Episodios

  • Father and Joe E433: Your Life Is a Mission—Little Things, Great Love
    Oct 28 2025

    What if the story of your life isn’t “nothing much happened”… but a mission God is speaking through you? Joe and Father Boniface unpack how tiny, daily choices—patience with family, taking out the trash with care—shape a saint’s storyline, and why zooming in on micro-moments actually clarifies the bigger horizon. We explore St. Thérèse’s wisdom about doing the next small thing with great love alongside Pope Francis’ call to see your life as a unique message entrusted to you. Through it all, we stay grounded in the three lenses: honesty with self, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.

    Key Ideas

    Take a “micro audit” of the last season: note small relational wins (held your patience, chose forgiveness) and misses (withdrew attention, snapped online) to see real growth.

    Your life is a mission and a message: lift your eyes to the horizon periodically to name milestones, then return to the next faithful step.

    St. Thérèse’s path: do the next ordinary task with great love—God meets us in the present moment.

    Hold macro and micro together: alternate big-picture review with daily presence so grace can re-pattern habits over time.

    Practical examen: Where did my attention go today (phone, work, family, prayer)? What one small act of love can I choose tomorrow?

    Links & References

    Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate (On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World) — official Vatican text: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html

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    Tags
    Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, mission, holiness, Gaudete et Exsultate, story of your life, vocation, daily examen, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, little way, little things great love, patience, attention, presence, relationships, family life, spiritual growth, sanctification, humility, gratitude, confession, prayer, discernment, habit change, virtue, everyday holiness, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, reflection, practical spirituality, Catholic podcast

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    22 m
  • Father and Joe E431: Four Simple Prayers for Healing, Repentance, and Closeness to Jesus
    Oct 14 2025

    When a simple litany lands, you feel it. In this conversation, Joe and Father Boniface reflect on praying the “Litany of Healing and Repentance” before the Blessed Sacrament—four short responses that draw Jesus close, open our wounds to His love, and re-center daily life. We talk about using these invocations before Mass (or anytime), and why letting God into real emotions—abandonment, anger, discouragement—becomes the doorway to healing. Through it all we keep the three lenses in view: growing in honesty with ourselves, charity with others, under a living relationship with God.

    Key Ideas

    The four responses: “Jesus, heal my heart with your love.” • “Jesus, come close to me.” • “Please forgive me, Jesus.” • “Jesus, help me to believe.”

    Why short, heartfelt prayers bridge “distance” to the Eucharistic Lord, especially in large settings.

    Naming real wounds and emotions (rejection, loneliness, anger) so grace can reach them—without denying or suppressing them.

    Repentance as a path of healing: acknowledging my sins alongside harms done by others.

    A practical rhythm: pray one line slowly before Mass (or during the day), and let it shape your interior posture toward God and neighbor.

    Links & References

    Litany of Healing and Repentance (text, download, and video) — Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary: https://imf.saintvincentseminary.edu/litany/

    Litany of Healing and Repentance (printed booklet): https://www.stvincentstore.com/product/litany-of-healing-and-repentance/

    National Eucharistic Congress (2024, Indianapolis): https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/

    Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Pittsburgh) – St. Sebastian Church: https://mountcarmelpgh.org/

    “Eucharistic Miracles of the World” exhibition (original Carlo Acutis project): https://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/liste/list.html

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    If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.

    Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.com

    Tags
    Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Eucharist, Adoration, National Eucharistic Congress, Litany of Healing and Repentance, prayer, repentance, healing, interior healing, contemplation, Lucas Oil Stadium, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, St. Sebastian Church, Pittsburgh, Eucharistic miracles, Carlo Acutis, short prayers, spiritual growth, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, anger and justice, forgiveness, faith, trust, novena, litany, parish life, confession, devotion, woundedness, divine mercy, interior life, contemplation before Mass, catechesis, spiritual direction, Benedictine, Institute for Ministry Formation

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    23 m
  • Father and Joe E430: Navigating the Intersection of AI and Human Relationships: The Soul's Role
    Oct 7 2025

    In this thought-provoking episode of the "Father and Joe" podcast, hosts Father Boniface Hicks and Joe Rockey delve deep into the potential impacts of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on human relationships and spiritual life. The conversation builds on the last week's discussion about the encroachment of AI in personal interactions, highlighting the dangers of relying too heavily on technology to connect with others and ourselves.

    Joe and Father Boniface discuss how AI can create a sense of emptiness in relationships, akin to trying to fill an infinite void with finite substances, which is often how sin manifests. They raise a critical question: When does the artificial relationship, facilitated by AI, feel fulfilling, and when does it leave us longing for more? This episode provides a "litmus test" to help listeners evaluate their interactions with AI—does it enrich their lives, or does it deplete their relational and emotional capacities?

    Father Boniface introduces insights from a Vatican document, "Antiqua et Nova," emphasizing that AI lacks the intrinsic qualities necessary for genuine human interaction—it has no interiority, intentions, or the capacity to truly care. Despite AI's sophisticated simulation capabilities, it cannot replace the profound depth of embodied human experiences that shape our intellect, morals, and soul.

    Through the lens of spirituality, the hosts explore the notion that AI, devoid of a soul, cannot nurture our spirituality or contribute to the development of virtues. Joe and Father Boniface urge listeners to critically assess their engagement with technology, ensuring it serves humanity rather than detracts from it.

    Towards the episode's end, the importance of traditional, interpersonal connection is revisited. In an age where technology often mediates relationships, the hosts stress the enduring necessity of face-to-face interaction for spiritual growth and relationship building.

    This episode is a call to mindfulness about the roles technology plays in our lives, encouraging continued philosophical inquiry into its ramifications. Joe and Father Boniface affirm the value of questioning and discerning technology’s place in supporting human essence—a distinctly relational nature imbued with the divine spark.

    Tags:

    AI, Artificial Intelligence, Human Relationships, Technology, Spirituality, Church, Faith, Soul, Relational Growth, Podcast, Father and Joe, Religion, Emptiness, Sin, Vatican, Bible, Antiqua et Nova, Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal Connection, Moral Discernment, Genuine Care, Spiritual Direction, Relationship Skills, Holiness, Embodied Experience, Humanity, Personal Development, Emotional Fulfillment, Relationship Evaluation, AI Therapists, Technology and Faith, Conversational AI, AI Limitations, Relational Intelligence, AI Impact, Emotional Health, Authentic Connection, Technology Dependence, Friendship, Connection, Spiritual Growth, Meaningful Interactions

    Hashtags:

    #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #HumanRelationships #Technology #Spirituality #Church #Faith #Soul #RelationalGrowth #Podcast #FatherAndJoe #Religion #Emptiness #Sin #Vatican #Bible #AntiquaEtNova #EmotionalIntelligence #InterpersonalConnection #MoralDiscernment #GenuineCare #SpiritualDirection #RelationshipSkills #Holiness #EmbodiedExperience #Humanity #PersonalDevelopment #EmotionalFulfillment #RelationshipEvaluation #AITherapists #TechnologyAndFaith #ConversationalAI #AILimitations #RelationalIntelligence #AIImpact #EmotionalHealth #AuthenticConnection #TechnologyDependence #Friendship #Connection #SpiritualGrowth #MeaningfulInteractions

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    21 m
  • Father and Joe E429: Navigating the AI Era: Ensuring Genuine Human Connections
    Sep 30 2025

    In this episode of "Father and Joe," hosts Father Boniface Hicks and Joe Rockey dive deep into the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence and its implications on human relationships. With AI becoming an integral part of our lives, it’s crucial to understand its impact, especially on the sanctity and quality of human connections. Father Boniface and Joe explore the nuances of trust within relationships in an age where AI can imitate human behavior with uncanny precision. Can technology ever replicate the profound depth of human relationships? Join the hosts as they discuss the dangers of blurring the lines between genuine human interaction and AI-powered communication.

    The episode looks into the potential pitfalls of AI-generated content and how it may compromise our ability to discern truth from fiction. Our relationship dynamics, whether personal or professional, rely heavily on the trust and authenticity that AI may challenge. This conversation underscores the importance of maintaining robust in-person relationships and developing skills to ensure what we perceive as real is indeed so. Father Boniface touches on the philosophical and theological aspects of these changes, calling listeners to reconsider the value of human connections that transcend mere transactional interactions.

    Joe brings to light the effects seen in the business and social landscapes, where AI is often used to automate everything from advertising to customer interactions. The hosts discuss the potential saturation and diminishing quality of AI-generated content, which could cause a decline in meaningful human engagement.

    As Joe and Father Boniface navigate these complex ideas, they challenge listeners to enhance their "relationship muscles" and prioritize cultivating genuine human connections. Whether it's strengthening existing bonds or repairing broken ones, they highlight the critical need for human interaction in our technology-driven world.

    Tags: Artificial Intelligence, AI Impact, Human Relationships, Trust, Technology and Humanity, Father and Joe, Podcast, Spiritual Guidance, Relationship Skills, AI Concerns, Authentic Connections, Digital Age, AI Content, Communication, Human Interaction, Father Boniface Hicks, Joe Rockey, Personal Development, Spirituality, Theology, AI Challenges, AI Future, Business Impacts, Social Media, Online Interactions, Human Connection, Life Skills, Technological Growth, AI Ethics, Digital Communication, AI Algorithms, Relationship Dynamics, Trust in Technology, Spiritual Reflection, Real vs Fake, New Technology, Human Creativity, Generative AI, AI in Society, Faith and Technology

    Hashtags: #ArtificialIntelligence, #AIImpact, #HumanRelationships, #TrustIssues, #TechAndHumanity, #FatherAndJoe, #PodcastTalk, #SpiritualGuidance, #RelationshipSkills, #AIFears, #DigitalConnections, #AIContent, #TrueCommunication, #HumanInteraction, #FatherBonifaceHicks, #JoeRockey, #PersonalGrowth, #Spirituality, #TheologicalTalk, #AIChallenges, #FutureTech, #BusinessImpact, #SocialMedia, #OnlineInteractions, #RealHumanConnection, #LifeSkills, #TechGrowth, #AIethics, #DigitalCommunication, #AIGeneration, #RelationshipDynamics, #TechTrust, #SpiritualReflection, #RealVsFake, #NewTech, #HumanCreativity, #GenerativeAI, #AISociety, #FaithAndTech

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    22 m
  • Father and Joe E428: Ripping Roofs for Faith: Embracing Disruption as a Pathway to God
    Sep 23 2025


    In this thought-provoking episode of "Father and Joe," co-hosts Father Boniface Hicks and Joe Rockey dive into the often overlooked occurrences of physical disruptions in the Bible and what they can teach us about faith today. They discuss scenes from the scriptures where seemingly reckless acts, like destroying property or radically altering one's environment, are pivotal in revealing deeper spiritual truths. Together, they uncover how these moments of upheaval were more than mere inconveniences; they were divine disruptions that challenged individuals to reorder their priorities and embrace a new way of living.

    Joe opens with a reflection on how the physical and material destruction seen in biblical stories might echo into our lives today, possibly suggesting that some disruptions are necessary to grow in faith. Whether it's the destruction of a roof to heal a paraplegic or sacrificing a herd of swine to save a possessed man, Father Boniface explains how these biblical narratives challenge us to see beyond the immediate chaos and assess our values through a Gospel lens. They remind us to prioritize relationships over material goods, highlighting the ultimate sacrifice of love and faith that's often required to transcend earthly concerns.

    Throughout the episode, Father Boniface provides insights into how these stories exemplify the need for sacrifice and trust in God's greater plan, even when it leads to moments of discomfort or loss. As Joe puts it, no one enjoys the prospect of having their roof ripped off, but perhaps that's exactly what's needed to re-evaluate and deepen our faith.

    Listeners are invited to reflect on their own lives: where might they be “nesting” in comfort, avoiding necessary change or confrontation? Father Boniface encourages embracing these disruptions as opportunities for spiritual growth, viewing them not as mere obstacles but as divinely orchestrated pathways to a more profound relationship with God and those around us.

    By navigating these challenging narratives with Father Boniface's guidance, Joe and listeners alike are left pondering the essential balance between sacrifice and creation, how these moments teach us to invest in our futures, and the crosses we bear in our current lives. Ultimately, the episode suggests that true growth often requires discomfort and disruption, and through faith, we can find harmony amidst chaos.

    Tag

    s

    Bible Narratives, Disruption, Spiritual Growth, Faith, Christianity, Jesus, Sacrifice, Gospel Insights, Theology, Relationships, Father Boniface Hicks, Joe Rockey, Spiritual Direction, Miracles, Challenges, Daily Life, Faith Conversations, Religious Reflection, Podcasts, Inspiration, Beatitudes, Commandments, Materialism, Trust, Moral Dilemmas, Community, Gospel Values, Faith and Reason, Biblical Teachings, Hope, Divine Plan, Life Lessons, Change, Transformation, Providence, Love, Eternity, Parables, Prodigal Son, Miraculous Acts, God’s Work

    Hashtag

    s

    #BibleNarratives, #SpiritualGrowth, #FaithJourney, #Christianity, #Sacrifice, #GospelInsights, #Theology, #Relationships, #FatherBoniface, #JoeRockey, #SpiritualDirection, #Miracles, #Challenges, #DailyLife, #FaithConversations, #ReligiousReflection, #Inspiration, #Beatitudes, #Commandments, #Materialism, #Trust, #MoralDilemmas, #Community, #GospelValues, #FaithAndReason, #BiblicalTeachings, #Hope, #DivinePlan, #LifeLessons, #Change, #Transformation, #Providence, #Love, #Eternity, #Parables, #ProdigalSon, #MiraculousActs, #GodsWork


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    18 m
  • Father and Joe E427: Embracing Authenticity: Offering Our Entirety to God
    Sep 16 2025

    In this compelling episode of "Father and Joe," hosts Father Boniface and Joe Rockey delve into the profound concept of what it truly means to make an offering to God during Mass. Often perceived as just the physical gifts like bread and wine, this episode uncovers the depth of offering our entire lives—including our emotions and experiences—as a symbolic gesture transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. Joe shares his transformative realization that the offerings are not limited to tangible items but encompass the entirety of our lives, our struggles, and our joys. Father Boniface elaborates on the notion of negativity and how it is an intrinsic part of human life. Drawing from the Psalms and the example of Our Lady's sorrows, he explains how God not only understands these emotions but provides us with the means to express them through sacred scripture. The conversation navigates through the delicate balance of honesty in our relationship with God, examining how these emotions, though perceived as significant in our lives, may not impact God in the same way. Yet, Father Boniface emphasizes that God, being outside of time, provides a pathway for us to offer everything to Him, making our human experience a worthy offering. Ultimately, listeners are invited to embrace the idea that it's not about the perfection of what we offer but the wholehearted surrender of our entire selves to God. The episode concludes with a poignant reminder that the courage to present everything to God—good, bad, and ugly—is central to nurturing a profound and intimate relationship with the divine. Father Boniface encourages a posture of trust, surrender, and honesty, reflecting on our eternal role as God's children, always welcome to bring our whole selves to the altar. This episode inspires listeners to carry this understanding into their lives, fostering a deeper sense of comfort and courage in their spiritual journey.

    Tags: Spirituality, Faith, Christian Living, Mass, Eucharist, Spiritual Growth, Offering, Transformation, Faith Journey, Emotional Growth, Religious Understanding, Divine Offering, God and Emotions, Relationship with God, Lament in Faith, Childlike Trust, Human Experience, Spiritual Honesty, Spiritual Direction, Religious Life, Scripture and Emotion, Mass offering, Bread and Wine, Transubstantiation, Vulnerability, Trust in God, Spiritual Challenges, Faith in Struggles, God’s Presence, Eucharist Understanding, Mass Experience, Sacramental Life, Honest Prayers, Father Boniface Hicks, Joe Rockey, Communal Worship, God and Pain, Spiritual Dialogue, Faith Guidance

    Hashtags: #Spirituality, #Faith, #ChristianLiving, #Mass, #Eucharist, #SpiritualGrowth, #Offering, #Transformation, #FaithJourney, #EmotionalGrowth, #ReligiousUnderstanding, #DivineOffering, #GodAndEmotions, #RelationshipWithGod, #LamentInFaith, #ChildlikeTrust, #HumanExperience, #SpiritualHonesty, #SpiritualDirection, #ReligiousLife, #ScriptureAndEmotion, #MassOffering, #BreadAndWine, #Transubstantiation, #Vulnerability, #TrustInGod, #SpiritualChallenges, #FaithInStruggles, #GodsPresence, #EucharistUnderstanding, #MassExperience, #SacramentalLife, #HonestPrayers, #FatherBonifaceHicks, #JoeRockey, #CommunalWorship, #GodAndPain, #SpiritualDialogue, #FaithGuidance

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    22 m
  • Father and Joe E426:Automation & Humanity: Balancing AI Advances with Human Growth
    Sep 9 2025

    In this thought-provoking episode of "Father and Joe," hosts Father Boniface and Joe Rockey dive into the complexities of artificial intelligence and its impact on human relationships, work, and spirituality. They continue their discussion from the previous week, sharpening their focus on the socio-economic reasons behind AI's rapid growth and its ethical implications.

    Joe opens the conversation by exploring how AI is often implemented to replace high turnover roles rather than enhance employee productivity or improve workplace conditions. He raises concerns about using AI as a substitute for ethical treatment of employees, emphasizing that enhancing productivity should not come at the cost of human relationships and well-being. Automation, while beneficial for producing goods, should not be a means to avoid accountability for treating employees with dignity and respect.

    Father Boniface offers a spiritual perspective, reminding listeners that work’s intrinsic value lies not in the outward results but in its ability to form character and virtue in individuals. He emphasizes the eternal significance of personal growth over material production, advocating for an economy that centers around people rather than profits.

    The episode explores the ancient wisdom that human dignity and relationships must remain paramount. With anecdotes from sales and real-world applications of AI, Joe and Father Boniface discuss how an ethical application of these technologies can serve humanity. They caution against reducing people to mere production agents, a theme resonant with historical reflections from Pope Leo XIII and Pope John Paul II, urging listeners to consider how automation should be integrated thoughtfully into both personal and professional spheres.

    In a world where AI can deliver B+ answers, they argue, the objective shouldn’t be to automate love and human interaction. Instead, they propose fostering environments where development is experiences-based, incorporating AI as a tool rather than a replacement for personal engagement. Father Boniface shares his unique experiences of leveraging AI for personal intellectual growth while maintaining the primacy of human relationships and critical thinking.

    As the episode concludes, Father Boniface and Joe reinforce the notion that the economy should pivot around human growth and ethical practices—not monitory gain. Encouraging listeners to engage in thoughtful dialogue and explore AI's potential responsibly, they hope to inspire a culture that truly values love and human interaction above technological efficiency.

    Tags:

    AI Discussion, Automation, Human Relationships, Spiritual Growth, Ethical AI, Artificial Intelligence, Economic Impact, Work Ethics, Podcast Discussion, Father and Joe, Technology and Humanity, Moral Philosophy, AI Ethics, Labor and AI, Workplace Well-being, Team Dynamics, Human Dignity, Pope Francis, Pope John Paul II, Sales Ethics, Personal Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Podcast Episode, Father Boniface, Joe Rockey, Love and Production, Human-Centered Economy, Virtue Development, Intellectual Growth, AI Mistakes, Public Discourse, AI Advisory, Tech in Society, Socio-economic Debate, Moral Implications, AI Integration, Ethical Conversations, Understanding AI, Relationship Building, Modern Challenges,

    Hashtags:

    #ArtificialIntelligence #AIandEthics #HumanRelationships #AutomationImpact #SpiritualGrowth #WorkplaceEthics #PodcastDiscussion #FatherAndJoe #TechAndHumanity #MoralPhilosophy #AI #EconomicImpact #LaborAndAI #Teamwork #HumanDignity #PopeFrancis #PopeJohnPaulII #SalesEthics #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualReflection #PodcastEpisode #LoveAndProduction #HumanCentered #Economy #VirtueDevelopment #IntellectualGrowth #PublicDiscourse #AIAdvisory #TechSociety #SocioEconomicDebate #MoralImplications #AIIntegration #Conversations #UnderstandingAI #ModernChallenges #CommunityGrowth #EthicalAI


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    22 m
  • Father and Joe E425: Navigating AI: Preserving Human Dignity in the Age of Automation
    Sep 2 2025

    In this thought-provoking episode of "Father and Joe," hosts Joe Rockey and Father Boniface engage in an insightful conversation exploring the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on contemporary society. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent across various sectors, Joe shares his experiences and observations from a business standpoint, highlighting the economic motivations behind AI's proliferation. He emphasizes that many corporations view AI as a remedy for their shortcomings in human resource management, which often detracts from nurturing meaningful relationships with employees.

    Father Boniface provides a spiritual perspective, drawing parallels between the Industrial Revolution's challenges and the current AI revolution. He stresses the importance of understanding the unique aspects of our humanity that AI cannot replace and how we can use AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human interaction. The discussion delves into how AI applications range from simple conveniences, like Siri, to more complex uses in self-driving cars and medical fields.

    Furthermore, they address the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in terms of employment, specifically concerning entry-level positions and the valuable life skills gained from these jobs. Father Boniface highlights the Vatican document "Antiqua et Nova," released in 2025, which provides principles for integrating AI ethically and responsibly into society.

    This episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of how AI is reshaping the workforce and the potential long-term societal impacts. It encourages listeners to reflect on balancing leveraging AI's capabilities while preserving the dignity and importance of human relationships and personal development.

    Tags:

    artificial intelligence, AI ethics, human dignity, automation, business management, spiritual perspective, Pope Leo XIV, Industrial Revolution, moral implications, entry-level jobs, workplace ethics, AI in education, human interaction, podcast, technology, ethics, contemporary issues, automation, spiritual guidance, business strategy, relationships, St. Vincent College, human development, AI revolution, employment, work-life balance, podcast episode, Father Boniface, Joe Rockey, ethical business, corporate responsibility, AI impact, societal challenges, automation in education, workforce transformation, dignity of work, AI tools, moral guidance, relationship building

    Hashtags:

    #ArtificialIntelligence, #AIEthics, #HumanDignity, #Automation, #BusinessManagement, #SpiritualPerspective, #PopeLeoXIV, #IndustrialRevolution, #MoralImplications, #EntryLevelJobs, #WorkplaceEthics, #AIInEducation, #HumanInteraction, #Podcast, #Technology, #Ethics, #ContemporaryIssues, #Automation, #SpiritualGuidance, #BusinessStrategy, #Relationships, #StVincentCollege, #HumanDevelopment, #AIRevolution, #Employment, #WorkLifeBalance, #PodcastEpisode, #FatherBoniface, #JoeRockey, #EthicalBusiness, #CorporateResponsibility, #AIImpact, #SocietalChallenges, #AutomationInEducation, #WorkforceTransformation, #DignityOfWork, #AITools, #MoralGuidance, #RelationshipBuilding

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    22 m