If You’re Longing for More than This

Ascension Presents

20 Jul 202108:36

Summary

TLDRIn this video, Jackie and Bobby from Ascension Presents explore the concept of 'longing'—the unquenchable desire for something more profound than earthly satisfaction. They discuss how this ache can be a sign of being made for a higher purpose, drawing on insights from C.S. Lewis and Saint Augustine. The video offers constructive ways to deal with this longing, such as prayer, self-awareness, community, physical activity, and service, emphasizing that the ultimate satisfaction lies in the eternal embrace of God's infinite love.

Takeaways

😔 The script discusses the universal human experience of longing and the 'ache' for something more than what can be found on earth.
🌏 C.S. Lewis is quoted to suggest that desires that cannot be satisfied on earth indicate that humans are made for another world.
💔 The feeling of longing persists even in fulfilling life circumstances like marriage, indicating it is a deeper spiritual need.
🕊 Saint Augustine's quote is used to express that our hearts find rest only in God, suggesting the ache is a sign of our divine purpose.
👥 The speaker emphasizes the importance of community and good friends in dealing with the ache of longing.
🙏 Prayer is presented as a constructive way to address the ache, by opening one's heart to God and expressing the deep desire for connection.
🏃‍♂️ Engaging in physical activities like hiking or surfing is suggested as a healthy outlet for the energy associated with the ache.
🤔 The script encourages self-awareness to identify and replace unhealthy coping mechanisms with healthier ones.
🙅‍♀️ Distraction through social media, entertainment, and other means is warned against as it does not address the underlying ache.
💖 Serving others is highlighted as a way to experience God and satisfy the ache, as it involves selfless giving and recognizing God's presence in others.
📚 The speaker references the 'Song of Songs' to illustrate that moments of divine connection are fleeting on earth but eternal in heaven.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed by Jackie and Bobby in the video?
-The main theme discussed by Jackie and Bobby is the concept of 'longing' or 'ache' for something more in life that cannot be satisfied on earth, and how this longing is related to our spiritual journey.
What did C.S. Lewis suggest about the unquenchable desires within us?
-C.S. Lewis suggested that if we have desires that cannot be satisfied by earthly things, the most logical explanation is that we were made for another world.
How does Jackie describe the feeling of 'ache' in the context of the video?
-Jackie describes the 'ache' as a deep sense of emptiness or longing that cannot be satisfied by anything on earth, experienced by melancholics and romantics.
What does Saint Augustine's quote imply about the human condition?
-Saint Augustine's quote implies that humans are restless and will not find true satisfaction until they find their rest in God, as they were made for God.
How does Jackie relate her personal experience with the concept of 'ache'?
-Jackie shares that even after getting married to an amazing man, the 'ache' or longing still exists, indicating that only God can truly satisfy it.
What does the speaker in the video suggest about the purpose of the 'ache'?
-The speaker suggests that the 'ache' is a divine invitation to seek God more deeply and to recognize that true satisfaction lies beyond earthly experiences.
What does Pope Benedict XVI describe as the ultimate satisfaction in eternal life?
-Pope Benedict XVI describes eternal life as the supreme moment of satisfaction where we are embraced by totality and in turn embrace it, experiencing an overwhelming joy in the ocean of infinite love.
What are some of the destructive ways people try to fill the 'god-shaped hole' according to the video?
-Some destructive ways mentioned include using alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, and endless distractions like social media to numb the 'ache' or longing.
What constructive actions are suggested in the video to deal with the feeling of 'ache'?
-The video suggests praying sincerely, knowing oneself and one's unhealthy coping mechanisms, surrounding oneself with good community, engaging in physical activities, sitting in silence, and serving others as constructive actions.
How does the video relate the act of serving to experiencing God?
-The video relates serving to experiencing God by stating that serving others allows us to become a sincere gift of self, which in turn helps us to encounter God and find fulfillment beyond our own needs.
What does the video suggest about the role of community in dealing with the 'ache'?
-The video suggests that having a good community is essential, whether one is single or married, as it provides support and a sense of belonging, which can help in dealing with the 'ache'.

Outlines

00:00

💙 The Eternal Longing for More

In the first paragraph, Jackie and Bobby from Ascension Presents explore the concept of 'longing' and 'ache' for something more than what can be found on Earth. They reference C.S. Lewis and Saint Augustine, suggesting that this unfulfilled desire is a sign that we are meant for another world, and it is God's gift to us to always seek more. They discuss how even in fulfilling life events like marriage, the ache for something greater remains, as only God can truly satisfy it. The paragraph also touches on the idea that our generation is burdened by the belief that life is meaningless and that we must create our own purpose, which contrasts with the human experience of having a mission and a calling. The ache is described as a divine invitation to a deeper relationship with God, and the paragraph ends with a reference to the Song of Songs, indicating that the ultimate satisfaction of this longing is found in heaven.

05:00

🙏 Coping with Longing Through Prayer and Community

The second paragraph focuses on constructive ways to deal with the 'ache' of longing for God. It emphasizes the importance of genuine prayer, where one can express their deepest desires and feelings to God, even in the solitude of nature. The paragraph also highlights the need for self-awareness to recognize and replace unhealthy coping mechanisms with healthier ones. The value of surrounding oneself with good friends and community is underscored, as it provides support and examples of good relationships. Engaging in physical activities like hiking or surfing with others is suggested as a way to channel the energy associated with longing. The paragraph also discusses the significance of serving others as a means to experience God's presence and to grow in holiness. It concludes with a reminder that we should not run from the ache but embrace it as a call to desire God more deeply, using our experiences to serve and minister to others.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Longing

Longing refers to a deep, often unfulfilled desire or yearning for something more profound or meaningful than what is currently attainable. In the context of the video, longing is depicted as an inherent part of the human experience, an 'ache' that cannot be satisfied by earthly means. The script uses longing to explore the idea that humans are made for a purpose beyond this world, as suggested by C.S. Lewis, and that this longing is a sign of our divine origin.

💡Ache

Ache is used metaphorically in the script to describe a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction that persists despite having one's earthly needs met. It is closely related to the concept of longing and is portrayed as an internal signal that there is something more to life than material fulfillment. The script suggests that this ache is a divine invitation to seek a deeper, spiritual satisfaction.

💡Desire

Desire in the video is presented as a powerful, often unquenchable yearning for something beyond the physical realm. It is the driving force behind the human quest for meaning and is linked to the idea that there is a divine purpose to life. The script contrasts earthly desires, which can be satisfied, with a deeper desire that points to a higher calling.

💡Melancholics

Melancholics are individuals who are characterized by a tendency towards sadness or pensiveness. In the video, they are identified as those who may experience a profound sense of longing and restlessness, often feeling that nothing in the world can truly satisfy them. The term is used to highlight the emotional depth of those who are in touch with their inner yearnings.

💡Romantics

Romantic in this context refers to individuals who are deeply idealistic and have a strong appreciation for beauty and emotion. The script suggests that romantics are likely to experience a heightened sense of longing, as they are attuned to the deeper, often unmet, emotional and spiritual needs of life.

💡Vocation

Vocation is the sense of purpose or mission in one's life, often linked to a career or a calling to serve in a particular way. The video discusses how even when individuals find their vocation, the ache of longing for something more does not disappear, indicating that the ultimate fulfillment of this longing lies beyond earthly achievements.

💡Religious Life

Religious life is a term used to describe a lifestyle dedicated to spiritual practices and often involves a commitment to a religious order or community. The script mentions that even those in religious life experience the ache of longing, suggesting that this longing is universal and not solely dependent on one's chosen path in life.

💡Consecrated Life

Consecrated life refers to a state of life in which an individual dedicates themselves to God, often through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The video implies that even those living a consecrated life still experience the ache of longing, indicating that this longing transcends all earthly states of being.

💡Celibate

Celibate refers to the state of being unmarried and abstaining from sexual relations, often as part of a religious vow. The script uses celibacy as an example of a life choice that does not eliminate the fundamental human longing for something more, reinforcing the idea that this longing is a spiritual matter.

💡Eros

Eros, in the context of the video, represents the longing for divine love or the yearning for a deep, transformative connection with the divine. It is contrasted with earthly forms of love and desire, suggesting that the ultimate fulfillment of this longing is found in a relationship with God.

💡Destructive Coping Mechanisms

Destructive coping mechanisms are behaviors or habits that individuals use to deal with emotional pain or stress in ways that are harmful or unhelpful in the long term. The video lists examples such as alcohol, drugs, and excessive entertainment as ways people might try to numb the ache of longing, which ultimately do not address the underlying spiritual need.

💡Constructive Coping Mechanisms

Constructive coping mechanisms are healthy ways of dealing with emotional challenges that promote personal growth and well-being. The script suggests practices such as prayer, self-awareness, community involvement, and service as positive ways to channel the ache of longing towards spiritual growth and fulfillment.

💡Service

Service in the video is presented as an act of self-giving, where individuals find fulfillment by serving others. It is suggested that through service, one can experience God's presence and love, thereby addressing the ache of longing in a meaningful way.

💡Consume Catholicism

Consume Catholicism refers to the passive intake of religious knowledge and practices without actively living out one's faith. The video contrasts this with a more engaged approach to spirituality, where individuals serve and minister to others, embodying the teachings of their faith in their daily lives.

Highlights

The concept of 'longing' and 'ache' for something more than earthly satisfaction is discussed.

C.S. Lewis's perspective that an insatiable desire may indicate being made for another world is presented.

The idea that God has given us a never-ending desire as a gift is introduced.

The experience of 'ache' persisting even in fulfilling life circumstances like marriage is shared.

Saint Augustine's quote about the heart's restlessness until it rests in God is mentioned.

The challenge of finding meaning and purpose in a universe perceived as meaningless is discussed.

The notion that nothing on earth can satisfy the 'ache' is explored.

Pope Benedict XVI's description of eternal life as the ultimate moment of satisfaction is cited.

Destructive ways to cope with the 'ache' such as substance abuse and distractions are warned against.

The importance of prayer and connecting with God in moments of longing is emphasized.

Recognizing and avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms is suggested as a constructive approach.

The necessity of community and good friends in dealing with the 'ache' is highlighted.

The role of physical activity as a healthy outlet for dealing with the 'ache' is mentioned.

Sitting in silence and allowing God to fill the 'ache' is recommended as a spiritual practice.

The transformative power of serving others as a way to encounter God is discussed.

The idea that God wants us to desire Him more and to be brave in facing the 'ache' is presented.

The transcript concludes with an encouragement to not run from the 'ache' but to let God fill it through service and desire for Him.