those faithful to the teachings of the magisterium and those unfaithful - the orthodox and the heterodox. It is undeniable right now that there are many people who identify as Catholic yet if you hear them speak of their values they are indistinguishable from your typical leftist gender-creating social justice warrior or your ultra-conservative money-loving libertarian. Both those positions are “liberal” or “conservative” yet neither are Catholic. Both those identities carry values that are incompatible with Catholic teaching. You have made a good thing in pointing out that liberal and conservative do not belong within the Church. These are American definitions after all. There should be no enmity or division between traditional Latin Mass loving Catholic vs Novus Ordo Catholics. But there definitely does exist a distinction that must be identified. This is the distinction of Catholics who are faithful to the magisterium (Orthodox) and those who are not (Heterodox). Both a liberal or a conservative can be orthodox or both can be heterodox. Oftentimes it is a mix of both. This is why we need to change the way we look at ourselves and judge whether or not we are liberal or conservative but rather how faithful we are to both the scriptures & the magisterium. To deny this is to deny the authority and truth of the Church’s teachings at which point it is illogical to be Catholic.

[@kimfleury]

I felt relief when I saw that you included "ultra-conservative money-loving libertarians." The problem with extremes is that if you fall into one, then the tendency is to judge the middle as being the other extreme.

[@willhunter7363]

The subtle Pumped up kicks remix in the background kills me man. Keep up the good work though couldn't agree more.

[@iqgustavo]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🌟 Conversation about identity and labeling. 01:08 📚 Labeling theologians based on politics diminishes their depth. 02:03 🤝 Labels create divisions and assumptions without understanding. 03:01 🏷️ Preference labels turn into identities, limiting complexity. 04:12 🌐 Oversimplifying groups denies individual complexity. 05:22 ⚖️ Labeling leads to judgment and division, like sports rivalry. 06:18 🙅‍♀️ Categorizing before knowing hinders understanding. 07:01 ✝️ Christian identity should be paramount, not secondary. 08:08 🌍 Associating Christianity with secondary identities causes confusion. 08:52 🤝 Struggling together against real issues matters more than labels. 09:19 🤔 Treating each other as complex individuals is essential for unity.

[@josephcastillo298]

Very good video, however I disagree that it’s the biggest problem in the church e.g. sexual harassment cover ups etc. but I do agree the labels in the church which we create is frustrating. There’s no such thing as a conservative or liberal Catholic, Catholic is Catholic. That’s it as far as I’m concerned.

[@williamrattley5248]

This is a problem across the human experience. We box people up, and then we like to keep them boxed up, and then we box ourselves up... and we love to keep the "others" out of our box. It happens with every social group, however is most noticeable in religious organisations. I am an open gay man, I am also monogamous, I am progressive/liberal. But there is a spectrum within the communities I live within. It's not black and white, and we need to appreciate, respect and show compassion for the most basic point... we are all human. Irrespective of politics, race, gender, age, ability, or even sexuality. Christ and I have a good relationship, a working one. One that's taken decades, and one that is still - and always will be - a work in progress. But I know He loves people unconditionally... I feel we all need to start doing the same. You're a great advocate of Christ Fr Casey. I've spent most of today binge-watching, learning and appreciating your sense, respect and rationality from your videos. Thank you and God Bless brother.

[@unnecessaryapostrophe4047]

I've always taken pride in being friends with people who hold very diverse views. The last few years have been rough.

[@rev.fr.spyridonchiones3963]

Don't worry brother, we have exactly the same problem.

[@itsjustbree9267]

Great points. Thank you for this. I am not a liberal or a conservative or a democrat or a republican. I am a Catholic Christian, and that is all.

[@tomgjokaj3716]

Tell me what party or politician you vote for and I will tell you if your a liberal or conservative you are what you vote for and that’s reality I know I am Catholic to but I will never never vote for a pro choice candidate and that makes A Catholic and proud conservator and I wear the badge with pride as a Catholic conservative

[@tomgjokaj3716]

If you vote for the Democrat party The party of death and perversion you more certainly are liberal you call yourself whatever you want Catholic Buddhist Muslim but you are a liberal and if you vote for the Republicans you are conservative and if you don’t vote God help you because that’s one of your civil and moral duties to do

[@theresemartin3075]

This is such a timely topic for me..there is such division and people are too ready to label others without even wanting to know why they think the way they do. I just want to follow what Jesus would do ..🌹

[@Phineas1626]

Unfortunately, there’s no way to know what Jesus would do. Was he a get-off-your-butt-and-help-yourself capitalist? Or a hippy who just wanted to make even unsavory people feel good about themselves? A combination thereof? Something different entirely?

[@matthewgleason7495]

I'm a Baha'i but this definitely speaks to a challenge of prioritizing faith vs other things in my life. It seems like no matter your beliefs it's always so easy to let things get in the way. I've been watching this channel a lot for the last week or. I disagree with a lot of what you say but you present your ideas really well and I do agree with you on a few really important things.

[@thomashull5411]

Among all of the vids you have made, this one may have the greatest depth. For me, it not only celebrates the mind of Christ, but also the insight of Francis.. This is the primary insight of Paul, thrown from his horse on the road, historic or metaphoric. "I live now, not I, but in Christ Jesus." This message is not an entirity, but a beginning for entering the Mystery. Thank you.

[@thomashull5411]

I wrote the above message. I am also known as Brother Cyrene, former teacher, now street minister in Chicago.

[@carolhensen8005]

Wise words.Thank you Father……

[@VanGogh2022]

I love your channel and your talks. thanks for everything you are sharing with the world. may our Lord bless your every endeavor and may you serve His purpose.

[@blackwater642]

When I watched this video all I saw was a young man annoyed with the current political climate and how it’s encroached into his church. But judging by the comments many ppl saw something else entirely. Not being Catholic I don’t have an informed opinion of V2 or Rahner. But I don’t need one to see that the topic of V2 is extremely divisive among Catholics. That’s clear on virtually every internet site on which Catholics comment. V2 is often the fulcrum around which the terms liberal and conservative derive their very meaning vis a vis Catholicism. Merely mentioning a theologian instrumental in that council and the resulting changes it wrought is like throwing a Molotov cocktail into a conversation; don’t be surprised when it goes off. Still, there was some nuance here that sounds a lot like the standard verbiage progressives use when they simply dismiss traditionalists: and clearly conservatives have had it with being dismissed and then watching the results of various reforms that are specious at best. But it goes deeper still. It’s one thing to simply deal with a personal brush off from someone of another opinion; another to feel the very essence of your church is being gutted and replaced, along with the faithful who’ve both contributed to and derived from it so much. Conservatives and traditionals may be right to view progressives with fear and loathing. I took a left turn myself into the Episcopal Church for around 10 years until they went too far off the rails for me. I saw firsthand what Katherine Jefferts Schiori did to that church. In the prog zeal to modernize Christian doctrine and convert it into a social justice program, to mitigate or throw out any doctrine of sin as being too complex to judge or denounce, she pulled that denomination up by roots and about killed it. The Anglicans may not recover, along with other mainline Protestants. And do you know what the progs say if you disagree with them? They’re big on claiming everyone should compromise so you might expect them to do so. But “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out” is the normal response of progressives and the conservatives know it and are bristled up in preparation for it. Ive heard some Catholics say it doesn’t matter what happens to any other denomination but I think that’s insular and myopic. Nothing good will happen to Catholics with the rise of the nones. These conversations of how the church should live in the world are causing much concern in every denomination that I’m aware of.

[@tomgjokaj3716]

Because truth be told anything that progressives or liberals touch is like cancer they destroy it short and simple but it’s the truth

[@catmom1322]

@@tomgjokaj3716 I'm sorry you feel that way.

[@gandalfthegreatestwizard7275]

Sure, Karl Rahner was a very influential theologian and may have had some good ideas. However, we shouldn't embrace him wholeheartedly and without reservation. Two popes condemned some of the ideas of the nouvelle théologie he was associated with, in the encyclicals Humani generis and Mysterium fidei. He believed in "transfinalization" rather than transubstatiation. He also dissented from Humanae vitae.

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

I think you might be missing the point of the video.

[@gandalfthegreatestwizard7275]

​@@BreakingInTheHabit No, I get the idea of the video, and I agree that it's a problem. However, Karl Rahner was a bit too unorthodox for Catholics to take their theology from him.

[@sjzora]

Another theologian who was silenced for a time was Henri de Lubac following Humani Generis. He was later made a Cardinal by JPII the great. And Pope Benedict said of reading his book Catholicism, Christ and the Common Destiny of man in the forward to the book, "For me, the encounter with this book became an essential milestone on my theological journey." Just saying ...

[@skipruss5218]

To me, there is an underlying principle here that runs through many of your videos that contributes greatly to the problem--very few listen any more, it is mostly just talk over everyone else. Listening to others, in your discussion here, helps us to see who the other person is , why they feel the way they do and even find common ground. Why a person believes what they do helps us be better people as well as Christians because, even if we don't accept it, we can see the reasoning and are much less likely to judge them as a person because we have heard the person, not the concept.

[@shm9932]

so true Casey. Thank-you. Knee jerk labels shut down discussion, because it pre-supposes the discussion before it happens. Liberal and conservative as labels become code words to dismiss people out of hand. God came into the world in Jesus Christ profoundly to engage with people. When we dismiss people, we miss doing the work we are called to do by effectively missing the people whom our Saviour came to love and save, and indeed end up missing Jesus Christ altogether. That IS a serious problem that hurts us, the church and the world. The other thing, in a partisan, polarized world, we need to model human dignity and respect as a witness to our faith, and the way of Christ that can bring about the shalom and peace of the Kingdom of God which we all need. God bless you.

[@coreypriest9933]

C.S. Lewis. What an amazing author. My pastor recommended “The Screwtape Letters” when I was asking about the nature of temptation. Then it was “Flatland,” by Edward Abbott. ☺️ Then was Joseph Girzone’s “Joshua” series. I know you might not agree father, but I was wondering where my Protestant pastor was steering me.

[@LG-cu7kt]

Your primary point of focusing on the person and not of that person’s favorite group is well taken.

[@dawnlapka2433]

This is the first time I am seeing this. I appreciate it. I appreciate hearing it. I simply identify as Dawn Lapka, follower of Jesus Christ 🙏. Roman Catholic. Love People. Hope to get married again one day, love my children and grandchildren. Hope to have a dog or couple cats again one day, and love my career. Love to serve the Church. Like Mary, "Do whatever he tells you". God bless you, dear Father, Casey.....

[@edlabonte7773]

I love Rahner. I love him for a weird reason. I used to be an atheist. When I was in my 20s I had a spiritual revelation while on LSD. Like most chemically induced experiences of that sort, it didn't survive the trip. But I remember bits a pieces of it and the idea of God that I got during that trip was a lot like Rahner's "infinite horizon". I'm convinced that his ideas about God relate to mystical experiences he himself must have had. He's a difficult read, but I like him a lot.

[@mikkelkruger2272]

This video came to me just at the right time. In my local parish there's a lot of different groups and as a convert I have had to orient myself with them. Their all in communion with the pope and our Bishop. But for some reasons many of these groups almost talk about each other like they are enemies or at least not the best of friends. I personally am part of a big international community with its own charism (we are not charistmatic btw) in my parish and we have a big presence. There's also a significant amount of traditionalists who prefer the tridentine mass. And these groups are known to not be the biggest fans of each other. I am a huge fan of both. I LOVE the tridentine mass. Im also part of my community. But for some reasons it's supposed to be contradictory to have a leniency towards both because one community doesn't like members of the other theologically. This focus on personal opinion must end. Both of these communities are in communion with the Holy see. That is what unites us. These labels of being trad cat or being part of whatever is divise because were all brothers and sisters, we are catholics, not trad cats, progressives catholics or whatever, were roman catholics because what unifies us is the Roman pontiff.

[@marymonroe7042]

Excellent! Thank you Father! My Pastor gave a homily pertaining to the "identity" thing! Very good!

[@ErikaMarrisAEroy]

Promise, the church is close for people who wants to come in daily I hope theyll open it for all

[@grecopena]

The Christ wisdom. Well spoken.

[@ronnestman4696]

Truth. Thanks br. Casey!

[@yankeesuperstar]

As Catholics we’re allowed to disagree on policy? Which policies are you referring to? The Church is in crisis but you can be a hero if you’d preach the gospel.

[@kristinakader1940]

Thank you so much for your video’s 💪🏻❤️

[@catholic_tradition]

Good video but this is not the biggest problem in our church today

[@cuckoophendula8211]

Hey! Agnostic here who is a fan of your channel. I just wanted to add that this is not just a problem that can be perceived in your church, but I'd extend this argument to our current society as a whole. And I don't think this is just regarding labels that can shame others, but to be careful about labeling ourselves in such a way that makes us feel prideful. While I admittedly do have a bit of a bias to Protestant theology over Catholicism, something I really would like to see certain Protestant subgroups in the US is to be reminded of putting their Christian principles back in priority over their Christian identity. From an outsider looking in, I know Christianity well enough that Jesus intensely disliked hypocrisy, which also irks me on basis of pure principle.

[@Re_Ruggero]

I may be wrong but with everything going on in the church at the moment, the problems stated above seem very unimportant

[@splashpont]

The video was about the internal divisions people within the Body bring. There are too many REAL (external) problems because we are made up of humans who do not always live according to our baptismal convenant.

[@fredericktmiller]

A calming message.

[@paulkelly9803]

well said. And C.S. Lewis rules! as does Rahner (his writing on the Holy Spirit is beautiful). my favourite quotes about the Holy Spirit is from Rahner who is one of those writers whom i like what i think he is saying because he is so complex it’s hard to grasp. Something about the way he writes also captures the truth about the power and action of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He writes: "Did we ever do a kindness to a person from whom we could not expect as much of a shadow of gratitude or appreciation, while at the same time we had not even the compensation of feeling that we had acted unselfishly or decently in doing so? Let us look into our lives, then, and see if we can discover whether any such experience ever came our way. If we find that it did, we may be sure that the spirit was at work within us then, and eternity and ourselves had a brief encounter, that the spirit means more than an ingredient in the make-up of a transient world. That explains the remarkable lives of the saints… They know well that God's grace can also bless the dull round of daily tasks well done, and bring the doers a step nearer to God…. When we Christians… experience the action of the spirit, it means that we are, in point of fact, having contact with the supernatural, although that contact may be scarcely perceptible." (Karl Rahner SJ, 1904-1984, In Belief Today, 40-41). I love that quote! Because, to me it says very powerfully, and in an example that is very 'everyday' and unexceptional, that we KNOW the Spirit is at work in our lives; especially when the love and sacrifice we show is clearly coming from a loving hand bigger than our own lives and our own limited motives and actions. When we do actions that are loving and unselfish, we are deeply aware that there is a power and a loving presence at work in us that is outside of just ourselves. ….Transcending our limitations … and not explainable by our own actions… but bigger, ……. And "of which are just a cooperating part…." It is God, …. It is God's Spirit at work in and through us. At work in the world. A power of unselfish, sacrificing love and service. Unconditional love. That is at the heart of creation.

[@gpanthony]

The yoke of Christ is meant to be easy, but we make it so hard for ourselves.

[@gpanthony]

@kim burley I can definitely see where you're coming from... those laws have definitely accumulated over the past 2,000+ years! But again to my point, humanity REALLY, REALLY likes to make simple things hard for themselves. It's like the all the Jewish laws during Jesus' time- they are all meant to point people on the path of God, but they become so numerous and hard to understand that I think they end up turning people away from God. As Jesus says, if you follow the two primary laws- "Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength" and "Love your neighbor as you love yourself", the other laws will become second nature and fall in to place.

[@frankrault3190]

Among so many excellent speeches, Fr. Casey, this might be the most important one! Thanks a lot for sharing these insights that actually should be obvious to all who call themselves Christians.

[@captainthumper9175]

We are in the middle of the test that I have a hunch, could be towards it's end. It seems more evident today that false beliefs and chaos is gaining momentum. It's becoming easy to hate so now more than ever we need to first put ourselves in check, then to help gently others to do the same.

[@johanbergstrom-allen6700]

Hear hear! Great wisdom brother. As you rightly say, we need to reject the "Liberal/Conservative dichotomy".

[@undolf4097]

This happens when I talk with fellow youth about the SSPX. They seem to really believe the Church is corrupted and won’t go to Mass.

[@kingbaldwiniv5409]

Is it actually corrupted? How would you determine if it were? I am not SSPX, but honor their concerns with research and a methodology. Would you go to a Baptist service to satisfy your obligation to go to Mass? No, of course not, because it does not satisfy the requirement. Jesus is not there in the Eucharist. That requires a valid priesthood. A faithful Catholic must research to determine if there is a valid priesthood in order to enjoy the graces of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I would argue, in most cases, yes. I have done a lot of research to determine this however. Have you honored their concerns with investigation?

[@martinpriestley7922]

The polarisation society is one of the biggest problems facing society today, I feel the internet is worsening it with increasingly polarised debates.

[@M-CH_]

That would make an apt formula for a boundary condition of any Intersectionalism (not just Catholicism): "What is not fine is when ony one of these [preferences, labels] come to define us over and against one another".

[@F84Thunderjet]

Excerpt from Carl Sagan’s “A Demon Haunted World”: Stereotypes abound. Ethnic groups are stereotyped, the citizens of other nations and religions are stereotyped, the genders and sexual preferences are stereotyped, people born in various times of the year are stereotyped (Sun-sign astrology), and occupations are stereotyped. The most generous interpretation ascribes it to a kind of intellectual laziness: instead of judging people on their individual merits and deficits, we concentrate on one or two bits of information about them, and then place them in a small number of previously constructed pigeonholes. This saves the trouble of thinking, at the price in many cases of committing a profound injustice. It also shields the stereotyper from contact with the enormous variety of people, the multiplicity of ways of being human....

[@johnny2351]

Thank You!

[@DualFrodo]

Speaking of theologians, have you done a video on your favorite spiritual classics/books?

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

I did an Instagram video on my favorite books, but it might be something to do a bit more in depth.

[@DualFrodo]

If you have the time that would be brilliant. I'll tell you that for someone trying to convert and understand Catholicism, reading material of all kinds is hugely helpful. Just heard about Karl Rahner from this video, definitely someone to look into!

[@dickturpin435]

'As a Seminarian, I obviously have some favorites.' 'So, I just said, 'Well, you know, I don't really have a favorite..' With his own mouth, the priest has publicly spoken.

[@NequeNon]

I don't think this is the biggest problem in the Church, or one that ought to be on the shortlist. Lack of forgiveness, pride and a few others I would say. But it's interesting to hear your opinion on the matter! God bless you and your work Deacon Casey!

[@Phineas1626]

Lack of forgiveness? How so?

[@barbarawenger7161]

Be open: like the centurion who came to Him for a favor of healing...,

[@frankdisilvio9131]

Very well said. Wisdom beyond Your years.

[@Enne_esse]

This is brilliant and I'm guilty of falling into this pattern of thinking as well too. At the end of the day, neither the republican or democrat party is fully in line with the Catholic faith. Thanks for this video!

[@KingPoseidon02]

Bro. Casey, I agree with you. We ought to be less concerned with political ideology and more concerned with our faith.

[@6d9dnd74]

I think we all know the biggest problem in the Catholic Church...

[@nenabunena]

If you're going to criticize someone or a book or a concept, it's best to be familiar with it so you know what and why you are criticizing

[@SPEDTEACHERBURNEY]

Wow!! With all the issues in the Church such as abuse by priests, disagreement over a theologian is the biggest problem????

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

Jeffery Cassity Does that mean you only watched the first three minutes?

[@ooferdoofer2452]

Breaking In The Habit It sure seems like it

[@rosatamayo447]

He did not say... Is the biggest problem... Abusing is taking care.... An for one corrupt priest they are 400 that gives their lives in SILENCE, to the poor needed or just people like me, I prefer to talk to a priest than to pay 200 to shrink.. The best of our priest,... They can give us Holly Comunion..... ..my only division is... IGNORANTS AND NOT. Andis not a cultural matter..... Is a question... Of...... DESIRE FOR TRUTH.

[@riccardofusco2334]

Well said..... ☘️☘️🙏💖

[@Onlinesully]

it's a very important discussion

[@FrogQueenie]

I agree whole-heartedly with #1 and #2. But I guess since I am not Christian #3 doesn't apply to me anyways. :p You are really an amazing speaker. Keep up the good work!

[@8543960]

Nothing's new under the sun, it seems. Saint Paul spent much time in his letters chastising congregations for faction and quarreling amongst themselves rather than from outward attack.

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

Exactly. As St. Paul says: "While there is jealousy and rivalry among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving in an ordinary human way? Whenever someone says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely human? What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord assigned each one." (1 Cor 3:3-5)

[@andreag983]

Agree, West Wing a favourite. Your tolerance towards the woman in question is admirable, I would not have been so understanding (shame on me) The Catholic Church should not be affected by politics or serve two masters. Question: How differences between American and European Catholicity defines itself when it comes to government ties to religion.

[@charlesevans133]

Very good observation !!! For a quality Jewish frame of reference listen to Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum.

[@vetwoolf5472]

I just watched this video for the first time on Sunday, Nov 8, 2020. In an adult religious education discussion group this morning, I was told that being liberal and being Catholic are incompatible. Polarization seems to have only intensified over the last 2 years since this making of this video.

[@acacaczawoodle]

Liberal and conservative shouldn't be conflated with right and wrong.

[@andrewg7187]

What are your thoughts on Catholics for choice (murder by abortion)

[@splashpont]

Is anyone "for" murder?

[@motnosniv]

@@splashpont for not fpr

[@seasonslocations]

Indeed, knowledge has become a very effective tool used by the enemy to bring many faithful to perdition. It is not because our human understanding is bad, but because our understanding tends to bias to the ways of the world. Let us just remember the words of Jesus Himself that not everyone who says Lord, Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of God and His warnings of wolves in sheep’s clothing. There are many warnings Jesus said to His Faithful followers. It’s really difficult to follow Jesus only His Mercy can save us. Without the anchoring our Faith to the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Rosary we may have already forgotten the Gospel. The Holy Eucharist is the only tangible proof of His presence and in meditating the mysteries of the Holy Rosary we are always reminded of His Love and Mercy.

[@b1denison]

Well said! This country has become so divided in this what I call an identify crisis of them and us. I see a lot of it on the media addressing the us and them platforms. It reminds me of what Jesus said about a nation divided amongst itself will not stand. We need to get back to being one nation, one world and one lord in heaven!

[@headstrong7753]

I love your channel thank you for sharing with us all your videos .... god bless you 🙏

[@un.adu.lterated]

While over-generalizing and categorizing are problems that are huge, In my opinion, there are far more grave issues in the Catholic church today. Reverence for the Eucharist and devotion to Mary have become lukewarm, almost to the point of it looking like we're doing it to blend in with Protestants. Younger people in India are not seen praying the Rosary very often. It's become this optional thing. Also, 'holier than thou' attitude, and judgement is another major issue in the church. Judging those that are different than us( in terms of race, religion, nationality, economic status, education, sexual orientation etc.) or covering up criminal cases. Currently, in India, there has been a case where a Bishop has been accused by a nun for sexual harassment, and the church hierarchy( including the Apostolic Nuncio/Holy See) have been ambivalent to the situation. This is much more grave than differences of opinion about liberals and traditionalists. Personally, I am someone who holds the Eucharist and Rosary(Marian devotion) in high esteem. Also, I happen to be gay. So am I liberal or traditionalist? Maybe I'm just a complex person, who has a very traditional Catholic faith while thinking logically about worldly issues like LGBT rights, egalitatian attitude regardless of gender etc.

[@canuckinoz01]

Br Casey, changing the subject somewhat...glad you're a The West Wing fan. My favourite episode is In Excelsis Deo, Season 1, Episode 10. Toby's selfless gesture of donating a coat leads him to arranging a military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery for a former marine who was homeless. Yes, more than ever, diversity is important in the national consciousness. The Church will receive a priest in June 2019 who will be a true disciple of Christ.

[@canuckinoz01]

facebook.com/995195430659470/photos/a.995199867325693/995198030659210/?type=3&eid=ARCXsnLpXJFHlrNhkQOF_YInq01Gn3dwpEoO0Vw5eEUlMXNUTq1t5ECKbnydu9anV31ZUpjtv22LFadVDgbr14AAQr4NKAjIdCGAgc0&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARArJox_JmueK0XouY1_oufBWmaaaiWs7lrYFJ2qRNZJxz4WC2p-UlMYI53jjGuYBCv9zR8Pn3WJ1R80tqd3d7RSvi09TK8uNiFJ9JNR4MLf2r15pYJ8E7Kya1vhyQAFWy3HMdZ8NKupUGC3C6SmwuTQ4HMdorV7_pkYgAwYlAQIBFQSqQGn_xXt5T8AkZdtTg&__tn__=EHH-R

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

My favorite episodes are Two Cathedrals (Season 2, episode 22), the one where Jed has a fight with God and then does the press conference completely soaked (best episode of any show I've ever seen) and We Killed Yamamoto (Season 3, episode 21), when they have the Catholic charities fundraiser and the body guard dies (fight back tears with that montage every time!)

[@canuckinoz01]

Two Cathedrals was most powerful...grinding the cigarette butt in the cathedral floor...the rain...so many great scenes...they did a fantastic job casting the young Jed and young Mrs. L. I have all seasons uploaded from iTunes so I will have to refresh my memory about We Killed Yamamoto, but not anytime soon as my Mom passed away 3 months ago and my tear ducts need some rest.

[@johnathanlee7141]

Wonderful! Thanks !

[@MeowyMakes]

You got it right on the money...

[@DoloresJNurss]

I'm 65 years old. I've recently been unfriended by someone I've known since I was 13 because she says I'm "satanic" for registering Democrat. (And yes, I am pro-life. I just vote the way I believe will prevent the most abortions, which is different from what she believes will prevent the most abortions.) It hurts a lot.

[@AntimodernMindset]

There are many books in the recent years that show the theological damages made by the modernist Rahner to the catholic doctrine. Sadly generations of seminarians were misleading by professors educated in the '70 and '80 at the "school" of this gesuit that has brought the anthropocentrism in the modern theology with the effects that we see today. As the Second Vatican Council remember, the safest "way" in theology is the thomism (the real thomism).

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

Agree to disagree... on each of these points.

[@ianprince1698]

the trouble is we tend to think of us and them, we do things right and they believe What?

[@theparrotrescuer3042]

Extremely well said.

[@6williamson]

Seek first the kingdom......

[@waynemckenzie5938]

Hi I am from the uk I have been to Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, Assisi, Italy such a lovely and peaceful place also worshipped in the church with in a church which is the small church that st Francis would have used .. I just wanted to ask a question which is not related to what your talking about today. But how do you think st Francis would deal with the problems today that he would have dealt with in his time?

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

I think St. Francis dealt with many similar problems. He lived in a very divisive time: rich and poor, Christian and Muslim, hierarchy and lay, religious and secular authority. What he did was live a radically humble and loving life, one in which he did not say a bad word about anyone but shows, by the way he lived, that he did not support their lives. He treated everyone with respect and brought peace even to his enemies.

[@catmom1322]

I agree that we shouldn't politicize religion, and I get that religion itself is neither 'liberal' nor 'conservative,' but my personal relationship with Jesus Christ tells me He espouses what today we call liberal values: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the poor, etc. Those of us who believe healthcare is a right; not a privilege: I believe Christ would approve of that message. I'm not into labeling or pigeon-holing, but that's what my view is. I have been coerced a number of times to listen to fundamental 'christian' speakers who spew hatred against us Catholics (are Catholics really Christian?), & that is not acceptable to me. As a registered nurse my whole adult life, giving & allowing Christ to work through me has been my gift.

[@briansieve]

Spoken like a true child of Clare and Francis. Pax et Bonum!