Why You’re Not Happy (and What to Do About It) w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, OP

Рет қаралды 31,908

8 ай бұрын

“I have come that you might have life and life in abundance.” This oft-quoted verse from John’s Gospel can lead us to believe that following the Christian life will make us happy. But does it really?
As we read the lives of the saints-and as we live our own lives-we are confronted with the inescapable reality of suffering. The Christian life is not, in fact, always easy.
But didn’t Jesus say we would be happy?
Today Fr. Gregory Pine helps us understand St. Augustine’s famous quote, “our hearts are restless until they rest in you,” and how we can find true happiness-both in this life and in the life to come.
St. Augustine's Confessions is full of insights and revelations that we can all relate to. Read along and enjoy some commentary from Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. with The Confessions of St. Augustine ( ascensionpress.com/products/t... ), the next installation in the Catholic Classics series from Ascension.
You can also download the reading plan and follow along on the Dominicans podcast ( ascensionpress.com/catholiccl... ). God bless you!
❓ Have ideas for future videos ❓ Topics you want to hear about ❓ Questions you want answered ❓ Make sure to put #AskAscension in your comment 👍
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Пікірлер: 127

@vgraham580 8 ай бұрын

As someone who struggles with Major Depressive Disorder, thank you for this video... I struggle to know God. Please pray for me. I want to be happy, and my faith is a struggle. Thank you. 🙏

@shermantracey3783 8 ай бұрын

Praying for you

@MarquisFacade88 8 ай бұрын

Same story here. My faith is the only reason I still draw breath. Whenever my love of God fails, I have a hatred of satan, who wants me gone. At the absolute worst, I would persevere to spite him and his children.

@sassyk418 8 ай бұрын

I struggle so. My depression is overtaking my thoughts and mood especially starting this time of year until spring-summer

@kgorski138 8 ай бұрын

@@sassyk418Praying for you!

@soyyo143 8 ай бұрын

graham, Im praying for you. God Bless You!

@joeo7693 8 ай бұрын

The retreat I went to the Priest said something like: “Everyone is looking for love in someone else. Another person (spouse) will not provide the love we look for; seek God’s Love, then you will have happiness and be able to love.”

@tricia4563 8 ай бұрын

And oh how true his words! Thanks for sharing that❤

@chaofeng404 8 ай бұрын

Amen

@susannebrule3160 8 ай бұрын

Amen

@Wewillbeokay8 4 ай бұрын

I really needed to hear this today. Thank you.

@rruiz4145 8 ай бұрын

This came at a perfect time! I was diagnosed with cancer this July and God opened up my eyes, he took that blind of my eyes! I used to be stressed from work, life, etc. I used to get upset and frustrated at many things. Not to mention living life in a rush every minute of it. Then once I was diagnosed with cancer, I realized that God gives us blessings everyday and that rather than I focus on the negative, I was able to see the beauty. The beauty from being able to open my eyes another day and be here with my kids, to hearing the birds sing. My life has been transformed! I have my health issues, but I live happier and now realize all God has given us, all he will continue to give us and what he will give us in the eternal life! Thank you Lord for your love!

@isabelrinon 8 ай бұрын

I've met several priests that think that not to be happy is a bad thing. It's because you're far away from God; you are a sinner, what is true. But there are many others that understand that sadness can be one of the trials that God gives us to test our faith, hope and love for him. St Theresa of Lisieux writes that Jesus in his agony was not happy and he wasn't guilty at all. We are not going to be greater than him. I have a plant that just have roots in winter, but in spring blooms very beautiful. Our lifes are like flowers for God. There are times when we are not apparently pretty, but God knows our roots are beautiful because of the fruit that they are about to produce.

@abbycatherine 8 ай бұрын

Is that last part about the plant from you or St. Therese of Lisieux? It's beautiful.

@isabelrinon 8 ай бұрын

@@abbycatherine from me, its a platycodon grandiflorus

@Catholicity-uw2yb Ай бұрын

POPE BENEDICT XVI: “If in my life I fail completely to heed others, solely out of a desire to be ‘devout’ and to perform my ‘religious duties’, then my relationship with God will also grow arid. It becomes merely ‘proper’, but loveless. Only my readiness to encounter my neighbor and to show him love makes me sensitive to God as well. Only if I serve my neighbor can my eyes be opened to what God does for me and how much he loves me.”

@AveMaria1917 8 ай бұрын

Dear Jesus, I pray that this particular priest gets to the exact crown of glory that The Father had for him.

@tomassalazar2798 8 ай бұрын

Im catholic but i live in isolation🎉

@SINGERGAL143 8 ай бұрын

I JUST found and started season 1 of Catholic Classics recently- it’s been such a blessing and very needed.

@Consolesk8r 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Fr. Greg! As someone that struggles with several mental disorders, I think an important take away for me is that we're not deferring happiness to the next life but rather the next life is going to be even happier than this one. God cares about us and our life here as well. It's nice to know that I'm allowed to enjoy life

@helenliguori7773 8 ай бұрын

There have been and will likely be days to come that I pray a little laundry done and the dishwasher being emptied will be enough,because it's my best, for Our Lord.

@josephjackson1956 8 ай бұрын

For me sometimes when I suffer because of pain or being hurt, I am more and more offering it up to Jesus and asking that it my suffering may be joined to his and that my own suffering might lessen the pain and suffering someone else is experiencing. I often find joy in my suffering this way because I believe this is how Jesus teaches us to suffer; to join it to Him and bring joy to others by taking on suffering.

@cametientaucoeur 8 ай бұрын

Away from Church for many years. I returned after the recent death of my husband. I had 2 surgeries following same, one @ a Cancer center. I am a Lecter, donated sums of money & go to Mass daily. My priest advised I needed more “Positivity”. I cry alone. I don’t ask him to care. I don’t express excess sadness. I help lots of other people. I see the priest as the portal to reconciliation. I may not stay. Jeanne retired RN

@Mick_Aub 8 ай бұрын

I hope you can find a better priest or friend who will help you as much as you help others. Finding someone who at least tries to understand and listen would be helpful, but hopefully God can at least give you some inner peace regardless of the shortcomings of others.

@move_i_got_this5659 8 ай бұрын

I cry tears of joy every day, singing worship songs. God told you to take the Promised Land and you're walking in the wilderness. Your kids have become atheists; you can't tell a believer from an unbeliever. Just like the Jews in the Old Testament are full of idols, today's believers are full of idols. And just like the Jews, you can see all of this and do something about it, like some did. Jesus talked about the Kingdom of Heaven; you believe He is talking about the afterlife. It's a trick for the fools who accept God's free salvation but don't do anything with it. The Kingdom of Heaven is the Promised Land.

@Ladyoffidelity14 8 ай бұрын

Love St Augustine so much. 💖

@RobLewis3 6 ай бұрын

Fr Pine rocking that CASIO F91w

@soyyo143 8 ай бұрын

I NEEDED to hear this tonight!

@peggybruening4415 8 ай бұрын

Thank you, father Gregory Pine, and God bless!

@alexpalmer9293 8 ай бұрын

As always, thank you for the preaching Fr. Pine. Solid, insightful, and actionable.

@seans.1331 8 ай бұрын

1:14 “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” “Have no other goal but the everlasting rest to come.” ~St. Augustine “Human beings finally achieve rest by participation in God's nature, in other words, by deification.” --Ron Haflidson, “Deification in Augustine” (in 'Deification in the Latin Patristic Tradition' edited by Jared Ortiz) God bless, Fr. Gregory Pine!

@mariobaratti2985 8 ай бұрын

this video will boom, take it to the bank

@bethcorcoran9714 8 ай бұрын

Love this truth, thank you 💕🌼💕🙏💕🌞💕

@squaremarket973 8 ай бұрын

God is always there. We are the ones that leave and then feel regret or rejection for our actions. Get past the reget or rejection and ask for forgiveness from God. Give him a big spiritual hug. Believe in God and believe in yourself. He loves you very much don't ever forget it.

@1annewatkins 8 ай бұрын

I'm so grateful for you Father Pine.

@csongorarpad4670 8 ай бұрын

Thank you, Fr. Pine, for this gentle reminder! May God bless you abundantly

@kgorski138 8 ай бұрын

Thank you Father for this video.

@dagodave8795 8 ай бұрын

The only true Joy and happiness and purest happiness comes only from God!! If all people truly believed and lived by the greatest commandments Love God with all your heart, soul and mind and love thy neighbor we would not have so much immorality and evil in the world!!!

@thatsfunny2051 7 ай бұрын

Oh thank goodness...I've often wondered what is wrong with me for being a devout Catholic yet not feeling happy. God has permitted me to experience clinical depression during various periods of my life. I don't think this will change

@victorialozano7033 8 ай бұрын

Te quiero mucho padre Gregorio

@JonineBlackshear 8 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@hopeforthefuture1155 8 ай бұрын

Thank you.

@allamericanwiseass2794 8 ай бұрын

Perfectly stated

@simple_naildesigns 8 ай бұрын

My heart needed this! Thank you Father.

@Pete.Ty1 8 ай бұрын

🙏🙏🙏.Thank you

@johnebarb8551 8 ай бұрын

God bless you Father

@brys.3131 8 ай бұрын

God be with you.

@flavrutaihwa5950 8 ай бұрын

Thank you God for this message 🙏🏻🙏🏻

@danielurenda6876 8 ай бұрын

Thank you for this. Def needed this ❤

@blocksandtulips8436 8 ай бұрын

This video was SO NEEDED!!!! Thank you!!!!

@georginadm 8 ай бұрын

Great video, Father. I've had similar thoughts but you unpacked it really well.

@AGreatWork 8 ай бұрын

This was a wonderful message. Thank you Fr. God bless you

@karlarodriguez3449 4 ай бұрын

❤❤❤

@VMIyanks04 8 ай бұрын

Thank you! So true! I always try to remind myself and meditate on that St. Augustine quote.

@augustinep6193 8 ай бұрын

That's good.

@anoopselastian84 8 ай бұрын

Very Helpful❤🥰

@MidwestAdventureZone 8 ай бұрын

Prayer ,God's kindness and The Bible🐨🌈

@marcusstarr1670 8 ай бұрын

Thanks

@rosswade3602 8 ай бұрын

I'd like to see this expanded into an essay. Really eloquently spoken.

@jenlovesjesus 8 ай бұрын

Great reflection, Father. For the most part, I like Ascension. I am very disappointed that they aren’t meeting the demand they created for their planner. They sold out and refuse to make any more, which is unethical.

@elf-lordsfriarofthemeadowl2039 8 ай бұрын

Is it unethical to not make more of a sold-out product?

@cabellero1120 8 ай бұрын

Proverbs 24:19

@jacktracy8356 8 ай бұрын

Titus 3:3 KJV "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers (many different) lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of GOD our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration (cleansed of all sin by being born again/made alive by the Holy Spirit), and renewing of the Holy Ghost (restoring our soul not sacrificing Christ over and over in a mass); 6 which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 that being justified by His grace (forgiven of all sins by God's free gift of grace), we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

@markantonelli53 8 ай бұрын

I think it’s safe to say that if I knew what to do about not being happy, I would be doing it and not watching videos that ultimately don’t help me. Unfortunately, I keep getting sucked in thinking the videos I watch will make a difference

@alexpalmer9293 8 ай бұрын

Pray the Night Prayers of the Divine Office, my friend. I will pray for you too. Call upon the mercy of Jesus through the Blessed Virgin Mary.

@markantonelli53 8 ай бұрын

@@alexpalmer9293 I don’t know what those prayers are. Also, my prayers always get ignored, so there is no point in saying any

@aleenapoulo4654 8 ай бұрын

Prayers are never ignored. If prayer means always asking or presenting a request before God, then yes, it can seem like they go ignored or unanswered. But God is not a vending machine-He seeks relationship and intimacy with us. We do not always seek out our friends or loved ones just to ask for things. We draw close to share our sufferings, how we’re doing, our dreams and hopes, to laugh and spend time with one another. God wants the same, and He desires that our prayer be like that of a conversation with a trusted and beloved friend.

@markantonelli53 8 ай бұрын

@@aleenapoulo4654 The implication there is that God would, occasionally, respond. Why should I put effort in to a relationship with God when He never responds to me?

@theengineer4044 8 ай бұрын

@@markantonelli53maybe its not time yet

@glennherron9499 8 ай бұрын

Learning that happiness is not a constant state of mind is reality but not allowing a person or a situation to steal your joy is what matters. We all have bad moments, bad days, but recognize it for what it is, a bad moment, a bad day, but this too shall pass. Don't give it more power but instead do what is needed to resolve it and if it can't be resolved give it to the Lord. Bringing yesterday into today is a chore, just let it go, and let God work on it. It may require growth on your part or patience as He works on that person who is bringing drama into your life. Speaking of works, since we are not saved by faith alone (apparently), ask your Priest how many works are required for you to earn your salvation. Once you get that number of works accomplished you can stop worrying about when you will earn your salvation and actually find comfort in knowing you are saved.

@anitra7747 8 ай бұрын

If we want to understand the teaching of our faith we can read in scriptures in places such as James 2, where we are encouraged to act out our faith by clothing and feeding the poor and widowed. Here we are told that faith without works is dead. Christ says if you love me you will obey my commandments. This is a work as well, it is an action. Do this in remembrance of me, also a work of faith. The arbiter of our actions will ultimately be God. We will be judged on our words and our deeds, be they for the good or for the bad. Praise God for He is a just judge. For good measure, I’d also like to insert that it is not with flesh and blood in which we struggle but with princes and principalities of this world. So, do not let the demons steal your joy through the actions of others, but rather praise God in all things. Let us all be unified in Christ who is the Truth. Let us exalt the Truth and not our own rendition of it. There is only one bride, one church, one body. It’s an indicator of unification, not a fractured bride at war with competing appendages. We do a disservice to the gospel when we draw friendly fire. Many are dissuaded from Christianity by her many fractures and ill tempered disputes. Love one another as I have loved you. Viva Cristo Rey

@lucascruz8899 8 ай бұрын

What is this comment? We are saved throught faith, but the faith without works is dead (James 2, 17). Faith and then works are required for salvation.

@aleenapoulo4654 8 ай бұрын

There is not a number of works you must do. We cannot earn salvation. But to do nothing with your faith is to let it die; to not live it out is to call into question whether you really have faith at all.

@glennherron9499 8 ай бұрын

@@aleenapoulo4654 I agree with you 100%! If we truly have faith we will want to repent, be baptized, be born again, do many works, love God with all that we are, and love our neighbors as ourselves!

@glennherron9499 8 ай бұрын

@@aleenapoulo4654 But can a baby who has no faith be saved by baptism?

@cbentler4528 8 ай бұрын

That was an amazing explanation! Now can we have the Franciscan version of this video for people so I can share this with my friends who are deterred by lofty language? 😂

@lukebrown5395 8 ай бұрын

Spiritual happiness in Christ is a lot better.

@RobustMonster45 8 ай бұрын

Guys can you pray for me. Sorry if I sound like I’m attention seeking but I need prayers. I struggle with sin and mortally sin each week. I am being plagued with doubts about the church and converting to orthodoxy. I think it’s because I don’t have any fruits. Can you please pray to God for me to not be removed from the fold. Thank you and God bless

@leekflower1 8 ай бұрын

Try this prayer as often and as long as needed. I repent of (...) In Jesus' name I renounce (...) In Jesus' name I command (...) To go in Jesus name I am a child of the most High King And I receive his blessing. Holy Spirit filled me with your self-control, peace, and love that only you can provide. In Jesus' name. Amen Go to confession often. Find a Jesus based 12 step group like Celebrate Recovery. You need community and accountability. Sin loves the dark.

@RobustMonster45 7 ай бұрын

@@leekflower1 ok thank you. I’ll start praying it

@leekflower1 7 ай бұрын

@@RobustMonster45 Christ shed his blood so you could live in FREEDOM! God Bless

@gatorslayer2388 8 ай бұрын

Honestly i have been a little depressed because sometimes im not sure how to enjoy life as a christian, im scared ive committed the unfoforgiveable sin, im also scared im sinning when im not even sinning, something even as sinple of just getting on games at the end of the day and talking to friends feel like im sinning, i want to workout and try to draw and do art, however since the bible doesnt mention them im scared if they are a sin, though at the same time i feel like i cant enjoy life since i dont know if i would be sinning or not in certain ways even if i continue to give thanks and pray, im afraid i might have a legalistic view of christianity and am hoping to break it, please send a prayer and thank you to anyone who does, i love you all and hope you have a great day 🙏

@elizabetharr8551 8 ай бұрын

I have been where you are and I still am, to a degree. Christ wants us to be free and live without fear. Please speak to your priest.

@turkey3gwiddle 8 ай бұрын

I'll pray that you overcome your scrupulosity. Many struggle with it, including myself. Also, seek spiritual direction. Seek spiritual direction. Seek spiritual direction. Don't follow the route of having your spirituality be KZfaq video based. Find a wise.priest.

@missequestrian3448 8 ай бұрын

I can relate to some of this struggle, and I’m so sorry you are facing these often torturous thoughts and fears, even physical feelings. If you haven’t already I would look into religious OCD, aka scrupulosity. There are some very good recourses like a book called “scruples and sainthood” by Trent Beattie that my therapist recommended to me. God bless, it is not his desire for you to be so troubled over his teachings this way, I hope you find some respet. 💖

@dongwoonie9 8 ай бұрын

I can relate to you, it gets difficult when you want to enjoy God’s gifts to us when we’re focused on our sinfulness. As the others have said seek spiritual direction. Know that you’re not alone in this. For working out maybe it would be helpful to think of it as taking care of God’s temple. As St. Paul wrote, our body is the temple of God. And for drawing and doing art, you could think of it as a way to relate to God as the Creator. Or you could ask yourself a question such “can I show this artwork/drawing to God” . I hope this helps you a bit. Grace and peace to you!

@gatorslayer2388 8 ай бұрын

I thank you all incredibly much, I hope to defeat this one day, i thank you all for all the help!

@berwynsigns4115 8 ай бұрын

Fr. Chad Ripperger says there can be no suffering that comes your way in this life that you don't deserve.

@preciousbloodcatholic 8 ай бұрын

I think he means suffering due to sin. Not heard this before. What about a woman who has an innocent child who has a disability. Or a child who loses a mother, or a child who was abused or a curse put on you by others. Honestly, I find it hard to believe Fr Chad said that and if he did I question if he meant to sin.

@alphacause 4 ай бұрын

Do you know the type of creature that is completely content with their existence? The answer are dogs, cats, and other lower life forms. An aspirational being, which only humans are, can never be happy with anything less than perfection, and only God is perfect. So take heart. If you are feeling a bit sad, dejected and melancholy, it means you are fully human. You are called to aspire to more than the material trappings of this world.

@mapinoita279 8 ай бұрын

Please, where does that C.S. Lewis quote come from, that this life is like an athletic training facility? I like that image.

@kwkw5711 8 ай бұрын

You will never know how much you believe something until it is a matter of life and death.” “If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable: think of it as a place of training and correction and it’s not so bad.” - God in the Dock, page 52.

@mapinoita279 8 ай бұрын

@@kwkw5711 , thank you so much! I have that book!

@tinytesla3877 8 ай бұрын

omgoodness and im actually doing laundry

@girlanonymous 8 ай бұрын

Why do more content people seem happier (or think they are happy)?

@AGreatWork 8 ай бұрын

Hilarious intro😂

@Theunspokentruth77 8 ай бұрын

Doesn't twisted/bent cross of Roman Catholicism signify twisting of the word of God/truth?

@MarquisFacade88 8 ай бұрын

We can’t twist the word of God because the bible is a catholic book, given to you by the Catholic Church in the 4th century. It’s OUR book, and you don’t get to tell us what it means. Also, what bent cross? You don’t seem to have a grasp of the facts.

@M4TCH3SM4L0N3 8 ай бұрын

Enh? Speak up, kiddo - these old ears don't hear dog whistles so well anymore.

@Theunspokentruth77 8 ай бұрын

@@MarquisFacade88 is there any divine purpose to twist a cross which Popes hold so dearly? Doesn't Satan twist the truth?

@user-br6ve4lz6n 8 ай бұрын

@@Theunspokentruth77 Yup, you got us. Catholics are all secretly worshiping Satan. Go back to whichever one of the 30,000 protestant heresies you follow and let them know.

@MarquisFacade88 8 ай бұрын

@@Theunspokentruth77 he does twist the truth, which is how we get heresies, such as protestantism

@WeWander2 8 ай бұрын

You have not got it

@king_sa7 8 ай бұрын

All 3 priest I watch on KZfaq are talking about how we can’t be happy without the Lord at the center of our lives. It is so important for us to strive for this everyday