10 minutes in and I was thinking “here’s to old guys talking on endlessly about food” and then at 16:00 the payoff hits as I reconsider the theological importance of my tongue which apparently I have neglected my whole life
No it isn't. He talks like a theological pervert and misinterprets the theology of the body as being about sex whereas its about chastity and sanctity of marriage.
@@anthonypuccetti8779 but what is the sanctity of marriage? Children. How do children come into the world? Through sex. Sex is not a perversion of love it shows it in the most vulnerable way. You have clearly been hurt so I'll pray for you. Sex in many ways can be a horror to someone who doesn't get it presented to them in the tenderness of sacramental love. But it can be a home of rest when it's presented through the mystery of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Chastity is just another way of sanctifying the sexual union. Imagine a general at war, he's surrounded by the darkest evils but he uses discernment as a means to help win the war for the good, true and beautiful. Chastity is that grace which wins the war against the body and children. Bless you and may the Joy of Mary be yours 🙏
@@annaleighatiyeh4070 My first question to you is: what is your argument against what I said? My second question is: have you read the catechism on chastity and modesty?
My heart aches when Christopher says at time, 1:45 that he took a sabbatical in 2010 because of all the criticism. I remember that time. I had just seen him live in Raleigh NC and the presentation was amazing. It changed my life. The next thing I knew, some deeply seated Catholics were saying to me that he was presenting such a narrow piece of JPII’s Wednesday audiences. It hurt me to hear their criticism of him but I was not strong enough in my Faith journey to offer a rebuttal. Today I would counter, “Of Course Christopher can’t regurgitate months and years worth of information into a 1-2 hour talk!” He really and truly changed the course of my life. Lastly, I love that in today’s discussion he spoke about getting grey hair and being authentic about his age. We all need to be our authentic age.
When Christopher spoke of aging and death being our deepest fear that we won’t be loved when we get old is real. I’m 55 and am cute for my age but I was beautiful when I was younger. I have also become afflicted with a chronic pain condition. It’s been very hard. I was starting to think my husband couldn’t possibly love me like he did. Weird thing, I asked him and he loves me even more now, than then. Why? Because the sacrament of marriage has made us one flesh and given us the grace to transform our hearts to love beyond looks, but to loving each other’s souls. Souls we are, together, trying to conform to Christ. It’s been a beautiful thing to watch unfold over the course of almost 27 years of marriage. My prayer is that he and I will love Jesus, forever, at the resurrection.
This is one of the most beautiful and truthful conversations I have ever heard- this is an example of eros. Thank you endlessly for taking down your own masks and sharing both your hearts and Jesus'
This reminds me of a discussion I had with my husband once. I wonder what our marriage, specifically the marital act, would look and be like if we had never been corrupted by images of porn, jokes we heard on the school bus, the rejection of our teen crush, the opening scene of wedding crashes, etc.
I can't tell you since I am neither married nor have pure memories. But this reminds me of a lecture by Father Ripperger where he spoke about the grace of forgetfulness, where you forget the sin, but not the occasion of sin, so you may know to avoid it in the future, and not remember the finer details. It's funny to think, but if I'm not lax on my morning prayers, then I pray for the grace of forgetfulness every day.😂
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. If there is sex in heaven it’s probably nothing at all like what it looks like here. Even without porn and our hypersexualized culture it’s always been twisted in someway
I have begun to have an incredible relationship with God after watching your videos. The porn addiction was fueled by my desire for communion with Jesus Christ. His presence is so much better than any high I’ve ever had. When I understood what you were saying about how we are really supposed to be married in spirit to Him. I was able to for the first time completely surrender myself to Him like a child and He told me how much He’s always loved me and been waiting for me to give him everything. Right now any time I get tempted I remember that I am His and He loves me and His love doesn’t end ever. It’s so real. I converted to Catholicism last year and have been intentionally learning and trying to understand how to be Catholic. In doing so all of the logos of the last 2000 years has been shown to me in a way that makes perfect sense to me now. I want to thank you. I don’t know why but I never let him love me like this in my entire 40 years. I can’t thank you enough. I want Him more than porn and I’d pass a lie detector. Amen. Thank you both. But the Theology of the Body finally let me accept His love.
Dear Matt and Chris, thank you both for having this wonderful conversation. The last podcast you two did together completely changed my life and so is this one right now. Currently, I’ve been incredibly fearful of “death”, as it were. In anorexia recovery, it’s been incredibly difficult to see my value again with weight gain. while necessary, it’s like I’ve completely lost focus and sight of what’s true, good, and beautiful. Life is in Christ, and I’m thankful to have Him in my life. It’s been terrifying to become “naked” in front of Him, but it’s a beautiful journey nonetheless. Simply, thank you both so much for your work and transforming hearts. God bless🙏🏻❤️
Praying for you, Jen. I know what you are going through is very hard. I’ve had friends go through anorexia recovery. My late mom suffered from overeating her whole life. Food issues can be such a hard thing because almost everything else a person has a problem with they can give up, but a person needs food to live, so seeing food as the enemy or, in my late mom’s case, food’s pleasure as a way to hide from life’s pain, is so difficult because you have to turn it over to God at every meal. God Bless you on your recovery. -Rachel
Christopher West never fails to speak right into my heart and make me yearn for God all the more. Absolutely beautiful episode! I love the new podcast idea about going over JPII's works, I'd watch!
Matt and Christopher's meetings are always profound, deep, insightful, thought-provoking and amazing! God bless you brothers for your deep search and sharing of the truth. Keep shining.
Pray for my husband, please! He's lost - like a prodigal son. He really loves God but he has his hurts and he's blind so far. People would say he's beyond human help but God is Almighty! Pray for B. V. please! I really miss him terribly! :(
This is so good, gentleman, thank you. Matt I wonder if you would think about having a guest on who can speak to encouragement for people in difficult marriages, perhaps where one spous is not a believer, or who is emotional distance, or overly harsh, etc. There are many faithful Christians, male and female though honestly often female, who find themselves in that situation and it would be a real blessing to have a guest on that can speak encouragement into that. Thanks for all you do, brother!
God is hot? But honestly though, why is beauty good? Beauty is subjective, so are you saying good is also subjective? Because if so I agree with you. Good and bad are obviously not objective entities, but subjective opinions about the value or utility of something.
This is the first time I have heard him speak. So profound and a faith filled discussion. Beautiful words of truth that just make sense. Thanks for sharing what the good Lord has revealed you!
Had the same experience with blueberries when I gave up sugar for Lent one year. It's bizarre. I never thought blueberries were anything to rave about before that.
Words can’t describe the feelings this episode stirred up in me. Grateful to God for you both and for allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through y’all. Pure vulnerability! Thank you 🙏🏾 ❤
This moved me to tears, moved me so deeply. So grateful to both of you for your encouragement through your vulnerability! I will Ponder and be drawn to nakedness before Him.
How? HOW?! My fiance and I JUST came back from our Engaged Encounter retreat where I had some deep realizations and conversations with him. Incredibly humbling stuff that stripped me of so much. Then you post this? There were countless moments in this stream that spoke DIRECTLY to issues I'm dealing with but couldn't put words to. I sent it to my fiance and basically said, "watch this and let's discuss, because there are several things that better explain my issues." And, of course, he's beyond thrilled!
Personally I am of the opinion that if you have to go to a specific retreat to improve your relationship with your partner, that speaks to the fact that you have failed to improve it on your own. A marriage or partner-relationship in my view is between two people. Involving other people in order to save that relationship, is unnecessary. If you need to go to a retreat to be convinced to stick together, your relationship was not strong enough to last anyway. And that's okay. Divorce is a thing for a reason. Most decisions you make can be unmade. If a relationship is unhealthy, end the relationship and move one. All parties will be happier and healthier for it.
@@plantatheist5883 humans are relational, learning creatures. That’s why we have teachers, mentors, schools, and social circles (and retreats). No one knows how to do it all on their own. We were not designed that way. Wise people know they don’t know it all, especially in marriage, and they seek mentorship and supportive communities so they can all learn and grow together. A marriage is not weak, nor are people unfit for marriage, if they are humble enough to acknowledge they don’t know everything, and that they need guidance and support. Such a perspective is anti-human, anti-kindness, anti-God.
@@Seliz463 You are absolutely right. One of the best lessons you can learn about relationships is that holding on to one for the sake of holding on is most times incredibly detrimental. Learning that it is okay to walk away from a failing relationship or marriage is a sobering experience and one that most people come to realise. Many of these retreats push the narrative of sticking together because it is better than being apart. Even when the relationship is clearly more destructive than simply ending it.
@@plantatheist5883 I see what you mean, and I completely agree with you as well. I think we are discussing two different views of these kinds of retreats. One view is helpful: they are a good source of information, mentorship, and support for couples that are both devoted and seeking to improve their marriage in good faith. But then there is the destructive version: retreats (and communities, especially religious communities) that serve to pressure people to tolerate dysfunction and abuse rather than encourage them to make healthy, life-affirming choices. That’s wrong. And it is also anti-God, because God hates abuse and corruption/misuse of His word. He wants us all to see our worth and value, and not live mutilated lives of pain and devaluation. That is not love. Abuse is not love. It’s important for each person in the marriage to carefully discern their intent towards the other, as well as be able to vulnerably come together to discern what is best for their marriage, so that they don’t fall prey to the predatory types of retreats. If one person (or both people) are not acting in good faith, it’s not going to end well. And no retreat can save that-it will likely only make things worse. But I think the original commenter here was speaking positively about her engagement retreat experience, reflecting the helpful view rather than the destructive view. But regardless you are right that anything good can be perverted into something bad, if done with evil intentions.
Regarding the segment about "Old": As Matt opens up about why that scene affects him so much, I was reminded about the agonizing pain women feel finding out about their husband's porn use. Finding out that the very nakedness and vulnerability of what you look like and who you are, and that the unique gift of your exclusive sexuality in your marriage is "not enough" and has been invaded and breached by pornography is as agonizing as this scene, if not moreso. The groans and sobs of wives facing this infidelity is earth-shattering, but you don't hear it, you don't see it because often it is done in private. You don't hear about the development of mental health issues in women because of a husband's porn use. You don't hear about the development of chronic illness, eating disorders, sleep disorders unless you are on the inside with these wives. That scene and the discussion that followed really brought all that to mind.
Pornography addiction pulled my ex into a world of no return. It pulled him away from his family - 30 plus years later he is still afflicted. He has built a life around it but it remains the core. For me it was about how he would ultimately relate to me and all women- not a man receiving life moment by moment but a hungry man looking for his next fix. The hungry ghost.
This channel and the guests are phenomenal. Matt you are such a gifted interviewer. May you have a Blessed Lent as we reach its consummation in this most Holy Paschal Triduum.
I have felt my whole like I’m not beautiful. I’m not like other people. I’m not worthy or anyone’s appreciation. People tell me all the time that I’m gorgeous and I don’t see it. I see all of my flaws and things i wish could change. It hurts and I’m trying to give it to God. I want to see myself how others do, but through His eyes how He created me. We all experience the feeling of being unwanted and we are not that at all. We know that He wants us, he wants our companionship. That’s why he made us.
Good god - had me wrecked over the resurrection. This was totally beautiful. Thankyou I’m finding my way back but hurting so much. Matt you are heaven sent Thankyou
1:05:41 I am in tears. This is me! Thanks, Matt, and thanks Christopher. You have helped me understand, finally, the source of all my anger and deep insecurity. God bless you.
Exceptional. There are few teachers better than Christopher West. To remain silent majority of the time as you did was the right thing Matt when in the presence of such a teacher Thoughtful questions and great convo. Loved it all!
I was becoming scrupulous of food like "maybe too much eagerness for taste apart me from God" but just the first10 minutes of this conversation got me excited!
I accidentally cooked Mexican rice in a pot I had cooked cinnamon oatmeal and it made my rice taste soo good. I didn’t realize what had happened until my husband told me 😆
Just a comment on Locals, since Matt mentioned it. Locals was started by Dave Rubin and recently merged with Rumble. They do not censor and are fighting against the censorship culture of other platforms. Anyone on Locals really should provide a direct link to watch their videos on Rumble as well as YT.
He says, "And I feel it... There's only one generation separating me from the abyss." That's incorrect. There's ONE SPLIT SECOND separating you from the abyss, at all times. You don't have to be 90 to die; death is looking over your shoulder as you watch this. Live every moment as if it were your last...because it may be.
I've had that feeling so many times about wanting to eat the sunrise! That feeling always makes me think of what C S Lewis says about being "surprised by joy". Joy is a signpost on the way to heaven!
This was amazing!! I’d heard of Christopher, but not had any real exposure to him! I’d love it if he did come up with a series on TOB, maybe do it over the course of a year like Fr Mike and Jeff with the BIAY podcast. This 3hr conversation didn’t even feel like that long❤
I am coming to this a year late but the story about COVID - I was to have date night with my wife and she makes a fantastic crab dip. I took a bite and couldn't taste it. I poured Old Bay on the dip and could taste nothing. The only thing I could taste for a week was chocolate. I ate so many M&Ms that week so that I could taste. The experience of life feels empty without the sense of taste.
you mentioned, Christopher, in y'alls last conversation how you sit and almost mourn the loss of the meal being over because you don't want it to end. And I thought about it last night while eating cause, despite being full, I wanted to go back for another helping simply for the taste. So i licked my plate clean, thanked God for the food, and packed up the rest of it. Makes me laugh that y'all are talking food again and its mystical experience
I almost never comment, but this talk was an eyeopener on so many levels! God bless you guys! hope the TV is not too big - your background is awesome btw
I never had any sort of desire or longing like this. I have never felt a sadness at not being desired (or joy for being desirable), I never cared whether or not I was accepted by my peers or society. The concept of marriage never once entered my mind until after my conversion, and when my newfound Catholic friends were discussing marriage it seemed bizarre to me; sex and related thoughts were always completely foreign to me and to this day I struggle with the ideas related to it, like those talked about extensively in this video. In my life I never felt unsatisfied by basic worldly goods, but I also never felt a desire to something beyond. In fact, my (non-Catholic) mother remarked to me the other day that when I was 4 or 5 years old that I refused to go to any sort of church (my parents were looking for a church to attend after we moved when I was a child) because "if I couldn't see it or touch it, I didn't care about it". I had accepted that the world was all there was, and it never dawned on me that there was anything beyond it. I could not comprehend the idea of anything might exist being atoms or particles, and it was common sense that we were but a sea of particles and that all ideas of good and evil were made up and not inherent in the universe. I never understood fear or love beyond the absolute most basic sense, and still when I talk with my friends I annoy them by constantly asking for the definitions of basic words they use (like love and fear). Even after my convertion, I still struggle with trying to experience these basic human emotions; my greatest internal struggle is to try to understand what that cry for God should be, but I desire that desire for God. When I hear things like "this is the cry of every human heart, to be desired", I do not share that feeling, which itself gives me a pang of sadness at not understanding that which everyone else does.
@@mathieujvc Sorry, I didn't see your comment (CZcams used to give me notifications for replies to comments, but didn't here); yes, I am autistic. High functioning, but still autistic (although I am far more capable of dealing with social situations now than when I was younger, and for the most part no one notices anything unless I talk to them a while)
@@scottgoodson8295 That explains a lot. My little brother's also autistic (high functioning as well) and he seems to face similar problems. Have you managed to find a spouse (despite having no interest in sex/marriage related matters)?
This discussion was wonderful. This sort of content changes lives and points people to Jesus. Keep up the good work. Also seeing food as sacramental in nature helps me justify eating all these chocolate easter eggs...
10 minutes in and I was thinking “here’s to old guys talking on endlessly about food” and then at 16:00 the payoff hits as I reconsider the theological importance of my tongue which apparently I have neglected my whole life
" I reconsider the theological importance of my tongue which apparently I have neglected my whole life" 😂❤️
I can't figure out if you meant "here's to", like a cheer, or "here's two", like here is two guys.
This conversation is the conversation every human being on this earth is screaming to experience right now.
No it isn't. He talks like a theological pervert and misinterprets the theology of the body as being about sex whereas its about chastity and sanctity of marriage.
@@anthonypuccetti8779 but what is the sanctity of marriage? Children. How do children come into the world? Through sex.
Sex is not a perversion of love it shows it in the most vulnerable way. You have clearly been hurt so I'll pray for you. Sex in many ways can be a horror to someone who doesn't get it presented to them in the tenderness of sacramental love. But it can be a home of rest when it's presented through the mystery of Jesus' life, death and resurrection.
Chastity is just another way of sanctifying the sexual union. Imagine a general at war, he's surrounded by the darkest evils but he uses discernment as a means to help win the war for the good, true and beautiful. Chastity is that grace which wins the war against the body and children.
Bless you and may the Joy of Mary be yours 🙏
The discussions with Christopher West are simply the best.
He talks like a theological pervert and misinterprets the theology of the body as being about sex whereas its about chastity and sanctity of marriage.
@@anthonypuccetti8779 I completely disagree with you.
My first question to you is: have you read and studied theology of the body?
@@annaleighatiyeh4070 My first question to you is: what is your argument against what I said? My second question is: have you read the catechism on chastity and modesty?
Men being vulnerable. In front of thousands. Total respect. My God, I wish I had men in my life like you two.
Blame the culture, that still shames many men who show deep emotion. More women need to publicly defend their men.
I wish my husband had men like this in his life. Pray for him, he has no faith, and very skewed view of how a man is vulnerable
My heart aches when Christopher says at time, 1:45 that he took a sabbatical in 2010 because of all the criticism. I remember that time. I had just seen him live in Raleigh NC and the presentation was amazing. It changed my life. The next thing I knew, some deeply seated Catholics were saying to me that he was presenting such a narrow piece of JPII’s Wednesday audiences. It hurt me to hear their criticism of him but I was not strong enough in my Faith journey to offer a rebuttal. Today I would counter, “Of Course Christopher can’t regurgitate months and years worth of information into a 1-2 hour talk!” He really and truly changed the course of my life. Lastly, I love that in today’s discussion he spoke about getting grey hair and being authentic about his age. We all need to be our authentic age.
Imagine a talk with Matt Fradd, Christopher West, and Sister Miriam James. 🤯 🥰
When Christopher spoke of aging and death being our deepest fear that we won’t be loved when we get old is real. I’m 55 and am cute for my age but I was beautiful when I was younger. I have also become afflicted with a chronic pain condition. It’s been very hard. I was starting to think my husband couldn’t possibly love me like he did. Weird thing, I asked him and he loves me even more now, than then. Why? Because the sacrament of marriage has made us one flesh and given us the grace to transform our hearts to love beyond looks, but to loving each other’s souls. Souls we are, together, trying to conform to Christ. It’s been a beautiful thing to watch unfold over the course of almost 27 years of marriage. My prayer is that he and I will love Jesus, forever, at the resurrection.
Beautiful! God bless
This was the best three hours that I have spent in a very long time. I will be sharing this with everyone!
Chistopher West do a podcast like Bible in a year with small tidbits! Awesome for moms we can do laundry and learn how to love our families more! 😂😉
This is one of the most beautiful and truthful conversations I have ever heard- this is an example of eros. Thank you endlessly for taking down your own masks and sharing both your hearts and Jesus'
This reminds me of a discussion I had with my husband once. I wonder what our marriage, specifically the marital act, would look and be like if we had never been corrupted by images of porn, jokes we heard on the school bus, the rejection of our teen crush, the opening scene of wedding crashes, etc.
I can't tell you since I am neither married nor have pure memories. But this reminds me of a lecture by Father Ripperger where he spoke about the grace of forgetfulness, where you forget the sin, but not the occasion of sin, so you may know to avoid it in the future, and not remember the finer details. It's funny to think, but if I'm not lax on my morning prayers, then I pray for the grace of forgetfulness every day.😂
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. If there is sex in heaven it’s probably nothing at all like what it looks like here. Even without porn and our hypersexualized culture it’s always been twisted in someway
Anyone else get that watershed moment of revelation over the marriage talk?
That hit.
He talks like a theological pervert and misinterprets the theology of the body as being about sex whereas its about chastity and sanctity of marriage.
I have begun to have an incredible relationship with God after watching your videos. The porn addiction was fueled by my desire for communion with Jesus Christ. His presence is so much better than any high I’ve ever had. When I understood what you were saying about how we are really supposed to be married in spirit to Him. I was able to for the first time completely surrender myself to Him like a child and He told me how much He’s always loved me and been waiting for me to give him everything.
Right now any time I get tempted I remember that I am His and He loves me and His love doesn’t end ever. It’s so real. I converted to Catholicism last year and have been intentionally learning and trying to understand how to be Catholic. In doing so all of the logos of the last 2000 years has been shown to me in a way that makes perfect sense to me now. I want to thank you. I don’t know why but I never let him love me like this in my entire 40 years. I can’t thank you enough. I want Him more than porn and I’d pass a lie detector. Amen. Thank you both. But the Theology of the Body finally let me accept His love.
Dear Matt and Chris, thank you both for having this wonderful conversation. The last podcast you two did together completely changed my life and so is this one right now. Currently, I’ve been incredibly fearful of “death”, as it were. In anorexia recovery, it’s been incredibly difficult to see my value again with weight gain. while necessary, it’s like I’ve completely lost focus and sight of what’s true, good, and beautiful. Life is in Christ, and I’m thankful to have Him in my life. It’s been terrifying to become “naked” in front of Him, but it’s a beautiful journey nonetheless. Simply, thank you both so much for your work and transforming hearts. God bless🙏🏻❤️
Praying for you, Jen. I know what you are going through is very hard. I’ve had friends go through anorexia recovery. My late mom suffered from overeating her whole life. Food issues can be such a hard thing because almost everything else a person has a problem with they can give up, but a person needs food to live, so seeing food as the enemy or, in my late mom’s case, food’s pleasure as a way to hide from life’s pain, is so difficult because you have to turn it over to God at every meal. God Bless you on your recovery. -Rachel
This interview is so sublime it brought me to tears. Every single word is gold.
I had so many epiphanies listening to this! Tears! I'm going to have to listen a few more times to process it all.
Christopher West never fails to speak right into my heart and make me yearn for God all the more. Absolutely beautiful episode! I love the new podcast idea about going over JPII's works, I'd watch!
Absolutely wonderful again! Yes, Christopher please do do the podcast.
"You reveal a beam of God's glory that no other person reveals." (2:34:46) I teared up. So beautiful!
This is what REAL Godly masculinity looks like
Matt and Christopher's meetings are always profound, deep, insightful, thought-provoking and amazing! God bless you brothers for your deep search and sharing of the truth. Keep shining.
Thank you, this is helping me see my life differently and better understand some of the angst, worry and shame.
Pray for my husband, please! He's lost - like a prodigal son. He really loves God but he has his hurts and he's blind so far. People would say he's beyond human help but God is Almighty! Pray for B. V. please! I really miss him terribly! :(
Will pray.
@@marklizama5560 I will pray for you too and whatever are your afflictions! God bless you!!!
My mind is blown, and I thank God for you both. I will listen to this again and again
These two have excellent chemistry.
This is so good, gentleman, thank you. Matt I wonder if you would think about having a guest on who can speak to encouragement for people in difficult marriages, perhaps where one spous is not a believer, or who is emotional distance, or overly harsh, etc. There are many faithful Christians, male and female though honestly often female, who find themselves in that situation and it would be a real blessing to have a guest on that can speak encouragement into that. Thanks for all you do, brother!
West and Matt are so honest and vulnerable. It's refreshing. It's the type of conversation we need to hear more often.
God is definitely Beauty. Beauty is good, and God is the ultimate form of every good, therefore God is most beautiful.💖
God is hot?
But honestly though, why is beauty good? Beauty is subjective, so are you saying good is also subjective? Because if so I agree with you. Good and bad are obviously not objective entities, but subjective opinions about the value or utility of something.
This is the first time I have heard him speak. So profound and a faith filled discussion. Beautiful words of truth that just make sense. Thanks for sharing what the good Lord has revealed you!
Just love the fact that they started off with talking about food, just had my dinner, i think im hungry again. Cheers from India!
Fellow Indian. Noice! What state?
Food tastes are a true delight of life! I love cinnamon in my coffee.
And I love Thai food.
Had the same experience with blueberries when I gave up sugar for Lent one year. It's bizarre. I never thought blueberries were anything to rave about before that.
SO much richness in these 3 hours. Can’t thank you enough ❤️
Words can’t describe the feelings this episode stirred up in me. Grateful to God for you both and for allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through y’all. Pure vulnerability! Thank you 🙏🏾 ❤
wow man, this is one of the best utube vids I’ve ever watched. so much to think about, it’s so relatable and I’m still a teenager
This moved me to tears, moved me so deeply. So grateful to both of you for your encouragement through your vulnerability! I will Ponder and be drawn to nakedness before Him.
How? HOW?! My fiance and I JUST came back from our Engaged Encounter retreat where I had some deep realizations and conversations with him. Incredibly humbling stuff that stripped me of so much. Then you post this? There were countless moments in this stream that spoke DIRECTLY to issues I'm dealing with but couldn't put words to. I sent it to my fiance and basically said, "watch this and let's discuss, because there are several things that better explain my issues." And, of course, he's beyond thrilled!
My fiancé and I loved our Engaged Encounter retreat! Ours was in Joliet, Illinois, in November. We got married about 5 weeks ago!
Personally I am of the opinion that if you have to go to a specific retreat to improve your relationship with your partner, that speaks to the fact that you have failed to improve it on your own. A marriage or partner-relationship in my view is between two people. Involving other people in order to save that relationship, is unnecessary. If you need to go to a retreat to be convinced to stick together, your relationship was not strong enough to last anyway. And that's okay. Divorce is a thing for a reason. Most decisions you make can be unmade. If a relationship is unhealthy, end the relationship and move one. All parties will be happier and healthier for it.
@@plantatheist5883 humans are relational, learning creatures. That’s why we have teachers, mentors, schools, and social circles (and retreats). No one knows how to do it all on their own. We were not designed that way. Wise people know they don’t know it all, especially in marriage, and they seek mentorship and supportive communities so they can all learn and grow together. A marriage is not weak, nor are people unfit for marriage, if they are humble enough to acknowledge they don’t know everything, and that they need guidance and support. Such a perspective is anti-human, anti-kindness, anti-God.
@@Seliz463
You are absolutely right. One of the best lessons you can learn about relationships is that holding on to one for the sake of holding on is most times incredibly detrimental.
Learning that it is okay to walk away from a failing relationship or marriage is a sobering experience and one that most people come to realise.
Many of these retreats push the narrative of sticking together because it is better than being apart. Even when the relationship is clearly more destructive than simply ending it.
@@plantatheist5883 I see what you mean, and I completely agree with you as well. I think we are discussing two different views of these kinds of retreats. One view is helpful: they are a good source of information, mentorship, and support for couples that are both devoted and seeking to improve their marriage in good faith.
But then there is the destructive version: retreats (and communities, especially religious communities) that serve to pressure people to tolerate dysfunction and abuse rather than encourage them to make healthy, life-affirming choices. That’s wrong. And it is also anti-God, because God hates abuse and corruption/misuse of His word. He wants us all to see our worth and value, and not live mutilated lives of pain and devaluation. That is not love. Abuse is not love.
It’s important for each person in the marriage to carefully discern their intent towards the other, as well as be able to vulnerably come together to discern what is best for their marriage, so that they don’t fall prey to the predatory types of retreats. If one person (or both people) are not acting in good faith, it’s not going to end well. And no retreat can save that-it will likely only make things worse.
But I think the original commenter here was speaking positively about her engagement retreat experience, reflecting the helpful view rather than the destructive view. But regardless you are right that anything good can be perverted into something bad, if done with evil intentions.
God is love.
God is love.
God is love.
listening to 5 minutes of this is 10x more valuable than anything I've heard on Rogan lol
Yes, please, do a TOB podcast!!! That would be so cool.
I have loved listening to this conversation. Thank you both so much. 🕊🙏🏼❤️
Seriously!! There could never be enough TOB talk in these times
Christopher already has a podcast!
This is possibly one of the best conversations I have ever heard. Thank you Matt and Christopher!
Okay, so many things in this conversation absolutely blew my mind! Thank you so much guys! God bless you! 🙌
This talk is profound and shocking. Life changing . Good bless you two 💗🙏 Chris and Matt 💯
Very deep.. Thank you.. Lot of reminders of the things we sometimes don't allow to see and recognize in ourselves. Thank you
Regarding the segment about "Old": As Matt opens up about why that scene affects him so much, I was reminded about the agonizing pain women feel finding out about their husband's porn use. Finding out that the very nakedness and vulnerability of what you look like and who you are, and that the unique gift of your exclusive sexuality in your marriage is "not enough" and has been invaded and breached by pornography is as agonizing as this scene, if not moreso. The groans and sobs of wives facing this infidelity is earth-shattering, but you don't hear it, you don't see it because often it is done in private.
You don't hear about the development of mental health issues in women because of a husband's porn use. You don't hear about the development of chronic illness, eating disorders, sleep disorders unless you are on the inside with these wives.
That scene and the discussion that followed really brought all that to mind.
Pornography addiction pulled my ex into a world of no return. It pulled him away from his family - 30 plus years later he is still afflicted. He has built a life around it but it remains the core.
For me it was about how he would ultimately relate to me and all women- not a man receiving life moment by moment but a hungry man looking for his next fix. The hungry ghost.
This was so rich & deep I am going to watch it again. Thank you both for your vulnerability!
This channel and the guests are phenomenal. Matt you are such a gifted interviewer. May you have a Blessed Lent as we reach its consummation in this most Holy Paschal Triduum.
I have felt my whole like I’m not beautiful. I’m not like other people. I’m not worthy or anyone’s appreciation. People tell me all the time that I’m gorgeous and I don’t see it. I see all of my flaws and things i wish could change. It hurts and I’m trying to give it to God. I want to see myself how others do, but through His eyes how He created me. We all experience the feeling of being unwanted and we are not that at all. We know that He wants us, he wants our companionship. That’s why he made us.
Our Lady is also called The Untangler of Knots!
Good god - had me wrecked over the resurrection. This was totally beautiful. Thankyou I’m finding my way back but hurting so much. Matt you are heaven sent Thankyou
1:05:41 I am in tears. This is me!
Thanks, Matt, and thanks Christopher. You have helped me understand, finally, the source of all my anger and deep insecurity.
God bless you.
Exceptional. There are few teachers better than Christopher West. To remain silent majority of the time as you did was the right thing Matt when in the presence of such a teacher Thoughtful questions and great convo. Loved it all!
This is so needed! PRAISE YOU HOLY SPIRIT for your work. I Definitely would love to listen to a podcast on theology of the body!
Have faith, hope and love.
Have faith, hope and love.
Have faith, hope and love.
It was recomended
And God
It s amazing
Thanks to you guys
I was becoming scrupulous of food like "maybe too much eagerness for taste apart me from God" but just the first10 minutes of this conversation got me excited!
Such an amazing and tender episode. God bless you Matt.
Simply beautiful
wow, what a beautiful video
St Pope JP2 is super proud of Christopher West
Not like he told me, just seems reasonable
Good to see Christopher here again.
The conversation about food is why fasting is so difficult: food is life!
Great podcast. Love the Forever Now record from the Psychedelic Furs.
I’m enjoying that conversation so much! Listening to you guys is truly a pleasure!
Thank you for this conversation, Thank you for the honesty and vulnerability
Thanks!
I accidentally cooked Mexican rice in a pot I had cooked cinnamon oatmeal and it made my rice taste soo good. I didn’t realize what had happened until my husband told me 😆
Knocking it out of the park with these discussions. Amazing, eye opening, brain expanding stuff.
Matt Fradd, these videos are big inspiration for my writing
Just a comment on Locals, since Matt mentioned it. Locals was started by Dave Rubin and recently merged with Rumble. They do not censor and are fighting against the censorship culture of other platforms. Anyone on Locals really should provide a direct link to watch their videos on Rumble as well as YT.
One of the greatest podcast of all time!!
“The marriage bed of the cross (x3).” This is worth the whole 3 hours.
As a film and video teacher, this spoke so clear to my heart.
He says, "And I feel it... There's only one generation separating me from the abyss." That's incorrect. There's ONE SPLIT SECOND separating you from the abyss, at all times. You don't have to be 90 to die; death is looking over your shoulder as you watch this. Live every moment as if it were your last...because it may be.
Cincinnatian here - just wanted to add to his remark about Skyline chili having cinnamon. It also has chocolate in it!
I've had that feeling so many times about wanting to eat the sunrise! That feeling always makes me think of what C S Lewis says about being "surprised by joy". Joy is a signpost on the way to heaven!
Yes to the TOB podcast with commentary! Like a Bible in a Year but TOB!
“Are we running from the cross?” Wow.
This was amazing!! I’d heard of Christopher, but not had any real exposure to him! I’d love it if he did come up with a series on TOB, maybe do it over the course of a year like Fr Mike and Jeff with the BIAY podcast. This 3hr conversation didn’t even feel like that long❤
Yes do the podcast, please. 🙏 Also, liked your commentary overall, especially on the lepers!
Please introduce the Guests ! Background would be great. Absolutely addicted to yr Channel. Fabulous ! 😍
I am coming to this a year late but the story about COVID - I was to have date night with my wife and she makes a fantastic crab dip. I took a bite and couldn't taste it. I poured Old Bay on the dip and could taste nothing. The only thing I could taste for a week was chocolate. I ate so many M&Ms that week so that I could taste. The experience of life feels empty without the sense of taste.
you mentioned, Christopher, in y'alls last conversation how you sit and almost mourn the loss of the meal being over because you don't want it to end. And I thought about it last night while eating cause, despite being full, I wanted to go back for another helping simply for the taste. So i licked my plate clean, thanked God for the food, and packed up the rest of it. Makes me laugh that y'all are talking food again and its mystical experience
This discussion was so great! God bless you both.
I would like to hear this podcast!
Yes please to the Theology of the Body podcast!!
One of the very best PWA episodes
I almost never comment, but this talk was an eyeopener on so many levels! God bless you guys!
hope the TV is not too big - your background is awesome btw
Yes a TOB podcast with commentary.
No disrespect to anyone, but the thumbnail for the video looks like a "before and after" of some sort. :)
Before and after reading Theology of the Body 😂
Christopher does look at like an older matt Fradd! You're right.
🤣🤣🤣
I never had any sort of desire or longing like this. I have never felt a sadness at not being desired (or joy for being desirable), I never cared whether or not I was accepted by my peers or society. The concept of marriage never once entered my mind until after my conversion, and when my newfound Catholic friends were discussing marriage it seemed bizarre to me; sex and related thoughts were always completely foreign to me and to this day I struggle with the ideas related to it, like those talked about extensively in this video.
In my life I never felt unsatisfied by basic worldly goods, but I also never felt a desire to something beyond. In fact, my (non-Catholic) mother remarked to me the other day that when I was 4 or 5 years old that I refused to go to any sort of church (my parents were looking for a church to attend after we moved when I was a child) because "if I couldn't see it or touch it, I didn't care about it". I had accepted that the world was all there was, and it never dawned on me that there was anything beyond it. I could not comprehend the idea of anything might exist being atoms or particles, and it was common sense that we were but a sea of particles and that all ideas of good and evil were made up and not inherent in the universe. I never understood fear or love beyond the absolute most basic sense, and still when I talk with my friends I annoy them by constantly asking for the definitions of basic words they use (like love and fear). Even after my convertion, I still struggle with trying to experience these basic human emotions; my greatest internal struggle is to try to understand what that cry for God should be, but I desire that desire for God. When I hear things like "this is the cry of every human heart, to be desired", I do not share that feeling, which itself gives me a pang of sadness at not understanding that which everyone else does.
Desire is where it starts for everyone. Praying for you.
@@MiminNB Thank you for your prayers!
Are you on the spectrum? (serious question, not making fun of you)
@@mathieujvc Sorry, I didn't see your comment (CZcams used to give me notifications for replies to comments, but didn't here); yes, I am autistic. High functioning, but still autistic (although I am far more capable of dealing with social situations now than when I was younger, and for the most part no one notices anything unless I talk to them a while)
@@scottgoodson8295 That explains a lot. My little brother's also autistic (high functioning as well) and he seems to face similar problems. Have you managed to find a spouse (despite having no interest in sex/marriage related matters)?
This discussion was wonderful. This sort of content changes lives and points people to Jesus. Keep up the good work. Also seeing food as sacramental in nature helps me justify eating all these chocolate easter eggs...
Yes! Please do a podcast.
TIME STAMP: Thank You for sharing.
The Theology of the body podcast is the best idea ever! Please let it happen soon :)
I would listen to that TOB podcast.
I love the music when the beer is pouring down indefinitely for 2 minutes
2:56:00 don't forget the Gaping Dragon from Dark Souls
Best episode ever!
Yes for the podcast
Please do the podcasttttt