The Biggest Problem in our Church Today

There are a lot of problems facing our Church and world, but I think this one is at the heart of it all.

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[sttommore]

This is endemic to current American pop society. We have become very comfortable (well, as a society at large, not necessarily the individuals within) with classifying ourselves, and associating or identifying ourselves based on preferences (or "orientations" as you address in other comments). We have disallowed ourselves the freedom to merely like, or enjoy, or prefer one or another person, place, or idea by clinging to those totems as creeds of a sort. This distancing of ourselves from the broader picture is fatal to civilization, and to community -- which, by definition, is a recognition of what is held in common, or what unites.

Within the Church Universal, there is great breadth, but as we approach the terminus of a road toward the horizon, there is only one point. When we begin to distract ourselves with the intricacies of the road, or become invested in kicking a rock off the side, or worse, ridding the road of all pebbles, we forget that the Church is the road to Christ, and every road is composed of billions of pebbles of infinite variations of size, color, shape, and origin. All those pebbles serve one purpose, and are united in that purpose.

We have become eager to judge and condemn, to "make distinctions among [ourselves] (James 2:4). It'll take an eternity of merciful justice to repair the fractures we caused to ourselves (both communally and individually).

[tedphillips]

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

[glasserbuds]

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

[JPGiannaT]

No, I'm not liberal. I'm not conservative. I'm Catholic.

I'm glad to hear someone talk about this.

[harrysmith]

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

[josephryan]

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

[thehippiecatholic]

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

[dianedruck]

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

[cherylanne]

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

[polanco]

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

[caz]

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

Thank you Brother Casey! GOD Bless.

[elizabethg]

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

[jegraham]

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

[williamdunson]

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

[heyjess]

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

[mg]

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

[willhunter]

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

[anipigs]

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

[carverredacted]

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

[VanGogh]

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