Tolkien's Leaf

[@gabrielanicacio8437]

Thank you father, I actually just finished LOTR! "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" - J.R.R. Tolkien

[@luciobrazil007]

“PIPPIN: I didn't think it would end this way. GANDALF: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it. PIPPIN: What? Gandalf? See what? GANDALF: White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise. PIPPIN: Well, that isn't so bad. GANDALF: No. No, it isn't.”

[@spenceraudible2241]

Jarl Kilduff Just watched Return of the King last week, masterpiece.

[@spenceraudible2241]

Jarl Kilduff you should read The Silmarillion (the first chronological book in the Lord of the Rings), the beginning of it has so many parallels to the Bible it's unreal!

[@Pookerstein]

While this isnt in the books, its absolutely one of the most beautiful quotes in the movies.

[@spenceraudible2241]

Gibborim Nephilim Funny you are a Christian (maybe) and insult a brother, especially with the "insult" of being sexually pure. Shame on you man.

[@luciobrazil007]

who is playing yugioh cards lol?

[@AnneEWilliamson]

It's interesting to me just how much depth is contained in Tolkien's stories (whether it is Lord of the Rings or his other works) which is overlooked by most modern (and often secular) readers. Of course reading Lord of the Rings in a literal sense is still fun, but it also missing the deeper metaphors and caricatures that are lost in modern fantasy like, say, Game of Thrones. I personally have an atheist friend (who is very intelligent, mind you) who told me that Lord of the Rings is boring because it is not true to real life, and Game of Thrones is much more realistic. My response is that Game of Thrones is Machivelli to Lord of the Rings' Aristotle. Both brilliant men, but one took a cynical, literary sense of reality and the other took in all the senses of reality (psychological, spiritual, etc.). This, to me, is what Tolkien does in all his writing. He incorporates both the good and the bad of our world. Just a thought.

[@pcw8273]

well said, i do agree with your words as a huge fan of both Tolkien & George RR Martin :)

[@odetafecani1614]

What an inspired analysis! Blessings to you

[@iarwainthabombadil7724]

FACTS. Faramir for example has a great modern litmus test for whether something is True (like say, My comment, or even Your comment, cus its 2023'n junk) or whether it's the foul arts of the enemy... One is loathing. The other, pity. Keep that close to your heart, Anne. True heart.

[@Digganob590]

Game of Thrones is, more or less, what life "is," The Lord of the Rings is what life should be. Not a single failure by any character is wasted. Every virtue and vice is on full display, and made use of. Stories about "reality" like Game of Thrones are well and good, taken in their proper way. But they lack something. The humanity displayed in those stories is too flawed. Because sometimes, good does prevail and conquer evil. Sometimes, the virtuous do take and hold power. Sometimes, things are exactly as they seem to be. Not everything we see is a thin veil of illusion. And The Lord of the Rings helps us to remember that, and to take part in stories like it, instead of cynicism.

[@timharper4246]

Amazing analysis. Don't waste too much energy with explaining to your friend. Let them see your beliefs through your works/life. They're looking for reasons to dismiss your words. Let them see it in actions

[@Onniesprairiegarden]

Everyone read the book! There's so so so much involved in this short story! So many Catholic truths revealed in it.

[@ibachmike3]

I’m looking forward to meeting Tolkien one day.

[@benfelts8787]

If you’ve communicated with Tolkien through his work. You’ve already met him.

[@steveblunden2295]

JRR Tolkien and C.S. Lewis together - I would want to be one of the crowd around them both !!❤

[@BELLAGENEVIEVE-i3b]

Ah this was just what I needed. I’ve been spending way to much time thinking about my life, how am I going to be happy, I need to make the right choices. I spend all my time worrying that’s not going to be helpful for anyone. Heaven will be greater then anything. I need hope at this time in my life and I need to credit myself for all the good things I do and be motivated to do more! Love you God bless Fr. Michael

[@zoltar000]

Hey, I just wanted to say that your comment resonated with me and I wish you the very best in your search for happiness with goodness and helpfulness. I know you can do it!

[@anastasiawasylinko5482]

I read "Leaf by Niggle" about a year ago, but I'd forgotten most of the details by now. It was a really interesting story. Tolkien is one of the best authors ever!

[@gadielrivera1880]

God bless you Father Mike and may the soul of J.R.R. Tolkien through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

[@roberthoward9917]

Father, I hope in the intervening time you have read the story (it's in the book "Tree and Leaf" by Tolkien). There is so much more to the story. NIggle is supposed to be getting prepared for a trip. Instead of preparing, he is painting. His painting contains more than just a leaf, although that's where the painting started. It grew to be a whole fantastical tree and eventually grew to contain background elements including a forest and mountains in the distance. Niggle started to tack some of his other paintings onto to it and some others of his paintings he stopped working on because his large painting started taking more and more of his time. At some point the driver shows up to start his journey and he has to even though he is unprepared and hasn't even packed is bags. His masterpiece is eventually used to patch his neighbor's roof. Some time later the painting crumbles and the only part of the canvas salvaged is one single leaf. It is rescued and put into a museum. Eventually there's a fire at the museum and the painting of the leaf is destroyed. Both Niggle and the painting of the leaf fade from memory. Niggle, after his journey, ends up in a hospital, apparently for a long time. Afterwards he is sent to another area by train. After exiting the train he notices that the place looks like his painting. But it seems not to be quite finished. Niggle realizes that he needs the help of his former neighbor, Parish. Together they work on finishing the area. In the process they become stronger. At some point they finish the area containing the tree. They then start their walk towards the mountains.

[@sttommore]

Tolkien and his writing are among the greatest inspirations in my life. Just comes across as a man who “got it”, when it came to life, work, art, virtue, and beauty.

[@bruce9635]

I can’t hardly believe this. I have been so frustrated not feeling I was doing His work. Then I was led to this!

[@user-gr1mn6fv8m]

Actually crying. This was beautiful Fr. Mike.

[@ACatholicMomsLife]

I needed to hear this! Thank you Fr Mike

[@ivanramparts]

Yeah, kind of timely for me, too. I'm a couple weeks late, but that just shows God's time vice ours.

[@da.4302]

@@ivanramparts I'm 4years late, and needed this. God bless. 🙏❤

[@da.4302]

I'm 4years late, and I needed this too. God bless you and your beautiful family. 🙏❤

[@kevinkempton6894]

Every choice matters, amen. I have a newfound glory perspective on Tolkien. Thank you. I often felt like the joy I got from it was not a Christian joy, but a light in the midst of darkness. Tolkien and LOTR identifies all the great peoples of this earth and how each of us matter, big and small. Now I have one more thing to add to the reading list. Thanks Fr Mike and the production team for sharing this video

[@TrialAndError8713]

Part of my journey so far in life was the realization that I matter, and that the choices I make matter. The things I do matter because I matter. It took me a little bit longer to make the connection that all of this matters because God is real, and Jesus lives. And even now, I only can wrap my mind around it in a miniscule way. But some day, I hope to be with Him in Heaven, and then I'll be allowed to see the depth of how and why I matter. My prayer is that everyone can see that they, too, matter, because Our Lord matters.

[@libby609]

This channel is such a blessing !

[@kyleisbored7465]

Reformed Baptist here. Amen to this

[@finracol]

This poignant message is exactly what I needed to start my day today. Thank you Father Mike.

[@maryellenjackson3398]

I discovered Leaf by Niggle 15 years ago, and purchased several copies to give Tolkein-loving friends. What a different sort of story. It reminded me of a line in CCC, which came from Gaudium Et Spes about the fallen creation and the new creation "Therefore, while we are warned that it profits a man nothing if he gain the whole world and lose himself, the expectation of a new earth must not weaken but rather stimulate our concern for cultivating this one. For here grows the body of a new human family, a body which even now is able to give some kind of foreshadowing of the new age." In some way how we cultivate our present world will be redeemed and be perfected in the next.

[@maloulauren6167]

I needed this, it made my little life worth living a little better, Father Mike. Thank you and God Bless.

[@juliegonzalez9843]

Thanks you, Father! You’re words were so inspirational. God bless you, forever 🙏

[@mustangsally5901]

Father Mike: When you talk about the one leaf and Tolkien, its as if a child is looking at it for the first time in wonderment. I heard Bishop Barron's talk about the seven deadly sins, and some ideas to over come these sins. The one that took hold was to try to look at God's Creation everyday for the first time, through the eyes of a child. I become angry over many things in the world, but when you look at people or events through a child's eye you become full of hope. God is always hopeful for each and every one of us. He wants us to fashion our lives after him. I can say that i am not good at this, perhaps as you said, I may never completely change my perspective, but as a Catholic Christian we try. God Bless and thank you for your talk.

[@mariabelen4273]

what a beautiful perspective. looking back, though ive had my difficulties, i think the truly saddest thing is that i no longer have the eyes full of hope and wonder that i had as a small child. the best thing we can do for ourselves is try to look at the world through that lens of hope again.

[@vivat_in_aeternum7721]

Father, your faith is so strong and clear. I wish mine was this strong. It is obviously, but I doubt more. Your videos help me finding God in my daily life. Glory be to God on high. May you all go in the peace of Christ our Lord

[@elainepace-prior919]

Now that was awesome.... I remember as a young mother getting bogged down with the drudgery of laundry, dishes cleaning toilets etc. until one day I heard a similar word preached on doing everything to the glory of God. From that day forward I was happy to do those chores, truly happy.

[@annaverhaegh6712]

Exactly what I needed this week! Fr Mike's right. Everything that we do needs to be done for God, even something as little as putting the milk back into the fridge. If there's no love in it for God, there's no point in doing it.

[@inthissignthoushaltconquer4624]

I've just been watching Lord of the Rings. Great to see something on Tolkien's masterful stories

[@TheGuillermo519]

Wise man. Thanks Father Mike.

[@Blade-Thing]

I read that story long ago. Was still in school then.Was very moved by it. I have to admit that if not for you the story mightve completely eluded my recollection . It will never cease to make an impact on you. I had the edition where It was accompanied with Tolkien's essay on Fairy Stories. Another powerful, moving and enlightening work. Thanks for reminding me of the story Father! God bless!

[@katarinam2434]

Love you Fr. Schmitz, you're amazing!!

[@lawwellsy]

Father, have you read the story yourself? I mean, if you'd actually read it, you'd realise that Tim Kepler has missed Tolkien's point, which is richly Catholic. It's not about success or completion in this life, or even someone being aware of the work you've done in this life. In point of fact, the end of the story has the painting of the leaf destroyed by fire. Tolkien knew everything here would turn to dust, and Niggle's influence isn't just obscure on Earth - it's forgotten. But God doesn't forget. Instead, God perfects what Niggle (and by extension, Tolkien) had envisioned. Niggle was an expy of Tolkien - distracted, and never able to complete his ambition (I can sympathise) - and so when Niggle died, he actually spent some time in what can only be described as Purgatory (which has been skipped over completely). He's in a dark room, just painting wooden planks, and from this, he learns how to actually work hard and efficiently on his project, something he really struggled with while on Earth. This then allows Niggle to progress to the next stage of purgation, where he actually gets to work on his vision in a more real way than merely painting it. He actively participates in its creation, using what he learned about working efficiently from painting planks to help him. He then gets some help in the form of a neighbour who had seen the painting on Earth (and there is a specific remark that they argue to begin with, but are taking a medication which sees them stop - hence, we're still in Purgatory). Only when it is finished does Niggle then go up the mountain behind the tree, and off to Heaven. This goes to the heart of Tolkien's view of humans as sub-creators, and while the point about persevering in our work here and God using that for His glory is valid, a much bigger and richer point has been missed - we are sub-creators, made in the image and likeness of the Creator. It's that point, that creation that we visualise and God makes real, that redounds to His glory, as Tolkien thought that we share in God's creativity when we ourselves are creative, and that creativity has some reality (which he dubbed sub-creation). I'd recommend people read 'On Fairy Stories' as well (also by Tolkien), which, when paired with this, gives you a really good grasp of Tolkien's views on this. On Fairy Stories is an academic paper, while Leaf by Niggle (which I also recommend) is a narrative meditation; both, ultimately, on sub-creation and its relationship to the Divine.

[@maryweisenbacher1034]

Lovely explanation from someone who knows the heart of Tolkien.

[@jamesheckermortgageadvisor2759]

Also in the story was the realization he was shown after his death that the "body of his work", the real masterpiece of his life, were all the things that interrupted him from completing the vision he had of his painting, That the things he did for his neighbors in their need, that annoyed him at the time, were the true fruit of his labor in his life.

[@rebeccabaumgarten7573]

Also, he paints way more than one leaf. It’s just only one leaf that makes it into the museum.

[@LMinem]

@@rebeccabaumgarten7573... and that museum eventually burns down and the painting fragment is lost. I don't think Father read the story very closely, if at all. It is a beautiful story, very deep. I suppose Father felt he had a point to make, and rushed to get there, but he would have made his point better if he had read the story with more attention.

[@josephdemary4048]

Huh I thought Niggle just lived through out the whole story

[@Elvis68spec]

WOW, Fr. Mike, you are a blessed Man!

[@justicewithers8902]

Thank u.😊 I am in awe of your explanation of the fear in life, and the Real desire to overcome it. I'm sure now I have to force myself to work on my plots, if I want to writer novels. I will pray, for myself in God's hands, and for you Fr. Mike, wherein God never let's go of you, no matter how life changes.

[@johnathanblauw2608]

One of my most favorite short stories! Thank you so much for this video!!

[@acolish]

Great video Fr Mike! I've never read Leaf by Niggle, but I'll have to give it a look when I get a chance. I find my problem is often the opposite of Niggle's. Rather than see the big picture, I get caught up in the grind, in life's daily duties and I miss out on how they fit into the larger vision for my life. I guess the answer is the same anyhow: just trust in the Lord that somehow the little things I'm doing are somehow added to God's masterpiece. Pax+

[@KenFehner]

Thank you Fr. Mike.

[@TheCharlesagain]

This paired with your last homily - that bit about Interior growth vs external accomplishment - is such an important message for this time. Write a book!!!!

[@ElvenWisdom]

Father are you playing with me now? Becoming a giver of Elven wisdom too 🌿 ;) Tolkien's stories are full of mystical and spiritual wisdom for those with eyes that look deeper into the forests. 🌳 I have heard some insults to Tolkien about his interpretation of Catholicism, but you did him great justice today.

[@luciobrazil007]

nice to see you here!

[@inthissignthoushaltconquer4624]

Great comment

[@camillemason7989]

Father Mike, thank you. I needed to hear this today. It was the exact answer to what I’ve been struggling with. What you do really matters.

[@SarahHill36]

I didn't know I needed this message until I herd it. Thank you Father

[@randallgoedel]

Thank you Father Mike. I look forward to sharing this with my CCD class tonight.

[@ricardosealey9748]

I want to really thank you for this video. Such biblical inspiration

[@brandymcgouirk3223]

Thank you Father Mike. I really needed to hear this today. And I just want to say I appreciate the work YOU do. It has made an impact in my life to the glory of God.

[@arleneklyne6517]

So reassuring, so comforting. It's my dream to be a writer and social media presenter. I realize now not being able to make that dream come true doesn't mean I wasted my life. Thank you For Mike. God bless you. And Happy Easter.

[@ElDorado226]

Wow! Just what I needed to cheer me up about a dreary task I need to do for work! Bless your heart, Padre!

[@aurabritto2462]

God bless you Fr. Mike.

[@miguel101278]

God is so GOOD!!!! Thanks, Fr. Mike For making my day !!! Amen !!!! Hello from Conroe, Tx

[@caroldelosangeles3621]

This remind me to the paint of the movie of Robin Williams R.I.P "Beyond the dreams"amazing movie..amazing learning and im absolutly love how God use some artists to create such stories to help us to see bigger than religions that creates a lot of divission by dogmatism. God bless to all of us beyond everything!!!!! 🙏

[@robinbaich169]

I also needed a reminder of this. Thank you, Father Mike.

[@Valdrag]

Fr.Mike, if you want to ensure that your video is the first one I watch each day, simply continue to mention Tolkien in the title. That will do the job.

[@inthissignthoushaltconquer4624]

I agree with that

[@philomenaswope8561]

I know, same here. I can't resist the name Tolkien. :D

[@maryweisenbacher1034]

Tolkien- can't resist!

[@nereb100]

Thanks Father!

[@cynthiaanthony544]

Beautiful.. thank you Father Mike ❤

[@mom-bionicbomb359]

Father Mike- we need more help in our Catholic Churches. I’ve reached out to my church in WA and even the magazine to share my story. No response. I know it’s busy being good and helping people. How come disabled children aren’t in our churches? How come disabled families aren’t in our churches? My faith is STRONG! My WILL is strong! I just don’t get why when one person of a Parrish is begging for help they don’t? 😢 God bless you all!✝️🙏🏽

[@cherylbruen3643]

Beautiful and inspiring...Thankyou

[@Bernaedens]

Thank you, Fr. Mike! :)

[@ladyhawke858]

And give thanks for the smallest of things. Wonderful talk as usual padre.

[@CBray-hq7jc]

Thank you Father. I truly needed to hear that now.

[@luciobrazil007]

Leaf by niggle also contains a great metaphor for purgatory, I think i mentioned it on here before. It is the best example i've seen

[@godskingdomservant3191]

Where in the Bible does it say there's a "purgatory"?

[@luciobrazil007]

the Bible dosen't explicitly say everything,. it even mentions that the gospels are a fraction of Christ's teaching. There are probably numerous hints and interpretations that might be seen as evidence for purgatory though

[@godskingdomservant3191]

Hey - such as? The Lazarus and the rich man parable is clear there are only two destinations after Earth-life. Those who accept the fact that Jesus lives and paid for our sins on the cross (believe on the gospels) go to Heaven, those who reject Him go to hell. "purgatory" seems like an invention of men.

[@gillynaut]

Jarl Kilduff while I agree that the Bible doesn't implicitly spell out every doctrine, in no way does it hint or allude to purgatory. It is simply heretical to assume that one cannot be 100% purified by the blood of jesus. Jesus is the living God and our only intercessor.

[@Calder90]

Where does the word "Trinity" appear in the Bible?

[@paulettemcwaters8557]

Lovely, I enjoy your comments and share with my three daughters and now with grandchildren... thanks

[@chuckHart70]

Wow! Teaching 4th grade RE is my leaf. THANKS Father!

[@Coreybtrav]

This was absolutely beautiful and moving!

[@frankiejoe]

😊❤️🙏🏼 Just what I too, needed to hear. Lord my God, boy do you work in mysterious ways..Amen!

[@scottcouch1988]

I'm in a ap lit class right now and i chose to write the theme of "Leaf," i would have never thought that it would go this deep, but now I can add on to what you have said and try my best to teach what the story wants us to know

[@FrankEnanoza]

Inspirational! Thank you!

[@Rbreaux87]

..liking the discussion..what ever you do..give it your best. This also should be the motivation to "be your best"...

[@leahbrandman7549]

God bless you, Fr. Mike! May He reward you, and all who work with you for your great work here, on Ascension Presents!

[@annekecrouse1870]

Wow. I totally get why God prompted me to read this now. Such a beautiful little story. Thank you for the beautiful commentary. I really needed to hear this.

[@MultiJpad]

Thank you Father this is me, you always know what to say.

[@LucianFromEarth]

I'm an Orthodox, but I really loved this video.

[@MihaiViteazul100]

Same here. The message is always the same. All the differences are just political.

[@sofiamorgan3378]

give me a video by my favorite priest about my favorite story and there you have me, in tears

[@Jackson58306]

I needed that. Thanks, Father Mike.

[@OnkelJajusBahn]

I needed this today, I felt a bit like all I do doesn´t metter, I love the message of everything matters. Thank you.

[@roslynsanby2678]

A beautiful message and really interesting information about Tolkien. Thank you for this video!

[@stargazer9060]

Wow. Life-changing. Thank you! I think that's all I got!

[@imommtube]

Thank you thank you thank you , how beautiful, wonderful

[@fr.mikeschmitz-mostmesmeri507]

Another great video Father Mike, Youre not only a theologian but also a great Christian philosopher and one that expalins everything making it so simple and yet so thought provoking too. Thank you God keep and bless you and every thing you do. Can't wait for the NEXT video! And last but not the least Yes do write a book father! ;)

[@anacristinamiguel5113]

Loved this video! Very comforting. Thank you. I will pray for all of you here in Fátima. :)

[@sarah90]

It's so profound! Wow... thanks for this video. A timely reminder that what is seen is not 'it'; and that there is a greater reality that is unseen yet is so true. The Lord will vindicate us at time of particular and final judgement :)

[@jerry_moto_4512]

It's great that you bring this up Father Mike because we as humans feel like if we don't accomplish something significantly great or we don't have hundreds or thousands of people's recognitions then we feel like it's not significant at all. We have to understand that even our smallest efforts can go unnoticed for a lifetime but along the way your action created a something big. You may never get recognized or you may never even know you did it but the one who will know like you explained is God. We see this in Matthew 6:4 what's done in secret God will see it and will reward! I love your videos don't ever stop doing them!

[@ElisabethKisselstein]

I needed this tonight. Thank you. 🙏

[@musicsavantaccountant5856]

AMAZING STORY AND LESSON FOR US ALL!

[@marymeriwether6984]

Tolkien would be so proud to hear these ideas. Love "Tolkien's Letters" book.

[@Ptony]

I feel terrifically encouraged! Thank you!

[@reubenlemn1402]

This is a great lesson, because if you think about it the opposite would promote laziness.

[@endikamartinezgutierrez6899]

Do more of this, please. It´s not just that there is an afterlife, that is taken for granted, I think this story explains the meaning of death as a fulfilment of our life on earth. It goes through the Las Judgment, Purgatory, Heaven.... Its the Heaven alternative to Dante

[@hannahrosemason9599]

As always, this was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you! I'm gonna go look for that short story...

[@mz8jp6]

God's timing is perfect. I am at an all-time low in life - questioning my purpose, what is exactly is my purpose. This has brought me a glimmer of hope.

[@magda9216]

Thank you for making the videos you make

[@candyclews4047]

I've just ordered the book. It arrived this morning. So excited to start reading now I know the meaning of it.

[@helenmahoney7114]

Thank you. I needed this. God bless you.

[@marmeemarch7080]

Absolutely people who pick up the garbage matter! I'm grateful for them.

[@ameliaolson7580]

Until this video I could never understand why I had this one dream years ago. I can't remember all of the details of it, but I was standing at the top of this huge wall that was perfect for a gigantic mural of a tree. My memory gets a little fuzzy here, but as I floated down the side of the wall on a leaf covered in paint, I stamped one imprint of it onto the wall. I was then on the ground covered by the leaf. I've always wondered what that dream meant. This now makes total sense.

[@annarodriguez9868]

This is perfect for my confirmation class!

[@gabrielepetouchoff1998]

Thank you ❤ God bless!

[@VadeInSpiritu]

I feel like God made this video for me. I know that’s egocentric, but this message was extremely powerful and feels directly connected to some of the things I struggle with and cannot find as a somewhat perfectionist. Maybe God allows perfectionists as tiny windows into heaven. Thank you.

[@donnamaria5588]

yes I needed to hear this. One of my saying is keep it simple sweetheart. Why stress. God knows best. something like that.

[@LoganMyrddin]

Thank you.

[@Catlord98765]

Today I decided to subscribe to your channel. I am what the Catholic church would call a protestant but I truely believe that you are doing great work here on youtube. Thank you.

[@Rick58Rowland]

What a great message! Thank you I will take this to heart and share it... God Bless.

[@isabelquiroz552]

Thank you so much!

[@mdg6117]

Fr. Mike, great video! Could you do another video talking about how Tolkien's LOTR and The Hobbit relate to Catholic theology?