As a catholic and a philosopher I will summarize the common ground between stoicism and christianity: 1. Moral duty and virtue over pleasure. 2. Reason over passions. 3. Divine providence. 4. Attachment (where your well being depends on or what is your absolute) only to God. Points of divergence between christianity and stoicism: 1. Pantheism. 2. Materialism. 3. Absence of grace or too much confidence in human strength
Thanks so much! I've read Seneca in graduate school, yet I still walked away with some questions. A concise answer you have posited, which I appreciate.
Thank you Father Mike! I needed this exact sermon today so bad! I’ve been crying and having bad dreams about the situation currently in America. I struggle with trying to have Faith as n Jesus and that it will all be ok.
Thank you! I've been practicing stoicism 20 years or so now, it saved my life (quite literally). Have been converted to Catholicism 1 year. I find that they go very well together - as long as you base your stoicism on catholicism (or Christ). Of course, it's no secret that many ancient Christians were inspired by ancient Greek philosophy, especially by the Stoics. St. Paul is often called "a Stoic" even ;)
31 year old male and new dad here. I’m a devout Catholic and and am also very drawn to stoic principles. I think all wisdom comes from God and stoicism works for me. Bless you Fathet Mike! Just finished day 200 of Bible in a year! (I might subscribe)
This is honestly the way I see it. It’s the best way in my opinion. Ultimately Stoicism is just techniques for and abstaining from pleasures, which in a way is what Catholicism is and also, Stoicism doesn’t say not to follow religion lol so I don’t understand why some Catholics are so against it. Also, Exodus 90 is basically Stoic lol
You may want to read The Porch and the Cross: Ancient Stoic Wisdom for Modern Christian Living by the late Kevin Vost. It was published in 2016 and has a Nihil Obstat and Imprimater.
I’m going through so much. People often tell me that I’m “stoic” because of everything happening in my life. This video is my answer from God. You see, my answer up til now (to doctors, family, friends, neighbors) about “how I’m holding up” has been, “when things get rough, I hold on TIGHTER to God”. And it’s true! The harder things get, the harder I affirm my love for God. And I KNOW that I am not alone. HE is with me. *quick note* I have an aggressive form of metastasizing cancer. I have heart issues. I have a dangerous stalker continuously trying to get near, and just last month I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation (requiring surgery). And despite all this, I stand. I am held up by HIS love and promise.
Hello friend, have many issues, including CM2, now in a ♿ with constant pain & a progressive Neuro condition. The inevitable is coming closer but with many worsening days first. It can be hard to hold onto the light. But I am in awe & humbled by your strength. I also say this as an abuse survivor & further longtime Victim Advocate. I hope you have a religious leader & therapist for these things. Above all, I feel closer to Christ. Besides the Bible & the Stoics, Viktor Frankl's Man's Search For Meaning helps. Bless you. 🙏🕊️
I have fallen in love with "Mediations" - Marcus Aurelius ... and wondered how this aligns with me as a Catholic... this video definitely put things in perspective. Thank you.
I feel that Christianity is very close to Stoicism. The difference is with Christianity there's a deeper meaning to your suffering instead of Stoicism's "It's just what it is and we need to accept it."
I think of it this way: a stoic will endure the cross. But a Christian will not only endure the cross, but will embrace it will a smile on their face. It takes things a step further
I just always saw stoicism as being able to control your emotions and your actions when under duress and stressful situations. It's being able to understand you can't always change everything, so you accept the current situation and surge forward.
I would say Catholicism and Stoicism have a lot in common. We can take a look at Exodus 90 and lots of the practices are basically Stoic in nature. Cold showers, exercise, eating healthy, no alcohol, no social media etc. everything a Stoic would do. Stoicism says we should be testing ourselves, in my opinion Catholicism has gotten extremely soft and also part of the reason a lot of men seek something else.
Thank you, Father Mike. I love your videos-you are so relatable. While shopping today I got into a conversation with an employee. Found out she is Catholic. I told her about you and your videos and she wrote down your name and said she would check out your videos! I also mentioned BIY and CIY to her.
I agree...I was and still somewhat am a stoic. Then I began my spiritual journey. And that strength and grace from God evolved - or rather, elevated - my perspective.
I don't get flustered, try to see the light in the dark, and always thank God for giving me the strength to endure. I love the struggle and pray for forgiveness and faith to show my love for the Lord. I lost my lady who taught me how to feel and I pray for her every day. Till I see her again.
So true I am very stoic and at peace but youre right its often seen as indifference. I am just a strong person in the Lord. But you are so right on in this message.
I always thought i gave up Hope for Lent, then never picked it back up. Lo & behold, recently it picked ME up, through Jesus & a whole lotta prayers. Fr. Mike & Fr. Mark-Mary, Ascension, Duluth & Godsplaining have had a lot to do with this - truly grateful for everyone, and hope others can regain Hope too, if you felt you lost it. 🙏💙❣️
Thank you Father Mike. I have been thinking about this connection for a while but your explanations are always so clear. Please do continue to share your thoughts on this.
The best video you’ve made yet Father. For roughly two years I’ve been studying Stoicism along with trying to improve my Catholic holiness, and it didn’t take long for me to see the similarities in the two. Dust to dust, now and at the hour of our death and Momento Mori. Yup. It all ties out. Thanks Father!
I know lots of people who suffered terminal illness, bear pains in silence, keeping a brave front with their family I truly admire them and i pray for them 🙏 Sometimes I will tell them to share their pains with their loves one, together they can pray for each other 🙏
My relationship with being catholic grew when I practiced the tenets of stoicism. Personally? I teach the philosophy of stoicism to others especially if someone says something blasphemous about me being “just a cradle catholic”😅 Stoicism makes me remember Aquianas and Jesus too. So I guess its fine Thanks for sharing this Fr. Schmitz I hope you have a great rest of the day
Sounds similar to Carmelite detachment talked about by St Teresa of Avila. She taught humility, loving one another and detachment as the three fundamental virtues.
Thank you for this video, I am very interested in the stoic philosophy too and I did find a few parallels while reading Marcus Aurelius, even though he specifically comments on the christians of his time and is not convinced by the faith, maybe unbeknownst to himself he shared much more than he thought on a philosophical level. Acceptance, the concept of doing good toward others, the recognition of a divine/spiritual self within the mere physical form, the unpredictability and meaningfulness of life and its challenges, the concept of "turning the other cheek" and seeing everything as coming from God (although for him it was Zeus or/the Gods) and even a concept similar to the soul are some of the points in common with our fatih. I paid much attention while reading and stayed alert to concepts that did not fit with my beliefs, because I didn't want to be "misguided" by a non-catholic view, but in the end I was pleasantly surprised and marvelled at the depth of Marcus Aurelius' thought. Sometimes it doesn't even feel a 2000-ish year old text at all!
I'm going through a very difficult situation right now and I find that clinging to God is the only way to get through it. I notice that I lose my way if I engage in unholy things, and peaceful when I don't. I have become more and more indifferent to the things that take me away from Him. I needed to see this video for further clarity - thank you.
This was, as usual, a great video. I think I connected to the stoic element, as my father was somewhat of a stoic person. But now, looking back, I know my father was a first generation Italian. I know now that things we’re very difficult for him Because of that issue, of being first generation, he had developed a hardened person.But he did become a good Catholic along the way. I pray for my mother and father every night. And I pray they are in Jesus’s arms. I learned the forgiveness is the right way to remember him.Ave Maria
I love much of what I've read of Stoicism. Accepting your reality and still putting your best self forward, being a responsible citizen that contributes to the world in a good way. Rationality, self-discipline, duty and virtue. I have found these tenets compatible and not at all going against Catholicism, but I'm no priest/clergy so that's why I'm checking out your video. Thanks.
Woke up unexpectedly. Saw this as a pop-up. I must be stoic, or have 'Holy Indifference,' because I have acceptance. Generally speaking, I do regulate my emotions. I am OK, even though people tend to mistake me for not being OK. If someone tells me that I am not OK, based on the fact that I cry, or laugh at something that wouldn't necessarily make another person laugh, that's not my fault. At the end of each interaction with anyone that I have the first thing that I need to think about is that I want Jesus Christ before anything or anyone else. It's been that way my whole life. No one is perfect. It's Grace that keeps us from the clutches of the enemy, even if we're in the enemy's hands. I want to do what pleases Jesus, even if others want to draw me away from Him. Thank you Father Mike Schmitz. God bless you, right back.
The Catechism presents Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance as "Cardinal Virtues." These were stoic virtues classically accepted by secular philosophy before the time of Christ. But we also have the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, which perfect all virtues. We can never be perfect in and of ourselves in practicing any virtues, earthly or heavenly. Nonetheless the Cardinal Virtues are good human virtues, but cannot ever be perfect until they are given these supernatural virtues from God, in whom all virtue has its source and perfection. Thus stoicism is good but not perfect until completed by Christianity.
I have been studying Stoicism for about a year now. Many confuse stoicism....an unemotional stiff upper lip type, and Stoicism, the ancient philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and others which is about letting go of things you have no control over. It is our reactions that we control. Very interesting because a few months back I viewed a stoicism video that was about the same thing, that is how is Stoicism consistent with Christianity, but from the Stoicism side. And a Stoic can absolutely be a Christian. I'd also add Zen wisdom based on Buddhism...as a philosophy as opposed to the religion, can go hand in hand with Stoicism. Zen wisdom teaches a lot about mindfulness, being present in the moment, and about being compassionate to ourselves and others. I believe God wants us to be happy in this life, and wants us to love him and others, and ourselves as well. Christianity, Stoicism and Zen wisdom can all help when we keep our love of Christ in mind.
Most of the priests when I was a child, in the 70's were trained in the pre Vatucan 2 seminary. They had regular physical lessons on how to be stoic. As a kid, I thought it was a coldness, but as an adult, I see what they were doing. The actions of these men ended up being a BIG help for me in my current employment, to avoid conflict that can be avoided, and to keep a level of serenity throughout my work day. An example of being stoic during Mass; something strange happens in Mass that causes a startling noise, like a crying baby, or a glass breaking. The priest wont even flinch. He continues praying as if nothing happens.
In my opinion, not only can a Christian be stoic, but I believe that as Christians we SHOULD be stoic. Because of the promise Christ made to us we have nothing to fear so why should we complain under hardship?
I loved this video, this is similar to why Buddhism is sometimes seen as a veeeeery close non-Christian system to Christianity, but also misses the mark, as in the end of the day Buddhism was about how to be able to accept and live the life here on earth, without a god (specifically THE God, Christ), and that can be seen where Buddhism sometimes falls short (in my opinion).
I'm a History student and although stoicism is not the fullness of the revelation, I have to say I have some great respect for Marcus Aurelius. Most Roman emperors had dozens of affairs with other women while married and would commit even incestuous relationships, while being extremely promiscuous and vulnerable to lust. This virtuous man, on the other hand, held many principles worthy of praise, including being faithful to his only wife. When I read his Meditations I was blown away by how close to Christianity some of his stoic ideals were. Too bad he allowed Christians to be persecuted when the populace felt like, like St. Blandina in Lugdunum. Still, let's hope God was merciful to him because clearly he wasn't far from the truth of The Lord
Word on Fire has a book called "After Stoicism" that's about Boethius, the last philosopher of ancient Rome and a Christian theologian. He was falsely accused of treason and spent months in prison waiting for his execution. He sought consolation from the philosophers but for him tranquility was not enough reached for something beyond Stoicism. The book is a guide on how he took everything good from Stoicism and fused it with his religious convictions that there is a hope for happiness through and beyond the suffering of this life. It's a book about a book Boethius wrote called "The Consolation of Philosophy".
@@kenshinjd He died in October 23, 524 and is canonized as St. Severinus Boethius. His full name is Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius not to be confused with another St. Boethian a Benedictine martyr.
The biggest indicator of difference that you pointed out, we have a relationship with God. But in turning everything over to God I am living life here as if earth is Heaven. I have no control but it's all good with me. I feel simple-minded.
Would love to see a collab with Ryan holiday and father Mike . Besides the Bible in a year and catechism in a year Ryan holiday writings have been one of a few books I reread, to help me become a better person.
Have mercy Lord. Please help me with the dark fear. It is suffocating. I am afraid of life, each minute is terror and torture. Can someone pray for me please.
I knew there was something to stoicism as I always felt a connection to it but thought it was unhealthy. I assumed it came off as uncaring. Holy indifference indeed. Thanks be to God! Praise Jesus!
I am basically a stoic practicing cathartic simple because that’s who I am as a human being I am aware of my flaws for I am far from perfect I also believe that I am not alone no siblings never married but with god at my side all things are possible and as to my flaws I am working on them to hopefully become a better person what else can you do if I can help someone I will
Learn Latin. Yes, Aurelius wrote his Meditations in Greek (so, learn Greek too-you can read the Septuagint), but studying Latin gives you direct access to the Vulgate and helps you understand the language that shaped Aurelius.
Stoicism has some real practical advantages but so does Christianity and I often think that I should have to choose one of the other but in fact they share many things and the most important similarity for me is how to deal with people who have wronged or hurt you and both say we should forgive...forgiving people has helped me move on in my life many times...plus who are we to not forgive especially when we need Our Lord's forgiveness!
As a practicing stoic and minister, I have often drawn comparisons to Stoicism and Christianity particularly because the ideas of Stoicism are older than Christianity by a couple hundred years yet much of what Christianity embodies was present in so called "pagan" society like ancient Rome and have transcended time. Ryan Holliday is one of my favorite authors and the way he distills Stoicism to be applicable to modern society very much can tie into being a modern Christian and while there are points where Christianity and Stoicism differ, they have far more in common than they do separately. It is my personal belief that if Stoicism were applied appropriately to Christianity and vice versa, the impact on the faithful would be massive
I came to the Lord asking for his blessings as a single mom because raising my son (Joel) was an act of courage despite all the challenges. And the Lord answered my prayers with a benefiting. income of $41,000 every month. To God be the glory. Joel is in school and life's been fair lately.
I've always wanted to be involved for a long time but the volatility in the price has been very confusing to me. Although I have watched a lot of TH-cam videos about it but I still find it hard to understand.
I have a stoic personality, but as a Catholic, that doesn’t mean I’m apathetic or indifferent to other people’s sufferings. I’ve simply learned to focus on what truly matters. For example, I was at the Feast of the Black Nazarene yesterday and stood in line for 13 hours just to get close to the statue of Jesus. Imagine-thirteen hours! It felt like an eternity 🤣. In my heart, I had so many feelings. I wanted to feel annoyed, frustrated, angry, disappointed, and more. My mind was racing with thoughts: "Why is this taking so long? This is annoying. I’m hungry. I’m tired. What are the authorities doing to improve the situation?" However, being stoic allowed me to focus on the one thing that truly mattered: praying the rosary. If I had engaged with my feelings or entertained every thought, I would have given up and gone home 😆. This is also true in my life as a Catholic. I am a woman with many feelings. However, if I allow myself to be ruled by emotions all the time, the cross I carry will feel heavier than it actually is.
Forgiveness, acceptance and surrender are possibly the most powerful spiritual practices in existence. We are forgiven as much as we forgive so we receive peace, we accept all of Gods creation as it is so we don't judge, we surrender to God knowing that he loves us more than we can ever imagine and knows exactly what's best for us 💚
Psalm 35 (English Standard Version) 1 Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! 2 Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! 3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!” 4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me! 5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away! 6 Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them! 7 For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life. 8 Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it-to his destruction! 9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation. 10 All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?” 11 Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. 12 They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft. 13 But I, when they were sick- I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. 14 I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning. 15 But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered; they gathered together against me; wretches whom I did not know tore at me without ceasing; 16 like profane mockers at a feast, they gnash at me with their teeth. 17 How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions! 18 I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you. 19 Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause. 20 For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit. 21 They open wide their mouths against me; they say, “Aha, Aha! Our eyes have seen it!” 22 You have seen, O Lord; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me! 23 Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord! 24 Vindicate me, O Lord, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me! 25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, our heart's desire!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me! 27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” 28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.
How does temperament play into all this? If nature and early nurture has made me not stoic or not patient or just neurotic, what do I do? And if life events have destroyed my nerves and trust, what do I do? Why do certain people get this talent - of patience, stoicism, keeping cool, and get to live holier lives? I'm really struggling with my personality, and with physical damage to my brain due to medication, the cross of my mental health has become so heavy. How am I free in my spiritual thinking if my mind can't work properly?
Hello, I had the good fortune of hearing Bible in the Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz on the EWTN radio broadcast on Tuesday evening Dec. 31, 2024. At the end of the podcast Fr. Mike gave a commentary on experiencing the Love of God. I found it quite moving and inspirational. Is there any way I could get a transcript of that commentary?
The opinion of the Peripatetics (followers of Aristotle) on the passions is more Catholic than that of the Stoics. From St. Thomas Aquinas (his commentary on Job chapter 3): "There were two opinions held by ancient philosophers about the passions. The Stoics said that there was no place in the wise man for sorrow. The Peripatetics said that the wise man is indeed sad, but in sad things he conducts himself with a moderation in accord with reason. This opinion accords with the truth. For reason does not take away the condition of nature. It is natural to sensible nature to rejoice and be pleased about fitting things, and grieve and feel pain about harmful things. So reason does not take away this natural disposition, but so moderates it, that reason is not deflected from its right course because of sorrow. This opinion also accords with Holy Scripture which places sorrow in Christ, in whom there is every fullness of virtue and wisdom."
Stoicism has that element that to me is like that 6 second delay they have on TV... we need to practice it. When reviewing what plenary indulgences are and how to obtain them, in addition to being in a state of grace we need to, "have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin".... this to me is the main piece of stoicism that is relevant to us.
British soldiers in the First World War used to sing a song that went 'We're here because were here because we're here'. There seems to be some of that sensibility woven through this.
I wonder if forcing stoicism without true growth in virtue or spiritual maturity (fake it 'til you make it) can lead to burnout and a suppression of all emotion. Are all emotions bad? Were we not intended to have them? In my opinion, maturity comes from feeling emotions and managing them in a healthy way, but I'm not sure that's going to appear as stoic, based on today's definition. Stoics often seem to have an attitude of ignoring emotions. Many "stoic" people that I've encountered appear to have great control, but if we look at the definition as described by Father Mike, they'd also be much more charitable and caring people; instead they come off as cold and indifferent, unable to adapt and read a room to show compassion or be a friend. Have others made similar observations? I'm on a journey of healing and growing in emotional intelligence, so I may have a bias or misunderstanding in how emotional intelligence and stoicism should coincide.
I’m aware of the Fact that I am incredibly blessed. I Absolutely Adore/Fear our Omnipotent Lord and savior. I Trust that God Loves me and that He won’t give me challenges that I won’t be able to overcome; all in spite of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I can Only Be Thankful for my Amazing family. Of course that doesn’t take away the fact that I’m still human, still got a lot of praying and growing to do, so, “Lord, in Your Hands, I commend my spirit.” 🙏🏼❤️✝️❤️🙏🏼 Please illuminate me a path to become your stronger daughter. I pray in Jesus name, Amen.
Reading stoicism eventually led me to rediscover Christianity after leaving the Church for a very long time. To me, the main tenets of stoicism are compatible and complementary to the Christian life. Epictetus specifically for me is a stoic philosopher I highly recommend.
Marcus Aurelius learned through reason what Christians take on faith but they both lead to the same truth. Read the Book of Ecclesiastes and show me I'm wrong?
I don't know if Father Mike or anyone from Ascension reads these, but if so then thank you first of all. Also, I guess my thoughts would be summed up as "what does any of that mean?" Things like having a relationship with God/Jesus, or God being there for us/me, or "God is there with you in your struggle" just don't mean anything to me. Like, how exactly do you have a relationship with an intangible, invisible, inaudible person? (sorry if person is the wrong word to use) God is there in my struggles? Okay, to what point? He's not physically helping, so what does that mean? I don't pretend that my life is particularly bad, but I have been sick basically all my life in one form or another. In all that time, I can't think of one time where I really wanted any manner of emotional support or anything so the idea of God "being there" just... doesn't mean anything. Like, if He knows everything, is all powerful and loves me more than anything else then why would His help be in a form that is so fundamentally invisible and disinteresting to me? Anyway, I guess the point I'm driving at here is can you explain what exactly all that "relationship" stuff means in simple, practical, concrete terms? Preferably explaining it like I'm five? Or like you're telling someone how to build a shed and they don't even know what a hammer or a nail is?
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
As a catholic and a philosopher I will summarize the common ground between stoicism and christianity:
1. Moral duty and virtue over pleasure.
2. Reason over passions.
3. Divine providence.
4. Attachment (where your well being depends on or what is your absolute) only to God.
Points of divergence between christianity and stoicism:
1. Pantheism.
2. Materialism.
3. Absence of grace or too much confidence in human strength
Thanks so much! I've read Seneca in graduate school, yet I still walked away with some questions. A concise answer you have posited, which I appreciate.
Well said. Stocism brought me back home to Christianity, but it its a bit like eating a hamburger without the meat.
@@reginaldphillips7615 Yes, there seems to be something missing there . . . some kind of void.
Thank you Father Mike! I needed this exact sermon today so bad! I’ve been crying and having bad dreams about the situation currently in America. I struggle with trying to have Faith as n Jesus and that it will all be ok.
Orthodox Christian here and I have been a student of stoicism for about 5 years now. I wish I had it years before I did.
Thank you! I've been practicing stoicism 20 years or so now, it saved my life (quite literally). Have been converted to Catholicism 1 year. I find that they go very well together - as long as you base your stoicism on catholicism (or Christ). Of course, it's no secret that many ancient Christians were inspired by ancient Greek philosophy, especially by the Stoics. St. Paul is often called "a Stoic" even ;)
31 year old male and new dad here. I’m a devout Catholic and and am also very drawn to stoic principles. I think all wisdom comes from God and stoicism works for me. Bless you Fathet Mike! Just finished day 200 of Bible in a year! (I might subscribe)
This is honestly the way I see it. It’s the best way in my opinion. Ultimately Stoicism is just techniques for and abstaining from pleasures, which in a way is what Catholicism is and also, Stoicism doesn’t say not to follow religion lol so I don’t understand why some Catholics are so against it. Also, Exodus 90 is basically Stoic lol
@ starting exodus 90 in a few days!
Life is really hard i hope god blesses everyone watching these videos as well as those who are not.
Have faith
Someone should write a book about stoicism for catholics I love stoicism.... Unfortunately all the writers of stoicism discourage hope
You may want to read The Porch and the Cross: Ancient Stoic Wisdom for Modern Christian Living by the late Kevin Vost. It was published in 2016 and has a Nihil Obstat and Imprimater.
That’s why the ancient Greeks embraced the Gospel so quickly, fervently, widely and deeply.
I’m going through so much. People often tell me that I’m “stoic” because of everything happening in my life. This video is my answer from God.
You see, my answer up til now (to doctors, family, friends, neighbors) about “how I’m holding up” has been, “when things get rough, I hold on TIGHTER to God”. And it’s true! The harder things get, the harder I affirm my love for God. And I KNOW that I am not alone. HE is with me.
*quick note* I have an aggressive form of metastasizing cancer. I have heart issues. I have a dangerous stalker continuously trying to get near, and just last month I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation (requiring surgery). And despite all this, I stand. I am held up by HIS love and promise.
Your faith will sustain you. God bless!
I’ll keep you in my prayers
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Your faith is incredible!
Hello friend, have many issues, including CM2, now in a ♿ with constant pain & a progressive Neuro condition. The inevitable is coming closer but with many worsening days first. It can be hard to hold onto the light. But I am in awe & humbled by your strength. I also say this as an abuse survivor & further longtime Victim Advocate. I hope you have a religious leader & therapist for these things. Above all, I feel closer to Christ. Besides the Bible & the Stoics, Viktor Frankl's Man's Search For Meaning helps. Bless you. 🙏🕊️
@ 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I have fallen in love with "Mediations" - Marcus Aurelius ... and wondered how this aligns with me as a Catholic... this video definitely put things in perspective. Thank you.
there are many christian martyrs during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, just fyi
Yes!!! Christian Stoicism!!! 💙💙💙
I would be interested in hearing more about your thoughts related to fans of stoicism and Ryan Holiday.
I’ve always felt drawn by the stoics as a Catholic and I’m happy to see I’m not the only one.
It is what it is. Sums up acceptance of the situation.
I feel that Christianity is very close to Stoicism. The difference is with Christianity there's a deeper meaning to your suffering instead of Stoicism's "It's just what it is and we need to accept it."
True, however, Stoicism has many different techniques than just “pray” which prayer is awesome but sometimes I need other ways of looking at things.
It has been a long 2,000 years, but I'm glad to see Stoicism is making a return.
I think of it this way: a stoic will endure the cross. But a Christian will not only endure the cross, but will embrace it will a smile on their face. It takes things a step further
Mm, very good. A small difference, but a world of difference as well. "Getting through it" vs. "going with it"
I love the overlaps... many times it makes a lot sense but im really happy living and putting my trust and hope in Christ. Thanks Father Mike!
ABBA Father, my Lord my saviour my King. You are so worthy 🙌
Thank you Fr Mike 🤗
I just always saw stoicism as being able to control your emotions and your actions when under duress and stressful situations. It's being able to understand you can't always change everything, so you accept the current situation and surge forward.
I would say Catholicism and Stoicism have a lot in common. We can take a look at Exodus 90 and lots of the practices are basically Stoic in nature. Cold showers, exercise, eating healthy, no alcohol, no social media etc. everything a Stoic would do. Stoicism says we should be testing ourselves, in my opinion Catholicism has gotten extremely soft and also part of the reason a lot of men seek something else.
Thank you, Father Mike. I love your videos-you are so relatable. While shopping today I got into a conversation with an employee. Found out she is Catholic. I told her about you and your videos and she wrote down your name and said she would check out your videos! I also mentioned BIY and CIY to her.
Thank you for this wisdom, Father. We need this Christian stoicism in this world now.
I agree...I was and still somewhat am a stoic. Then I began my spiritual journey. And that strength and grace from God evolved - or rather, elevated - my perspective.
❤❤❤❤
This is so beautiful!! Maybe one of my favorites ever! Salvation is, being saved from being un Christ like.
So that we can become LIKE HIM! 🙏🩷
I needed to hear this. Thank you Fr. Mike.🙏❤️
I don't get flustered, try to see the light in the dark, and always thank God for giving me the strength to endure. I love the struggle and pray for forgiveness and faith to show my love for the Lord. I lost my lady who taught me how to feel and I pray for her every day. Till I see her again.
Valuable words of wisdom...Fr.Mike Thankyou. 🙏🙏🙏
The timing of this podcast is perfectly timed for me. The divine intervention is not lost of me.
So true I am very stoic and at peace but youre right its often seen as indifference. I am just a strong person in the Lord. But you are so right on in this message.
Another informative and wonderful video. Thank you so much, Fr. Mike.
I always thought i gave up Hope for Lent, then never picked it back up. Lo & behold, recently it picked ME up, through Jesus & a whole lotta prayers. Fr. Mike & Fr. Mark-Mary, Ascension, Duluth & Godsplaining have had a lot to do with this - truly grateful for everyone, and hope others can regain Hope too, if you felt you lost it. 🙏💙❣️
Thank you Father Mike. I have been thinking about this connection for a while but your explanations are always so clear. Please do continue to share your thoughts on this.
Great topic and analysis! More like this Mike!
The best video you’ve made yet Father. For roughly two years I’ve been studying Stoicism along with trying to improve my Catholic holiness, and it didn’t take long for me to see the similarities in the two. Dust to dust, now and at the hour of our death and Momento Mori. Yup. It all ties out.
Thanks Father!
I know lots of people who suffered terminal illness, bear pains in silence, keeping a brave front with their family
I truly admire them and i pray for them 🙏
Sometimes I will tell them to share their pains with their loves one, together they can pray for each other 🙏
Always great listening to you Father Mike and your wise words. I believe one can be stoic and Christian sometimes, but not all the time.
My relationship with being catholic grew when I practiced the tenets of stoicism.
Personally? I teach the philosophy of stoicism to others especially if someone says something blasphemous about me being “just a cradle catholic”😅
Stoicism makes me remember Aquianas and Jesus too. So I guess its fine
Thanks for sharing this Fr. Schmitz
I hope you have a great rest of the day
Thank you for this message! This explanation helps me to understand and accept myself and so many things in my life.
I really needed to hear about God’s permissive will at this time in my life. Thank you Father Mike!
Thank you for continuously feeding us the word of God. God bless you Father Mike 🙏
I really needed to hear this Great timing
Sounds similar to Carmelite detachment talked about by St Teresa of Avila. She taught humility, loving one another and detachment as the three fundamental virtues.
Thanks Fr Mike for this teaching. Food for thought. God Bless.
Thank you!!! More philosophies examined through the Church’s opinion! ❤❤❤
Another nugget from Fr Mike. Thank you!
Thank you for this video, I am very interested in the stoic philosophy too and I did find a few parallels while reading Marcus Aurelius, even though he specifically comments on the christians of his time and is not convinced by the faith, maybe unbeknownst to himself he shared much more than he thought on a philosophical level. Acceptance, the concept of doing good toward others, the recognition of a divine/spiritual self within the mere physical form, the unpredictability and meaningfulness of life and its challenges, the concept of "turning the other cheek" and seeing everything as coming from God (although for him it was Zeus or/the Gods) and even a concept similar to the soul are some of the points in common with our fatih. I paid much attention while reading and stayed alert to concepts that did not fit with my beliefs, because I didn't want to be "misguided" by a non-catholic view, but in the end I was pleasantly surprised and marvelled at the depth of Marcus Aurelius' thought. Sometimes it doesn't even feel a 2000-ish year old text at all!
I'm going through a very difficult situation right now and I find that clinging to God is the only way to get through it. I notice that I lose my way if I engage in unholy things, and peaceful when I don't. I have become more and more indifferent to the things that take me away from Him. I needed to see this video for further clarity - thank you.
This was, as usual, a great video. I think I connected to the stoic element, as my father was somewhat of a stoic person. But now, looking back, I know my father was a first generation Italian. I know now that things we’re very difficult for him
Because of that issue, of being first generation, he had developed a hardened person.But he did become a good Catholic along the way. I pray for my mother and father every night. And I pray they are in Jesus’s arms. I learned the forgiveness is the right way to remember him.Ave Maria
I love much of what I've read of Stoicism. Accepting your reality and still putting your best self forward, being a responsible citizen that contributes to the world in a good way. Rationality, self-discipline, duty and virtue. I have found these tenets compatible and not at all going against Catholicism, but I'm no priest/clergy so that's why I'm checking out your video. Thanks.
Woke up unexpectedly. Saw this as a pop-up. I must be stoic, or have 'Holy Indifference,' because I have acceptance. Generally speaking, I do regulate my emotions. I am OK, even though people tend to mistake me for not being OK. If someone tells me that I am not OK, based on the fact that I cry, or laugh at something that wouldn't necessarily make another person laugh, that's not my fault. At the end of each interaction with anyone that I have the first thing that I need to think about is that I want Jesus Christ before anything or anyone else. It's been that way my whole life. No one is perfect. It's Grace that keeps us from the clutches of the enemy, even if we're in the enemy's hands. I want to do what pleases Jesus, even if others want to draw me away from Him. Thank you Father Mike Schmitz. God bless you, right back.
This was an undeniable sign for me. Thank you Father!
The Catechism presents Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance as "Cardinal Virtues." These were stoic virtues classically accepted by secular philosophy before the time of Christ. But we also have the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, which perfect all virtues. We can never be perfect in and of ourselves in practicing any virtues, earthly or heavenly. Nonetheless the Cardinal Virtues are good human virtues, but cannot ever be perfect until they are given these supernatural virtues from God, in whom all virtue has its source and perfection. Thus stoicism is good but not perfect until completed by Christianity.
That comment about hangriness was aimed directly at me. You're right, thank you Father. Holy Indifference.
It’s amazing how we actually have very little ourselves, and so much is infinitely given by God.
I have been studying Stoicism for about a year now. Many confuse stoicism....an unemotional stiff upper lip type, and Stoicism, the ancient philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and others which is about letting go of things you have no control over. It is our reactions that we control. Very interesting because a few months back I viewed a stoicism video that was about the same thing, that is how is Stoicism consistent with Christianity, but from the Stoicism side. And a Stoic can absolutely be a Christian. I'd also add Zen wisdom based on Buddhism...as a philosophy as opposed to the religion, can go hand in hand with Stoicism. Zen wisdom teaches a lot about mindfulness, being present in the moment, and about being compassionate to ourselves and others. I believe God wants us to be happy in this life, and wants us to love him and others, and ourselves as well. Christianity, Stoicism and Zen wisdom can all help when we keep our love of Christ in mind.
Most of the priests when I was a child, in the 70's were trained in the pre Vatucan 2 seminary. They had regular physical lessons on how to be stoic. As a kid, I thought it was a coldness, but as an adult, I see what they were doing. The actions of these men ended up being a BIG help for me in my current employment, to avoid conflict that can be avoided, and to keep a level of serenity throughout my work day. An example of being stoic during Mass; something strange happens in Mass that causes a startling noise, like a crying baby, or a glass breaking. The priest wont even flinch. He continues praying as if nothing happens.
Father Mike❤ God bless❤❤
In my opinion, not only can a Christian be stoic, but I believe that as Christians we SHOULD be stoic. Because of the promise Christ made to us we have nothing to fear so why should we complain under hardship?
AMEN 🫡💯💯 Gracias Father Mike, U JST have A Great WAY of Explaining N KEEP ON Doing what you do, GOD BLESS YOU. ☝️💯💯
I loved this video, this is similar to why Buddhism is sometimes seen as a veeeeery close non-Christian system to Christianity, but also misses the mark, as in the end of the day Buddhism was about how to be able to accept and live the life here on earth, without a god (specifically THE God, Christ), and that can be seen where Buddhism sometimes falls short (in my opinion).
Praying for the poor souls in purgatory and may God's perpetual light shines upon them and give them eternal peace in heaven Amen 🙏🙏🙏
I'm a History student and although stoicism is not the fullness of the revelation, I have to say I have some great respect for Marcus Aurelius. Most Roman emperors had dozens of affairs with other women while married and would commit even incestuous relationships, while being extremely promiscuous and vulnerable to lust. This virtuous man, on the other hand, held many principles worthy of praise, including being faithful to his only wife. When I read his Meditations I was blown away by how close to Christianity some of his stoic ideals were. Too bad he allowed Christians to be persecuted when the populace felt like, like St. Blandina in Lugdunum. Still, let's hope God was merciful to him because clearly he wasn't far from the truth of The Lord
Lord, help me trust in Your perfect love and permissive will. I surrender all doubt to You and open my heart to Your promises.
Word on Fire has a book called "After Stoicism" that's about Boethius, the last philosopher of ancient Rome and a Christian theologian. He was falsely accused of treason and spent months in prison waiting for his execution. He sought consolation from the philosophers but for him tranquility was not enough reached for something beyond Stoicism. The book is a guide on how he took everything good from Stoicism and fused it with his religious convictions that there is a hope for happiness through and beyond the suffering of this life. It's a book about a book Boethius wrote called "The Consolation of Philosophy".
I got that book for Christmas and I am reading it now. 😊
Did he get executed in the end? Or was he set free?
I completely agree! I believe all wisdom comes from God and I'm taking the good from the Stoics and marry it to my love and following Jesus
@@kenshinjd He died in October 23, 524 and is canonized as St. Severinus Boethius. His full name is Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius not to be confused with another St. Boethian a Benedictine martyr.
The biggest indicator of difference that you pointed out, we have a relationship with God.
But in turning everything over to God I am living life here as if earth is Heaven. I have no control but it's all good with me.
I feel simple-minded.
Would love to see a collab with Ryan holiday and father Mike . Besides the Bible in a year and catechism in a year Ryan holiday writings have been one of a few books I reread, to help me become a better person.
Have mercy Lord. Please help me with the dark fear. It is suffocating. I am afraid of life, each minute is terror and torture. Can someone pray for me please.
God is with you always. I’ll be praying for you.
I knew there was something to stoicism as I always felt a connection to it but thought it was unhealthy. I assumed it came off as uncaring. Holy indifference indeed. Thanks be to God! Praise Jesus!
I am basically a stoic practicing cathartic simple because that’s who I am as a human being
I am aware of my flaws for I am far from perfect
I also believe that I am not alone no siblings never married but with god at my side all things are possible and as to my flaws I am working on them to hopefully become a better person what else can you do if I can help someone I will
Beautiful sermon. It makes me think about my spiritual life
Learn Latin. Yes, Aurelius wrote his Meditations in Greek (so, learn Greek too-you can read the Septuagint), but studying Latin gives you direct access to the Vulgate and helps you understand the language that shaped Aurelius.
Stoicism has some real practical advantages but so does Christianity and I often think that I should have to choose one of the other but in fact they share many things and the most important similarity for me is how to deal with people who have wronged or hurt you and both say we should forgive...forgiving people has helped me move on in my life many times...plus who are we to not forgive especially when we need Our Lord's forgiveness!
As a practicing stoic and minister, I have often drawn comparisons to Stoicism and Christianity particularly because the ideas of Stoicism are older than Christianity by a couple hundred years yet much of what Christianity embodies was present in so called "pagan" society like ancient Rome and have transcended time. Ryan Holliday is one of my favorite authors and the way he distills Stoicism to be applicable to modern society very much can tie into being a modern Christian and while there are points where Christianity and Stoicism differ, they have far more in common than they do separately. It is my personal belief that if Stoicism were applied appropriately to Christianity and vice versa, the impact on the faithful would be massive
🙏🏼 ❤ 😊 GOD BLESS Father Nice One Take Care 😊
Deep things to think about in the deep mid winter. 🥶 Stay warm friends.
I came to the Lord asking for his blessings as a single mom because raising my son (Joel) was an act of courage despite all the challenges. And the Lord answered my prayers with a benefiting. income of $41,000 every month. To God be the glory. Joel is in school and life's been fair lately.
Congratulations!! The scriptures clearly
states there's going a transference of the
riches of the heathen to the righteous.God
keep blessings you
But how do you earn so much in a month? By sharing your thoughts?
Thanks to Laura Walsh Morgan.
Really feel your pain, when I was even almost down my God sent to me Laura Walsh Morgan services cryp to me and changed the game automatically
I've always wanted to be involved for a long time but the volatility in the price has been very confusing to me. Although I have watched a lot of TH-cam videos about it but I still find it hard to understand.
Stoicism is an underrated virtue.
I have a stoic personality, but as a Catholic, that doesn’t mean I’m apathetic or indifferent to other people’s sufferings. I’ve simply learned to focus on what truly matters.
For example, I was at the Feast of the Black Nazarene yesterday and stood in line for 13 hours just to get close to the statue of Jesus. Imagine-thirteen hours! It felt like an eternity 🤣. In my heart, I had so many feelings. I wanted to feel annoyed, frustrated, angry, disappointed, and more. My mind was racing with thoughts: "Why is this taking so long? This is annoying. I’m hungry. I’m tired. What are the authorities doing to improve the situation?"
However, being stoic allowed me to focus on the one thing that truly mattered: praying the rosary. If I had engaged with my feelings or entertained every thought, I would have given up and gone home 😆.
This is also true in my life as a Catholic. I am a woman with many feelings. However, if I allow myself to be ruled by emotions all the time, the cross I carry will feel heavier than it actually is.
Forgiveness, acceptance and surrender are possibly the most powerful spiritual practices in existence. We are forgiven as much as we forgive so we receive peace, we accept all of Gods creation as it is so we don't judge, we surrender to God knowing that he loves us more than we can ever imagine and knows exactly what's best for us 💚
8:06 amen! It is God's strength that keeps me going bc I most certainly could not manage this life without Him
Psalm 35 (English Standard Version)
1 Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me!
2 Take hold of shield and buckler
and rise for my help!
3 Draw the spear and javelin
against my pursuers!
Say to my soul,
“I am your salvation!”
4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor
who seek after my life!
Let them be turned back and disappointed
who devise evil against me!
5 Let them be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the Lord driving them away!
6 Let their way be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the Lord pursuing them!
7 For without cause they hid their net for me;
without cause they dug a pit for my life.
8 Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it!
And let the net that he hid ensnare him;
let him fall into it-to his destruction!
9 Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord,
exulting in his salvation.
10 All my bones shall say,
“O Lord, who is like you,
delivering the poor
from him who is too strong for him,
the poor and needy from him who robs him?”
11 Malicious witnesses rise up;
they ask me of things that I do not know.
12 They repay me evil for good;
my soul is bereft.
13 But I, when they were sick-
I wore sackcloth;
I afflicted myself with fasting;
I prayed with head bowed on my chest.
14 I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother;
as one who laments his mother,
I bowed down in mourning.
15 But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered;
they gathered together against me;
wretches whom I did not know
tore at me without ceasing;
16 like profane mockers at a feast,
they gnash at me with their teeth.
17 How long, O Lord, will you look on?
Rescue me from their destruction,
my precious life from the lions!
18 I will thank you in the great congregation;
in the mighty throng I will praise you.
19 Let not those rejoice over me
who are wrongfully my foes,
and let not those wink the eye
who hate me without cause.
20 For they do not speak peace,
but against those who are quiet in the land
they devise words of deceit.
21 They open wide their mouths against me;
they say, “Aha, Aha!
Our eyes have seen it!”
22 You have seen, O Lord; be not silent!
O Lord, be not far from me!
23 Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication,
for my cause, my God and my Lord!
24 Vindicate me, O Lord, my God,
according to your righteousness,
and let them not rejoice over me!
25 Let them not say in their hearts,
“Aha, our heart's desire!”
Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”
26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether
who rejoice at my calamity!
Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor
who magnify themselves against me!
27 Let those who delight in my righteousness
shout for joy and be glad
and say evermore,
“Great is the Lord,
who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness
and of your praise all the day long.
St. Paul quotes from the Stoic poet Aratus in his sermon on the Areopagus in Athens.
Thank you father. This has given me hope. Why is it hard for my family and friends to accept someone who has accepted their circumstances?
How does temperament play into all this? If nature and early nurture has made me not stoic or not patient or just neurotic, what do I do? And if life events have destroyed my nerves and trust, what do I do? Why do certain people get this talent - of patience, stoicism, keeping cool, and get to live holier lives? I'm really struggling with my personality, and with physical damage to my brain due to medication, the cross of my mental health has become so heavy. How am I free in my spiritual thinking if my mind can't work properly?
We can be stoic in the context of Denying ourselves, picking up our cross and following Christ. This way we embrace suffering
Love my catholicity and stoicism
Please how ?
Am a born Christian and sometimes I feel so down 😭 of myself because of low finance but I still believe God😞
It's Elizabeth Ann Hanson doing she's changed my life. A BROKER- like her is what you need.
$356K monthly is something you should feel differently about....
Lovely! I enjoyed it like I enjoy a $100k monthly around the turn!!!
Hello,
I had the good fortune of hearing Bible in the Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz on the EWTN radio broadcast on Tuesday evening Dec. 31, 2024.
At the end of the podcast Fr. Mike gave a commentary on experiencing the Love of God. I found it quite moving and inspirational. Is there any way I could get a transcript of that commentary?
The opinion of the Peripatetics (followers of Aristotle) on the passions is more Catholic than that of the Stoics.
From St. Thomas Aquinas (his commentary on Job chapter 3):
"There were two opinions held by ancient philosophers about the passions. The Stoics said that there was no place in the wise man for sorrow. The Peripatetics said that the wise man is indeed sad, but in sad things he conducts himself with a moderation in accord with reason. This opinion accords with the truth. For reason does not take away the condition of nature. It is natural to sensible nature to rejoice and be pleased about fitting things, and grieve and feel pain about harmful things. So reason does not take away this natural disposition, but so moderates it, that reason is not deflected from its right course because of sorrow. This opinion also accords with Holy Scripture which places sorrow in Christ, in whom there is every fullness of virtue and wisdom."
Stoicism has that element that to me is like that 6 second delay they have on TV... we need to practice it. When reviewing what plenary indulgences are and how to obtain them, in addition to being in a state of grace we need to, "have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin".... this to me is the main piece of stoicism that is relevant to us.
Very well said ❤
St. Paul seems to have advocated for a modified form of Stoicism.
British soldiers in the First World War used to sing a song that went 'We're here because were here because we're here'. There seems to be some of that sensibility woven through this.
I wonder if forcing stoicism without true growth in virtue or spiritual maturity (fake it 'til you make it) can lead to burnout and a suppression of all emotion. Are all emotions bad? Were we not intended to have them? In my opinion, maturity comes from feeling emotions and managing them in a healthy way, but I'm not sure that's going to appear as stoic, based on today's definition. Stoics often seem to have an attitude of ignoring emotions. Many "stoic" people that I've encountered appear to have great control, but if we look at the definition as described by Father Mike, they'd also be much more charitable and caring people; instead they come off as cold and indifferent, unable to adapt and read a room to show compassion or be a friend. Have others made similar observations? I'm on a journey of healing and growing in emotional intelligence, so I may have a bias or misunderstanding in how emotional intelligence and stoicism should coincide.
I’m aware of the Fact that I am incredibly blessed. I Absolutely Adore/Fear our Omnipotent Lord and savior.
I Trust that God Loves me and that He won’t give me challenges that I won’t be able to overcome; all in spite of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
I can Only Be Thankful for my Amazing family.
Of course that doesn’t take away the fact that I’m still human, still got a lot of praying and growing to do, so, “Lord, in Your Hands, I commend my spirit.” 🙏🏼❤️✝️❤️🙏🏼
Please illuminate me a path to become your stronger daughter. I pray in Jesus name, Amen.
Reading stoicism eventually led me to rediscover Christianity after leaving the Church for a very long time. To me, the main tenets of stoicism are compatible and complementary to the Christian life.
Epictetus specifically for me is a stoic philosopher I highly recommend.
Marcus Aurelius learned through reason what Christians take on faith but they both lead to the same truth. Read the Book of Ecclesiastes and show me I'm wrong?
Did the editor accidentally speed up the video? It seems a little bit too fast. Hard to digest, the content.
I don't find them in opposition, but complementary.
I don't know if Father Mike or anyone from Ascension reads these, but if so then thank you first of all. Also, I guess my thoughts would be summed up as "what does any of that mean?" Things like having a relationship with God/Jesus, or God being there for us/me, or "God is there with you in your struggle" just don't mean anything to me. Like, how exactly do you have a relationship with an intangible, invisible, inaudible person? (sorry if person is the wrong word to use) God is there in my struggles? Okay, to what point? He's not physically helping, so what does that mean?
I don't pretend that my life is particularly bad, but I have been sick basically all my life in one form or another. In all that time, I can't think of one time where I really wanted any manner of emotional support or anything so the idea of God "being there" just... doesn't mean anything. Like, if He knows everything, is all powerful and loves me more than anything else then why would His help be in a form that is so fundamentally invisible and disinteresting to me?
Anyway, I guess the point I'm driving at here is can you explain what exactly all that "relationship" stuff means in simple, practical, concrete terms? Preferably explaining it like I'm five? Or like you're telling someone how to build a shed and they don't even know what a hammer or a nail is?