Everything Happens with Kate Bowler
Father Ron Rolheiser: The Ache That Makes Us Human
Apr 29, 2025
Father Ron Rolheiser, a revered Roman Catholic priest and bestselling author, dives deep into the human experience of longing and ache. He explores why this feeling is central to our existence and how it can lead to greater spiritual insight. The discussion touches on the necessity of community in healing, embracing life's imperfections, and the role of honest communication in personal growth. Ron emphasizes the importance of navigating faith amidst struggle, offering a hopeful perspective for those feeling restless or disappointed.
33:12
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Quick takeaways
- The intrinsic ache for more in our lives, acknowledged by theologians, highlights our essential longing for divine connection and spiritual fulfillment.
- Embracing the mourning of unfulfilled desires allows for genuine spiritual growth, facilitating acceptance of life's beauty amid its inherent disappointments.
Deep dives
The Essence of Human Longing
Humans possess an intrinsic desire characterized as an ache that remains throughout life. This longing, articulated by theologians like St. Augustine, underscores that individuals are created with a deep yearning that can never be fully satisfied without a divine connection. It speaks to the fundamental human experience of recognizing the incompleteness of life and understanding that these aches are not flaws but rather vital aspects of being human. This perspective invites people to accept their desires as a testament to connection and a reminder of their inherent spiritual nature.
