My father was a WW2 combat vet - he was abused as a child and then ended up, lying about his age and joining the Army after Pearl Harbor. He was not a good father by our standards....but the gift I was given by The Church and my 12 Step program was to love my father. The last thing I ever said to him was, "I love you, Dad...see you tomorrow". I am so grateful for The Church.
I am the Uncle Tommy in my family. It's a hard kind of life. We are waiting for you to include us in your lives. Bless you, Bishop, for your care of your Uncle Tommy.
The kids never forget the Uncle Tommy. 70 years old I made my kids help me find the grave of my Uncle Ralphie who died when I couldn't go to California.
God bless you, Scott. Your words touched me deeply. I pray for forgiveness for any Uncle Tommy's I have failed to invite into my life. Maybe it's not too late for me to make amends about that.
Like I said to my niece, "The whole reason God put you on this earth is to learn how to love people you don't like. 😜 NORMALLY, THEY'RE CALLED, 'FAMILY MEMBERS.'" 😜
Epic words of Bishop Barron ~ "What do families teach us? .... One lesson I think is, we don't always get to choose the people we love, but we're given people that we're then called upon to love." .... "God, through our families ~ is giving us the people He wants us to love. And part of what makes our families holy is that we cultivate this capacity of love, not just the people we like, that we have chosen to be with, but the people whom God has given us to love. .... Thank you, Bishop Barron for your inspiring words of spiritual wisdom! 🙏✝🙏
Thank you for your words I agree wholeheartedly. My family did not have uncle Tommy, but we had an “Unk” ( Uncle Merle) who live next-door to us with my grandparents‼️ What a Legend and a mystery to all who knew him… but a legacy to us! We love him and he Very much loved us‼️🥰❤ I Have four sisters and a family who loves me I am proud to say that “I am AUNT MARY”
Bishop Barron, what a blessing to hear about your Uncle Tommy, what a beautiful story of love, he sounds like he was a wonderful man, full of character, personality, just love your Irish roots, think Uncle Tommy's talent for wonderful gift of story telling has been passed on to his nephew. God bless you BB and all your family 🙏🌹
Yep, totally agree. Now we know where Bishop Barron got his amazing storytelling skills. God bless Uncle Tommy and all our hard to deal with relatives too 🙏🏼
It was a good story, reminds me how our entire family rallied around my great, great Aunt Gertrude out of love. Though to be fair, she wasn't a difficult character, and she had a sharp wit in conversation.
I’m not sure of Uncle Tommy’s intentions, but “just a priest” may have been his highest compliment. One can lose themselves in career growth, higher education or the fast pace of society. To be, just a house wife, just a mechanic, or just a clerk, can keep one humbled in sprite. While I may be more of the later, I admirer when I meet someone that lives a simple life and is fully content. The greatest people in my life were just these kinds of people.
@@Bjustis2222 Somehow my remark is in the wrong place. It's not intended to be a response to Mr. Ngumi's comment. It's a remark related to the content of the homily.
Scott, I think that is beautiful. It sounds like the Uncle Tommy’s of the world have their priorities straight- love, laughter, and being present. They are deeply impacted by the sorrows and turmoil of this world and are therefore more devoted to the Lord than most. Bless you for being an Uncle Tommy.
Thank you Bishop Barron I have a tear fallen down my face I am that person in my family. I used to be the exact opposite, a project manager at a nuclear plant at age 24, then got PTSD and now I am that person. At Christmas I wonder why I am that person that people don’t want to talk, and I am also like your Uncle Tommy who goes to mass every day. I’m the person that doesn’t get invited places and I just don’t know how to be. I can’t hold a job because I am so weird and then I feel so guilty for not making my own money. I am going to see a counsellor, whose son is a priest. I saw her once and there have been profound impacts on my life. She says she will get me working again. Astounding. That’s not a bad way to go, being struck on the way to church. I’d just rather be struck on my way home from church! I’ve often thought I’d like to die before the blessed sacrament, if that were possible.
My dad was in WW2 also in the battle of the bulge like your uncle tommy and suffered from ptsd. 1977 while visiting my dad in a mental institution on Christmas Eve night. I heard a voice and told me to love and pick up my cross . My dad has passed on and I hope is now in heaven and at peace . My peace come that Christmas Eve night .
Bishop Barron - beautiful story about your uncle. I lost my Uncle Jim three weeks ago today at the age of 91. He was my Dad's brother and last surviving sibling. Uncle Jim was too a bachelor, and a very devout man - I believe he attended Mass everyday as well. Four years ago it was discovered he had dementia, and it fell to me and my brother to move him back home from central Illinois (to Michigan). The last four years have been a blessing taking care of my uncle. In fact, at the funeral I had cousins thanking me and my brother fro taking care of him, and commenting it must have been a burden. I responded it was never a burden; taking care of my Uncle Jim was a joy.
I’m a uncle Tommy too I am blessed to have a wonderful family as I do I go threw so much but am still here by the grace of god I am truly grateful god bless bishop Barron
I had an uncle Tommy who sounded just like your uncle Tommy. He loved us kids and would like to tinker. He’d take things apart. He was a big kid but loved everyone he had a job with the city? He did get married to a very nice women much like himself they had 2 children both college educated!! God works in mysterious ways. Our family did watch over him and his life was a beautiful life as far as Tommy knew. He loved his children who were there to help him in his old days and was very proud of them. I only saw him at Christmas time but he was special in his own way.
Happy Holy Family Sunday Bishop Barron. I had a whole family of uncle Tommys on both sides, but most prevalent in my father’s family. My father and all 4 of his brothers went to WWII and all came back alive, but permanently scarred from the experience. We loved them all. We heard stories too. My own father, a devout Catholic, had an extraordinary story. He was hunkered down in a foxhole, with bombs going off all around him. Our Blessed Mother Mary said very loudly “get out of there.” The foxhole was bombed as soon as he jumped out. He came back against all odds, married my mom, and had 8 children. He was called home shortly after and the loss was very hard on all of us. Incredible stories came out of that war. Miracles happened all day everyday during those dark years in world history and impacted us all for generations. Blessings to everyone and a Happy New Year!
Thank you Bishop Barron, God bless you always. It's a big cross to love people whom we find "offensive" or "unlikable" for whatever reasons, but we forget that God loves us sinners and broken people. As Jesus says, do not judge and you will not be judged, for the measure you give will be measured out to you. Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Well you may not have made monsignor in the next two weeks, but you've done okay. Uncle Tommy is certainly praying. Thank you for sharing such a sweet story.
Jesus did have an eccentric cousin; John the Baptist. As a Protestant we do not agree on alot of theology, but the point of your talk here resonates. Thank you for sharing about your uncle. May God Bless you and your family. I do hope you will be reunited with Tommy one day.
My take on it is I’d sure hate to have been one of Jesus’ brothers… “all the time hearing the teacher compare their homework!! Lol… but seriously, you are lucky Bishop … my “uncle Tommy” lives in my head, I never had a family, I was cast out since I was 17, I eat and drink alone, but I get comfort from the silent wisdom of this kind uncle in my mind.
If we are truly honest, we all are Uncle Tommy ( hard to love, understand, deal with etc… in some way to someone), so do not judge, just love.🙏🏻❤️God.s blessings of peace, joy & love to all🙌🏻! Thank you Bishop Barron for your gift of story telling - the great Theodrama of life which we play a part👍!
This is so well said. I know all families have differences of opinion and likes and dislikes. I have a family like this. But, when we are together, we laugh and reminisce. But my heart just breaks when there is anger and words and family members stop talking to each other. How can i keep my family at peace. I pray to God every day to save my family.
Thank Bishop Baron for the beautiful story of Uncle Tommy. I had an uncle Dan he was loved by all nieces and nephews .He to was a bachalor ..He lived a hard life and was taken advantage of because people thought he wasn't smart Which was sad .He lived wirh my mom when dad passed away .He now had a purpose. in life to help mom on the farm .. . He loved music I think the cows loved him too, music was always played in the barn .He loved to dance and took pride in dancing the German polka When we were little he always had juicy fruit gum in his pocket and would give us each a half piece . even the great nieces and nephews remember that We didnt have much money and one day he came home with a present it was a little record player and several country music albums wow . God gave him to us to love and I hope he felt loved
I had a relative, who fought in some of the horrible battles in the Pacific (WWII). After he got out of the Marines, he could not hold a job and in a few years, he killed himself. This story was told and retold at many family gatherings.
I feel bad for his uncle; the Bulge was a really bad time. In addition to the battle itself, it was one of the coldest winters on record in Europe and a lot of US troops had insufficient cold weather gear (I've heard stories about men stuffing newspaper into their boots just to try to insulate away frostbite and others freezing to death in their own foxholes). Add onto that widespread paranoia in light of rumors the Germans had sent English-speaking commandos behind US lines in captured uniforms, so a lot of men felt they couldn't even trust their own comrades. All this, for over a month (12.16.1944 -- 01.25.1945). I think I probably would've lost my mind after a few days.
Your Uncle Tommy sounds beautifully human. You had a smile on your face the whole sermon. Lol. Sounds like there are some hysterical stories . Bless him for his service to our country, and God bless you.
“For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same?” Matthew 5:46-47
Nice peep into Uncle Tommy's days☆ Compliments for your narration of the conversation in the car. He must be laughing loud. From heaven he prayed *to get you out from being just a Priest!*
Nice reflection. I think what we might also reflect on is how those "difficult people" in our lives may have some heroic virtues that they never revealed to us. Maybe Uncle Tommy saved 8 men in his Battalion in the Battle of the Bulge. So, we may pat ourselves on the back at times for tolerating difficult people, but we often have no idea of their unrevealed, inner lives.
I was happy to meet your Uncle Tommy as you shared! Yes, I have grown with some quirky family members and to this day am continuing to love the family members that God has given me to love. Thank you for your honesty!!
Maybe I don’t get extroverts or introverts who found their calling, but I think a lot of people would be eccentric, but fear to be different-especially to stand out. It may validate their fears when they see us “Uncle Tommys” struggle. It is a hard life and you might get nowhere. It’s humbling, though, and no one should be proud of it-just themselves. I think Jesus knows how important it is for anyone to feel the need for him.
We should be loving of those who don’t know what to do with us, as well. It’s easy to, as an ego defense, think yourself intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, etc superior to the popular and successful in your family-especially if any have talked condescendingly to you. God has gotten me out of some really bad screw-ups and I know to go to Him. Those going well tend to forget about Him. Feel better off, maybe; not better than.
Let us pray for those we know whose family members had really 'let them down'....those who were victims of child abuse and violence...that through the Grace of God they may find peace through forgiveness, and receive support and comfort from family members who love them. And let us be thankful for all those family members like Uncle Tommy who helped us learn compassion and acceptance of all God's children, remembering our child like innocence of love and care for the quirky family members.
When I was a teenager there was a very disgruntled veteran of WWI he was a friend of my grandparents who explained to me that he was gassed in the war and was eligible for a pension. He never received it and this was the reason for his bitterness. He was chastised by many of my friends until I told them his story.
Thank you Bishop Barron for telling us about your Uncle Tommy. May he rest in peace. My brother wo died this year had his struggles. He died penniless and yet at his memorial service the eulogies were all the same everyone who knew him spoke of how kind, helpful, patient and lovable he was. He is missed so much. Rest in peace Paul
My aunt is really similar story to uncle tommy. Had ptsd from a atrocious car accidentally in loving a train and her school bus. She sadly committed suicide last year. Thanks for your words, father.
this is wonderful, thank you. I am definitely one of the off kilter ones in my family, there are a lot of oddballs in my family tree...one great uncle stripped nude and started directing traffic in times square...
Love this, and the implication that God gives us people to love on the macro level, as well. Refugees and immigrants, convicts and the unhoused, the disabled and the sick… as a practical matter, the acting of loving these people can be more strenuous, but no less worthwhile, and often not by any particular fault of their own. We’re all sinners. We all need living, loving mercy. This is ultimately granted by God, but it’s a gift we can give to others, also.
What a wonderful story about your uncle, Bishop Barron. I too grew up in Chicagoland. It cracks me up that Tommy called you “just a priest.” We are called upon to love some quirky relatives. Families test not only our ability to love but to forgive 70 times seven!
I'm also Uncle Tommy in female form. Life threw us a curveball. You try to help your country and be the best you can be for them, but they don't talk about how crippling a mental illness is afterwards. Sadly, I once was the great Aunt Carrie that everyone wanted to be around. Thank God for the love of my mother and my puppy!! They both brought me to God!! Opened my heart wide open for Jesus to walk right through ❤❤❤ Hallelujah, hallelujah!
"What were the Virgin Mary's cousins like" I will always remember this. As an Irishman on both sides, I can relate deeply to this talk. Fr. baron never misses the mark. God bless Uncle Tommy.
The idea is to start by loving the people you've been given, your family. That's good practice. Then work out from the edge of that circle to the next circle around you, your friends or workmates. Then out from there, getting better at loving as you go.
Seems like all big Irish families have an uncle Tommy. My mom was one of 11 and there was a bachelor uncle too. He did not live much past midlife and was a veteran too.
Thank you Bishop for bringing to my mind my own brother Tommy, who sounds a lot like your uncle. Tommy always brings to mind that great line from Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It” “We can love completely, without complete understanding,” I cried during your homily.. Thank you. Merry Christmas
That line is one of my husband’s favourite lines, from his favourite movie. “ We can love completely, without complete understanding. “ We have been through times like this with every one of our children and our granddaughter, whom we brought up. Many things have passed and improved - except for one. Our eldest child, a son, has cut us out of his life and thus, the lives of our Grandchildren. It’s been over four years now. It is because of me and his wife, I believe, although I am not sure what I did to make her cut me out of her life. I believe she is unwell, and there is nothing I can do to change the situation, except pray. She has cut other people out of her life as well - her Mother and only sibling, a ( twin) brother and his children. It must be her way of dealing with whatever trauma she experienced. However, my son used to call his Dad occasionally, but never from his house - only when he was out shopping or walking somewhere, and not with the kids. Now, over a small incident, he has vowed never to speak to his Dad ever again ( he is an atheist ) The first reading on the Feast of the Holy Family was very painful for me to read. I know my husband is heartbroken. He was a wonderful father, by no means perfect, but our other children and our granddaughter are always in contact. They believe they had the best father ever. All I can do is pray. I have also decided to send such things as this reading to him via email. What more pain can he inflict on me - cut me out of his life? Cut me out of his kids lives? Already done.
@@pjsmith4369 Pj, I was drawn to you and my heart goes out to you as you pour out yours. Myself and so many others are with you and as we listen to God he says persevere in prayer and fasting and in patience carry your cross and persevere to the end and he will make good come from what seems humanly impossible. I sincerely hope and pray that you and your family unite once again. Small note, toward the end of Home Alone has a simple discussion in a church between Kevin and what he believed to be his “killer” neighbor and Kevin gives the cutest and simplest advice, touching because it comes from the perspective of a child. Isn’t that how God wants us to love him like Abba, Daddy since we r called to be Children of God. May God bless and keep you and may his face continue to shine upon you. Come Holy Spirit come and fill the hearts of the faithful and they shall renew the face of the earth. From the Love of Christ, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
@@pjsmith4369 I can feel your pain. We have 3 children, now all in their forties. My 2 sons have cut us out of their lives some 8 years ago. I don't know what we did that was so bad to justify that action. We are heartbroken as well. There is not a day that goes by without thinking of them. I do love them, that will not change.
To the person reading this, you’re absolutely amazing and wonderful! God is SO great! God is SO real!! God bless you!!! God bless everyone!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Yes! And one cannot judge for they walk in their own shoes and are more to many along the way than we could ever meet! God bless them! Pray for and to my dear one in mensa and Cathedral guide to head injury a gift to indigent.
I bless the day a friend of mine sent me a Sunday sermon from Bishop Barron. I recently returned to the church after many years of self indulgence. Bishop Barron was so informative and down to earth. I eagerly look forward to his sermons. What an amazing MAN OF GOD. 🙏🙏
A really fantastic homily, thank you. While it's clear, it's not easy, right? What is to love these unique souls in our lives but to will their good? Sometimes that willing requires distance. To will their good doesn't necessarily imply we "fix" someone, or lean on them to change, or enable sin. Yet in our motivations we should will their good. Thank you for spurring thought and reflection in us, as ever. 😇🙏
Wow! Some words reach deep in my heart. The uncle Tommy story brought a smile to my face as well as as sorrow. I remember the tilting point from my innocent enjoyment of my uncle Tommy to a kind of calculating distance mixed with a sense of superiority. Your sheer authentic love of your uncle Tommy, bishop Barron, cuts deep as it reveals how love is anything but calculating. I will pray for my uncle Tommy tonight and ask him forgiveness. Levis Shalom
Beautiful lesson Bishop Barron. Very important for us to remember that we must learn to embrace all members of our family without any discrimination nor any misgivings and build our relationships with each one no matter how difficult or maybe not as honoured as others maybe.
I think it’s worth noting that sometimes we can love these family members from a distance, when those individuals have caused and do cause harm to us and our family. We love them, we pray for them, we forgive them.
I was born and raised as a Catholic in a third world country and a non practicing Catholic family! Recently i read the teachings of Buddha and Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius he wrote The Book the Meditation his personal diary not meant to be published. He said Amor Fati! Love your fate! Memento Mori! Remember Death! K
Thank you for this Bishop......my Uncle Carmen was in World War II and he also didn't follow a traditional path. All of his nieces and nephews also loved him very much, he was such a fun uncle to have around; but his daughter who he asked his sister to raise didn't have the same warm feelings toward him (understandable). I do wish that people wouldn't be so judgmental (myself included) about anyone in our society who doesn't fit into our set of expectations of how life should be. I truly believe that we are all just doing the best we can, life is hard.
For "just a priest", you surely always do a great job. 😇 My uncle Joe was like your uncle Tommy in a way. No better human being on this earth. Especially loved by children and animals. I learned so much from him. I miss him every day. Blessings to you, Bishop. 🙏🙏🙏
I can better love the eccentric Uncle Tommy's in my life and family whenever I remember that I, in spite of my best efforts, or sometimes because of them, can at times be that challenging, eccentric, mixed-bag relative and neighbor. "Whoever is forgiven little loves little."
This made me think about a trend I’ve seen in my life, my friends lives, and discussed in the media: people cutting off their families. Usually children cutting their parents out of their lives on the grounds of “toxicity”. If not total cutting off at least severely limiting contact. Please pray for all those involved in such situations - on both sides.
Thank you Bishop Barron for reminding me, through your marvellous true story telling that God has placed us in our families for the most important purpose; to love- not just who we like, or who we find the most easiest to get along with! Thank you once again and may God continue to bless you and bless us with these inspiring messages!!!
Sometimes we have to love them from afar. Don't confuse the sweet, sad, quirky, difficult "Uncle Tommy" with the cruel, abusers of all stripes that run amok in families.
Such an important and timely sermon. I am about to start a new chapter in my life with a new job and moving out to a new city. In between all of those things, it is very good to be reminded to not stopping short of loving my family. Also, this sermon is particularly relevant given the current trend of cutting 'toxic' people off so easily, especially amongst my age group (gen z)
Thank you for this story. I'm the uncle Tommy tho and I wish my old and distant friends and family could share your story without it being a reflection on me. -RCA
Thank you Bishop Barron. Children are often able to see the light in others that adults can't see. Maybe Uncle Tommy did not have very much to give to his family and received more than he gave, but it will be interesting to see in heaven how many people Uncle Tommy did give to that were not related to him. I have a feeling that he had a positive affect on many people that no one really knows about. Your story reminded me of a beggar that I met in Ireland. When he was young he wanted to become a priest but he was not "Put together" very well. He spent his life visiting every Church in Dublin every day to pray for others. I think he was a saint in disguise, but don't have the space here to tell you why.
Bishop Barron, your sermons, and your scripture commentaries, which I read daily, very often move me, sometimes to tears, as today. I think all families have an Uncle Tommy, or 2 or 3, probably on both sides, and in every generation, as mine. May God continue to richly bless you in this holy Season and in your ministry.
Your heartwarming story about Uncle Tommy brings me to tears. I have learned one thing about the “Uncle Tommy” in my life which is I’ve been called upon to give in ways he can never repay. In this process, my selfishness and narcissism are slowly being chipped away. Thank you so much, Bishop Barron, for pointing out God’s presence in the story of our lives. Many blessings to you in this season.
My father was a WW2 combat vet - he was abused as a child and then ended up, lying about his age and joining the Army after Pearl Harbor. He was not a good father by our standards....but the gift I was given by The Church and my 12 Step program was to love my father. The last thing I ever said to him was, "I love you, Dad...see you tomorrow". I am so grateful for The Church.
Thanks for sharing. God bless you! 🙏🌹
This guy is my favorite catholic teacher.
I do agree wonderful teacher♥️
Uncle Tommy just made a difference, posthumously, in thousands of people's lives. God bless him, and you, Bishop Barron.
YES❤
SO beautifully said👍❤️
I am the Uncle Tommy in my family. It's a hard kind of life. We are waiting for you to include us in your lives. Bless you, Bishop, for your care of your Uncle Tommy.
Life can indeed be very hard. God bless you.
Scott Wilcoxson 🙏🏼🤗🌸
The kids never forget the Uncle Tommy. 70 years old I made my kids help me find the grave of my Uncle Ralphie who died when I couldn't go to California.
I always feel so good when I hear a sermon of Bishop Baron!!!
God bless you, Scott. Your words touched me deeply. I pray for forgiveness for any Uncle Tommy's I have failed to invite into my life. Maybe it's not too late for me to make amends about that.
We lost our “Uncle Tommy” to COVID recently. You only have limited time. Glad we made it count.
Like I said to my niece, "The whole reason God put you on this earth is to learn how to love people you don't like. 😜 NORMALLY, THEY'RE CALLED, 'FAMILY MEMBERS.'" 😜
Btw, if you can’t find who’s your Uncle Tommy in your extended family, it means it’s probably you. But it’s fine, God loves you either way.
Another masterpiece. What a gift to us all. 🙏🏽
Epic words of Bishop Barron ~ "What do families teach us? .... One lesson I think is, we don't always get to choose the people we love, but we're given people that we're then called upon to love." .... "God, through our families ~ is giving us the people He wants us to love. And part of what makes our families holy is that we cultivate this capacity of love, not just the people we like, that we have chosen to be with, but the people whom God has given us to love. .... Thank you, Bishop Barron for your inspiring words of spiritual wisdom! 🙏✝🙏
Thank you for your words I agree wholeheartedly. My family did not have uncle Tommy, but we had an “Unk” ( Uncle Merle) who live next-door to us with my grandparents‼️
What a Legend and a mystery to all who knew him… but a legacy to us! We love him and he Very much loved us‼️🥰❤
I Have four sisters and a family who loves me I am proud to say that
“I am AUNT MARY”
Bishop Barron, what a blessing to hear about your Uncle Tommy, what a beautiful story of love, he sounds like he was a wonderful man, full of character, personality, just love your Irish roots, think Uncle Tommy's talent for wonderful gift of story telling has been passed on to his nephew. God bless you BB and all your family 🙏🌹
Yep, totally agree. Now we know where Bishop Barron got his amazing storytelling skills. God bless Uncle Tommy and all our hard to deal with relatives too 🙏🏼
Such beautiful love!
It was a good story, reminds me how our entire family rallied around my great, great Aunt Gertrude out of love. Though to be fair, she wasn't a difficult character, and she had a sharp wit in conversation.
Qqqqqqqq
AMEN!
Trauma can make people 'quirky. '
War, abuse, childhood cancer, abandonment. Family are the very people they should be able to count on.
God help us.
I’m not sure of Uncle Tommy’s intentions, but “just a priest” may have been his highest compliment. One can lose themselves in career growth, higher education or the fast pace of society. To be, just a house wife, just a mechanic, or just a clerk, can keep one humbled in sprite. While I may be more of the later, I admirer when I meet someone that lives a simple life and is fully content. The greatest people in my life were just these kinds of people.
God bless you.
Amen. We do not choose the families we are born into, but God calls all people to love their families.
Word
@@katherynrice8887 I think he was trying to describe the story not trying to insult him personally?
@@Bjustis2222 Somehow my remark is in the wrong place. It's not intended to be a response to Mr. Ngumi's comment. It's a remark related to the content of the homily.
Wow good job we got god there telling us to love our families, what a horrendous world it would be without god saying that, amazing
I once had a coworker who told me, "We choose our parents." Seems unlikely.
Dear Bishop Baron, thankyou for insight. I believe I'm uncle Tommy in my family. God Bless.
Scott, I think that is beautiful. It sounds like the Uncle Tommy’s of the world have their priorities straight- love, laughter, and being present. They are deeply impacted by the sorrows and turmoil of this world and are therefore more devoted to the Lord than most. Bless you for being an Uncle Tommy.
@@asmith6101
As "beautiful" a response!
Scott, your not alone. I’m an Uncle Tommy as well.
God Bless you and Merry Christmas too you.
And God bless you Scott.
@@asmith6101 🤗🙏🏼
Thank you Bishop Barron I have a tear fallen down my face I am that person in my family. I used to be the exact opposite, a project manager at a nuclear plant at age 24, then got PTSD and now I am that person. At Christmas I wonder why I am that person that people don’t want to talk, and I am also like your Uncle Tommy who goes to mass every day. I’m the person that doesn’t get invited places and I just don’t know how to be. I can’t hold a job because I am so weird and then I feel so guilty for not making my own money. I am going to see a counsellor, whose son is a priest. I saw her once and there have been profound impacts on my life. She says she will get me working again. Astounding. That’s not a bad way to go, being struck on the way to church. I’d just rather be struck on my way home from church! I’ve often thought I’d like to die before the blessed sacrament, if that were possible.
My dad was in WW2 also in the battle of the bulge like your uncle tommy and suffered from ptsd. 1977 while visiting my dad in a mental institution on Christmas Eve night. I heard a voice and told me to love and pick up my cross . My dad has passed on and I hope is now in heaven and at peace . My peace come that Christmas Eve night .
Bishop Barron - beautiful story about your uncle. I lost my Uncle Jim three weeks ago today at the age of 91. He was my Dad's brother and last surviving sibling. Uncle Jim was too a bachelor, and a very devout man - I believe he attended Mass everyday as well. Four years ago it was discovered he had dementia, and it fell to me and my brother to move him back home from central Illinois (to Michigan). The last four years have been a blessing taking care of my uncle. In fact, at the funeral I had cousins thanking me and my brother fro taking care of him, and commenting it must have been a burden. I responded it was never a burden; taking care of my Uncle Jim was a joy.
*"Don't grow weary of loving those whom you are with everyday."*
- (From the Book titled 'Our Lady's Message of Mercy to the World')
Justice is good and reasonable, but merciful is for the divine.
I have this book and was thinking the very same thing
@@marypinakat8594 Why should it be difficult and it hurts a lot???
@@danserrano100
Sorry for the delay. What exactly are you trying to convey?
I’m a uncle Tommy too I am blessed to have a wonderful family as I do I go threw so much but am still here by the grace of god I am truly grateful god bless bishop Barron
I had an uncle Tommy who sounded just like your uncle Tommy. He loved us kids and would like to tinker. He’d take things apart. He was a big kid but loved everyone he had a job with the city? He did get married to a very nice women much like himself they had 2 children both college educated!! God works in mysterious ways. Our family did watch over him and his life was a beautiful life as far as Tommy knew. He loved his children who were there to help him in his old days and was very proud of them. I only saw him at Christmas time but he was special in his own way.
Happy Holy Family Sunday Bishop Barron. I had a whole family of uncle Tommys on both sides, but most prevalent in my father’s family. My father and all 4 of his brothers went to WWII and all came back alive, but permanently scarred from the experience. We loved them all. We heard stories too. My own father, a devout Catholic, had an extraordinary story. He was hunkered down in a foxhole, with bombs going off all around him. Our Blessed Mother Mary said very loudly “get out of there.” The foxhole was bombed as soon as he jumped out. He came back against all odds, married my mom, and had 8 children. He was called home shortly after and the loss was very hard on all of us. Incredible stories came out of that war. Miracles happened all day everyday during those dark years in world history and impacted us all for generations. Blessings to everyone and a Happy New Year!
Thank you Bishop Barron, God bless you always.
It's a big cross to love people whom we find "offensive" or "unlikable" for whatever reasons, but we forget that God loves us sinners and broken people. As Jesus says, do not judge and you will not be judged, for the measure you give will be measured out to you. Forgive and you will be forgiven.
No wonder this man became a Bishop.
Well you may not have made monsignor in the next two weeks, but you've done okay. Uncle Tommy is certainly praying.
Thank you for sharing such a sweet story.
Jesus did have an eccentric cousin; John the Baptist. As a Protestant we do not agree on alot of theology, but the point of your talk here resonates. Thank you for sharing about your uncle. May God Bless you and your family. I do hope you will be reunited with Tommy one day.
My take on it is I’d sure hate to have been one of Jesus’ brothers… “all the time hearing the teacher compare their homework!! Lol… but seriously, you are lucky Bishop … my “uncle Tommy” lives in my head, I never had a family, I was cast out since I was 17, I eat and drink alone, but I get comfort from the silent wisdom of this kind uncle in my mind.
If we are truly honest, we all are Uncle Tommy ( hard to love, understand, deal with etc… in some way to someone), so do not judge, just love.🙏🏻❤️God.s blessings of peace, joy & love to all🙌🏻! Thank you Bishop Barron for your gift of story telling - the great Theodrama of life which we play a part👍!
We are all Uncle Tommy. Right on the mark.
This is so well said. I know all families have differences of opinion and likes and dislikes. I have a family like this. But, when we are together, we laugh and reminisce. But my heart just breaks when there is anger and words and family members stop talking to each other. How can i keep my family at peace. I pray to God every day to save my family.
Thank Bishop Baron for the beautiful story of Uncle Tommy.
I had an uncle Dan he was loved by all nieces and nephews .He to was a bachalor ..He lived a hard life and was taken advantage of because people thought he wasn't smart
Which was sad .He lived wirh my mom when dad passed away .He now had a purpose. in life to help mom on the farm .. . He loved music I think the cows loved him too, music was always played in the barn .He loved to dance and took pride in dancing the German polka
When we were little he always had juicy fruit gum in his pocket and would give us each a half piece . even the great nieces and nephews remember that
We didnt have much money and one day he came home with a present it was a little record player and several country music albums wow . God gave him to us to love and I hope he felt loved
Beautiful story, Jane. Really beautiful!
I had a relative, who fought in some of the horrible battles in the Pacific (WWII). After he got out of the Marines, he could not hold a job and in a few years, he killed himself. This story was told and retold at many family gatherings.
God bless your Uncle. It is so sad that there was no help for him.
I feel bad for his uncle; the Bulge was a really bad time. In addition to the battle itself, it was one of the coldest winters on record in Europe and a lot of US troops had insufficient cold weather gear (I've heard stories about men stuffing newspaper into their boots just to try to insulate away frostbite and others freezing to death in their own foxholes). Add onto that widespread paranoia in light of rumors the Germans had sent English-speaking commandos behind US lines in captured uniforms, so a lot of men felt they couldn't even trust their own comrades. All this, for over a month (12.16.1944 -- 01.25.1945). I think I probably would've lost my mind after a few days.
Your Uncle Tommy sounds beautifully human. You had a smile on your face the whole sermon. Lol. Sounds like there are some hysterical stories . Bless him for his service to our country, and God bless you.
We should all love whoever comes into our lives…they are,each a lesson from God.
So true.
@Roger Mills exactly!!!
“For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same?”
Matthew 5:46-47
Beautiful reply.
I might be uncle Tommy to my nieces and nephews. God bless him me and us.
Nice peep into Uncle Tommy's days☆ Compliments for your narration of the conversation in the car. He must be laughing loud. From heaven he prayed
*to get you out from being just a Priest!*
Excellent as always
Nice reflection. I think what we might also reflect on is how those "difficult people" in our lives may have some heroic virtues that they never revealed to us. Maybe Uncle Tommy saved 8 men in his Battalion in the Battle of the Bulge. So, we may pat ourselves on the back at times for tolerating difficult people, but we often have no idea of their unrevealed, inner lives.
Wonderful comment that reminds us of what we don't know and yet judge.
I was happy to meet your Uncle Tommy as you shared! Yes, I have grown with some quirky family members and to this day am continuing to love the family members that God has given me to love. Thank you for your honesty!!
Maybe I don’t get extroverts or introverts who found their calling, but I think a lot of people would be eccentric, but fear to be different-especially to stand out. It may validate their fears when they see us “Uncle Tommys” struggle. It is a hard life and you might get nowhere. It’s humbling, though, and no one should be proud of it-just themselves. I think Jesus knows how important it is for anyone to feel the need for him.
We should be loving of those who don’t know what to do with us, as well. It’s easy to, as an ego defense, think yourself intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, etc superior to the popular and successful in your family-especially if any have talked condescendingly to you. God has gotten me out of some really bad screw-ups and I know to go to Him. Those going well tend to forget about Him. Feel better off, maybe; not better than.
Let us pray for those we know whose family members had really 'let them down'....those who were victims of child abuse and violence...that through the Grace of God they may find peace through forgiveness, and receive support and comfort from family members who love them. And let us be thankful for all those family members like Uncle Tommy who helped us learn compassion and acceptance of all God's children, remembering our child like innocence of love and care for the quirky family members.
Uncle Tommy probably interceded much in your behalf, Bishop Barron. You’re a bishop now! 😀
When I was a teenager there was a very disgruntled veteran of WWI he was a friend of my grandparents who explained to me that he was gassed in the war and was eligible for a pension. He never received it and this was the reason for his bitterness. He was chastised by many of my friends until I told them his story.
Thank you Bishop Barron for telling us about your Uncle Tommy. May he rest in peace. My brother wo died this year had his struggles. He died penniless and yet at his memorial service the eulogies were all the same everyone who knew him spoke of how kind, helpful, patient and lovable he was. He is missed so much. Rest in peace Paul
“Just a priest” Wow. I have no words
Hilarious and very kind. Thank you, dear Bishop Barron.
My aunt is really similar story to uncle tommy. Had ptsd from a atrocious car accidentally in loving a train and her school bus. She sadly committed suicide last year. Thanks for your words, father.
this is wonderful, thank you. I am definitely one of the off kilter ones in my family, there are a lot of oddballs in my family tree...one great uncle stripped nude and started directing traffic in times square...
Love this, and the implication that God gives us people to love on the macro level, as well. Refugees and immigrants, convicts and the unhoused, the disabled and the sick… as a practical matter, the acting of loving these people can be more strenuous, but no less worthwhile, and often not by any particular fault of their own.
We’re all sinners. We all need living, loving mercy. This is ultimately granted by God, but it’s a gift we can give to others, also.
What a wonderful story about your uncle, Bishop Barron. I too grew up in Chicagoland. It cracks me up that Tommy called you “just a priest.” We are called upon to love some quirky relatives. Families test not only our ability to love but to forgive 70 times seven!
Thank you Bishop Barron my brother is Uncle Tommy
Amen
I had a Great Aunt who always said, "You can choose your friends, but not your relatives" Happy Holy Family
Some people cut off family members.
I'm also Uncle Tommy in female form. Life threw us a curveball. You try to help your country and be the best you can be for them, but they don't talk about how crippling a mental illness is afterwards. Sadly, I once was the great Aunt Carrie that everyone wanted to be around. Thank God for the love of my mother and my puppy!! They both brought me to God!! Opened my heart wide open for Jesus to walk right through ❤❤❤
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
"What were the Virgin Mary's cousins like" I will always remember this. As an Irishman on both sides, I can relate deeply to this talk. Fr. baron never misses the mark. God bless Uncle Tommy.
They probably kept asking when she was going to have a second child and thought she's the weirdo in the family.
The idea is to start by loving the people you've been given, your family. That's good practice. Then work out from the edge of that circle to the next circle around you, your friends or workmates. Then out from there, getting better at loving as you go.
PTSD... I hope all the WWII vets, combat ones especially, found a family like yours who made the effort to reach out and listen.
Arranged marriage in India is an example to the said above. Thanks be to God. 🙏🏽
Seems like all big Irish families have an uncle Tommy. My mom was one of 11 and there was a bachelor uncle too. He did not live much past midlife and was a veteran too.
Thank you Bishop for bringing to my mind my own brother Tommy, who sounds a lot like your uncle. Tommy always brings to mind that great line from Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It” “We can love completely, without complete understanding,” I cried during your homily.. Thank you. Merry Christmas
That line is one of my husband’s favourite lines, from his favourite movie.
“ We can love completely, without complete understanding. “
We have been through times like this with every one of our children and our granddaughter, whom we brought up. Many things have passed and improved - except for one.
Our eldest child, a son, has cut us out of his life and thus, the lives of our Grandchildren. It’s been over four years now. It is because of me and his wife, I believe, although I am not sure what I did to make her cut me out of her life. I believe she is unwell, and there is nothing I can do to change the situation, except pray. She has cut other people out of her life as well - her Mother and only sibling, a ( twin) brother and his children. It must be her way of dealing with whatever trauma she experienced.
However, my son used to call his Dad occasionally, but never from his house - only when he was out shopping or walking somewhere, and not with the kids.
Now, over a small incident, he has vowed never to speak to his Dad ever again ( he is an atheist )
The first reading on the Feast of the Holy Family was very painful for me to read. I know my husband is heartbroken. He was a wonderful father, by no means perfect, but our other children and our granddaughter are always in contact. They believe they had the best father ever.
All I can do is pray. I have also decided to send such things as this reading to him via email.
What more pain can he inflict on me - cut me out of his life? Cut me out of his kids lives?
Already done.
@@pjsmith4369 Pj, I was drawn to you and my heart goes out to you as you pour out yours. Myself and so many others are with you and as we listen to God he says persevere in prayer and fasting and in patience carry your cross and persevere to the end and he will make good come from what seems humanly impossible. I sincerely hope and pray that you and your family unite once again. Small note, toward the end of Home Alone has a simple discussion in a church between Kevin and what he believed to be his “killer” neighbor and Kevin gives the cutest and simplest advice, touching because it comes from the perspective of a child. Isn’t that how God wants us to love him like Abba, Daddy since we r called to be Children of God. May God bless and keep you and may his face continue to shine upon you. Come Holy Spirit come and fill the hearts of the faithful and they shall renew the face of the earth. From the Love of Christ, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
@@pjsmith4369 I can feel your pain. We have 3 children, now all in their forties. My 2 sons have cut us out of their lives some 8 years ago. I don't know what we did that was so bad to justify that action. We are heartbroken as well. There is not a day that goes by without thinking of them. I do love them, that will not change.
Lord please hold Uncle tommy close to You. Amen
To the person reading this, you’re absolutely amazing and wonderful! God is SO great! God is SO real!! God bless you!!! God bless everyone!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Yes! And one cannot judge for they walk in their own shoes and are more to many along the way than we could ever meet! God bless them! Pray for and to my dear one in mensa and Cathedral guide to head injury a gift to indigent.
I bless the day a friend of mine sent me a Sunday sermon from Bishop Barron. I recently returned to the church after many years of self indulgence. Bishop Barron was so informative and down to earth. I eagerly look forward to his sermons. What an amazing MAN OF GOD. 🙏🙏
A really fantastic homily, thank you. While it's clear, it's not easy, right? What is to love these unique souls in our lives but to will their good? Sometimes that willing requires distance. To will their good doesn't necessarily imply we "fix" someone, or lean on them to change, or enable sin. Yet in our motivations we should will their good. Thank you for spurring thought and reflection in us, as ever. 😇🙏
Wow! Some words reach deep in my heart. The uncle Tommy story brought a smile to my face as well as as sorrow. I remember the tilting point from my innocent enjoyment of my uncle Tommy to a kind of calculating distance mixed with a sense of superiority. Your sheer authentic love of your uncle Tommy, bishop Barron, cuts deep as it reveals how love is anything but calculating. I will pray for my uncle Tommy tonight and ask him forgiveness.
Levis Shalom
Beautiful lesson Bishop Barron. Very important for us to remember that we must learn to embrace all members of our family without any discrimination nor any misgivings and build our relationships with each one no matter how difficult or maybe not as honoured as others maybe.
I think it’s worth noting that sometimes we can love these family members from a distance, when those individuals have caused and do cause harm to us and our family. We love them, we pray for them, we forgive them.
Yay! Great Holy Family homily!
I was born and raised as a Catholic in a third world country and a non practicing Catholic family! Recently i read the teachings of Buddha and Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius he wrote The Book the Meditation his personal diary not meant to be published. He said Amor Fati! Love your fate! Memento Mori! Remember Death! K
Thank you for this Bishop......my Uncle Carmen was in World War II and he also didn't follow a traditional path. All of his nieces and nephews also loved him very much, he was such a fun uncle to have around; but his daughter who he asked his sister to raise didn't have the same warm feelings toward him (understandable). I do wish that people wouldn't be so judgmental (myself included) about anyone in our society who doesn't fit into our set of expectations of how life should be. I truly believe that we are all just doing the best we can, life is hard.
Bishop Barron God Bless you and may uncle Tommy RIP.What a beautiful story.,
Thank you Bishop ❣ With God's help it is possible. 🙏
For "just a priest", you surely always do a great job. 😇
My uncle Joe was like your uncle Tommy in a way. No better human being on this earth. Especially loved by children and animals.
I learned so much from him.
I miss him every day.
Blessings to you, Bishop. 🙏🙏🙏
SIMPLY PUT ,THOSE ARE WHOSE PEOPLE ANNOYED YOU ,NEIGHBOR OR YOUR CO WORKER OR RELATIVES THAT GOD CHALLEGE US TO SHOW LOVE THIS CRISTMASS
I can better love the eccentric Uncle Tommy's in my life and family whenever I remember that I, in spite of my best efforts, or sometimes because of them, can at times be that challenging, eccentric, mixed-bag relative and neighbor. "Whoever is forgiven little loves little."
This made me think about a trend I’ve seen in my life, my friends lives, and discussed in the media: people cutting off their families. Usually children cutting their parents out of their lives on the grounds of “toxicity”. If not total cutting off at least severely limiting contact.
Please pray for all those involved in such situations - on both sides.
Sometimes that cutting out is necessary.
But too often, people are just being stubborn and petty.
And also with you Bishop Baron, Peace be with you
It’s me. I’m uncle Tommy. Thank God for my older sisters who held me together when my life health marriage started coming apart
I guess Uncle Tommy is in heaven. God Bless You
Wow. And, it's Bishop Barron now. Uncle Tommy, pray for us!
NO ONE ever defines love,it is to do and say the right thing, NOT emotion.
Thank you Bishop Barron for reminding me, through your marvellous true story telling that God has placed us in our families for the most important purpose; to love- not just who we like, or who we find the most easiest to get along with! Thank you once again and may God continue to bless you and bless us with these inspiring messages!!!
A beautiful story!
A few tears came down ...🙏
Sometimes we have to love them from afar. Don't confuse the sweet, sad, quirky, difficult "Uncle Tommy" with the cruel, abusers of all stripes that run amok in families.
Indeed. An "Uncle Tommy" is easy to love compared to those people.
I sort of needed this today.
Thank you for this presentation. I had a favorite Uncle Tommy too!
Such an important and timely sermon. I am about to start a new chapter in my life with a new job and moving out to a new city. In between all of those things, it is very good to be reminded to not stopping short of loving my family. Also, this sermon is particularly relevant given the current trend of cutting 'toxic' people off so easily, especially amongst my age group (gen z)
Thank you for this story. I'm the uncle Tommy tho and I wish my old and distant friends and family could share your story without it being a reflection on me.
-RCA
at a wonderful sermon, thank you and God bless you!at a wonderful sermon, thank you and God bless you!
I'm that weird uncle that plays with the kids while the grownups are all talking together. I get the best part of family gatherings i think.
Thank you for sharing your Uncle Tommy!
beautiful
Thank you Bishop Barron. Children are often able to see the light in others that adults can't see. Maybe Uncle Tommy did not have very much to give to his family and received more than he gave, but it will be interesting to see in heaven how many people Uncle Tommy did give to that were not related to him. I have a feeling that he had a positive affect on many people that no one really knows about. Your story reminded me of a beggar that I met in Ireland. When he was young he wanted to become a priest but he was not "Put together" very well. He spent his life visiting every Church in Dublin every day to pray for others. I think he was a saint in disguise, but don't have the space here to tell you why.
Thanks Lord for the life of Bishop Barron, Please do not forget his Uncle Tommy and my uncle Tommy.
Wonderful sermon bishop Barron the best ever,
God bless Uncle Tommy
Bishop Barron, your sermons, and your scripture commentaries, which I read daily, very often move me, sometimes to tears, as today. I think all families have an Uncle Tommy, or 2 or 3, probably on both sides, and in every generation, as mine. May God continue to richly bless you in this holy Season and in your ministry.
What a way to honour an uncle, this made me cry. Thanks BB
One of your best, Bishop Barron. Thank you
😊👍🏼
Your heartwarming story about Uncle Tommy brings me to tears. I have learned one thing about the “Uncle Tommy” in my life which is I’ve been called upon to give in ways he can never repay. In this process, my selfishness and narcissism are slowly being chipped away. Thank you so much, Bishop Barron, for pointing out God’s presence in the story of our lives. Many blessings to you in this season.
May God bless you too, but I think he already has.