Very much so, I really appreciate his point of view. He needs to be our front with the youth of today showing how to live a great life for Christ and to do so within what is such a materialistic and mostly hedonistic culture. I started RCIA but never finished. He makes me want to go back and finish what I started.
Sorry friar Casey I’m going to call an elephant a spade, or is it eye candy? Isn’t that title just a little disingenuous though? Call me a cynical old queen, but I don’t think your lack of possible material comfort is the first thing that strikes most people the first time they see one of your videos. I think it might be a little closer to ‘wow what a stunningly good looking man!’ There are movie stars who would give a few toes for that beautiful face, flawless skin, perfect teeth and fit well proportioned body. And on top of it all a lot of intelligence. Too much to be unaware that what I’m saying is true. I’ve watched enough of your videos to see that you’re a priest dedicated and earnest enough to probably see that your looks are more of a bane than a blessing to what you want to achieve (although it’s drawing in lots and lots of people to watch!). But still I believe most Christians profess to value honesty too do they not? Don’t mind me though, I’m just a sardonic old agnostic. And I wish you the best of luck with your ministry.
@@johnrobinson4445 You know, as fellow human, struggling to find my way in a complicated world, I'm prepared to show love, respect, and admiration for a lot of different denominations, and a lot of different kinds of people. Catholicism is where my journey has led me, but I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't recognise that everyone else is on journeys of their own. But the televangelists, with their private jets and their lives of excess make me apoplectic. They'll complain about a coffee cup saying "Happy Holidays" as commercialising the faith, whilst telling people that they have heard Gods voice, and he very clearly wants them to donate to his newest sports car. If someone doesn't believe in God? Faith is gift, not a right. I wish them well, and trust that they are taking the long way round on the journey of life, and I hope we end up at the same spot. But to exploit someone else's belief in God for Material Gain? Its grotesque. Its revolting. Who can blame those who turn away from Christianity, then *that* is the example of Christianity they are presented with?
This reminded me of what a Benedictine brother in Salzburg, Austria, said in an interview when the reporter looked at his room and the monastery's possessions: "Oh, we have everything we need. But none of that is ours, thank God."
@@Numenorean921 He's not hurting anyone and was simply watching a video that captured his interest. Please show some respect and honor his path of humility.
I have deep respect for what you said and how you said it. I am a Baha’i and as I was listening to you I kept thinking about Abdu’l-Baha, Who lived a life of service all His life. I also remember vividly reading about the life of St. Francis. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. This was the life of St. Francis. This was the life of Abdu’l-Baha.
Fr. Casey, please don't let those "comments of those who critique your vow of poverty" take up one more minute of your time. If St. Francis were living in the year 2023, he'd also use every means at his disposal to preach and reach people throughout the world, whether via cameras, internet and any other means to make Christ present in their lives. I've followed you for some time & the messages you send out via you tube has made an impact in my life. Jesus, Himself, would also use these means today. The internet is both a blessing and a curse these days & and you most certainly have contributed to the many internet blessings people have received from your ministry. You are unique & and are the counterbalance to the negative use that the internet unfortunately has become these days. Keep up the great work & know that you are using the gifts God has given you. Continue your innovative ways of bringing Christ & His Church to people throughout the world! God bless you & keep smiling!!!
We dare not "challenge you further"... it would be foolish for us to do so. I am convinced that you have both spoken AND lived the Truth. Your wisdom has such a great depth that does not befit your age. Seriously, your sincerity disarms your listeners and both your unassuming nature and thirst for authenticity humbles us. It is sad that we could no longer hope to find that same "spiritual flame" or aura we felt in you amongst the vast majority of our clergymen/religious priests in contemporary Catholic Church. You are blessed and I believe that our Lord and St. Francis himself will see you as an edifying presence in the Seraphic order. Keep igniting the flame... we all need it now more than ever in this cold, dark world. Thank you so much, Father 😀
A Benedictine monk I knew where I used to take my annual retreat used to tell the story of how when he and a handful of his brother monks were sent to California to found a Priory, (decades later, now an Abbey) The Abbot of his old Abbey had provisions packed for the monks. He went into the Sacristy and there were vestments and other things they would need laid out to pack. The chalice and paten this monk's parents had given to him upon his ordination was set out, and the Abbot pointed to them saying, "These stay here". Ten years later the Abbot sent them out to the new Priory. It was a test of that individual monks obedience and his spirit of Poverty. If he could detach from the feeling of ownership and accept that all material things were shared in common among the community, then he would survive in the spirit of poverty. From what my late uncle an OFM himself told me, the same spirit is in the Franciscan ethos. While you may be assigned to a parish surrounded by wealth, or a mission in extreme poverty, one's attachment to the world is how you do or do not practice poverty. Even though I am a Secular priest, and have no vow of poverty, I still strive for and struggle with attachment after almost 40 years. Pax et Bonum, Frater.
that brought tears into my eyes... You reminded me how much I'm still dependant not only on wealth and the comfort that it brings with it, but also on consumerism,...... and also how much more room there still exists in my life to give, to share and to do more charity....and more importantly to be more humble which is actually the most difficult one.... Pray for me...
It is absolutely true that this is not just for Franciscans. We are ALL called to follow Jesus and leave everything behind. What that means is different from person to person.
Day wow....you explaining your conviction and coming to terms is humility right their! Ill defineatly pray for you their are great Saints who were wealthy and used their wealth for Gods Kingdom. Theirs also a Blessed he died a martyrdom for the sake of hiding these catholics in his wealthy home and he was a business man. Seek the will of God and ask for a Spirit of discernment. God Bless!
My fave undergrad theology professor always lovingly said "things you'll never find a hospitable Benedictine, a Dominican who preaches well, a Jesuit who's loyal to the Pope, or a poor Franciscan.". But all those beautiful orders strive mightily and come closer than most of us. When I lived with the Friars I felt similar to your comments. We had a cook and a cleaning lady even. But that offered us the freedom to minister and be present to so many people a day! We could easily done our cooking and cleaning like monks. We were all great cooks as a matter of fact and we cooked our weekly chapter night dinner and were on our own for the weekend. But it was still a great privilege. Now when I long for the life of a Friar, it's probably for not having to worry about my living situation, insurance, education, health care bills etc in addition to the money worries I have for my ministries. But like your Chasity vow is supposed to open you up to care for more folks, the way you live collectively does the same thing. It's a hard line to walk. I find you very gracious, simple, humble and self-aware. You get no criticisms from me Fray.
I think about it this way: On an airplane, they tell you that you should make sure you have your oxygen mask on and secure before helping anyone else. To someone who doesn't really know why, that sounds selfish. However, the reason why you need to help yourself first is that it's better to save yourself so that you can save several people, rather than saving one or two people before you pass out and incur brain damage from lack of oxygen. If poverty meant that you were homeless, starving, and ill, you would no longer be able to help anyone. In an ideal world, the betterment of a few leads to the betterment of many.
This reminds me of a minister I once heard who said “Jesus was poor, that’s why he rode on a donkey” and I was like... what did you _want_ him to ride on? A Cadillac? Donkeys were expensive.
Also it is never said the he owned the donkey. Not unlikely that it was borrowed or rented for the occasion and quietly returned to it`s owner unharmed when the crowd had dispersed.
Jesus rode a donkey to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Pretty much every story in the New Testament is about fulfilling something or other that was prophesied in the Old Testament.
Note that the prophecy in Zechariah also connects riding a donkey with lowliness, which shows that even then using a donkey would be a sign of being materially poor. At least by the standards of kings. We know that Roman nobility owned horses and rode them into battle; in fact at some points in Roman times "owning a horse" seems to have been what made you into an aristocrat.
Basically, as st Paul says in Philippians, "I know how to live modestly, and I know how to live luxuriously too: in every way now I have mastered the secret of all conditions: full stomach and empty stomach, plenty and poverty. There is nothing I cannot do in the One who strengthens me." I've just found this channel, great content! Regards from Poland;)
Thanks! I think that's a great passage, fitting for what I was saying. Paul is not so much concerned with the materiality of poverty as he is with humility and faith of the believer. Peace and good!
I worked as a teacher in a school run by Franciscan friars, and I had a good relationship with most of them, although I am not a catholic. I did confront one once about the three vows he had taken seeing all the comforts of his "cell", the car and motor bike at his disposition, He gave me a lot of excuses and commented that he was teaching without pay, while I was paid a good salary. My comment that he was still living much better than I was upset him, and he insisted that when he would be transferred to another post he would only take with him his habit, a few clothes and a few books. Then I commented that if he could find excuses for bypassing the first vow, then he might also use similar excuses to temporarily bypass the other vows too. A few days later he told me I was right, and that he would ask for transfer to a more austere position. Next year he was posted in a Franciscan school in Jerusalem, a much bigger school with lots of refugee students. I received a card from him saying he was much happier there, and that it was not my comments that made him ask for the transfer, as he already had the same thoughts himself.
I'm usually not specifically concerned about the wealth of people with ecclesiastical titles, but mostly about the wealth of regular people. I have seen that many ones assumes that people with ecclesiastical should live in the poverty and laics can live whatever they want but living in humbly is a responsibility of all Christians. I constantly worry about how much is too much to spend on myself, I try to follow this rule: if I spend something on entertainment or in luxurious thing, I spend twice in something to help others (usually for my parents and for charity). I would like to hear more about this topic.
You should exclude regular life expences from family expences, you should make extra. Also there is this issue of generalizing your ego and desires to others meaning what you think or justify bu saying "I am doing for you or others" while in actuality you are doing it for yourself selfishly.
some times i wonder if poverty itself is not an industry. people who work in factories building luxury cars need your purchase to support their family. it seems to me some so called charities deliver perverse incentives to their "clientele". money can be saved, invested, spent, or given away (charity?). i believe the first three help more people more of the time than charity. some will live in the street even when given every support humanely imaginable. one has to be a material danger to themselves or others to be involuntarily committed to custodial care, in the USA at least.
Bro Casey, you explained poverty so clearly & beautifully 🌞 You are so right & helping so many people with your videos. I admire your passion & zest for God, life & our faith 👼 May God Bless you, all the friars & everyone who listens to you 🌟
True fr, what we have is for the missions. To enrich others. People see us as poor, but we are rich... As rich but we are poor.... Since all we have is not really ours. This is our poverty. Thanks fr. God bless you
Many jokes have been made about Franciscan poverty, but really, I've think you hit the nail on the head with "the spirit of poverty." I've visited two friaries and have noticed that, while the possessions may be nice, they're not exactly top of the line and state of the art. I've also found myself very moved by how freely things are given and shared. God Bless you, Br. Casey!
Thanks for your comment. It is definitely a hard concept to define and I do not make any claim that we are good at following it! We can do better. But it starts with understanding what we even mean by the vow.
Agreed brother Casey. As someone about to join the Augustinians, I've definitely noticed, pretty much across the various religious orders that the vow of poverty might be better defined as a spiritual vow or, a vow of financial modesty. I love your videos. Keep it up and God bless all of you!
Poverty has nothing to do with the amount of things one is surrounded with, but with the degree of attachment we have to things. Poverty and complete detachment is reached only when a person has been able to achieve complete apathy toward things; this means that the person has reached the complete freedom of being able to live without things, and do not crave or long for their absence. A Sufi story says, "Jesus always carried with him a brick he used as a pillow when he went to sleep; and Jesus became Christ the day he purified his spirit from the greed of attachment. The moment he achieved that state of purity, he threw away the brick and never searched for another one."
Really good explanation, Br.Casey. There is truly a great freedom in not having huge wealth in terms of money or goods. I went away for three days last summer and left my front door wide open, so that my dogs could wander in and out. I had no worries because there was nothing worth taking.
There is definitely a certain freedom in that. What I didn't mention in the video actually speaks just to that. The real reason I think Francis wanted poverty was because having possessions forced one to protect them, which could lead someone to an affront to peace. If nothing is "ours" (physically or spiritually) then we have nothing to defend and can live in peace.
Some Saints gave up all their wealth in order to to follow a religious life dedicating themselves to God .but Brother Casey I love to hear your blogs all the time and I hope you never stop what you choose ,preach to others and with your beautiful way of talking ,you can get many to follow your way of life. 🙏
Possibly my favorite video yet. It really spoke to my own personal struggles and ongoing discernment with poverty, non-attachment, and discipleship. Thank you!!!
As a novice in the Third Order in the UK, I am currently studying the concept of poverty and how it relates to us Franciscans here in the UK. You are so right to juxtapose humiltiy and power against poverty and how this affects our ministry in our communities. We are not in poverty in the 13th century view, or indeed in the view of many in our country and world, but we can surrender power to come alongisde others experiencing a poverty in their lives to reflect the love of Christ and the gift of His love and salvation. We can be something of that love, and empower others as we use the poverty of Francis, his gift to us, to show something more of ourselves throught the grace of Christ. Great video. Thanks.
"its how we relate to them" exactly is the core of the issue on what possession and poverty is. The Franciscan Order is perceived to be the wealthiest of the Religious Orders but I know how a Religious Community lives. I happen to personally know a Father Provincial and we talked for hours and I was almost led to consider entering the community. I was surprised to know that Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park is under them. It made me smile knowing who lives there and we just laughed it off.
I love and am greatful, as well as appreciative of the "spiritual"wealth in this man life. No doubt he has own trials ,challenges, and trial of life to test his integrity; but there's a light in his heart thats just flows out so naturally. 💖🙏🏽👍🏽💖
As we know, it is extremely difficult to judge the past by the criteria of the present. As for me, I don't want you to live as perfectly as St. Francis. I want you to live as perfectly as Bro. Casey! You are a good man, Brother! Pace e' bene!
Some of the poorest people have been the most humble, and the most relatable AND thankful. "Do unto others, as you would have done to you." The Beatitudes are something I wish my Protestant friends (excluding Episcopalian [?]) would understand.
I really needed to see this. Thank you. I thought I was too busy but then decided to watch anyway. Wow. I am going to leave a note on my calendar to watch again next week and maybe the following week until this totally sinks in. Thank you!!
I enjoy listening to all of your RUclips Videos. Whatevever you have said in this presentation is so true. I think, being humble is not easy but if one is much can be achieved in life.I met a diocesean priest once who with great joy showed his estate and four wheel drive jeep and with humility said, "all this is for my use but it is not mine". Saying this is not easy if you are not humble.
I enjoy watching your video's. I find you to be a true inspiration in today's world. Much like Mother Angelica years ago. Thank you for the great work that you do.
I am not Catholic (Franciscan), but a Jew and I as well have taken a vow of poverty (extremely anti-materialistic) years ago. My only belongings are a small collection of books that I am the author of, a small copy of the Tanakh in Hebrew and a copy of the Aramaic Peshitta New Testament and a couple sets of clothes. When we die we can't take it (belongings) with us and as the Bible says "Store up treasures in Heaven where moth and rust can't destroy." As well, if you have to flee a country due to unsound toxic political upheaval then leaving is so much easier. Put books in one box and wear one outfit with Kippah and Prayer shawl with other oufit wrapped up in a bag and out the door you go.
Thank you for explaining that, it’s always something I’ve wondered about to be honest. Also, the song you used in the background is the same song that’s used in a RUclips yoga channel that I use, it was interesting how it kind of brought me into the mindset I have when I do yoga haha
You are free to abstain from doing yoga, but there is no reason that a Catholic can't do it if they want. The Church recognizes truth wherever it may be found, so just because something comes from another religion doesn't make it bad. As far as the "demon poses," I highly doubt that there is any connection between yoga performed at gyms in the US and religious symbolism at all, so even if that is true, there is no need to worry. It's just exercise.
Interesting. I've just taken up yoga also. The physiotherapy exercises I was given to do are identical, so it's much easier to do them with others in a class situation, than on my own. I really don't worry about the Oms or the salutations. It's very good exercise. Namaste.
@Cardinal Ratzinger Guild Thank you for the reply. I am very much aware that yoga comes from the Hindu tradition. I'm actually not scared of eastern religions though, because there is actually a lot of truth that can be found in those religions. I have fascinating conversations with a Hindu friend of mine and we end up agreeing more than disagreeing on a lot of things. Because of this, I have been able to embrace the truth in yoga: the poses and the breathing that's done is very healthy and a safe way to exercise. What I think is really interesting is that a religion that doesn't believe in the resurrection of the body still puts such a deep emphasis on caring for the body. God obviously has revealed this truth to the Hindu people that the body is something to be taken care of, not neglected God bless!!
AnestheticsForAna -- the word "yoga" means "to yoke," and the spiritual Hindu purpose of the exercises is to yoke one's body to their gods. So that's why they take care of the body. My concern isn't just that the Bible says the gods of the pagans are really demons (which is what the concerns mentioned have referenced), but that Hindi yogis have expressed offense at what they consider blasphemy of their sacred tradition being used in a non-spiritual way. But others have said there are non-spiritual yoga exercises. I don't know, I haven't looked into it. But that's because I don't want to offend the religious masters of Hinduism.
Though I do not take a vow of poverty as a married man the trick as a married Christian is to not let my posessions become idols in that I put them before God.
You didnt mentioned in the attempt to live in absolute poverty also would include walking around with no clothes and of course, perish the thought. To me the devotion to poverty is denying that one owns anything and living according to the realization and discernment of what you want versus what you truly need. With that mindset, youre keeping your vows. BTW, we are living in a world that a most simple lifestyle would probably make Solomon be consumed with envy. Blessings
Thank you for being so genuine and inspiring with your faith. I look forward to learning about your walk with Jesus and how I can apply that in my walk with Him.
My dear father, God bless you always and protect you. You are entitled to God's abundances: Proverbs 30: 9 and Matthew 10:10. God doesn't want you or me to struggle with material things. If we are faithful to Him, he will bless us! Nothing wrong with that.....what God dosen't want is us being selfish. May God bless you always and protect you 🙏
I don’t think I believe in a god anymore but I love your videos and you’ve taught me a lot about religious. You’re engaging, and a good teacher. If a god is out there, surely he has blessed you.
Another great video! Don't worry about what other people think. You don't owe anyone an explanation as to why you don't live the way Saint Francis of Assisi was depicted in the movie Brother Sun Sister Moon. It was a beautiful film. Very artistic. However, it wasn't meant to be a documentary. Unfortunately, this movie is the only thing a lot of people know about Saint Francis. In order to help people, both physically and spiritually, you can't be living like that. Our Heavenly Father knows what's in our hearts and all the good that you and the other Friars do. He has blessed you and the other Friars there with a comfortable home, good food and a car so you can do His work. His opinion is the only one we really need concern ourselves with. God bless you Brother Casey. You are awesome! Your videos bless and inspire more people than you know. I'm looking forward to the next one!
It should be remembered that St. Francis also criticized himself toward the end of his life or being too strict to Brother Ass (his body), which he mortified in various and sundry ways to the point of being indistinguishable from many poor souls who are admitted to mental hospitals for acts of self-harm. It's quite possible that Br. Casey's share of the living expenses in his chapterhouse are below $11,000/year (US poverty level for a single adult). One-fourth of a used car, one bedroom of a four-bedroom apartment and 133% of the "Thrifty" USDA diet would cost about $900/month in the Midwest. In states that expanded Medicaid, Medicaid can be had at that income level. The Vow of Chastity, the Vow of Obedience and nine centuries of monastic experience of interpersonal relationships in close quarters does mean Br. Casey is probably spared much of the drama that living with roommates can bring.
Sometimes all we can do is follow in the path of St. Monica and pray for those we love. She never despaired, and her son (Augustine) ended up being a saint and doctor of the Church.
Oh how perfect. Thus far, there seem to be many similarities between St Augustine in his youth and my son. I shall renew my fervour to God, St. Monica AND St Augustine! Thank you.
I grew up Catholic but I'm not a Catholic Living in poverty does not mean to live without the little joys of life that God gave us, in my opinion, if that high end camra brings you joy in all the options it has and its capabilities I see that as joyful. But if you run around bragging and showing it off that is a different story lol. Who am I to even cast judgement on a person of faith who has given their whole entire life to God and are truly earnest about it. I enjoy your videos and your words are very encouraging, thank you.
Nicely done! I think friars from many orders across denominations have wrested with this. We certainly did in my old order. Came to much the same conclusions too. Pax.
Wonderful explanation taking a complex subject and making it simple to understand. Always amazed at how clear your videos are; do you carefully script your material before presenting?
Thanks! I write everything out beforehand, yes. I just find the idea of speaking extemporaneously too inexact for the topics I want to discuss. Spending a little time to collect my thoughts and be precise is the only way I can do it.
What matters most is your work and your ongoing message of love and peace and God's plan for man ! Don't change a thing ! You are perfect in his design !
I love your videos and your willingness to be so open with us. Keep up the good work because I believe that your videos is just another way to spread the word of God God bless you
I don't think receiving clothes when they are needed could be considered a sin in any way. Now if you carry this to an excess and your closet is brimming full of clothes you never wear, then that is a form of greed and could be sinful. But having sufficient clothes to wear is in no way sinful.
One thing that bothers me about humanity is how dear we think it is alright to call someone "fake". We all freedom of speech but if I dear to speak I better give substance and not only an opinion. If you have and make the time to define someone as "fake" step up and show us how authentic you are in your convictions. Actions speak louder than words.
I do not think it is about a competition for poverty. It is as you said about humility and most of all about sharing feelings with the community. I feel the spiritual poverty leads all other types of poverty in the developed World: isolation, individualism, and it can lead to depression and material poverty.
Old video, I hope this young man has learned more in the last few years. If you have to spend a LOT of time finding a definition of poverty that fits what you are already doing, you aren't there yet. But I'm sure he knows that.
As much as I admire and respect you the truth is that possessing worldly materials or having access to them without possessing them is the same. Both simply take your worries away. It is like having a car or leasing a car. In reality you even worry less having a rental car because in case of repairs the agency is the one who takes responsibilities for fixing it.
Recently I have been considering what religious poverty (as opposed to physical destitution) means in the context of this current world. I have come to the conclusion that poverty in the religious life and also in the life of the general Christian should be a sense we are not attached to material things or materialism. We are not defined by what we have or don't have, but by how we demonstrate our love for God and for each other. We should be willingly be able to give up anything of the material world, to share freely with all around us, to seek to love people and God and use things as needed, instead of loving things and using people. All of us need to ask, can we live a simpler life, surrounding ourselves with the people in our life instead of being surrounded by our possessions? I must admit that many of these thoughts have come as I look back at my life. Early on, nearly fifty years ago, I was considering the religious life, but made decisions that interfered. In many ways I regret that I did not follow through with try to discern God's true intention.
this man is so interesting, articulate, and engaging--a great asset to the Catholic faith
Very much so, I really appreciate his point of view. He needs to be our front with the youth of today showing how to live a great life for Christ and to do so within what is such a materialistic and mostly hedonistic culture. I started RCIA but never finished. He makes me want to go back and finish what I started.
And the catholic faith ( small c )
Sorry friar Casey I’m going to call an elephant a spade, or is it eye candy? Isn’t that title just a little disingenuous though? Call me a cynical old queen, but I don’t think your lack of possible material comfort is the first thing that strikes most people the first time they see one of your videos. I think it might be a little closer to ‘wow what a stunningly good looking man!’ There are movie stars who would give a few toes for that beautiful face, flawless skin, perfect teeth and fit well proportioned body. And on top of it all a lot of intelligence. Too much to be unaware that what I’m saying is true. I’ve watched enough of your videos to see that you’re a priest dedicated and earnest enough to probably see that your looks are more of a bane than a blessing to what you want to achieve (although it’s drawing in lots and lots of people to watch!). But still I believe most Christians profess to value honesty too do they not? Don’t mind me though, I’m just a sardonic old agnostic. And I wish you the best of luck with your ministry.
He has Charisma maxed. Wisdom is next to cap.
Televangelists could learn a thing or two from the Franciscan brothers.
Comparing fake Christians to actual Christians. lol
I want to say Yeah! But, no...I don't think they'll learn.
But televangelists want to learn how to huckster the faith to get rich so they wouldn't learn much.
@@johnrobinson4445 You know, as fellow human, struggling to find my way in a complicated world, I'm prepared to show love, respect, and admiration for a lot of different denominations, and a lot of different kinds of people. Catholicism is where my journey has led me, but I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't recognise that everyone else is on journeys of their own.
But the televangelists, with their private jets and their lives of excess make me apoplectic. They'll complain about a coffee cup saying "Happy Holidays" as commercialising the faith, whilst telling people that they have heard Gods voice, and he very clearly wants them to donate to his newest sports car.
If someone doesn't believe in God? Faith is gift, not a right. I wish them well, and trust that they are taking the long way round on the journey of life, and I hope we end up at the same spot.
But to exploit someone else's belief in God for Material Gain? Its grotesque. Its revolting. Who can blame those who turn away from Christianity, then *that* is the example of Christianity they are presented with?
Televangelists can’t learn anything. They’re not intelligent enough.
I'm still amazed that there's a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in the refrigerator. God's provision is beyond extravagant.
I Thank GOD for your Gratitude and Humility Miles !
This reminded me of what a Benedictine brother in Salzburg, Austria, said in an interview when the reporter looked at his room and the monastery's possessions: "Oh, we have everything we need. But none of that is ours, thank God."
As a Buddhist monk, I can relate. Thanks for the meaningful video.
get off the internet then
@@Numenorean921 He's not hurting anyone and was simply watching a video that captured his interest. Please show some respect and honor his path of humility.
I have deep respect for what you said and how you said it. I am a Baha’i and as I was listening to you I kept thinking about Abdu’l-Baha, Who lived a life of service all His life. I also remember vividly reading about the life of St. Francis.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
This was the life of St. Francis. This was the life of Abdu’l-Baha.
May God continue to richly bless you Casey
Thanks, you too!
Fr. Casey, please don't let those "comments of those who critique your vow of poverty" take up one more minute of your time. If St. Francis were living in the year 2023, he'd also use every means at his disposal to preach and reach people throughout the world, whether via cameras, internet and any other means to make Christ present in their lives. I've followed you for some time & the messages you send out via you tube has made an impact in my life. Jesus, Himself, would also use these means today. The internet is both a blessing and a curse these days & and you most certainly have contributed to the many internet blessings people have received from your ministry. You are unique & and are the counterbalance to the negative use that the internet unfortunately has become these days. Keep up the great work & know that you are using the gifts God has given you. Continue your innovative ways of bringing Christ & His Church to people throughout the world! God bless you & keep smiling!!!
We dare not "challenge you further"... it would be foolish for us to do so. I am convinced that you have both spoken AND lived the Truth. Your wisdom has such a great depth that does not befit your age. Seriously, your sincerity disarms your listeners and both your unassuming nature and thirst for authenticity humbles us. It is sad that we could no longer hope to find that same "spiritual flame" or aura we felt in you amongst the vast majority of our clergymen/religious priests in contemporary Catholic Church. You are blessed and I believe that our Lord and St. Francis himself will see you as an edifying presence in the Seraphic order. Keep igniting the flame... we all need it now more than ever in this cold, dark world. Thank you so much, Father 😀
I'm a novice with a different order who has been struggling with this same issue and I found this really helpful. Thank you.
A Benedictine monk I knew where I used to take my annual retreat used to tell the story of how when he and a handful of his brother monks were sent to California to found a Priory, (decades later, now an Abbey) The Abbot of his old Abbey had provisions packed for the monks. He went into the Sacristy and there were vestments and other things they would need laid out to pack. The chalice and paten this monk's parents had given to him upon his ordination was set out, and the Abbot pointed to them saying, "These stay here". Ten years later the Abbot sent them out to the new Priory. It was a test of that individual monks obedience and his spirit of Poverty. If he could detach from the feeling of ownership and accept that all material things were shared in common among the community, then he would survive in the spirit of poverty. From what my late uncle an OFM himself told me, the same spirit is in the Franciscan ethos. While you may be assigned to a parish surrounded by wealth, or a mission in extreme poverty, one's attachment to the world is how you do or do not practice poverty. Even though I am a Secular priest, and have no vow of poverty, I still strive for and struggle with attachment after almost 40 years. Pax et Bonum, Frater.
God bless your ministry and your youtube channel!
Thanks! Peace and good to you!
that brought tears into my eyes... You reminded me how much I'm still dependant not only on wealth and the comfort that it brings with it, but also on consumerism,...... and also how much more room there still exists in my life to give, to share and to do more charity....and more importantly to be more humble which is actually the most difficult one....
Pray for me...
Day I feel the same way! I will pray for you :)
Totoro-In-The-TARDIS 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
It is absolutely true that this is not just for Franciscans. We are ALL called to follow Jesus and leave everything behind. What that means is different from person to person.
Day wow....you explaining your conviction and coming to terms is humility right their! Ill defineatly pray for you their are great Saints who were wealthy and used their wealth for Gods Kingdom. Theirs also a Blessed he died a martyrdom for the sake of hiding these catholics in his wealthy home and he was a business man. Seek the will of God and ask for a Spirit of discernment. God Bless!
Natalia Marcondes 💓🙏🏼💓
My fave undergrad theology professor always lovingly said "things you'll never find a hospitable Benedictine, a Dominican who preaches well, a Jesuit who's loyal to the Pope, or a poor Franciscan.". But all those beautiful orders strive mightily and come closer than most of us.
When I lived with the Friars I felt similar to your comments. We had a cook and a cleaning lady even. But that offered us the freedom to minister and be present to so many people a day! We could easily done our cooking and cleaning like monks. We were all great cooks as a matter of fact and we cooked our weekly chapter night dinner and were on our own for the weekend. But it was still a great privilege.
Now when I long for the life of a Friar, it's probably for not having to worry about my living situation, insurance, education, health care bills etc in addition to the money worries I have for my ministries. But like your Chasity vow is supposed to open you up to care for more folks, the way you live collectively does the same thing.
It's a hard line to walk. I find you very gracious, simple, humble and self-aware. You get no criticisms from me Fray.
I think about it this way: On an airplane, they tell you that you should make sure you have your oxygen mask on and secure before helping anyone else. To someone who doesn't really know why, that sounds selfish. However, the reason why you need to help yourself first is that it's better to save yourself so that you can save several people, rather than saving one or two people before you pass out and incur brain damage from lack of oxygen. If poverty meant that you were homeless, starving, and ill, you would no longer be able to help anyone. In an ideal world, the betterment of a few leads to the betterment of many.
Great point.
This reminds me of a minister I once heard who said “Jesus was poor, that’s why he rode on a donkey” and I was like... what did you _want_ him to ride on? A Cadillac? Donkeys were expensive.
But it wasn't his donkey...
@@robvancamp2781 Excellent point 👍
Evidently, Jesus did not own much of anything 🤔
Also it is never said the he owned the donkey. Not unlikely that it was borrowed or rented for the occasion and quietly returned to it`s owner unharmed when the crowd had dispersed.
Jesus rode a donkey to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Pretty much every story in the New Testament is about fulfilling something or other that was prophesied in the Old Testament.
Note that the prophecy in Zechariah also connects riding a donkey with lowliness, which shows that even then using a donkey would be a sign of being materially poor. At least by the standards of kings. We know that Roman nobility owned horses and rode them into battle; in fact at some points in Roman times "owning a horse" seems to have been what made you into an aristocrat.
Basically, as st Paul says in Philippians, "I know how to live modestly, and I know how to live luxuriously too: in every way now I have mastered the secret of all conditions: full stomach and empty stomach, plenty and poverty. There is nothing I cannot do in the One who strengthens me."
I've just found this channel, great content!
Regards from Poland;)
Thanks! I think that's a great passage, fitting for what I was saying. Paul is not so much concerned with the materiality of poverty as he is with humility and faith of the believer. Peace and good!
Haha:), Kevin, I humbly thank you for your kind words ;)
Yeeeesssss. Iva ha decir lo mismo
People are going to find something to criticize no matter what you do. Even Francis was criticized for his extreme poverty.
Russ Hjelm amén
Truer words never spoken. They criticized Jesus too.
@David Russell Pharisees
I worked as a teacher in a school run by Franciscan friars, and I had a good relationship with most of them, although I am not a catholic. I did confront one once about the three vows he had taken seeing all the comforts of his "cell", the car and motor bike at his disposition, He gave me a lot of excuses and commented that he was teaching without pay, while I was paid a good salary. My comment that he was still living much better than I was upset him, and he insisted that when he would be transferred to another post he would only take with him his habit, a few clothes and a few books. Then I commented that if he could find excuses for bypassing the first vow, then he might also use similar excuses to temporarily bypass the other vows too. A few days later he told me I was right, and that he would ask for transfer to a more austere position. Next year he was posted in a Franciscan school in Jerusalem, a much bigger school with lots of refugee students. I received a card from him saying he was much happier there, and that it was not my comments that made him ask for the transfer, as he already had the same thoughts himself.
I'm usually not specifically concerned about the wealth of people with ecclesiastical titles, but mostly about the wealth of regular people. I have seen that many ones assumes that people with ecclesiastical should live in the poverty and laics can live whatever they want but living in humbly is a responsibility of all Christians.
I constantly worry about how much is too much to spend on myself, I try to follow this rule: if I spend something on entertainment or in luxurious thing, I spend twice in something to help others (usually for my parents and for charity).
I would like to hear more about this topic.
That's a great way to look at it! I definitely approve!
That's a great rule
You should exclude regular life expences from family expences, you should make extra. Also there is this issue of generalizing your ego and desires to others meaning what you think or justify bu saying "I am doing for you or others" while in actuality you are doing it for yourself selfishly.
some times i wonder if poverty itself is not an industry. people who work in factories building luxury cars need your purchase to support their family. it seems to me some so called charities deliver perverse incentives to their "clientele".
money can be saved, invested, spent, or given away (charity?). i believe the first three help more people more of the time than charity.
some will live in the street even when given every support humanely imaginable. one has to be a material danger to themselves or others to be involuntarily committed to custodial care, in the USA at least.
Thanks Luis, wonderful insight
Grateful to have found your videos. Keep up the good work, Gods work and thank you for your service.
Oh, that elephant. I thought you were going to talk about the other elephant.
You mean the tweepadock?
@ child abuse
So many elephants, so little time.
Daniel Fernandez 😂
pat comerford the big one
Bro Casey, you explained poverty so clearly & beautifully 🌞
You are so right & helping so many people with your videos. I admire your passion & zest for God, life & our faith 👼 May God Bless you, all the friars & everyone who listens to you 🌟
True fr, what we have is for the missions. To enrich others. People see us as poor, but we are rich... As rich but we are poor.... Since all we have is not really ours. This is our poverty. Thanks fr. God bless you
I'm so glad to have found your channel. God bless you for your ministry 🙏
Many jokes have been made about Franciscan poverty, but really, I've think you hit the nail on the head with "the spirit of poverty." I've visited two friaries and have noticed that, while the possessions may be nice, they're not exactly top of the line and state of the art. I've also found myself very moved by how freely things are given and shared. God Bless you, Br. Casey!
Thanks for your comment. It is definitely a hard concept to define and I do not make any claim that we are good at following it! We can do better. But it starts with understanding what we even mean by the vow.
Agreed brother Casey. As someone about to join the Augustinians, I've definitely noticed, pretty much across the various religious orders that the vow of poverty might be better defined as a spiritual vow or, a vow of financial modesty. I love your videos. Keep it up and God bless all of you!
Poverty has nothing to do with the amount of things one is surrounded with, but with the degree of attachment we have to things. Poverty and complete detachment is reached only when a person has been able to achieve complete apathy toward things; this means that the person has reached the complete freedom of being able to live without things, and do not crave or long for their absence. A Sufi story says, "Jesus always carried with him a brick he used as a pillow when he went to sleep; and Jesus became Christ the day he purified his spirit from the greed of attachment. The moment he achieved that state of purity, he threw away the brick and never searched for another one."
Really good explanation, Br.Casey. There is truly a great freedom in not having huge wealth in terms of money or goods. I went away for three days last summer and left my front door wide open, so that my dogs could wander in and out. I had no worries because there was nothing worth taking.
There is definitely a certain freedom in that. What I didn't mention in the video actually speaks just to that. The real reason I think Francis wanted poverty was because having possessions forced one to protect them, which could lead someone to an affront to peace. If nothing is "ours" (physically or spiritually) then we have nothing to defend and can live in peace.
No apologies necessary, you are doing great work and are an inspiration.
As long as you are not consuming just for the act of consuming, then you are poor. You are a great example of this idea. Bless you Brother.
I've just started watching your videos, and i thoroughly enjoy it. God Bless you ............... from Johannesburg, South Africa.
Some Saints gave up all their wealth in order to to follow a religious life dedicating themselves to God .but Brother Casey I love to hear your blogs all the time and I hope you never stop what you choose ,preach to others and with your beautiful way of talking ,you can get many to follow your way of life. 🙏
I think you said that quite well!
HUMILITY AND GRATEFULLNESS !
Thank you for sharing!
Possibly my favorite video yet. It really spoke to my own personal struggles and ongoing discernment with poverty, non-attachment, and discipleship. Thank you!!!
Thanks so much for your comment!
thank you for your service.
As a novice in the Third Order in the UK, I am currently studying the concept of poverty and how it relates to us Franciscans here in the UK. You are so right to juxtapose humiltiy and power against poverty and how this affects our ministry in our communities. We are not in poverty in the 13th century view, or indeed in the view of many in our country and world, but we can surrender power to come alongisde others experiencing a poverty in their lives to reflect the love of Christ and the gift of His love and salvation. We can be something of that love, and empower others as we use the poverty of Francis, his gift to us, to show something more of ourselves throught the grace of Christ. Great video. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment and best of luck in your novitiate! Peace and good to you!
Once I belonged to the same great order.....
"its how we relate to them" exactly is the core of the issue on what possession and poverty is. The Franciscan Order is perceived to be the wealthiest of the Religious Orders but I know how a Religious Community lives. I happen to personally know a Father Provincial and we talked for hours and I was almost led to consider entering the community. I was surprised to know that Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park is under them. It made me smile knowing who lives there and we just laughed it off.
One of my favorites! God Bless!
Awe I bet your parents are so very proud of you. Such a sweet gentlemen. God Bless.
Thank you Father Casey. Well said. God is with you.
May God bless you Father Casey. You are an inspiration.
I love and am greatful, as well as appreciative of the "spiritual"wealth in this man life. No doubt he has own trials ,challenges, and trial of life to test his integrity; but there's a light in his heart thats just flows out so naturally. 💖🙏🏽👍🏽💖
As we know, it is extremely difficult to judge the past by the criteria of the present. As for me, I don't want you to live as perfectly as St. Francis. I want you to live as perfectly as Bro. Casey! You are a good man, Brother! Pace e' bene!
Well that's a pretty low bar if you ask me! Just make sure your eyes are always on Jesus!
Spread the peace, Brother! Blessings!
Wow, this cleared this up a lot. Thank you...
Great topic, and was helpful. Love to learn more about this topic, and lifestyle.
Some of the poorest people have been the most humble, and the most relatable AND thankful. "Do unto others, as you would have done to you." The Beatitudes are something I wish my Protestant friends (excluding Episcopalian [?]) would understand.
I really needed to see this. Thank you. I thought I was too busy but then decided to watch anyway. Wow. I am going to leave a note on my calendar to watch again next week and maybe the following week until this totally sinks in. Thank you!!
I enjoy listening to all of your RUclips Videos. Whatevever you have said in this presentation is so true. I think, being humble is not easy but if one is much can be achieved in life.I met a diocesean priest once who with great joy showed his estate and four wheel drive jeep and with humility said, "all this is for my use but it is not mine". Saying this is not easy if you are not humble.
I enjoy watching your video's. I find you to be a true inspiration in today's world. Much like Mother Angelica years ago. Thank you for the great work that you do.
You are a latter-day Bishop Sheen. Your explanations of Catholic theology are wonderful.
I am not Catholic (Franciscan), but a Jew and I as well have taken a vow of poverty (extremely anti-materialistic) years ago. My only belongings are a small collection of books that I am the author of, a small copy of the Tanakh in Hebrew and a copy of the Aramaic Peshitta New Testament and a couple sets of clothes. When we die we can't take it (belongings) with us and as the Bible says "Store up treasures in Heaven where moth and rust can't destroy." As well, if you have to flee a country due to unsound toxic political upheaval then leaving is so much easier. Put books in one box and wear one outfit with Kippah and Prayer shawl with other oufit wrapped up in a bag and out the door you go.
Thank you. I'm glad I bumped into you on RUclips...you make sense.
Thank you for explaining that, it’s always something I’ve wondered about to be honest.
Also, the song you used in the background is the same song that’s used in a RUclips yoga channel that I use, it was interesting how it kind of brought me into the mindset I have when I do yoga haha
You are free to abstain from doing yoga, but there is no reason that a Catholic can't do it if they want. The Church recognizes truth wherever it may be found, so just because something comes from another religion doesn't make it bad. As far as the "demon poses," I highly doubt that there is any connection between yoga performed at gyms in the US and religious symbolism at all, so even if that is true, there is no need to worry. It's just exercise.
Interesting. I've just taken up yoga also. The physiotherapy exercises I was given to do are identical, so it's much easier to do them with others in a class situation, than on my own. I really don't worry about the Oms or the salutations. It's very good exercise. Namaste.
@Cardinal Ratzinger Guild Thank you for the reply. I am very much aware that yoga comes from the Hindu tradition. I'm actually not scared of eastern religions though, because there is actually a lot of truth that can be found in those religions. I have fascinating conversations with a Hindu friend of mine and we end up agreeing more than disagreeing on a lot of things. Because of this, I have been able to embrace the truth in yoga: the poses and the breathing that's done is very healthy and a safe way to exercise.
What I think is really interesting is that a religion that doesn't believe in the resurrection of the body still puts such a deep emphasis on caring for the body. God obviously has revealed this truth to the Hindu people that the body is something to be taken care of, not neglected
God bless!!
AnestheticsForAna -- the word "yoga" means "to yoke," and the spiritual Hindu purpose of the exercises is to yoke one's body to their gods. So that's why they take care of the body. My concern isn't just that the Bible says the gods of the pagans are really demons (which is what the concerns mentioned have referenced), but that Hindi yogis have expressed offense at what they consider blasphemy of their sacred tradition being used in a non-spiritual way. But others have said there are non-spiritual yoga exercises. I don't know, I haven't looked into it. But that's because I don't want to offend the religious masters of Hinduism.
@Cardinal Ratzinger Guild -- fr pacwa is a religious extremist.
You are one great orator, love your video’s God Bless your ministry……you and your brother Friars…
God bless you for teaching us
Though I do not take a vow of poverty as a married man the trick as a married Christian is to not let my posessions become idols in that I put them before God.
Really enjoyed this - bless you, your brothers and your vocation, especially during these hard times for everybody.
Great vid! Please pray for me since I’m looking for a new job
Great explanation!!!!!! Well said father.
Great video! Thanks again for posting these. Im going to redirect some of my intentions from material to the spiritual. Keep up the great work!
Bless you brother. I'm learning so much from your videos.
I enjoyed this video and learnt a lot. Thank you.
You didnt mentioned in the attempt to live in absolute poverty also would include walking around with no clothes and of course, perish the thought. To me the devotion to poverty is denying that one owns anything and living according to the realization and discernment of what you want versus what you truly need. With that mindset, youre keeping your vows. BTW, we are living in a world that a most simple lifestyle would probably make Solomon be consumed with envy. Blessings
well, a nudist colony is, essentially, a cloistered life? when fully practiced at least....
This was awesome, thanks for doing it 👍🏻😊
Thank you for being so genuine and inspiring with your faith. I look forward to learning about your walk with Jesus and how I can apply that in my walk with Him.
My dear father, God bless you always and protect you. You are entitled to God's abundances: Proverbs 30: 9 and Matthew 10:10. God doesn't want you or me to struggle with material things. If we are faithful to Him, he will bless us! Nothing wrong with that.....what God dosen't want is us being selfish.
May God bless you always and protect you 🙏
Thanks for the clarity
You do great work! Thx you. God Bless you
You are blessed without borders!
I don’t think I believe in a god anymore but I love your videos and you’ve taught me a lot about religious. You’re engaging, and a good teacher. If a god is out there, surely he has blessed you.
Another great video! Don't worry about what other people think. You don't owe anyone an explanation as to why you don't live the way Saint Francis of Assisi was depicted in the movie Brother Sun Sister Moon. It was a beautiful film. Very artistic. However, it wasn't meant to be a documentary. Unfortunately, this movie is the only thing a lot of people know about Saint Francis. In order to help people, both physically and spiritually, you can't be living like that. Our Heavenly Father knows what's in our hearts and all the good that you and the other Friars do. He has blessed you and the other Friars there with a comfortable home, good food and a car so you can do His work. His opinion is the only one we really need concern ourselves with. God bless you Brother Casey. You are awesome! Your videos bless and inspire more people than you know. I'm looking forward to the next one!
It should be remembered that St. Francis also criticized himself toward the end of his life or being too strict to Brother Ass (his body), which he mortified in various and sundry ways to the point of being indistinguishable from many poor souls who are admitted to mental hospitals for acts of self-harm.
It's quite possible that Br. Casey's share of the living expenses in his chapterhouse are below $11,000/year (US poverty level for a single adult). One-fourth of a used car, one bedroom of a four-bedroom apartment and 133% of the "Thrifty" USDA diet would cost about $900/month in the Midwest. In states that expanded Medicaid, Medicaid can be had at that income level. The Vow of Chastity, the Vow of Obedience and nine centuries of monastic experience of interpersonal relationships in close quarters does mean Br. Casey is probably spared much of the drama that living with roommates can bring.
Well spoken.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
With love,
Rick.
Thanks!
Thank you for your vocation.........be well!
SOooo proud of you. My own son has left the Faith and tells me he is an agnostic. How I wish God had led him down your path. Prayers & thoughts x
Sometimes all we can do is follow in the path of St. Monica and pray for those we love. She never despaired, and her son (Augustine) ended up being a saint and doctor of the Church.
Oh how perfect. Thus far, there seem to be many similarities between St Augustine in his youth and my son. I shall renew my fervour to God, St. Monica AND St Augustine! Thank you.
I grew up Catholic but I'm not a Catholic Living in poverty does not mean to live without the little joys of life that God gave us, in my opinion, if that high end camra brings you joy in all the options it has and its capabilities I see that as joyful. But if you run around bragging and showing it off that is a different story lol. Who am I to even cast judgement on a person of faith who has given their whole entire life to God and are truly earnest about it. I enjoy your videos and your words are very encouraging, thank you.
Nicely done! I think friars from many orders across denominations have wrested with this. We certainly did in my old order. Came to much the same conclusions too. Pax.
Wonderful explanation taking a complex subject and making it simple to understand. Always amazed at how clear your videos are; do you carefully script your material before presenting?
Thanks! I write everything out beforehand, yes. I just find the idea of speaking extemporaneously too inexact for the topics I want to discuss. Spending a little time to collect my thoughts and be precise is the only way I can do it.
What matters most is your work and your ongoing message of love and peace and God's plan for man ! Don't change a thing ! You are perfect in his design !
It would be wonderful to meet you, father Casey, if you ever came again in Italy! Have you ever seen Lombardy “the most pleasant garden of Europe “?
another great video, thanks
i love your words
I love your videos and your willingness to be so open with us. Keep up the good work because I believe that your videos is just another way to spread the word of God
God bless you
This has been very helpful, thank you.
Are you allowed to receive gifts from your parents? What if they want to gift you with new clothes?
I don't think receiving clothes when they are needed could be considered a sin in any way. Now if you carry this to an excess and your closet is brimming full of clothes you never wear, then that is a form of greed and could be sinful. But having sufficient clothes to wear is in no way sinful.
100% agree! Thanks 🙏
Excellent explanation. Your videos are inspiring and informative!
Thank you Brother, you videos are awesome.
One thing that bothers me about humanity is how dear we think it is alright to call someone "fake".
We all freedom of speech but if I dear to speak I better give substance and not only an opinion.
If you have and make the time to define someone as "fake" step up and show us how authentic you are in your convictions.
Actions speak louder than words.
This man is full of wisdom given by the Holy Spirit! I pray for you, Father!
Ur doing a good job, remain blessed
I was looking for a tiny elephant in the room, and now I am disappointed.
Good for you.. I like your Franciscan approach.
Fr. Casey as a Cradle Catholic who has recently reconciled with the Church. You inspire me. If not for my age 55 I would seek Holy orders as a Nun.
I do not think it is about a competition for poverty. It is as you said about humility and most of all about sharing feelings with the community. I feel the spiritual poverty leads all other types of poverty in the developed World: isolation, individualism, and it can lead to depression and material poverty.
Old video, I hope this young man has learned more in the last few years. If you have to spend a LOT of time finding a definition of poverty that fits what you are already doing, you aren't there yet. But I'm sure he knows that.
Excellent Bro. Casey! Well said 🙂 Pax!
Enlightening ! Your videos inspires me to live like a Franciscan even though I'll most likely be a layman for rest of my life.
I think we can all live with a Franciscan spirit, even those who are not officially professed as such!
I enjoy your videos Father.
As much as I admire and respect you the truth is that possessing worldly materials or having access to them without possessing them is the same.
Both simply take your worries away.
It is like having a car or leasing a car.
In reality you even worry less having a rental car because in case of repairs the agency is the one who takes responsibilities for fixing it.
Recently I have been considering what religious poverty (as opposed to physical destitution) means in the context of this current world. I have come to the conclusion that poverty in the religious life and also in the life of the general Christian should be a sense we are not attached to material things or materialism. We are not defined by what we have or don't have, but by how we demonstrate our love for God and for each other. We should be willingly be able to give up anything of the material world, to share freely with all around us, to seek to love people and God and use things as needed, instead of loving things and using people.
All of us need to ask, can we live a simpler life, surrounding ourselves with the people in our life instead of being surrounded by our possessions?
I must admit that many of these thoughts have come as I look back at my life. Early on, nearly fifty years ago, I was considering the religious life, but made decisions that interfered. In many ways I regret that I did not follow through with try to discern God's true intention.