Listening with the ear of the heart, Fr. Mauritius Wilde guides us through “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. In this episode, Fr. Mauritius talks about how God wants to meet us in the places we do not want to be and how in our weakness God be strong. He also discusses the essence of true friendship.
One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes. The story of a stranded pilot, an extraordinary little boy, and their remarkable friendship, The Little Prince has become a cherished fable for generations of readers. As enchanting as it is wise, this beloved classic captures the mysteries of the heart and opens us to the meaning of life and the magic of love.
taken from the back an edition of the book no longer in print
Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, Nebraska
Embracing Our Unique Characters – Encountering Foreign Worlds with The Little Prince with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B.
Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor discuss Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince,” exploring the encounters and lessons of the titular character as he travels from one planet to another. Each planet’s inhabitants, including the monarch, lamplighter, and businessman, represent various human oddities and flaws, highlighting the peculiar nature of adults from the Little Prince’s perspective.
Fr. Wilde draws parallels between the novella and spiritual themes: everyone is a “character” with unique flaws and quirks. He discusses how the strange behaviors of the Little Prince’s encounters can be seen as reflective of human conditions and societal norms, suggesting that Saint-Exupéry is pointing out the absurdities and “sicknesses” of our times.
The conversation then shifts to Christian themes, with Fr. Wilde likening the Little Prince’s journey to Jesus’ approach to the marginalized and broken in society. He stresses the importance of compassion and understanding rather than judgment, echoing Jesus’ teachings to love and serve those who are struggling. This comparison is extended to the concept of shame and the vicious cycles of negative behaviors, using the example of the drunkard from the novella to illustrate how people can become trapped in self-destructive patterns.
The Christian belief in redemption and the possibility of breaking free from these cycles at any point, with external help and faith play crucial roles; and the importance of embracing one’s unique characteristics and not succumbing to societal pressures to conform, as true beauty and individuality lie in our differences.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
Unique Characters: How can we embrace and appreciate the unique “characters” in our lives as reflections of God’s creation?
Compassion Over Judgment: In what ways can we show compassion rather than judgment towards those who are struggling?
Breaking Vicious Cycles: What are some negative behaviors or habits in our lives that we need to break free from, and how can faith help us in this process?
Embracing Limitations: How can we accept and work within our limitations while still striving to live a fulfilling and purposeful life?
Dangers of Conformity: How can we resist societal pressures to conform and instead celebrate our unique identities and differences?
Role of Shame: How does shame affect our relationship with ourselves and with God, and how can we overcome it through faith?
Jesus as the Good Shepherd: How can we allow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to guide us and heal our wounds, especially when we are resistant to change?
Responsibility for Ourselves: In what ways can we take responsibility for our own spiritual and personal growth, following Jesus’ example?
One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.
The story of a stranded pilot, an extraordinary little boy, and their remarkable friendship, The Little Prince has become a cherished fable for generations of readers. As enchanting as it is wise, this beloved classic captures the mysteries of the heart and opens us to the meaning of life and the magic of love.
taken from the back an edition of the book no longer in print
Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, NE
Compassionate Listening in Faith – Encountering Foreign Worlds with The Little Prince with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B.
Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor delve into the themes of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince,” focusing particularly on communication and understanding. They discuss how language varies not just between different spoken languages but also between generations and social contexts, leading to potential misunderstandings. The importance of listening with compassion and empathy, acknowledging that words can have different meanings in different “worlds.” He uses examples from “The Little Prince” and real-life observations to illustrate how differing interpretations of the same words can lead to miscommunication.
Fr. Wilde also reflects on the impact of social media and modern communication on language, noting how it has shifted over time and across generations. The conversation touches on how cultural expressions, like those in rap music, can be misunderstood by those from different backgrounds, further widening the communication gap.
They explore the idea that true understanding requires entering the “world” of the other person, as illustrated by the various characters in “The Little Prince” who each view stars differently. This concept is likened to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross’s idea of compassion, where one shares and understands another’s heart and experiences. Fr. Wilde also connects these ideas to the life of Jesus, highlighting His approach of deep empathy and respect for individuals, such as the blind man and the Samaritan woman. Jesus’s interactions reflect a non-judgmental, compassionate understanding that seeks to connect with people on a profound level.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
Importance of Compassion in Communication: How can you practice compassionate listening in your daily interactions to better understand others?
Generational Language Differences: How do you adapt your communication style when interacting with people from different generations?
Social Media’s Impact on Language: In what ways has social media influenced your use of language, and how can you ensure it doesn’t hinder genuine understanding?
Cultural Expressions and Misunderstanding: How can you better appreciate and understand cultural expressions that are different from your own to avoid miscommunication?
Entering Another’s World: What steps can you take to truly enter and understand the “world” of another person in your life?
Jesus’s Compassionate Approach: How can you emulate Jesus’s approach of deep empathy and respect in your relationships with others?
Embracing Mystery in Others: How can you cultivate an attitude of wonder and openness to the mystery of each person’s unique experience and perspective?
Individual Reflection and Connection with God: In what ways can you deepen your personal relationship with God to better reflect His love and understanding in your interactions?
One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.
The story of a stranded pilot, an extraordinary little boy, and their remarkable friendship, The Little Prince has become a cherished fable for generations of readers. As enchanting as it is wise, this beloved classic captures the mysteries of the heart and opens us to the meaning of life and the magic of love.
taken from the back an edition of the book no longer in print
Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, NE
Introduction – Encountering Foreign Worlds with The Little Prince with Fr. Mauritius Wilde O.S.B.
Fr. Mauritius Wilde and Kris McGregor discuss “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Fr. Mauritius shares his personal connection with the novella, which he discovered while reading bedtime stories to children. He reflects on the Catholic influence in the story and its universal appeal, attributing its resonance to its beauty and wisdom, akin to God’s nature.
They delve into the significance of seeing each human as a whole world, illustrated through the little prince’s encounters with characters on different planets. Fr. Mauritius highlights how individuals inhabit unique worlds with varying perceptions of time, language, and meaning. He talks about the importance of understanding others’ perspectives to bridge communication gaps and avoid misunderstandings, drawing examples from the novella’s portrayal of stars and the differing interpretations among characters.
Fr. Mauritius reminds us of the value of taking time to engage with literature like “The Little Prince” as a means of deepening empathy and connection in an ever-changing cultural landscape.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions:
Exploring Catholic Themes: How does Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Catholic background influence the themes and messages found within “The Little Prince”?
Universality of Beauty and Wisdom: In what ways do the beauty and wisdom portrayed in “The Little Prince” resonate with Catholic teachings and reflect aspects of God’s nature?
Seeing Others as Unique Worlds: How does the concept of each person being their own world, as depicted in the novella, relate to Catholic understanding of human dignity and individuality?
Understanding and Empathy: How can the lessons from “The Little Prince” about understanding others’ perspectives and languages be applied to fostering empathy and unity within Catholic communities and beyond?
Bridging Communication Gaps: Reflecting on the examples of misunderstanding in the novella, how can Catholics work towards better communication and dialogue, particularly across generational and cultural divides?
One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.
The story of a stranded pilot, an extraordinary little boy, and their remarkable friendship, The Little Prince has become a cherished fable for generations of readers. As enchanting as it is wise, this beloved classic captures the mysteries of the heart and opens us to the meaning of life and the magic of love.
taken from the back an edition of the book no longer in print
Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. For more information about the ministry of the Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler, NE
Listening with the ear of the heart, Fr. Mauritius Wilde guides us through “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. In this episode, Fr. Mauritius talks about how God wants to meet us in the places we do not want to be and how in our weakness God be strong. He also discusses the essence of true friendship.
