Be very careful. Studies have shown that suicidal thoughts come 6 months after quitting. You have to ignore these thoughts from the demons. Don't start smoking pot again. Stay away from dope. Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph will help you. I will keep you in prayer EVERY DAY. God bless you always. +
wms72 thank you. Your right . I cry hear and there for no reason my hearts rate is up anxiety is up. Thanks for the support . All of you thank you. I’m not really the type to ask for prayers online but man I’m desperate.
You're not alone Juan, personally I think the lord has provided the solution. Thc is stored in fat, so periods of fasting was the first thing that came to mind, at the same time, we know life isnt easy, so it might momentarily not only expedite the cleansing, but also the withdrawals
For those who love more of this "rigid" lifestyle such as myself a lot, Revelations 2:2-4 is a good verse that helps me try to make that balance: "I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and discovered that they are imposters. Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first."
The holy spirit has helped me understand what you're saying, I am lucky because I and 14 going on 15, the Lord has blessed me at this age, I have all these years to dance in the Lord's word I am so blessed to learn the word of God at a early age. I do something stumbled and fall when following Jesus but he is allways there to help me up. God bless all who follow you.
I wish I had grown up in a Catholic family. I joined the church when I was 21 years old. No, I'm 66. I am a returning Catholic 3 confessions Getting right with your Lord Is going to mass every Sunday . I am married. 3 kids are Catholic .
this is JUST what i needed to hear. As a more ‘rigid’ person I’ve been working to find balance, being so rigid causes me to look down on others which of course is very bad. Thank you for this explanation and advice!
Brianna B. I know what you mean. I struggled like that for such a long time. Just realize that God loves us as we aren’t that is always broken and in need of His Love.
I literally asked myself this question today: "How do I grow in discipline in my faith without being too hard on myself?" I often bounce between laxity and rigidity and it's a painful down-spiral of self-loathing and insecurity. But I trust and believe that things will get better, by striving for and abiding in Jesus. This is just the video I needed to watch at just the right time. Thanks Fr Mike!
No joke, I received a word from God a few days ago and He told me He wants me to stop being so serious. I've been super rigid in my faith journey (and just overall haha). I've spent the last few days wondering and praying about how to "stop being so serious". Then this video came. When you started talking about dancing, I did a double take because the word I received the other day told me to just dance with Him. Thank you, Fr. Mike!
Hi Theresa, your comment is super interesting! Would you mind going into a little more detail? In what ways do you think you were too rigid? How did the word come to you about dancing? For example, in prayer, in a dream, or as a physical sign that you were able to interpret as a message? (I have received messages in all of those ways). Thanks!
@@maryweisenbacher1034 I'll translate: she has received a demonic message, it's happening a lot this days for whatever reason. Don't believe such messages, you're not a saint.
@@tarasbulba77 there isn't a devil behind every bush, it's not always the devil. God is in control of everything and sometimes if he so wishes he will communicate with his children, to correct, to help, to give grace, in dreams, in prayer, through inspirations, be seeking, be silent, be prayerful, be good and you will experience him. All Glory to you God, forever, Amen.
@@caroline-9672 what you say is pure modernism. First I doubt Christ came to encourage this lady to dance, that's either demonic or just delusional. Second, we here in Eastern Europe are thought by holy Priests , theologians and going as far as the Fathers of the Church that satan in often time disguising as an angel , a ssaint or even as the Blessed Mother. We are advised by dedicated theologians not to believe such apparitions because rarely God reveals Himself to mortals and only in specific circumstances. Westerners have become naive and credulous, poorly cathechised . A good example is the Medjugorie deception, perpetuated by charlatans and probably of demonic origin but especially north Americans are mesmerized and easily ensnared by a otherwise obvious scam. I know you guys will believe whatever you want and don't want to convince you but I hope you ( serene , naive but sincere laymen) will at least pick up a book and read and cathechise yourself so you won't be easily fooled.
@@caroline-9672 PS just as a side note , once a Orthodox Orthodox mystic living alone in the mountains received visits from Angel Gabriel whi was calling him to prayer. This mystic thought something was suspicious and talked with his supervisor who advised him to use humility to test the apparitions. Next time when the " Angel " appeared the mystic told him that he feels unworthy of receiving a visit from God's messenger. The " Angel " immediately turned ugly and foul smelling and disappeared. Good way to test is use humility, satan cannot stand it.
“It’s not about the checklist, it’s about flying.” Thanks a lot for this, Father! May God bless you, Mother Mary protect you and Saint Joseph make your holy works prosper!
I hope.. someone who reads this will pray for me. 😓I admit I need someone who is willing to help me in spiritual life. Not being too rigid nor too lax, but just humble enough let God in and transform me. Thank you. Thank you, Fr. Mike.
thank you, Father Mike, for doing what you do. You never cease to put out videos and homilies that speak not only directly to me, but to many others. You are truly a blessing to many, and a big part of my Journey to Rome.
I think Father Mike has a charism of knowledge or prophecy... A true anointing. Countless people in the comments including myself have been grappling with this. My asceticism got the better of me last week and I experienced some of the worst worry and anxiety of my life. By God's grace I'm in a better place. Somehow he just knew we all needed to hear this.
God bless you Fr. Mike, always a gift to hear your advice. I always pray for you. Thank you and may our blessed mother protect you under her mantle. 📿📿📿🌹🌹🌹
Thank you Lord for answering my prayers. For months I've been struggling with how you square; if you love me you will follow my commands, with my yolk is easy and my burden light? Somehow the church is able to maintain this perfect tension. Teach me father.
I don’t want to even begin to tell you how far away from Jesus I was at so many points in my life but I realize now it was him who carried me thru the many storms of my life. I made the good, the bad and the ugly decisions but he stood by me and after a final straw event I woke up and poured my heart into him and Catholicism. Things are not perfect and I strive every day to pray and spend time with Jesus. Sometimes I feel an overwhelming peace and sometimes I feel disconnected. I don’t understand that. I frequently wake up around 3:30 in the morning no matter how many hours I sleep. I cry and ask God what’s next since my life has changed so drastically from 2 years ago. I keep praying he will rescue me from this lonely single life and bless me with a man who adores us both. This pandemic situation doesn’t help but maybe just maybe it’s forced some to get closer to God...
Really insightful comments about what it means for Jesus to be our friend. The Bible calls us to a much higher definition of friendship but it's interesting to think about how that applies to our friendship with Christ.
Finding balance and putting trust in Jesus is where I fail miserably. Thoughts of Pain, Death and sufferings are making me struggling to strive in faith. I know Jesus will help me but satan occupies my mind and makes me tremble. And I fail to trust Jesus. So if you see this comment dear Father please pray for me and especially for my aged mother. Please fellow Christians add us in your prayers too. Thank you.
“Not a projection of who I want Him to be but a revelation of who He is.” Definitely going to incorporate those words into daily prayers. Thanks Fr. Mike!
I just wanted to personally thank you for the work you do. You have played a big part in helping me see the light and follow the Lord. Thank you Father Mike for your service I and my partner really do appreciate your influence.
This video is really helpful and insightful, as I’ve struggled with scrupulosity for a while. For anyone else struggling with this, remember that we serve a merciful God and we stand in His grace! Thanks and God bless you Fr. Mike! 🙏🏾😊
Im from Brazil and following your videos, thank you so much Father, you're just like Padre Paulo Ricardo, a famous catholic TH-camr preacher from here!
To be honest, what leads me to rigidity is fear, fear of making my God not satisfied with my test on earth, fear of not obeying, fear of being in the state of mortal sin, fear of the death of ones soul due to sin. On the other hand, what makes me lax is also fear but worldy fear like fear of being different, fear of not being social, fear of being introvert, fear of the decrease of relationships. What make me lax and/nor rigid is fear....
This was bothering me too as in my recent comeback to my Catholic roots - as a high schooler and college student I didn't live my faith at all guess what happens when you chase your own will and not the plan that Christ has already figured out, I really was a stubborn nut to crack (anyone else in the same soup?) so I really want and need to get back on track, so many things changed with the grace of God and with this I had a rough time, even without the whole concept of being a young person who wants to follow Jesus (which I was before), I admit it, it's even harder when you deny yourself and pick up your cross and follow Christ, the temptations are still there but I get more reminded of what I should do with it in certain situations. Also Fr. Mike if you already haven't, could you please make a video on purity and especially the things that young Catholic couples should seek in their relationship, I'm single, if it is the Will of the Father I'd love to glorify and seek God with a girl with who I won't look at us but at Him and put Him in the center of our relationship, God bless everyone who is reading this!
I completely agree - I was in the same group of following my own will and disregarding Christ's. Finding balance like this is tough, especially at the beginning of the journey back to closeness with God, but I do believe with His grace, the temptations do not disappear, or even really get "easier", but become less desirable.
Been there too. Our own will and ambitions? God will laugh out loud. Must be a vessel of HIS plans. Two things necessary, PRAYERS and READING BIBLE. Only Holy Spirit must help us.
@Modern Love I know how you feel, I had to learn to trust God with everything that I am, and maybe if you read above what I was going through, believe me, I learned it the hard way, but how else would I seek Him if it wasn't at the lowest? I know that He looks at our hearts and knows us better than we do ourselves, He put me in a position in which I couldn't depend on anyone else but only on Him and His Grace, in the right time I know that He will bring you a worthy spouse but as for me now, He knows that I need more time and healing to do and leaning on Him and that is fine, I rushed through my young years chasing everything that I counted as more important but He was and is patient with me so is with everyone, trust His plan and His timing, God bless you!
I agree fully. Many times I felt that I was calm and would speak with a peaceful voice. But then I suddenly find myself in tribulation and confusion and still go ahead and speak and do what I said I was going to say. I’m realizing that I should probably not speak at all until I’m calm in my spirit. Everything comes out smoother and with the right voice Nd intent. When I don’t follow my own advice it comes out rigid.
We can’t ever give ourselves or others the go-ahead to commit any sin. At the same time, Christ shows us the way to tend to each other’s soul-wounds with humility and compassion.
Jesus is not my pal.... he is my friend. Interesting way to look at our relationship to the Lord. Good video Fr. Mike - take care and have a great Summer!
In my childhood I was altar server, later lector. Than I came of the road a bit. I have a background in law. When I tried to read the bible sometime later, I involuntarily read it like a law text and that turned me off again. Only recently I made a new attempt, but read I more through my heart. I am not back on the road, but much closer to it than before. And I am still trying, because my heart is pulling me there.
I don’t know who or if anyone reads these comments, but I would love to hear Fr Mike teach us on our relationship with God and fear. With so many religious and priests/bishops etc. talking about the pandemic being a chastisement, and that with the politics in the church also being foretold, that we are in the end times. I took a four year study on the Bible, and graduated from the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan, but really needed to deepen my faith after a long dry spell and much questioning. I have learned and don’t know why I thought before that going to mass, prayer and believing was enough to save. My soul, when I found out I was receiving the Eucharist and wasn’t in a state of grace. Mortal sin is scary. And finding out that if I had died without reconciliation I would have gone to hell really put the fear of God in me. No pun intended. Now I am praying as constantly as I can, I fast 2-3 days a week, Wed/Fri, and on Saturdays when I attend evening Mass I fast until after mass. I am going to confession regularly, and still worry that if I were to die in my next breath the thought of being separated from God has me fearful. All I can do is my best and I know this. But this is something I would love him to speak on. Also another topic..... I went to confession many years ago with my previous priest, and began going down my list like a scroll unwinding and rolling across the floor. I was interrupted by the priest who asked, “are you heartily sorry for all of your sins that you committed as a child, those you do and do not remember?” I said yes. And he absolved me. Now all these years later some childhood, teenage sins are popping into my head and I think, well was that absolved? Was this absolved? Do I need to repeat confession? Or am I all set? Please talk on this. I don’t know what to do. And right now with all the rules at church with the pandemic going on, there is no chance to speak with the priest. He isn’t standing at the entrance when we leave. I have googled and googled to no avail. But I did read something in a book called “The Warning” recommended by Queen of Peace media and Life Site News where a man asked for forgiveness for all of the childhood sins he committed, and I wondered if that was a sign from Jesus, an answer to my prayer. I probably sound like an idiot so I will stop now.
Forgive and you will be forgiven. :) Theres a lot of sins we have done past present. But knowing that they dont signify who you are. You are a changed person you are renewed in christ. You are reborn and your old ways are no longer you now you are living a new life that of christ. Sins can happen at Times, but just knowing that we are to live in the light that is more important. We arent perfect. We are just trying the best we can to live our lives faithful to the one true God. And to jesus christ our lord. The priest isnt who you are speaking to , but the To take all our prayers and requests to God. The priest is the one standing the highest to God to speak to us and give us the advice to guide us in our faith. We are all children of God.
Thank you Father for the great words! I have to do that in my life as well! Not look or take Christ as a project but as our GOD who is trying to teach us and help us get to him!
Thank you for your insights. Really wonderful. I thought of my balance is similar to driving my car. For the most part, cars are driven to go somewhere. There are two things I need to know to drive my car. I have to know how it works under the hood and behind the wheel. If I can understand what's going on under the hood just enough get me where I want to go then I'm doing it right. While what goes on under the hood is precise and demanding, it doesn't require perfect attention. Instead, it needs maintenance (diligence). Also, when I'm behind the wheel I need to make sure, I don't drive the wrong way, hit anyone i.e. follow the rules of the road and my directions are good (trust). If I can get to my destination, maybe even help out a broke down driver along the way, I found my balance in my walk with Jesus. Don't forget to take in the view along the way. Keep up the great work Fr. Mike!!
Fr. Mike this video is wonderfully timed. My boyfriend and I are both very strong Catholics, but the way we pray and talk to God is different when we do it on our own. He like the formal prayers and liturgy of the hours whereas I enjoy my prayers being a full conversation and free verse my prayers with some devotionals. We call these differences in spirituality. He is has more head knowledge where I have more of the heart knowledge. These differences were a challenge we faced in our relationship. This was probably the biggest challenge we ever had to talk through considering the next step of the relationship may be engagement. We went to our priest and had a talk about the spirituality differences. Again, I wouldn't say I am laxed in my faith but different. Thanks Fr. Mike for your contribution to ascension presents from mass to your videos. I always get so much out of the them. I even enjoy rewatching your homilies and taking notes on them. God bless you the great works your doing.
The book, Chasing the Scream, is a perfect example of peoples lives who received both of these rigid and lax harshness. A real birds eye view of perspectives and why grace is so important
Two years ago I had a dream I was taken as a POW for being Catholic/Christian. They were going to publically execute me and so I denounced my faith in the dream. There were other Christians who were going to be executed the same way and when I left the room where we were being held immediately upon leaving I felt crushing humility and sadness instead of relief and I spent the rest of the dream trying to redeem my status as a Christian and being martyred. I have spent my waking time reflecting since then on how to prepare myself so I don’t chicken out the first time.
Sometimes as humans we over analyze and become overwhelmed with technicalities and even the mechanics of our own mind. That’s when we need to stop thinking and start listening to Christ and what he is trying to tell us: “You’re not just a passenger on a plane. I made you a pilot of faith. Trust the instincts I gave you. You were meant to fly. Do you COPY?” :)
Sometimes I feel guilty if I don't do certain things, for example, prayers. But when I decide to do it, I do it not from love to God and this leads me to feel more guilty, and that leads me to anxiety.
This is Carlos from México dear father Mike. You know I think a lot of priests are really making pressure about we have to decide whether we are fire or ice. They are saying we cannot be ice never... We have to follow Jesús always every second. For me this causes anxiety... It's really a good question what you put on this video. Personally I think we have to know that sometimes we can fail cause we are humans... But we have to make our best to keep what God is telling us daily :)
I just miss him. I know life is hard but i truly miss him deep down in my heart i miss him. Where can i find him? Where do i wait for him? And where can i meet him? I miss him too the point that my head hurts. I miss him and i can't find him anywhere. I miss my Lord with a broken heart.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 87 วันนี้!! คู่เอก "ก้องชัย vs โชคปรีชา"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YN6e7HVnekw/mqdefault.jpg)
Father mike Please pray for me . I quit smoking marijuana 5 days ago and the withdrawals is a little overwhelming.
Be very careful. Studies have shown that suicidal thoughts come 6 months after quitting. You have to ignore these thoughts from the demons. Don't start smoking pot again. Stay away from dope. Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph will help you. I will keep you in prayer EVERY DAY. God bless you always. +
praying for you Juan!
wms72 thank you. Your right . I cry hear and there for no reason my hearts rate is up anxiety is up. Thanks for the support . All of you thank you. I’m not really the type to ask for prayers online but man I’m desperate.
You're not alone Juan, personally I think the lord has provided the solution. Thc is stored in fat, so periods of fasting was the first thing that came to mind, at the same time, we know life isnt easy, so it might momentarily not only expedite the cleansing, but also the withdrawals
I'm not Christian, catholic, or a doctor
For those who love more of this "rigid" lifestyle such as myself a lot, Revelations 2:2-4 is a good verse that helps me try to make that balance: "I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and discovered that they are imposters. Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first."
Spot on thk u for sharing. God bless u
POWERFUL ❤️❤️❤️
Ooh!! Thank you for sharing
Bless you because i needed to hear this. May God give and take you into his arms💚💚💚
Actually this is happening to me, I am missing some love, please pray for me
The holy spirit has helped me understand what you're saying, I am lucky because I and 14 going on 15, the Lord has blessed me at this age, I have all these years to dance in the Lord's word I am so blessed to learn the word of God at a early age. I do something stumbled and fall when following Jesus but he is allways there to help me up. God bless all who follow you.
I wish I had grown up in a Catholic family. I joined the church when I was 21 years old. No, I'm 66. I am a returning Catholic
3 confessions Getting right with your Lord Is going to mass every Sunday . I am married. 3 kids are Catholic .
I just tested positive for covid two days ago...please pray for me...
I hope you recover quickly 🙏
@@gmagam thank you!
Prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻
this is JUST what i needed to hear. As a more ‘rigid’ person I’ve been working to find balance, being so rigid causes me to look down on others which of course is very bad. Thank you for this explanation and advice!
Brianna B. I know what you mean. I struggled like that for such a long time. Just realize that God loves us as we aren’t that is always broken and in need of His Love.
Im in the same boat. This video was very timely.
Okay, but were pre Flood people, Ham's kids, medieval Jews, or Middianites post Moses, loved any less, though?
And why was Satan owed anything?
Same here, i have been asking Jesus to show me how to love the way that He loves me.
Awesome like always Fr. Mike. God Bless
Thank you Father Mike! I am so grateful for priests who allow God to work through them!
I literally asked myself this question today: "How do I grow in discipline in my faith without being too hard on myself?" I often bounce between laxity and rigidity and it's a painful down-spiral of self-loathing and insecurity. But I trust and believe that things will get better, by striving for and abiding in Jesus.
This is just the video I needed to watch at just the right time. Thanks Fr Mike!
No joke, I received a word from God a few days ago and He told me He wants me to stop being so serious. I've been super rigid in my faith journey (and just overall haha). I've spent the last few days wondering and praying about how to "stop being so serious". Then this video came. When you started talking about dancing, I did a double take because the word I received the other day told me to just dance with Him. Thank you, Fr. Mike!
Hi Theresa, your comment is super interesting! Would you mind going into a little more detail? In what ways do you think you were too rigid? How did the word come to you about dancing? For example, in prayer, in a dream, or as a physical sign that you were able to interpret as a message? (I have received messages in all of those ways).
Thanks!
@@maryweisenbacher1034 I'll translate: she has received a demonic message, it's happening a lot this days for whatever reason. Don't believe such messages, you're not a saint.
@@tarasbulba77 there isn't a devil behind every bush, it's not always the devil. God is in control of everything and sometimes if he so wishes he will communicate with his children, to correct, to help, to give grace, in dreams, in prayer, through inspirations, be seeking, be silent, be prayerful, be good and you will experience him. All Glory to you God, forever, Amen.
@@caroline-9672 what you say is pure modernism. First I doubt Christ came to encourage this lady to dance, that's either demonic or just delusional. Second, we here in Eastern Europe are thought by holy Priests , theologians and going as far as the Fathers of the Church that satan in often time disguising as an angel , a ssaint or even as the Blessed Mother. We are advised by dedicated theologians not to believe such apparitions because rarely God reveals Himself to mortals and only in specific circumstances. Westerners have become naive and credulous, poorly cathechised . A good example is the Medjugorie deception, perpetuated by charlatans and probably of demonic origin but especially north Americans are mesmerized and easily ensnared by a otherwise obvious scam. I know you guys will believe whatever you want and don't want to convince you but I hope you ( serene , naive but sincere laymen) will at least pick up a book and read and cathechise yourself so you won't be easily fooled.
@@caroline-9672 PS just as a side note , once a Orthodox Orthodox mystic living alone in the mountains received visits from Angel Gabriel whi was calling him to prayer. This mystic thought something was suspicious and talked with his supervisor who advised him to use humility to test the apparitions. Next time when the " Angel " appeared the mystic told him that he feels unworthy of receiving a visit from God's messenger. The " Angel " immediately turned ugly and foul smelling and disappeared. Good way to test is use humility, satan cannot stand it.
“It’s not about the checklist, it’s about flying.” Thanks a lot for this, Father! May God bless you, Mother Mary protect you and Saint Joseph make your holy works prosper!
Jesus is a friend who's honest with us when we mess up. We have to trust and obey!
In this crazy world i pray my daughter grows to stay close to the lord always pray for her
Lord *
I loved the imagery of dancing.....strive and abide and abide and strive.....however God leads me. That is so freeing and takes the pressure off!
I hope.. someone who reads this will pray for me. 😓I admit I need someone who is willing to help me in spiritual life. Not being too rigid nor too lax, but just humble enough let God in and transform me. Thank you.
Thank you, Fr. Mike.
Thanks Fr Mike. Your messages are such a Life Sustainer. Much Gratitude from Queensland Australia
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ 🙏 Mother Mary Pray For Us 🙏Abba Father Bless us and we Adore You 🙏
I have butterflies in my tummy when I'm in mass par taking with worship ..thank you father..
I love this ❤️ Thank you 🙏🏼 I love you Jesus Christ 🙇🏻♀️
Thank you so much! This is absolutely beautiful!
Someone who is closer than a brother.
Love you Fr Mike don’t stop your videos you make such a positive impact and God is calling you to do this God bless you
Love you Fr Mike don’t stop your videos you make such a positive impact and God is calling you to do this God bless you
God bless you too Father Mike. You are truly a light
“A friend... and more then a friend” love that , thank you Fr. Mike!
thank you, Father Mike, for doing what you do. You never cease to put out videos and homilies that speak not only directly to me, but to many others. You are truly a blessing to many, and a big part of my Journey to Rome.
for me the part that stood out is to trust and believe in Jesus as he has revealed himself.
Your video is much needed as I was going too harsh on myself. Thankful for your words!! God bless you and Jesus be near you always..
Father Mike, the examples that you give directly hits the heart and brain...
That's exactly what I've been wondering about for like a month now
These videos seriously come at the exact right time
This is amazing. I cannot express how much I need to hear this. Thank you so much Father Mike.
I needed to see this today more than ever. Thank you
I'm a pilot and loved the pilot analogy.
Indeed, Christian salvation is a journey.
Jesus Loves You!!!
I love you , father Mike
JESUS CHRIST bless always!!!
Fr . Mike , you are God’ s beautiful and precious son . Please know I always pray for you. Bless your beautiful heart.
Having a relationship with God is to be joyful and loving, while still following the laws of God.
Thank you fr. Mike.
This is what exactly I needed to hear!
Praise Jesus!❤✝️
Thank You Father
This is the one of the best videos I've ever seen from Fr. Mike.
Thank You Father Mike. God Bless you!
I think Father Mike has a charism of knowledge or prophecy... A true anointing. Countless people in the comments including myself have been grappling with this. My asceticism got the better of me last week and I experienced some of the worst worry and anxiety of my life. By God's grace I'm in a better place. Somehow he just knew we all needed to hear this.
God bless you Fr. Mike, always a gift to hear your advice. I always pray for you. Thank you and may our blessed mother protect you under her mantle. 📿📿📿🌹🌹🌹
Thank you Lord for answering my prayers. For months I've been struggling with how you square; if you love me you will follow my commands, with my yolk is easy and my burden light?
Somehow the church is able to maintain this perfect tension. Teach me father.
Father you're amazing
I don’t want to even begin to tell you how far away from Jesus I was at so many points in my life but I realize now it was him who carried me thru the many storms of my life. I made the good, the bad and the ugly decisions but he stood by me and after a final straw event I woke up and poured my heart into him and Catholicism. Things are not perfect and I strive every day to pray and spend time with Jesus. Sometimes I feel an overwhelming peace and sometimes I feel disconnected. I don’t understand that. I frequently wake up around 3:30 in the morning no matter how many hours I sleep. I cry and ask God what’s next since my life has changed so drastically from 2 years ago. I keep praying he will rescue me from this lonely single life and bless me with a man who adores us both. This pandemic situation doesn’t help but maybe just maybe it’s forced some to get closer to God...
Really insightful comments about what it means for Jesus to be our friend. The Bible calls us to a much higher definition of friendship but it's interesting to think about how that applies to our friendship with Christ.
This was such a wonderful and simple explanation that I really needed to hear. Thank you Fr. Mike.
Finding balance and putting trust in Jesus is where I fail miserably.
Thoughts of Pain, Death and sufferings are making me struggling to strive in faith. I know Jesus will help me but satan occupies my mind and makes me tremble. And I fail to trust Jesus.
So if you see this comment dear Father please pray for me and especially for my aged mother.
Please fellow Christians add us in your prayers too. Thank you.
“Not a projection of who I want Him to be but a revelation of who He is.” Definitely going to incorporate those words into daily prayers. Thanks Fr. Mike!
thank you for this video, Father Mike! it's exactly what i needed to hear right now!!! 😭💖
These are literally the best videos ever
I just wanted to personally thank you for the work you do.
You have played a big part in helping me see the light and follow the Lord.
Thank you Father Mike for your service I and my partner really do appreciate your influence.
We don't want to be luke warm and be spit out but to he on fire for God!
Thank you father Mike 💙 I feel like this video was literally made for me :)
Father Mike I love this message thank you, your the bomb!
This video is really helpful and insightful, as I’ve struggled with scrupulosity for a while. For anyone else struggling with this, remember that we serve a merciful God and we stand in His grace! Thanks and God bless you Fr. Mike! 🙏🏾😊
Im from Brazil and following your videos, thank you so much Father, you're just like Padre Paulo Ricardo, a famous catholic TH-camr preacher from here!
This was really helpful, thank you Fr. Mike❤
To be honest, what leads me to rigidity is fear, fear of making my God not satisfied with my test on earth, fear of not obeying, fear of being in the state of mortal sin, fear of the death of ones soul due to sin. On the other hand, what makes me lax is also fear but worldy fear like fear of being different, fear of not being social, fear of being introvert, fear of the decrease of relationships. What make me lax and/nor rigid is fear....
This was bothering me too as in my recent comeback to my Catholic roots - as a high schooler and college student I didn't live my faith at all guess what happens when you chase your own will and not the plan that Christ has already figured out, I really was a stubborn nut to crack (anyone else in the same soup?) so I really want and need to get back on track, so many things changed with the grace of God and with this I had a rough time, even without the whole concept of being a young person who wants to follow Jesus (which I was before), I admit it, it's even harder when you deny yourself and pick up your cross and follow Christ, the temptations are still there but I get more reminded of what I should do with it in certain situations.
Also Fr. Mike if you already haven't, could you please make a video on purity and especially the things that young Catholic couples should seek in their relationship, I'm single, if it is the Will of the Father I'd love to glorify and seek God with a girl with who I won't look at us but at Him and put Him in the center of our relationship, God bless everyone who is reading this!
The Ascension Presents channel also has Jackie and Bobby who Id recommend yoy watch their videos regarding purity/marriage/dating
I completely agree - I was in the same group of following my own will and disregarding Christ's. Finding balance like this is tough, especially at the beginning of the journey back to closeness with God, but I do believe with His grace, the temptations do not disappear, or even really get "easier", but become less desirable.
Fallfrom ashes: pray, persevere & give all to Jesus. Temptation is real but with Jesus, nothing is impossible! I pray for you. God bless you.
Been there too. Our own will and ambitions? God will laugh out loud.
Must be a vessel of HIS plans.
Two things necessary, PRAYERS and READING BIBLE.
Only Holy Spirit must help us.
@Modern Love I know how you feel, I had to learn to trust God with everything that I am, and maybe if you read above what I was going through, believe me, I learned it the hard way, but how else would I seek Him if it wasn't at the lowest? I know that He looks at our hearts and knows us better than we do ourselves, He put me in a position in which I couldn't depend on anyone else but only on Him and His Grace, in the right time I know that He will bring you a worthy spouse but as for me now, He knows that I need more time and healing to do and leaning on Him and that is fine, I rushed through my young years chasing everything that I counted as more important but He was and is patient with me so is with everyone, trust His plan and His timing, God bless you!
Thank you! Just the guidance I need right now!
thank you sm Father for what you doing 😇
The spirit is like the wind. It goes as it pleases.
As did Satan, who was somehow owed access to this world?
@@chrissonofpear1384 yes Satan can even bring the dead to life. What is your point?
I agree fully. Many times I felt that I was calm and would speak with a peaceful voice. But then I suddenly find myself in tribulation and confusion and still go ahead and speak and do what I said I was going to say. I’m realizing that I should probably not speak at all until I’m calm in my spirit. Everything comes out smoother and with the right voice Nd intent. When I don’t follow my own advice it comes out rigid.
This is really helpful.
Hang in there Juan. You could do this. Let God, let go. God Bless you always.
Jesus I trust I. You
We can’t ever give ourselves or others the go-ahead to commit any sin. At the same time, Christ shows us the way to tend to each other’s soul-wounds with humility and compassion.
I really needed this video. This was an answered prayer. Thank you Father Mike. May God bless you.
Jesus is not my pal.... he is my friend. Interesting way to look at our relationship to the Lord.
Good video Fr. Mike - take care and have a great Summer!
Thanks Fr. Mike :) Could you please give also some practical tips how to achieve this balance?
In my childhood I was altar server, later lector. Than I came of the road a bit. I have a background in law. When I tried to read the bible sometime later, I involuntarily read it like a law text and that turned me off again. Only recently I made a new attempt, but read I more through my heart. I am not back on the road, but much closer to it than before. And I am still trying, because my heart is pulling me there.
From one with a background in the law to another, I will pray for you my Brother.
God bless your journey :)
I don’t know who or if anyone reads these comments, but I would love to hear Fr Mike teach us on our relationship with God and fear. With so many religious and priests/bishops etc. talking about the pandemic being a chastisement, and that with the politics in the church also being foretold, that we are in the end times. I took a four year study on the Bible, and graduated from the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan, but really needed to deepen my faith after a long dry spell and much questioning. I have learned and don’t know why I thought before that going to mass, prayer and believing was enough to save. My soul, when I found out I was receiving the Eucharist and wasn’t in a state of grace. Mortal sin is scary. And finding out that if I had died without reconciliation I would have gone to hell really put the fear of God in me. No pun intended. Now I am praying as constantly as I can, I fast 2-3 days a week, Wed/Fri, and on Saturdays when I attend evening Mass I fast until after mass. I am going to confession regularly, and still worry that if I were to die in my next breath the thought of being separated from God has me fearful. All I can do is my best and I know this. But this is something I would love him to speak on.
Also another topic..... I went to confession many years ago with my previous priest, and began going down my list like a scroll unwinding and rolling across the floor. I was interrupted by the priest who asked, “are you heartily sorry for all of your sins that you committed as a child, those you do and do not remember?” I said yes. And he absolved me. Now all these years later some childhood, teenage sins are popping into my head and I think, well was that absolved? Was this absolved? Do I need to repeat confession? Or am I all set? Please talk on this. I don’t know what to do. And right now with all the rules at church with the pandemic going on, there is no chance to speak with the priest. He isn’t standing at the entrance when we leave. I have googled and googled to no avail. But I did read something in a book called “The Warning” recommended by Queen of Peace media and Life Site News where a man asked for forgiveness for all of the childhood sins he committed, and I wondered if that was a sign from Jesus, an answer to my prayer. I probably sound like an idiot so I will stop now.
Forgive and you will be forgiven. :)
Theres a lot of sins we have done past present. But knowing that they dont signify who you are. You are a changed person you are renewed in christ. You are reborn and your old ways are no longer you now you are living a new life that of christ.
Sins can happen at Times, but just knowing that we are to live in the light that is more important. We arent perfect. We are just trying the best we can to live our lives faithful to the one true God. And to jesus christ our lord. The priest isnt who you are speaking to , but the To take all our prayers and requests to God. The priest is the one standing the highest to God to speak to us and give us the advice to guide us in our faith. We are all children of God.
It’s the difference of individual belief & ideals based on morals & behavior.
And if Numbers 15:32 and Samuel 15:15 offer further clarity upon such?
♥️ My Lord My God ♥️
Excellent. Super practical and helpful.
Thank you Father for the great words! I have to do that in my life as well! Not look or take Christ as a project but as our GOD who is trying to teach us and help us get to him!
Having enabled Eve to potentially separate any of us at all, whilst having little awareness of the wider stakes, at time?
Beautifully put.
Thank you for your insights. Really wonderful. I thought of my balance is similar to driving my car. For the most part, cars are driven to go somewhere. There are two things I need to know to drive my car. I have to know how it works under the hood and behind the wheel. If I can understand what's going on under the hood just enough get me where I want to go then I'm doing it right. While what goes on under the hood is precise and demanding, it doesn't require perfect attention. Instead, it needs maintenance (diligence). Also, when I'm behind the wheel I need to make sure, I don't drive the wrong way, hit anyone i.e. follow the rules of the road and my directions are good (trust). If I can get to my destination, maybe even help out a broke down driver along the way, I found my balance in my walk with Jesus. Don't forget to take in the view along the way.
Keep up the great work Fr. Mike!!
Father Mike, please do a video for those of us who suffer with scrupulousness. :)
Thank you!
exactly what i needed
Such a wonderful message!
Fr. Mike this video is wonderfully timed. My boyfriend and I are both very strong Catholics, but the way we pray and talk to God is different when we do it on our own. He like the formal prayers and liturgy of the hours whereas I enjoy my prayers being a full conversation and free verse my prayers with some devotionals. We call these differences in spirituality. He is has more head knowledge where I have more of the heart knowledge. These differences were a challenge we faced in our relationship. This was probably the biggest challenge we ever had to talk through considering the next step of the relationship may be engagement. We went to our priest and had a talk about the spirituality differences. Again, I wouldn't say I am laxed in my faith but different. Thanks Fr. Mike for your contribution to ascension presents from mass to your videos. I always get so much out of the them. I even enjoy rewatching your homilies and taking notes on them. God bless you the great works your doing.
I think you are both perefectly fine. Use the differences as a good. Instead of the bad. I am sure you can both come up with an idea together.
Needed this ! Thank you
The book, Chasing the Scream, is a perfect example of peoples lives who received both of these rigid and lax harshness. A real birds eye view of perspectives and why grace is so important
Reminds me of the concept of scrupulousity
I like your words
Thanks.
I sooo agree! Thank You 😇🏝🎚🌊🐕
great video Fr
A video on balance would be great!
Two years ago I had a dream I was taken as a POW for being Catholic/Christian. They were going to publically execute me and so I denounced my faith in the dream. There were other Christians who were going to be executed the same way and when I left the room where we were being held immediately upon leaving I felt crushing humility and sadness instead of relief and I spent the rest of the dream trying to redeem my status as a Christian and being martyred. I have spent my waking time reflecting since then on how to prepare myself so I don’t chicken out the first time.
Thanks you so much!!
You’re deep. Deep calls unto deep.
Wow thanks for this
Sometimes as humans we over analyze and become overwhelmed with technicalities and even the mechanics of our own mind. That’s when we need to stop thinking and start listening to Christ and what he is trying to tell us: “You’re not just a passenger on a plane. I made you a pilot of faith. Trust the instincts I gave you. You were meant to fly. Do you COPY?” :)
Silence is key. There is too much noise going around that silence has almost becom obselete.
Sometimes I feel guilty if I don't do certain things, for example, prayers. But when I decide to do it, I do it not from love to God and this leads me to feel more guilty, and that leads me to anxiety.
This is Carlos from México dear father Mike.
You know I think a lot of priests are really making pressure about we have to decide whether we are fire or ice. They are saying we cannot be ice never... We have to follow Jesús always every second. For me this causes anxiety... It's really a good question what you put on this video. Personally I think we have to know that sometimes we can fail cause we are humans... But we have to make our best to keep what God is telling us daily :)
I just miss him. I know life is hard but i truly miss him deep down in my heart i miss him. Where can i find him? Where do i wait for him? And where can i meet him? I miss him too the point that my head hurts. I miss him and i can't find him anywhere. I miss my Lord with a broken heart.
Amen 🙏
Love your videos!