This man is so lovable and has a most Christ-like spirit of compassion and honesty. This documentary has really touched my soul. Thank you so much for putting this on You Tube.
I would love to know where all of those beautiful people who helped Peter are today. I think of those whom have shown me kindness in my life and wish them every blessing. Peter was very kind to my daughter and myself once. They do say be kind to everyone (and animal) coz you never know you could be entertaining Angels!
thanks for the upload ,,, i found this very moving , brought tears to my eyes as i could really feel for peter , ive been homeless and on the road without any money and hungry too. the love from others is worth more than anything in this world, and we all should give more to others and people in need , the problam is these days is as peter said people have built huge walls around themselves , and hopefuly oneday they will see this,, any effort anyone can make will and is always appreciated and its a start ....
Firstly many thanks for sharing this program. A joy to watch and the encounter with Gabriel I found particularly touching. When people can be so open and honest in their admissions and see mutual need shared in such a way, it does elevate feelings of warmth and hope. We have veered so far off path but it’s never too late to steer it back. Thanks again Peter for television that touches and informs,we need to hear more of you these days. And Gabriel,if you ever see this,you are no more squashed than the rest of us, in fact, probably less so because at least you can admit it. God bless you both and all of you out there
HonorisCausa1 thankyou for sharing this... I watched it years ago and so pleased to see it again... I wish they showed repeats of this again.. a lovely peaceful guy... peace and love to all 🌟❤️🌟
Peter Owen Jones, I was very moved and humbled by your journey. It's now 2024 and the message of St Francis is needed more than ever. Many homeless people are on the streets of Edinburgh where I live and I try to help them. People are rebelling against corrupt Government. I think we are moving into a new age where we will more easily be able to live as St Francis intended. God Bless you. ❤
what s blessing it is to be chosen to feed a homeless person. to know that you were in the right place at the right time. Give freely, it cost very little
This makes me hopeful and less anxious in this world. I am dependent on society for my survival but it doesn't want me in the first place because i can not produce them wealth at the times they want for as many hours per week they want. The heartache to always be judged on my productivity or lack thereof, causes me unimaginable grief. The pain and humilliation he feels is real. Imagine 25 years of that. This is why people on disability generally shy away from 'social' contact. The 569976788th time i will have to explain to a total stranger 'why' i only exist to 'take', will probably crush my soul.
This makes me anxious! I am disabled but receive no allowance for my condition. I am continually explaining why I can't do things as my problems aren't evident. Still people are mistrustful and do not offer help even when they are aware of my limitations. I hardly speak with anyone these days and no one looks for me. Its tough to feel so useless and isolated.
Thanks Melita. Where I am living people just DO NOT want to get involved in the lives of others , even in the most minimal way. They are afraid that you will ask more and more of them. Also they do not like to ask anything of anyone because they do not want to feel beholden to anyone. It makes for a very sad community as people do not even accept well meant gifts easily or gladly.
I understand....there’s a camera. Where’s the cameraman sleeping, where’s he eating, all that. Yet I still enjoy this. Having lived in Manhattan, I yet know there are places where every door has three locks.
Admire his courage! "Cleanse ye your eyes, so that ye behold no man as different from yourselves. See ye no strangers; rather see all men as friends, for love and unity come hard when ye fix your gaze on otherness." - Abdu’l-Baha, Baha'i Quote
This is a great example of where the poor, help the poor. I don't worry about being sued, let them try. I have nothing much they can take from me, anyway, so if I have a safe bed, or a warm meal, I'm happy to offer.
Hello, I am totally in admiration of your quest and thank you for sharing this. Gosh a few times I stood outside selling papers for a political party and that felt vulnerable enough-to have to ask people to trust you and help takes courage. The stay in the church-they are damp places, that must have been hard-not exactly comfortable. I have this idea that I'd like to cut down on working and lead a more back to basic journey/life and so to be able to watch you going through all these experiments is just fantastic and I must now read more about Satish and his journeys. It must have been so bitterly cold and damp. Just brilliant, thank you to you and the camera person. Wonderful series
The way of the World has changed a great deal. I remember as as child growing up . We never locked our doors .Now people are afraid of Strangers and giving them shelter .
I was so loving this but we must remember that people are too frightened to take someone in their home in case they are killers,this is not Thomas Hardy days and giving car lifts is the same,we must not risk our lives which can be snuffed out in a second.
..entertaining angels unawares. This is such a wonderful show. Losing the ego until you don't need it anymore, got me. Mahalo so much for this show .Everyone needs this.
Just a few comments to address some of the remarks made. Peter Owen-Jones is a part-time priest who serves on a “house for duty” basis. He is not a lay minister as some have suggested, and has worked in paid positions in the past. He has however chosen to work on an unpaid basis to ensure that three parishes have at least some cover, whilst earning his living as a writer and broadcaster, which the arrangement under which the Church licensed him to the parishes. A locum would have been provided in his absence. Comments have been made regarding Fr. Peter’s acceptance of a hamburger when he has a wheat allergy. In this there would have been someone such as an on-set director to explain this as well as liaising with people who chose to help. Film companies have a duty of care and have to take such precautions, not least for reasons of insurance. How people were reimbursed or if they were I do not know, The film is an exploration of a simple life, and the Franciscan model in its essence was used, with advice being taken - as is shown - from the modern-day Franciscans. Other models of simplicity, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and communal living were also explored, as was ecological self-sufficiency. The purpose of the series was to look at “How to live a simple life” and Peter Owen-Jones gives his intentions clearly at the start of each programme. I note some comments were made about the kind of work Fr. Peter did. The Rule of St Francis as it stood in 1221 says these things. 1. Brothers should not receive any money themselves or through any intermediary.. 2. Brothers who know how to work should work. And they should exercise the same skill which they (already) know, provided it is not contrary to the salvation of their souls and can be honestly pursued. For the prophet says: “You shall eat the fruit of your labour, and you shall be happy and blessed” (Ps. 127:2).And the apostle: “Whoever does not wish to work, neither should he eat” (2 Thess. 3 v.10). And: “Each one should remain in the trade or position in which he was called” (1 Cor. 7:24). And for their work they can accept all that they need, except money. 3. When it becomes necessary, they should go seek alms like the other brothers. And they are allowed to have the tools and instruments necessary for their skill. No brother, no matter where he is or where he may go, should in any way accept, or cause to be accepted, money or coins, neither for clothes, for books, nor as wages for any kind of work, under any circumstances whatever, unless obviously necessary for sick brothers…
As he said, fear is foremost. As a woman, I could not brave a similar journey. Therein is the double standard. In my commutes I used to help hitchhikers in Connecticut on I-95; someone whose car was frozen over with ice, someone too old to be stranded, people stranded in a storm, and many, many more, but the more I read about murders along the way, the more I thought this was crazy. One time I picked up two men, one ancient and carrying a heavy load, I knew it was five miles until he could get off the highway. In my car, The old man sat in front with his hands in attitude of prayer, and.apparently he could not speak at all. The younger man, his son, said his father was praying for me. The old man was a sign painter and I saw the window sign of extreme beauty that he had painted on a restaurant window. I don't live in CT now, but should I, I would no longer be brave enough to pick up stranded people.
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." 1 Timothy 5:8
Many negative comments about the vicar here, though the like ratio speaks the true reality I think. I am reminded of Matthew 5: "Blessed are you, when men shall persecute you, and revile you, and speak all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad! For great shall be your reward in Heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets who came before you."
Mr. Owen-Jones is beginning to learn, but I was surprised at how lacking he is at the beginning. Brother Phillipe tried to correct him by saying it's not a matter of self-reliance but of God-reliance. In addition, Franciscans asked for food in exchange for preaching, providing service, and work - the rule is to give and receive. Mr. O-J was hiking across country, begging for food and shelter, providing no services, while on his way to seek advice of a nature-worshiper. As a commentary on wealthy societies needing to be more generous, this is a worthwhile exercise. But it's profoundly sad that a cleric in the Church of England did not know from his own professed religion the key point that the elderly man taught: "your happiness is not separate from the happiness of other people." Christian teaching is full of that - see Isaiah 58:7, Matthew 5:42, Acts 4:32 (for starters) . The stonemason is a more spiritually-tuned man by far!
Liked the comune idea where they had to work three days a week. I built a treehouse and spend an embarrassing amount of time there. Perhaps a community of treehouses in the woods would be quite an experiment. I do hunger for spiritual community also wish I could grow my hair long again. Reminds me of the 70s where a lot of religious people were cool. Thanks Peter, if you ever cross the great Herring pond to New England you can stay in my treehouse on your travels.
A grey story. I live a self sufficient life with fruit trees, veggies and chickens. To ask for what we need is unusual these days but it’s a 2 way gifting that brings nga people closer. And you caught 2 birds with one net. 😅
The presence of a TV camera really helped. When a camera was not in the face of someone being asked for help then the outcome was totally different. After dropping out of the rat race for a simpler life a few years ago i can certainly recommend to anyone though. Money is the root of all evil.
Peter, try water-only-fasting for 7 - 14 days to start with. . . I did 180 days travelling around Central and South-America with only hammock to sleep, I did not pay for 1 single night.
Lorraine Clarke the Catholic Church in San Francisco installed sprinklers in their doorways to drench any homeless thar might try to sleep there. The Vatican is the origin of all genocide from the albegensis and Waldenses to the Sioux and the European jews. Looks like fun travelling tho. but he should stick to the Anglican church, not that there's any difference nowadays.
The church is a community place of prayer and congregation for the locals, they need this! There are plenty of empty buildings around and I'm sure quite a few belong to the Catholic church which has the money and resources to help the homeless.
I've been a volunteer providing services to the homeless in Los Angeles for more than 35 years. As a former college professor, I have a penchant for researching anything I find of interest, homelessness notwithstanding. You might be interested to know that in Los Angeles County, which is fairly representative of major population centers in this regard, only 35% of social services are provided by the public sector, leaving nearly two-thirds of all such needs to the not-for-profit sector, of which a third are faith-based organizations, or churches. As FBOs concentrate the vast majority of their resources (about 85%) in what is known as "transitional services," an area dominated by the provision of food, shelter and clothing, and with US homelessness at .5% of the population (although 15% of the country's homeless live in LA), it would seem clear that faith-based organizations are shouldering the bulk of burden when it comes to homelessness. Incidentally, in my years of experience, I have, with only one exception, volunteered through FBOs. And the only not-for-profits I've come across in the field have been those providing shelter, the "rescue missions," although their origin was as FBOs. Should you choose to verify the figures I've here indicated, you can do so through the regular reporting of any county social services department, specifically in the case I described the Department of Social Services of the County of Los Angeles; nationwide, the book Faith-Based Social Services: Measures, Assessments and Effectiveness, Boddie and Cnaan, editors, is an excellent resource.
As another poster stated, there are plenty of vacant, empty buildings throughout the nation, enough to house everyone homeless in that nation. This is a problem of economics, not of lack of resources. There is plenty for everyone, but the monetary-market system is what prevents these resources being distributed equality and just. Many first-world nations (for lack of a better word to describe such nations) waste enough food to feed everyone in the world. Again, if can't make a buck or two out of it, it is not forth it and should be trashed. That's the mentality of most, if not all, modern societies.
Our society hasn't figured out a way to share resources. I think it can get quite complicated: if someone owns a vacant property, should a municipality buy that and turn it into subsidized housing? Will the taxpayers cover the costs? In my town, the restaurants donate their leftovers to the homeless shelter (a faith-based organization), so many days the homeless eat way better than I do. And the shelter receives zero public dollars and houses hundreds - it's all done by the kindness of individuals.
It seems asking the everyday person to change their thoughts about "Wealth" is missing the point. The financially wealthy need to change THEIR thoughts on the everyday.
I've just come from watching the Dragon space craft link up with the International Space Station. Does that fit in with wanting more or is it just exploration for the increase of knowledge. Soon we will have settlements on the moon and hopefully, Mars. How does this fit into your philosophy?
the problem with this idea and why it does not work in reality is that it is simply an ideal, ideals are great but in reality they are void of reality, for we are romantic about the great things about the past even though we exclude the unpleasant realities that go along with our idealistic visions about the nostalgic past. Kindness exists alongside greed, you can't have one without the other.
Peter is begging for food. Modern beggars ask for money. If they asked for food, I would be more likely to donate. But I am reluctant to give money, although once in a blue moon I do. Will they use the money for tobacco, alcohol and drugs? What do you think folks?
Yes I'm in a similar situation. In my city there is a night shelter and the visitors have to find a few quid to stay the night. I have given money but at the back of my mind thinks 'are they going to use the money for what they asked?'. I prefer to ask if they want a hot drink and sandwich.
+Paul Senkans whats it to you what they use it for? poor people know what they need more than you do and they have a right to decide their fate. if you dont want to give anything its fine but dont wine about it and try to justify it
+Paul Senkans When you give it should be unconditional. You see someone living on the street in poor condition, perhaps hungry or ill, and if you choose to be generous by giving some money, let it rest there. What they do with it is beyond your control or concern, but at least now they have a chance for a meal if they choose it. That is the gift.
Food and shelter are the basics, handing out money leads to problems. Unconditional? What is that? If we exist in society, there are always conditions to our existance within it.
Maybe it wasn't shown but the people who offered him the camper to sleep him, never offered him a drink or snack when he arrived and moreso not the offer of a morning cuppa to send him on his way. Here's the rub, did they have no curiosity to urge them to want to chat with him a little?
The message has nothing to do with St. Francis...show up at a business with a camera long enough, and the proprietor will figure out he will look bad for not being charitable.
How does the parish function with an absentee vicar????? Interesting in that the Franciscans here in the States live pretty well off of what is freely given, and in many cases it is not a minimal amount! To go through life and not have to earn money or become self sufficient through working the land, sounds thought provoking. I have never seen a Franciscan monk on the street corners 'begging' for food.
He is only a part-time Lay Priest, and, when a lucrative documentary calls which is interesting to make, Peter rises magnificently to the challenge......
I don't agree with that monk who says self-reliance and independence is bad and that we should rely on others. Yes we should rely on others, but we should give just as much if not more than we expect in return. Asking for handouts because you've decided to live without money is all well and good but unless you are offering something in return you are just a leech. Or have I misunderstood what he was saying?
I agree, quite why Monks and others similar (especially in 'closed orders') choose to live on the fringes of society behind closed walls without helping the poor and elderly outside their Monastery's is but one aspect of their rather selfish lives that I have little 'truck' with.....It used to be said that if you wanted a cushy life with a pension and free housing for life, plus free old age care, join the Clergy. Oh, and before anyone says yes but they can't have relationships if they do that, oh yes they can, and do, I've known way too many Catholic Priests with 'relationships' going on in the background out of public view, the last one was a Parish Priest who was knocking off a cleaning lady for many years, and before him, a young newly ordained Catholic Priest who was seeing a Nurse (a friend of ours) who lived on a local Council Estate.....
Yes he did, as did the out- of -camera- shot 'sound-man' too, and also, the Director too, all of whom travelled in a vehicle only stopping to film relevant footage at various points in the journey, oh and not forgetting Peter himself, who, as you probably already know, got paid to film all of it........Never take at face value everything you see on TV, it is always carefully planned, costed, researched and produced to sell.
He should have worn his collar, or at least the Franciscan hood. I mean look like a friar.he's asking what he should be giving in return? A blessing!!!! He's a priest! I'm sure St. Francis blessed people.
He can wear his collar though. Don't get me wrong. I like him and he seems like a nice guy. He just seems more like being a priest is a nice part time career where he interacts socially, instead of representing Jesus to the people. If I were him, I would have offered a prayer to everyone that helped him. They may have said no, but everyone needs prayer whether they realize it or not :). People who depend totally on God, or God through other people, pray for their needs and then God meets them. I think his difficulty sometimes is he forgets to pray first. Then God will always arrange a way.
@@wmnoffaith1 Mind you behind the scenes he might have prayed for each person he came across but not made a show of it. I met POJ twice in his Sussex church and home and I don't think he was wearing the collar then but he was wearing his hat on one occasion!
He was wearing a priest's 'Cassock', (£194 from a well-known Clerical clothing supplier) as part of the 'holy Pilgrim' image necessary for the program, and to add a sense of realism. He could have worn a Monks cloak (habit) tho', you can buy versions of them on Amazon (or again, from the Clerical Clothing supplier I mentioned above).....Goths can be seen wearing them at Goth festivals and get-togethers.......
I still think God provides without money. However, it takes a renunciation to a higher level than the Vicar is able to do in his role with the Church. Jones plainly states he can't give up everything. I have seen God provide when I had no way of making it. Not once, but day after day after day. The division is between believers and non believers. There seems to be this idea that God takes care of everybody but that is not true. The good book states that those who God favors find favor with God. The old first century era type monks and nuns who lived in the deserts of Egypt lived totally at God's mercy while practicing handicrafts. I think the Vicar did an admirable job of showing the path to total submission to God and it is a painful journey. I do not believe a child of God has free will but they have perfect freedom in serving God. God may wish a simpler life or He may plant you in the middle of a city. Your mission decides what God provides.
Yes, I know many people who live "by faith" with no assured income, and God always comes through for them! Thanks for sharing! I don't understand your reference about "those who God favors find favor with God." Did you mean PS. 147:11 The Lord favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness?
St. Francis didn't have a cell phone and an expensive backpack and a camera crew following him around. People would not be so nice if they weren't being filmed.
Psl 37:45"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the RIGHTEOUS forsaken, nor his seed BEGGING bread."HIS SEED" is the key.U R Esau/Edom/Idumea. Just an experiment on film..Bogus..as usual.Esau is a Trip!
Well I don’t think I need to watch much more of this video to know that you’re not gonna make it in this life where I live because you got to have resources and these people are 50 years ago you might have a chance but you’re going to find it if more people did what you did it be a better place to stay live but this is not our home our home is in heaven but Godspeed and good luck
In many ways, Peter is like Simon Peter. He chooses to send himself about on journeys instead of waiting for the Lord to send him. The true disciples were commanded by Jesus to wait for permission to begin their ministries. I think Peter missed what the friar was saying, in essence, being in control of your destiny instead of relying on God is not placing God at the helm. If this had been a true spiritual journey, Peter would have been led to the homes and businesses that would have immediately helped him.I am a little consternated by this vicar's lack of ability to be led by God. As a vicar of the C of E, he should not be looking for guidance from Buddhists, non believers or even Muslims, albeit they are an Abrahamic religion.The greying of religion in England is a sad thing. If Peter's only purpose was to lead a simple life and let go of his pride, then he is successful in this regard. As a Vicar and a father, his first obligations are to his family and flock. Who is tending his sheep while he is on his own perhaps selfish journey of self examination?But, if this journey makes him a better Vicar and father then I wish him all the best and pray God blesses him bountifully. I do admire his decision to radically transform himself into a better person.
St Francis supposedly loved animals - I don't think he would be killing fish or incarcerating/exploiting chickens to eat. How is it compassionate to kill and exploit other sentient beings who don't want to die. As for begging, why should others support him - this is exploiting the goodwill of other humans too. Our spiritual and physical needs are our own responsibilities not that of others. He is a spoilt child in his interactions with the world I!MHO. Grow up and man up! A simpler life is possible without exploiting others.
Made worse by the fact he has a job in Broadcasting during the week, (plus cheques and fees from the TV series he has 'starred' in too) and only does Priest duties at night and weekends (he is a 'lay Priest not a full-time Priest) .Quite why he drives a shed of a car when he can easily afford a decent one is beyond me, not forgetting too, he lives rent and mortgage free in a 'very nice thank you' Vicarage house provided by the Anglican Church......
This whole thing is a fraud....he is only getting responses because people want to be on TV.....the cameras following him around give him an advantage....
This man is so lovable and has a most Christ-like spirit of compassion and honesty. This documentary has really touched my soul. Thank you so much for putting this on You Tube.
You're welcome. Thank you for watching.
I'll never look at people who live on the street, and in shelters the same way again. This has cut me to the quick. Blessings.
I would love to know where all of those beautiful people who helped Peter are today. I think of those whom have shown me kindness in my life and wish them every blessing. Peter was very kind to my daughter and myself once. They do say be kind to everyone (and animal) coz you never know you could be entertaining Angels!
thanks for the upload ,,, i found this very moving , brought tears to my eyes as i could really feel for peter , ive been homeless and on the road without any money and hungry too. the love from others is worth more than anything in this world, and we all should give more to others and people in need , the problam is these days is as peter said people have built huge walls around themselves , and hopefuly oneday they will see this,, any effort anyone can make will and is always appreciated and its a start ....
Firstly many thanks for sharing this program. A joy to watch and the encounter with Gabriel I found particularly touching. When people can be so open and honest in their admissions and see mutual need shared in such a way, it does elevate feelings of warmth and hope. We have veered so far off path but it’s never too late to steer it back. Thanks again Peter for television that touches and informs,we need to hear more of you these days. And Gabriel,if you ever see this,you are no more squashed than the rest of us, in fact, probably less so because at least you can admit it. God bless you both and all of you out there
Just thought i'd leave a 2019 comment here - good luck on your simple living journey people
HonorisCausa1 thankyou for sharing this... I watched it years ago and so pleased to see it again... I wish they showed repeats of this again.. a lovely peaceful guy... peace and love to all 🌟❤️🌟
Peter Owen Jones, I was very moved and humbled by your journey. It's now 2024 and the message of St Francis is needed more than ever. Many homeless people are on the streets of Edinburgh where I live and I try to help them. People are rebelling against corrupt Government. I think we are moving into a new age where we will more easily be able to live as St Francis intended. God Bless you. ❤
I'm feeling this - thank you Peter Owen Jones - I have tears in my eyes and my heart soars...thankyou
what s blessing it is to be chosen to feed a homeless person. to know that you were in the right place at the right time.
Give freely, it cost very little
The Rev is contributing by following his quest. He is helping our Universe raise collective vibration. It is very important "work".
being human is an alien idea in the 20th century, thanks for sharing this with all of us. :D
Good show.thanks for giving
Mike Mason Glad you enjoyed it.
This show is great and extremely enlightening, everybody on the planet should probably watch this. Thanks to everybody who helped to create this :)
This series is an amazing eye opener. He seems to be such a sincere person! Thank you for posting it!
I am crying
This is the best episode of the 3.
Thank you for sharing! :) what an amazing journey! Even if he had a cameraman, its really nice to see the generosity of people.
Thanks for uploading this series. Very enjoyable.
Any fool can make things complicated. It takes a genius to make things simple. Such wisdom is sorely lacking in the UK in 2021
That quote is a keeper!
Thank you. This was so thought provoking for me.
This man is a seeker. Trying to live Christ in the modern world. An example for me.
'The music's not helping'. That line always makes me smile!
That was magnificent! ❤
REALLY enjoyed this! Thank you so much for uploading. 👍🏼
This makes me hopeful and less anxious in this world. I am dependent on society for my survival but it doesn't want me in the first place because i can not produce them wealth at the times they want for as many hours per week they want. The heartache to always be judged on my productivity or lack thereof, causes me unimaginable grief. The pain and humilliation he feels is real. Imagine 25 years of that. This is why people on disability generally shy away from 'social' contact. The 569976788th time i will have to explain to a total stranger 'why' i only exist to 'take', will probably crush my soul.
This makes me anxious! I am disabled but receive no allowance for my condition. I am continually explaining why I can't do things as my problems aren't evident. Still people are mistrustful and do not offer help even when they are aware of my limitations. I hardly speak with anyone these days and no one looks for me. Its tough to feel so useless and isolated.
Thanks Melita. Where I am living people just DO NOT want to get involved in the lives of others , even in the most minimal way. They are afraid that you will ask more and more of them. Also they do not like to ask anything of anyone because they do not want to feel beholden to anyone. It makes for a very sad community as people do not even accept well meant gifts easily or gladly.
Can't find you .
Wonderful documentary! Thank you for sharing!
I understand....there’s a camera. Where’s the cameraman sleeping, where’s he eating, all that. Yet I still enjoy this. Having lived in Manhattan, I yet know there are places where every door has three locks.
Admire his courage! "Cleanse ye your eyes, so that ye behold no man as different from yourselves. See ye no strangers; rather see all men as friends, for love and unity come hard when ye fix your gaze on otherness." - Abdu’l-Baha, Baha'i Quote
Thanks for this.
Love this guy.
This is a great example of where the poor, help the poor. I don't worry about being sued, let them try. I have nothing much they can take from me, anyway, so if I have a safe bed, or a warm meal, I'm happy to offer.
Fantastic show !
incredible
Hello, I am totally in admiration of your quest and thank you for sharing this. Gosh a few times I stood outside selling papers for a political party and that felt vulnerable enough-to have to ask people to trust you and help takes courage.
The stay in the church-they are damp places, that must have been hard-not exactly comfortable. I have this idea that I'd like to cut down on working and lead a more back to basic journey/life and so to be able to watch you going through all these experiments is just fantastic and I must now read more about Satish and his journeys. It must have been so bitterly cold and damp. Just brilliant, thank you to you and the camera person.
Wonderful series
Enjoyed once again.
wow thankyou for these lovely lessons xoxoxox
Very thought provoking
The way of the World has changed a great deal. I remember as as child growing up . We never locked our doors .Now people are afraid of Strangers and giving them shelter .
chicky1785 .......That’s the truth of it, and a fact missed by many of these commenters......fear.
I was so loving this but we must remember that people are too frightened to take someone in their home in case they are killers,this is not Thomas Hardy days and giving car lifts is the same,we must not risk our lives which can be snuffed out in a second.
..entertaining angels unawares. This is such a wonderful show. Losing the ego until you don't need it anymore, got me. Mahalo so much for this show .Everyone needs this.
Just a few comments to address some of the remarks made.
Peter Owen-Jones is a part-time priest who serves on a “house for duty” basis. He is not a lay minister as some have suggested, and has worked in paid positions in the past.
He has however chosen to work on an unpaid basis to ensure that three parishes have at least some cover, whilst earning his living as a writer and broadcaster, which the arrangement under which the Church licensed him to the parishes. A locum would have been provided in his absence.
Comments have been made regarding Fr. Peter’s acceptance of a hamburger when he has a wheat allergy. In this there would have been someone such as an on-set director to explain this as well as liaising with people who chose to help.
Film companies have a duty of care and have to take such precautions, not least for reasons of insurance. How people were reimbursed or if they were I do not know,
The film is an exploration of a simple life, and the Franciscan model in its essence was used, with advice being taken - as is shown - from the modern-day Franciscans. Other models of simplicity, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and communal living were also explored, as was ecological self-sufficiency. The purpose of the series was to look at “How to live a simple life” and Peter Owen-Jones gives his intentions clearly at the start of each programme.
I note some comments were made about the kind of work Fr. Peter did. The Rule of St Francis as it stood in 1221 says these things.
1. Brothers should not receive any money themselves or through any intermediary..
2. Brothers who know how to work should work. And they should exercise the same skill which they (already) know, provided it is not contrary to the salvation of their souls and can be honestly pursued. For the prophet says: “You shall eat the fruit of your labour, and you shall be happy and blessed” (Ps. 127:2).And the apostle: “Whoever does not wish to work, neither should he eat” (2 Thess. 3 v.10). And: “Each one should remain in the trade or position in which he was called” (1 Cor. 7:24). And for their work they can accept all that they need, except money.
3. When it becomes necessary, they should go seek alms like the other brothers. And they are allowed to have the tools and instruments necessary for their skill. No brother, no matter where he is or where he may go, should in any way accept, or cause to be accepted, money or coins, neither for clothes, for books, nor as wages for any kind of work, under any circumstances whatever, unless obviously necessary for sick brothers…
As he said, fear is foremost. As a woman, I could not brave a similar journey. Therein is the double standard. In my commutes I used to help hitchhikers in Connecticut on I-95; someone whose car was frozen over with ice, someone too old to be stranded, people stranded in a storm, and many, many more, but the more I read about murders along the way, the more I thought this was crazy. One time I picked up two men, one ancient and carrying a heavy load, I knew it was five miles until he could get off the highway. In my car, The old man sat in front with his hands in attitude of prayer, and.apparently he could not speak at all. The younger man, his son, said his father was praying for me. The old man was a sign painter and I saw the window sign of extreme beauty that he had painted on a restaurant window. I don't live in CT now, but should I, I would no longer be brave enough to pick up stranded people.
Brilliant but so many questions
Thank you. Wish your thoughtful videos could do on, and on.
beautiful!
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." 1 Timothy 5:8
Many negative comments about the vicar here, though the like ratio speaks the true reality I think. I am reminded of Matthew 5: "Blessed are you, when men shall persecute you, and revile you, and speak all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad! For great shall be your reward in Heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets who came before you."
The indian man at the restaurant was a sweety
this is what living in the UK should be like, village life :)
Mr. Owen-Jones is beginning to learn, but I was surprised at how lacking he is at the beginning. Brother Phillipe tried to correct him by saying it's not a matter of self-reliance but of God-reliance. In addition, Franciscans asked for food in exchange for preaching, providing service, and work - the rule is to give and receive. Mr. O-J was hiking across country, begging for food and shelter, providing no services, while on his way to seek advice of a nature-worshiper. As a commentary on wealthy societies needing to be more generous, this is a worthwhile exercise. But it's profoundly sad that a cleric in the Church of England did not know from his own professed religion the key point that the elderly man taught: "your happiness is not separate from the happiness of other people." Christian teaching is full of that - see Isaiah 58:7, Matthew 5:42, Acts 4:32 (for starters) . The stonemason is a more spiritually-tuned man by far!
Succinctly and beautifully put.......
thank you wonderful point made
Liked the comune idea where they had to work three days a week. I built a treehouse and spend an embarrassing amount of time there. Perhaps a community of treehouses in the woods would be quite an experiment. I do hunger for spiritual community also wish I could grow my hair long again. Reminds me of the 70s where a lot of religious people were cool. Thanks Peter, if you ever cross the great Herring pond to New England you can stay in my treehouse on your travels.
Can you please upload a higher quality version of this documentary. I really like it
If I had a better quality copy I would already have done so.
@@Captain_Lockheed Then can you tell me where to find a DVD or high quality version of this series. I really want to watch it. Thanks
@@allwynfernandes127 I'm sorry but as far as I know it's not available on dvd. I know my upload isn't the greatest quality but it is watchable.
A grey story.
I live a self sufficient life with fruit trees, veggies and chickens. To ask for what we need is unusual these days but it’s a 2 way gifting that brings nga people closer.
And you caught 2 birds with one net. 😅
The presence of a TV camera really helped. When a camera was not in the face of someone being asked for help then the outcome was totally different. After dropping out of the rat race for a simpler life a few years ago i can certainly recommend to anyone though. Money is the root of all evil.
Peter, try water-only-fasting for 7 - 14 days to start with. . . I did 180 days travelling around Central and South-America with only hammock to sleep, I did not pay for 1 single night.
I think when you turn up with a camera crew following you people are more willing to help…they think they’re part of something.
I do not understand why churches do not open their doors to the homesless as a way of the Lord.
Lorraine Clarke the Catholic Church in San Francisco installed sprinklers in their doorways to drench any homeless thar might try to sleep there. The Vatican is the origin of all genocide from the albegensis and Waldenses to the Sioux and the European jews. Looks like fun travelling tho. but he should stick to the Anglican church, not that there's any difference nowadays.
The church is a community place of prayer and congregation for the locals, they need this! There are plenty of empty buildings around and I'm sure quite a few belong to the Catholic church which has the money and resources to help the homeless.
I've been a volunteer providing services to the homeless in Los Angeles
for more than 35 years. As a former college professor, I have a
penchant for researching anything I find of interest, homelessness
notwithstanding. You might be interested to know that in Los Angeles
County, which is fairly representative of major population centers in
this regard, only 35% of social services are provided by the public
sector, leaving nearly two-thirds of all such needs to the
not-for-profit sector, of which a third are faith-based organizations,
or churches. As FBOs concentrate the vast majority of their resources
(about 85%) in what is known as "transitional services," an area
dominated by the provision of food, shelter and clothing, and with US
homelessness at .5% of the population (although 15% of the country's
homeless live in LA), it would seem clear that faith-based organizations
are shouldering the bulk of burden when it comes to homelessness.
Incidentally, in my years of experience, I have, with only one
exception, volunteered through FBOs. And the only not-for-profits I've
come across in the field have been those providing shelter, the "rescue
missions," although their origin was as FBOs. Should you choose to
verify the figures I've here indicated, you can do so through the
regular reporting of any county social services department, specifically
in the case I described the Department of Social Services of the County
of Los Angeles; nationwide, the book Faith-Based Social Services:
Measures, Assessments and Effectiveness, Boddie and Cnaan, editors, is
an excellent resource.
As another poster stated, there are plenty of vacant, empty buildings throughout the nation, enough to house everyone homeless in that nation. This is a problem of economics, not of lack of resources. There is plenty for everyone, but the monetary-market system is what prevents these resources being distributed equality and just. Many first-world nations (for lack of a better word to describe such nations) waste enough food to feed everyone in the world. Again, if can't make a buck or two out of it, it is not forth it and should be trashed. That's the mentality of most, if not all, modern societies.
Our society hasn't figured out a way to share resources. I think it can get quite complicated: if someone owns a vacant property, should a municipality buy that and turn it into subsidized housing? Will the taxpayers cover the costs? In my town, the restaurants donate their leftovers to the homeless shelter (a faith-based organization), so many days the homeless eat way better than I do. And the shelter receives zero public dollars and houses hundreds - it's all done by the kindness of individuals.
It seems asking the everyday person to change their thoughts about "Wealth" is missing the point.
The financially wealthy need to change THEIR thoughts on the everyday.
I'd love to know if the young couple with the baby at Tinkers Bubble are still there or moved on.
I've just come from watching the Dragon space craft link up with the International Space Station. Does that fit in with wanting more or is it just exploration for the increase of knowledge. Soon we will have settlements on the moon and hopefully, Mars. How does this fit into your philosophy?
the problem with this idea and why it does not work in reality is that it is simply an ideal, ideals are great but in reality they are void of reality, for we are romantic about the great things about the past even though we exclude the unpleasant realities that go along with our idealistic visions about the nostalgic past. Kindness exists alongside greed, you can't have one without the other.
Peter is begging for food. Modern beggars ask for money. If they asked for food, I would be more likely to donate. But I am reluctant to give money, although once in a blue moon I do. Will they use the money for tobacco, alcohol and drugs? What do you think folks?
Yes I'm in a similar situation. In my city there is a night shelter and the visitors have to find a few quid to stay the night. I have given money but at the back of my mind thinks 'are they going to use the money for what they asked?'. I prefer to ask if they want a hot drink and sandwich.
+Paul Senkans whats it to you what they use it for? poor people know what they need more than you do and they have a right to decide their fate. if you dont want to give anything its fine but dont wine about it and try to justify it
+Dawn K because they sometimes waste it on drugs so you are just enabling their drug habit.
+Paul Senkans When you give it should be unconditional. You see someone living on the street in poor condition, perhaps hungry or ill, and if you choose to be generous by giving some money, let it rest there. What they do with it is beyond your control or concern, but at least now they have a chance for a meal if they choose it. That is the gift.
Food and shelter are the basics, handing out money leads to problems. Unconditional? What is that? If we exist in society, there are always conditions to our existance within it.
Maybe it wasn't shown but the people who offered him the camper to sleep him, never offered him a drink or snack when he arrived and moreso not the offer of a morning cuppa to send him on his way. Here's the rub, did they have no curiosity to urge them to want to chat with him a little?
I believe they gave him a three course dinner with wine and a full English in the morning.
The familiar voices of Chithurst!
Doesn't eat wheat except a McDonalds Hamburger?
56:43 this man..
Satish Kumar?
Thx
The message has nothing to do with St. Francis...show up at a business with a camera long enough, and the proprietor will figure out he will look bad for not being charitable.
Cooler Mantel.
How does the parish function with an absentee vicar????? Interesting in that the Franciscans here in the States live pretty well off of what is freely given, and in many cases it is not a minimal amount! To go through life and not have to earn money or become self sufficient through working the land, sounds thought provoking. I have never seen a Franciscan monk on the street corners 'begging' for food.
Vicars have time off (annual leave) and I guess this was during that time. They probably get a locum vicar.
He is only a part-time Lay Priest, and, when a lucrative documentary calls which is interesting to make, Peter rises magnificently to the challenge......
I don't agree with that monk who says self-reliance and independence is bad and that we should rely on others. Yes we should rely on others, but we should give just as much if not more than we expect in return. Asking for handouts because you've decided to live without money is all well and good but unless you are offering something in return you are just a leech. Or have I misunderstood what he was saying?
I agree, quite why Monks and others similar (especially in 'closed orders') choose to live on the fringes of society behind closed walls without helping the poor and elderly outside their Monastery's is but one aspect of their rather selfish lives that I have little 'truck' with.....It used to be said that if you wanted a cushy life with a pension and free housing for life, plus free old age care, join the Clergy. Oh, and before anyone says yes but they can't have relationships if they do that, oh yes they can, and do, I've known way too many Catholic Priests with 'relationships' going on in the background out of public view, the last one was a Parish Priest who was knocking off a cleaning lady for many years, and before him, a young newly ordained Catholic Priest who was seeing a Nurse (a friend of ours) who lived on a local Council Estate.....
If Christ is made to stay out of the equation, all of this quest for poverty or fraternity is just another form of vanity and pride.
I try to remind myself that you are being followed with a camera man. Not quite the same thing.
Wouldn't they notice the camera man? Does the camera man get money?
Yes he did, as did the out- of -camera- shot 'sound-man' too, and also, the Director too, all of whom travelled in a vehicle only stopping to film relevant footage at various points in the journey, oh and not forgetting Peter himself, who, as you probably already know, got paid to film all of it........Never take at face value everything you see on TV, it is always carefully planned, costed, researched and produced to sell.
Apart from the religious bollocks, not a bad series.
Must be wonderful being an intelligent atheist.
He should have worn his collar, or at least the Franciscan hood. I mean look like a friar.he's asking what he should be giving in return? A blessing!!!! He's a priest! I'm sure St. Francis blessed people.
He can't wear the Franciscan hood/habit as he isn't one, he's just trying to follow the Franciscan way. BTW St Francis wasn't a priest.
He can wear his collar though. Don't get me wrong. I like him and he seems like a nice guy. He just seems more like being a priest is a nice part time career where he interacts socially, instead of representing Jesus to the people. If I were him, I would have offered a prayer to everyone that helped him. They may have said no, but everyone needs prayer whether they realize it or not :). People who depend totally on God, or God through other people, pray for their needs and then God meets them.
I think his difficulty sometimes is he forgets to pray first. Then God will always arrange a way.
@@wmnoffaith1 Mind you behind the scenes he might have prayed for each person he came across but not made a show of it.
I met POJ twice in his Sussex church and home and I don't think he was wearing the collar then but he was wearing his hat on one occasion!
He was wearing a priest's 'Cassock', (£194 from a well-known Clerical clothing supplier) as part of the 'holy Pilgrim' image necessary for the program, and to add a sense of realism. He could have worn a Monks cloak (habit) tho', you can buy versions of them on Amazon (or again, from the Clerical Clothing supplier I mentioned above).....Goths can be seen wearing them at Goth festivals and get-togethers.......
@@anthonyl2886 Quite so, he was a deacon who declined to accept more than that in terms of being ordained.
I still think God provides without money. However, it takes a renunciation to a higher level than the Vicar is able to do in his role with the Church. Jones plainly states he can't give up everything. I have seen God provide when I had no way of making it. Not once, but day after day after day.
The division is between believers and non believers.
There seems to be this idea that God takes care of everybody but that is not true.
The good book states that those who God favors find favor with God.
The old first century era type monks and nuns who lived in the deserts of Egypt lived totally at God's mercy while practicing handicrafts.
I think the Vicar did an admirable job of showing the path to total submission to God and it is a painful journey. I do not believe a child of God has free will but they have perfect freedom in serving God.
God may wish a simpler life or He may plant you in the middle of a city. Your mission decides what God provides.
Yes, I know many people who live "by faith" with no assured income, and God always comes through for them! Thanks for sharing! I don't understand your reference about "those who God favors find favor with God." Did you mean PS. 147:11 The Lord favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness?
McDonald's? This guy needs a health course. But very inspiring what he's doing.
Suppose if you are hungry you can't be too choosy
St. Francis didn't have a cell phone and an expensive backpack and a camera crew following him around. People would not be so nice if they weren't being filmed.
true
I wonder why a minister in the Christian church finds that his life has a lack of meaning? Royce.
Chithurst, sadhu!
Psl 37:45"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the RIGHTEOUS forsaken, nor his seed BEGGING bread."HIS SEED" is the key.U R Esau/Edom/Idumea. Just an experiment on film..Bogus..as usual.Esau is a Trip!
Well I don’t think I need to watch much more of this video to know that you’re not gonna make it in this life where I live because you got to have resources and these people are 50 years ago you might have a chance but you’re going to find it if more people did what you did it be a better place to stay live but this is not our home our home is in heaven but Godspeed and good luck
Huh? Hitch-hiking, couch surfing & dumpster diving is spiritual? :)
In many ways, Peter is like Simon Peter. He chooses to send himself about on journeys instead of waiting for the Lord to send him. The true disciples were commanded by Jesus to wait for permission to begin their ministries. I think Peter missed what the friar was saying, in essence, being in control of your destiny instead of relying on God is not placing God at the helm. If this had been a true spiritual journey, Peter would have been led to the homes and businesses that would have immediately helped him.I am a little consternated by this vicar's lack of ability to be led by God. As a vicar of the C of E, he should not be looking for guidance from Buddhists, non believers or even Muslims, albeit they are an Abrahamic religion.The greying of religion in England is a sad thing. If Peter's only purpose was to lead a simple life and let go of his pride, then he is successful in this regard. As a Vicar and a father, his first obligations are to his family and flock. Who is tending his sheep while he is on his own perhaps selfish journey of self examination?But, if this journey makes him a better Vicar and father then I wish him all the best and pray God blesses him bountifully. I do admire his decision to radically transform himself into a better person.
St Francis supposedly loved animals - I don't think he would be killing fish or incarcerating/exploiting chickens to eat. How is it compassionate to kill and exploit other sentient beings who don't want to die. As for begging, why should others support him - this is exploiting the goodwill of other humans too. Our spiritual and physical needs are our own responsibilities not that of others. He is a spoilt child in his interactions with the world I!MHO. Grow up and man up! A simpler life is possible without exploiting others.
Made worse by the fact he has a job in Broadcasting during the week, (plus cheques and fees from the TV series he has 'starred' in too) and only does Priest duties at night and weekends (he is a 'lay Priest not a full-time Priest) .Quite why he drives a shed of a car when he can easily afford a decent one is beyond me, not forgetting too, he lives rent and mortgage free in a 'very nice thank you' Vicarage house provided by the Anglican Church......
Completely alone....except for a film crew. Have a look at "peace pilgrim"a woman who walked around America for decades, no film crew.
Halal butcher in England; shouldn't be allowed
This whole thing is a fraud....he is only getting responses because people want to be on TV.....the cameras following him around give him an advantage....
Without the cameras there would be no program...
At first they seem like they want to have nothing to do with him then notice the camera and realize there is a chance to be on TV.
I AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH YOUR DISTURBING SOUL