Fr Mike, love the tat. I got praying hands and a rosary on my arm as a Lutheran. Over the next 10 years, so many people asked me if I was Catholic, it actually caused me to begin looking into it. I entered the Catholic Church in 2014 and have never looked back
I was listening with my eyes closed and when you said “I never ever want to take off Jesus” I felt this overwhelming smile take over ♥️ thank you for sharing Fr Mike
I love this Father Mike! My daughter was dating a Catholic from the UAE who had a cross tattooed in the same place as yours. He said it was so there was no doubt, regardless of where he was in the middle East, who he belonged to. Many in his family had been persecuted. It was such a powerful testimony.
That was a shock, Fr. Mike, but not nearly as shocking as when an elderly friend of mine got a tattoo on her wrist at the age of 89! Her reason made perfect sense. She was concerned that she might one day be in a nursing home with dementia, or something, and she wanted to be sure everyone knew she belonged to Jesus. And plus it gave her an opportunity to share her faith with the tattoo artist. It seems like your reasoning is along similar lines.
I don't think Ive ever seen a priest's sleeve go down that far during Consecration. Even if it did, it's on the inside of his arm, visible to him only, not on his forehead.
@@Roman-Labrador I have no problem with tattoos but it could have been a little smaller and further up on his arm so it wouldn't show during the consecration.
@@Roman-Labrador good point, i get your point, but I want to say I've seen Him do Mass recently and it wasn't noticeable as in it wasn't showing. I'm not trying to debate your point or disagree with it necessarily just sharing that there is a good chance maybe he was already aware of that and has taken the precaution to make sure at least during the celebration of the Eucharist it is not seen, and if that is not the case then maybe he will read your comment or someone else will bring it to his attention and its something that can be coverable so its not a distraction, i guess maybe he could have done it just a tad bit higher to your point. But yea good point but also a chance it may not be an issue. I guess time will tell.
I have a Harry Potter tattoo on my forearm that I'm contemplating getting covered up/redesigned into a tattoo of our Blessed Mother. At one point I felt like Harry Potter "saved" me as a teenager because it allowed me to find friends who helped me feel less alone and less depressed, but now I've been saved by Jesus (and was actually baptized, confirmed, and received my first Eucharist on the Easter Vigil this year!). Part of that process was cultivating a relationship with Mary, which allowed me to give up most of my worldly vanity and embrace my calling as a daughter of Christ
pray to God and ask for His approval. What did Jesus say to the Adulterer woman who was not stoned because everyone is guilty of at least 1 sin? Go and sin no more. How does it apply to you?
I'm still in the "I don't want or need a tattoo" camp. While I agree some tattoos are sinful and others not, I am made in the image of God, so my whole body is already a "tattoo" of God in its form and function. Each time I receive the Eucharist- His blood flows through my veins. No condemnation or judgment... but just don't see Jesus needing to tatoo "Father" on His arm as an enhancement to the Our Father or Crucifixion.
I was about to say my rosary before I saw this and like what!!. No judgements but I believe that whatever we do(good or bad), there is always a strong and probably good reason we give for it . But the question always is does that make it right? What about the sacramentals we wear? As a baptised Catholic, in faith, we have Jesus indelible in us and his resurrection merits never to be revoked as our bodies have become His temple. Tattoos doesn't prove it.
I'm 76, Mexican and a lady. I agree with you completely. Tattoos are for drunken sailors. Mark Wahlberg had about 6 and had them all removed in front of his kids so they could see the pain it is to remove them. He does not agree on tattoos. Brave man for saying this.
“Need” a tattoo is never a thing. Unfortunately Father your “justification “ for a tattoo just gave many, many young people who aren’t so full of your righteous reasons the go ahead to mark up their beautiful bodies. There are spirits of bodily defamation that attach themselves to people who start to go down this slippery path. Let’s also not be so naive to think that just because it comes from some ancient tattoo shop that makes it good. Evil and good have existed side by side from the fall of man. Thinking a priest who has been teaching on the Old Testament for so long would recognize this one. What about all the Bible verses on, be in the world and not of the world? The New Testament also says that just because we are “free” to do all things, doesn’t mean we should. I will pray for you and now all the others you have led down this path because of your example. I am a mother of nine and a grandmother to five and now my job just got a whole lot harder. Jesus be praised now and forever!
@@thewishingacrewithteresawo9380 Dear friend - I am so glad so many of you are speaking up. You have every right to speak up with the family you have. It's NOT EASY in this modern world to follow the teachings of Our Lord. And this priest is just justifying his bad behavior to so many people. The BEST he could do now is stop rationalizing his behavior. Thank you for speaking up. Silvia Near Chicago.
Yes, we definitely need to pray for Father Mike because he's spreading the AntiChrist spirit with this video. ANY tattoos are against God's law because our bodies are holy and NOT places to put graffiti on. Getting people used to tattoos is of the AntiChrist, because it's preparing people to get them comfortable with taking the Mark of the Beast. This Father is clearly mentally unhinged not only by these falsehoods, but by his flaky behavior. The Lord warned us that "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Catholics MUST remember that there is a false pope (Francis) in charge of the Church and he has satanic disciples throughout TESTING our faith by spewing this kind of nonsense. DO NOT FALL FOR IT. Your body is a precious gift from God and is not meant to be marked up like some hapless train car coming out of LA.
@@matthewhartt5887It is a ceremonial law for that specific time and people. It being abolished is crystal clear in the New Testament. If the old ceremonial law still needs to be followed, then men must not trim their beards, and we must not eat a medium rare steak. Even though Jesus Himself says it is not what a man puts in his mouth that defiles him but what comes out of his mouth (speech).
Fr. Mike. My husband was in that same shop last year and he got the Lord’s Prayer in Armenian tattooed over his heart. We are Armenian orthodox Christians. God bless you.
@@TheAyurvedic pointless. It's meaningless because it's not a Christian action. The Lord did not tell you to go get tattoos. But he does want your heart to be pierced by His love
@@TheAyurvedic the bible tells you not too...just like the church can give allowances for divorce even though it's unbiblical so they can lead you astray with this also
That’s such a beautiful analogy and thought behind the tattoo. I’ve been seriously debating getting a tattoo but I love how your unrelenting love or bond for Jesus is palpable through this beautiful.
@@trumpwon8972 Serving others has nothing to do with enjoying time off. What he does with his time off is his buisness. Guess what the Bible says about judging your neighbor...
I was on a mission trip in Israel after my conversion to Protestantism (now a Catholic). I had tattoos from my youth, and was really ashamed of them and kept them covered the entire time I was abroad - long sleeves, even in 114 degree heat, doing physical labor, all day every day. Until one day, I just couldn't take the heat anymore and decided to take the risk, remove that long sleeved, outer layer, and let my skin be exposed. During my entire time on this trip, no one from Israel would really talk to me, or our group all that much. But after I removed that covering, a Muslim man (middle-aged gentleman with a family) I was working with, saw them, and, in the best English he could muster, complimented them; and from that moment on, he began to look after me on the work site like a daughter, and started speaking with me and sharing pictures of his family and opening up about his life (as much as he could with the language barrier). The whole purpose of our mission trip was to serve the community and to build friendly relationships with the people living there, so that, maybe one day, they would become more open to hearing what we had to say and receive the Gospel. The whole point was to make connections and to show love. God took what I was ashamed of and tried so desperately to hide, and turned it into something beautiful that opened the door and made a way for friendship between two unlikely individuals to bloom. God used my tattoos to open a door, and brought healing and joy where I had previously only felt shame. I will never, ever forget that. My reasons for getting the tattoos in the past may not have been God centered or right - but that doesn't mean God can't still use them to create connections, to start a conversation, or maybe make one seem more "approachable" rather than "strictly religious". Some people have a hard time opening up to people they are afraid might look down on them and judge them. Sometimes, displaying the fact you aren't perfect either or might have something in common with them, is all it takes to make someone feel more comfortable and trusting of you. Again, especially with my modern generation, having a tattoo as a religious person, can open a surprising amount of doors. But that's just been my experience. I hope you will find your experience falls along similar lines, Father. May God bless you and your efforts.
Hey Father Mike, my friend and I both got Christian tattoos. I spent year deciding and praying on mine. It is a 3 inch cross on my ankle with purple roses. I love it! I want everyone to know I proudly follow Jesus, even if I keel over and end up in a hospital and I lose my cross. I want it permanently on my body that I love Jesus Forever!🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜
I still don't really fully get it, I know what he's saying, but, at least for me, I don't need to see a physical reminder imprinted on my body? God created me as I am, I don't need to mark it. Tattooing is the type of thing that if you don't watch it can become more and more addictive and take the person away from seeing themselves as Christ sees them. Am I missing something?
Your not missing anything. He is a false preacher that we have been warned of by Jesus himself. He is very subtle and now thousands of fools are going to do the same thing and defile there body in the name of Christ.. god help them. He is actually proud of it... if he wasnt he would get it removed. Chris keep the good fight
Fr. Mike, I got a tattoo on my 33 wedding anniversary. My husband got one on our third anniversary. So, our anniversary was coming up and I knew that he would love it, so I did it. It’s a cute teddy bear, in a sailor’s outfit. It also has his name on it. He loved it, and I loved him for loving it too. We have been married almost 53years, so it’s a little faded, but we both smile when we see it, or explain it to others. God has given us the grace to still b together after all these years, and we know how lucky we are. So, that’s my story, and I am sticking to it!
I have a full sleeve of religious, specifically Catholic, tattoos and totally appreciate the *not wanting to take Him off* thing. Feeling affirmed! Rock on, Father (and I'm 51 :)
I have covering my shoulder the Sorrowful Heart of the Blessed Mother with 7 swords and a sunburst behind it wrapping around the shoulder; below that, the Crown of Thorns encircling my arm above the bicep; on the underside of my arm, the Sacred Heart of Jesus; on the lower arm on the outside, St. Michael the Archangel with his sword and shield; around and in-between the negative spaces I have the colors of blue,, green,, and yellow stars from Our Lady of Guadalupe's mantle; and on my forearm Our Lady of Recovery tweaked just a bit with images of my parents who have passed away and a favorite niece, underneath Our Lady's mantle
I am profoundly disappointed. "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify." 1 Corinthians 10:23
The Catholic Church teaches that when a man participates in priesthood after the Sacrament of Holy Orders, he acts in persona Christi Capitis, representing the person of Christ. Now, we all know by Leviticus 19:28, Jesus never had any tattoos nor cuttings on his body as to fulfill the will of the Father. So, Fr Mike now appears more different from the person Christ than before. It would seem obvious that getting a tattoo is an act of conforming with the world in contrast to our need to strive to become Holy. When I read the responses, most are of the "Rock On Father!" or "I got a tattoo too!" . I don't see any response to Fr. Mikes new tattoo bringing any soul closer to Jesus or any connection to picking up one's cross and following God's Will. What I see is more people now thinking of following Fr. Mike's worldly example to make themselves more acceptable to the world by being like the world. Just to add a little perspective, do you believe the Virgin Mary, Mother to all, Queen of Heaven, has a tattoo ?
Mate, I'm not a fan of tattoos or have one but for you to think for one second that Fr Mike getting a tattoo has changed him or those he is evangelising is ridiculous. Really.
It is a ceremonial law for that specific time and people. It being abolished is crystal clear in the New Testament. If the old ceremonial law still needs to be followed, then men must not trim their beards, and we must not eat a medium rare steak. Even though Jesus Himself says it is not what a man puts in his mouth that defiles him but what comes out of his mouth (speech).
@@Saiyan585 Okay, If you are troubled by Ceremonial Law, we can examine the writings of St Paul in the Epistles. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price." This doesn't seem to suggest St Paul is encouraging the new Christian to get cut or a flashy new tattoo. Fr. Mike's example is encouraging Catholics to make themselves more acceptable to the world by being like the world. I didn't accuse Fr. Mike of committing a sin by getting a tattoo. You assume too much. Rather, I pointed out as his vocation as a Priest, he represents Jesus to the Laity and the World. Jesus didn't have any tattoos. The point is Catholics are supposed to be in the World, but separate from the World. If tattoos are now blessed by the Vatican, then we should install drive through windows in all the Cathedrals like fast food restaurants. So,the Eucharist can now be served by a guy with a paper hat through a window without having to deal with the hassle of going to Mass every week and kneeling at the Communion Rail. Billions and billions served ... ( over thousands and thousands of years) Look at Fr Mike's behavior another more basic way. How does getting cut or getting a new tattoo please God ? In reference to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 where God has placed the Holy Spirit into our bodies which are now temples and more significantly we are slaves to God where Jesus paid the price for our souls. So, would it please the Master to have us permanently write graffiti on the walls of the Temple? How does a Christian getting a tattoo demonstrate his Obedience to God?
One would have thought that your baptism and priestly vows and the oils of your ordination are your permanent and indelible mark upon your soul, Father Mike.
You are absolutely correct. Those permanent and indelible marks are not outwardly visible though. His tattoo is a visible outward sign of the invisible soul and an expression of his enduring love of the Lord.
@@debbielawrence2494 Maaaybeee so...?? It is also a distraction from the Eucharistic mass to the man himself, rather than the priest acting as a vessel 'in persona Christi' whenever it shows as he lifts his arms. I just do not like tattoos. They really do make me physically balk away from them and I cannot seem to stop that instinct.
@@virginiacharlotte7007 Yes, when he's up on that alter raising our Lord's body and blood, he will also see that mark. It's very disturbing. It's not anymore about our Lord, it's about Fr. Mike's tattoo. That's the focus now
@@virginiacharlotte7007you do know your sinning by judging and gossiping about someone you don’t know right. If you’re not free from sin you can’t cast stones
Great Tat Mike! I smiled when I heard you say you never wanna take off christ. I wear a Chi Rho tattoo on my heart for that reason. May God bless you and the work you have done
You shall not make any cuttings in the flesh , for the dead, neither shall you make in yourselves any figures or marks: I am the Lord.Leviticus 19 vs 28
As the scripture of “no cutting flesh” may be true then in that time of the book.. It doesn’t mean it is now. That could be thought for just the pagans rituals they would do so then. Some say it’s simply for the dead only. Like fr Mike said, it’s the meaning behind it. Tattoos are a form of expression. You don’t have to do it, you don’t have to like it, but don’t shame those that do get tattoos that mean a lot to them, and doesn’t hinder their faith. It doesn’t make people with tattoos any less close to God. God bless 🙏🏻
@@Lady_nitephaSeNonsense. Father Mike is spreading the AntiChrist spirit in this video. ANY tattoos are against God's law because our bodies are holy and NOT places to put graffiti on. Getting people used to tattoos is of the AntiChrist, because it's preparing people to get them comfortable with taking the Mark of the Beast. This Father is clearly mentally unhinged not only by these falsehoods, but by his flaky behavior. The Lord warned us that "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Catholics MUST remember that there is a false pope (Francis) in charge of the Church and he has satanic disciples throughout TESTING our faith by spewing this kind of nonsense. DO NOT FALL FOR IT. Your body is a precious gift from God and is not meant to be marked up like some hapless train car coming out of LA.
@@HumanTorch-tc5op Unnatural fibres cause health problems, so the no two different fabrics rule is prescient and wise. Shrimp and shellfish carry parasites and toxins, so also wise. Parasites cause c an c e r.
I too have a Jerusalem cross tattooed on my arm. It opens a lot of conversations that wouldn’t happen normally (being able to talk about God, Jesus, Catholicism). I’m a very introverted person so evangelizing does not come easily for me, but the tattoo has been a great tool to open conversations I probably never would of had. Please don’t judge fr mike so harshly, tattoos of themselves are not evil - intent is key.
my tat cross is beautiful, old wooden brown cross with a vine and green leaves going through it and a red rose in centre, yes it is a conversaton piece for sure, along with I like how Father says he never wants to remove Jesus, so many neegative comments here, this is quite sad, let people do what they want and the new testament does not say don't mark your body only the Old and even there it is how you interpret it, God Bless Fr. Mike Amen
If a church leader needs a tattoo to solidify his faith because he "never wants Jesus out of him" I would question his teachings. This is what's wrong with the catholic church, they need external validation for what they believe instead of living by faith alone. The Cross has become a fashion statement, even street gangs have tattoos of the Cross (that must mean they are solid Christians). Jesus said our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we were bought at a very high price so we need to honor them. Maybe we should tattoo the Word of God in our hearts by reading the Bible instead of our skins so we can actually share the gospel with people who are lost.
@@kaboom9081 faith alone is a logical fallacy - and not theologically sound. You are falling into dualism which isn’t what God intended for humans. We are both spirit AND body - not spirit OR body. What God intends for us is - as seen in Revelation - is the perfect union of body AND spirit. So yes - there is a physical component to our faith because we are physical beings! If you say you have faith but without any physical manifestation of it (like good works, see the book of James) - then your faith is dead. It is a husk of what it could potentially be.
@@Hanna-se3vr God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth (John 4:24) The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing (John 6:63) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith (Ephesians 2:8) Yes there must be outward evidence of our faith but its what the Bible calls the fruits of the Spirit, not of the flesh. I dont think a tattoo is a fruit of the Spirit but purely a man-centered desire that adds no value to my salvation. But catholics do needs their statues, rosaries, tattoos to visually solidify their faith which is not biblical. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18) I don't judge you, I judge the catholic church for misleading so many people with false doctrines which Jesus saved me from.
@@kaboom9081 Jesus is God (spirit) and human (flesh) - so are you saying his humanness has no meaning? Without his literal blood (physical) we wouldn’t be saved. There MUST be a physical component to faith for it to be valid. Don’t cherry pick verses either from the Bible without understanding the full meaning of the passages or the historical context. To disregard the physical realm as merely something to throw away has led to many other logical fallacies (see trans issues - people denying their physicality, because their “spirit” tells them otherwise). The physical realm is reality and so is the spiritual realm. If you throw out one for the other - you are ripe for heresy…
“We are the temple of the Holy Spirit “ 1 Cor 6:19 What stands for the name of Jesus… worldwide … is a man dressed 24/7 with his clergy shirt at the service to human kind. (This applies to for nuns and their habit) After 8 years of religious discernment. I ended in Spain with the OFM Franciscan . They used there religious habit for special holidays… not a single stain, wrinkle… but there was only ONE old Franciscan priest amount them that he even sleep with his habit. When I asked why?! He said . This are my work clothes and I work for someone that does not rest or takes days off. He always keeps me working for him. I see doctors wearing their uniform in restaurants and army people with their uniform as well in the streets . They are not working but they spend so many years on their studies and their life commitment to their profession that they are not ashamed to show what they are. That does not applies any more in our church… now the new thing is a tattoo?! In Colombia they tattoo beautiful faces of Jesus, Mary , Rosaries and their names as well. Surprise!!! They are gangsters. And they used the tattoo for shield for bullets and pray in order of not missing their next vandalism operation. Love Father your first video and your final words about tattoo… today you change my opinion 180 degrees.
Your tattoo is wonderful, in that it represents your belief in Jesus and the passion you have for Him. I think it's great, well done and nicely thought out.
I thought the 2nd commandment says to make no graven image of God or anything related. I don't care what people do. Just trying to understand. I have two tattoos that aren't religious but basic designs. I don't plan on getting anymore.
I think it's sooo beautiful ! I have a tattoo of the Star of David on my wrist & I love telling people who ask What it is & telling them about my faith. God bless you Fr.
I came across this while getting ready for today's BIAY podcast...i too have some ink with a lot of meaning. And i am way older than you are, Father. I think your reasoning is well expressed. Also, offered my prayers at Mass and Holy Hour for you today. May God bless you and keep you faithful to your Call all the days of your life...your LONG life ;-)
This vídeo came to me right on time Father! During the spiritual exercises last february, I felt for the first time in my life I could get a tattoo... My principle and foundation: remain in His love
I like it. I don't like tattoos, I wasn't sure about having a tattoo I thought it was wrong in our faith. But ...I like what you said, I like this tattoo and I love your reasoning. What a great way to say His name, out loud and to strangers..., His name is Jesus...yes I like it. Amen and God bless you Fr. Mike
I am not an advocate for tattoos. I spent 22 years in the military and many of my friends had tattoos. While I never had a problem with them as individuals, I often wondered what was the attraction in having a permanent mark on the body by choice. My dad got a tattoo while he served during WWII. As a child, I was fascinated by the tall chip on his forearm with a "Sailor's Grave" scroll under it. However, when I joined the Navy years later I noticed that it was fading and a choice my father regretted. To add to my decision not to have a tattoo was several friends that were intent on "body tattoos" from the neck down to the ankles. I respected my buddies, but began to see them as a sideshow attraction. Further, how would a drawing of some sort be justified to my future wife and family for what get I came to think of as body graffiti? I couldn't see a reason to add artwork to the body that God had provided me in life. I feel that the faith I have in God should be reflected in my actions and words and not by a permanent symbol I selected from a catalog of artwork. I have worn a "5 way" medal around my neck since I was seventeen years old. I like the idea that it is something I wear everyday by choice and not because of a single choice I made over fifty years ago. How others express their devotion is their personal right, however, for me a tattoo is not how I want to show it.
Michael I truly love and respect your comment. Not many in the world will stand for these points. You are coming to God with yourself as you are without adding something physically. You prove yourself in your faithful service by respect for the way he created your body. I am honestly shocked by this video and disappointed but nothing really surprises me anymore.
Sodom was about rape, nothing to do with marriage of any kind. Levit, Corinth, and Timothy was translated wrong by Billy Graham. Its referring to pedophilia. Mathew 19:12 Eunuchs that are born that way are transgender. Eunuchs made that way by others were abused but it doesnt happen to everyone that was abused. Those that choose to live like Eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven are bisexual people that choose partners of the same sex but opposite in gender. Notice, God prefers for people to be in LGBT relationships. Male or female is determined by gender located in the brain. Billy Graham translated the bible wrong. Rapture is when God's true people shine like the sun right here on earth. It is not what most people think. Malachi 4:2-4. Read it. I am Elijah of Malachi 4:5-6. Anyone selling anything using the gospel or teaching the LIE of monetary tithing won't make it. Same sex marriage is not a sin. God prefers it. Again, male or female is determined by gender located in the brain. * Acts 3:22-23 says it will come to pass that anyone that fails to listen to me will be utterly destroyed from among the people. That means everyone has their own choice to make.
Great comment Danielle. I agree. I know what you mean. There are still some things that surprise me though. May God give us all the wisdom we can take in for those extremely young to those who are very old. Gods blessings and health.
I don't want to judge you Fr. Mike, but I think tattoos always undermine beauty of the body and never enhance it. Our spiritual circumcision in Christ is spiritual in our hearts.
Gosh thank you Jesus for putting on your child heart to be in service.. We are so Grateful for Father Mike! Clear message brings the heart back to Jesus.
Thanks Fr Mike for this enlightening msg. This msg is encouraging. I finally got my tattoo last yr because i really want it since college and same as you i have been debating this inside my head and kept the photo in my cellphone . I am 30 and this will be my first and last and everyday i am reminded to renew my faith and to remember Jesus for everything he has given me.
For the Christian Leader: “[If I were the devil] I would tempt them to commit a major moral failure or to put themselves in a compromising situation so I could disqualify them for ministry.” - C.S. Lewis
I do too. Somehow it reminds me not to 'idolize' a person, no matter how high they seem to be intellectually, spiritually, socially... People disappoint. Jesus does not.
@@LasPhoenix777 I worry this is succumbing to the world. Do you think God wants us getting tattoos? Can we really improve on His art ? He created us. Also other priests like Fr Ripperger as I understand it, are very clear on this issue.
“The worst tattoo I ever had to decommission … was a tattoo of St. Michael the Archangel.”8) Such tattoos are a form of sacrilege which greatly offends the Saints and Angels rather than honoring them. In a certain sense, it is understandable that some could think that "Catholic" tattoos could be a way to remember God. Still, this is a cheap substitute for engraving His memory into our hearts, which is far more necessary….” Comments by Fr Chad Ripperger … just something to think about before you take the plunge.
"never want to take off Jesus" That's what you received in Holy Orders. An indelible mark on your soul. You act in persona Christi. This reality should be so ingrained in a priest's priesthood and spirtuality, that they wouldn't need such a worldly physical symbol or reminder of it. As far as evangelization, that's what your clericals are for.
Definitely.. Well said. We need to keep all priests in our prayers. Father, with all due respect, I am not against tattoos, but it sounds like you are reasoning with us. I am disappointed, but you are only human. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
You know, I love father Mark and I love his teachings. I’ve been following him for years and also encouraging my kids and others to listen to him, and I will continue to do so, but I don’t agree with tattoos at all, and to see a priest with them, is more shocking to me. I personally do not think that to have them will make you holier. Ask yourself: what would Jesus or Saint Paul said about them?
Well first of all you need to understand the definition that us Catholics have on holiness. Is it to be on some spiritual level or being perfect? Or is it truly understanding that you are a beloved son or daughter of God? Tattoos, in itself, is not sinful. The book of Leviticus prohibited it but Christ changed it like Father Mike said. Priests can have tattoos if they want and that should not shock people BECAUSE it’s not a sin to have one.
You're entitled to your opinion, but the bottom line is that the Church doesn't forbid tattoos assuming the content isn't blasphemous, obscene etc and that it's not otherwise leading people into sin (such as spending money on tattoos rather than on feeding their kids). So be prepared for many Catholics, including clergy, to have a different opinion from you. The Church is a big tent.
Honestly with all the respect and love for Fr.Mike. It feels to me as if he was going through something. I don’t judge him at all he is still Fr.Mike but that action to get a tattoo has got me surprised. The reason is because things as special as the name Jesus is a tattoo you were on your heart and mind. Instead of showing it through tattoo is better to show it how Jesus did which was through service to others.On the side note If you are going through something is ok too. We are humans as long as our hearts are tattooed with God, the season you are going through will pass.
I thought the same thing that he was being tempted. He’s become a celebrity and must pray more for humility. Father Mike’s vestments speak loudly about who he follows and they must open up conversations about God, the Catholic faith, etc
I think Fr. Mike might be going through midlife crisis. Instead of getting a fancy sport car, he got a Jesus tattoo. On the other hand, our hearts are fickle, tattooing our hearts with God can sound like platitude.
Just when I think...”man, Fr. Mike is probably the coolest Priest” .. I see this! Wish I could meet him in real life haha. I feel like I know him after participating and almost finishing in Bible in a year. Day 352!! Thanks for everything you’ve done for me! You inspired me to get baptized and join a local church after running away for years and years. I’m finally home❤️❤️❤️
Yes, you are home. Does not mean Catholic priests should have a tattoo. JESUS LIVES within Catholics, they do not need a tattoo to remind them. Tattoos are defiling to a person's body.
He is a priest in my Diocese, and yes, I know him. What you see here, is how he is in person. I love assisting at his masses, as he is so reverent at the time of consecration
Fr Mike was totally honest and spoke from his heart about the tattoo. He had it done after years of prayer and careful consideration. It was a conscious decision not one made in a drunken stupor with friends daring him. He was in Jerusalem, a city he loves and went to a tattoo place that has meaning to the city. Fr mentioned the Old Testament law about marking the body, then He said Jesus came and some laws changed. For example, the Israelites were not to eat pork, but then Jesus came and now we can eat bacon. His Roman collar marks him as a priest but I have known of priests who take the collar off and to not be faithful to their promise. Fr.,as he said, never wants to take Jesus off. Fr. Mike was our priest all during the Pandemic. He said Mass for us and his homilies blessed us with wisdom. He read to us from the Bible and opened our eyes and hearts to God’s word. I have been a Catholic all my life, Fr renewed my faith and trust in God through some tough times. I see Fr. Mike as a blessing even with a tattoo. God bless him always.
If that’s your argument being honest about your reasons doesn’t make something right even if Fr Mike is a Priest. Jesus did not go get a tattoo did he? and that’s who Fr Mike and every priest on earth is representing-Jesus. Getting tatts is such a trendy, worldly thing to do now not to mention it comes from false eastern religions that worship false gods demons and they use those tattooed symbols as a way to consecrate themselves to those false gods and to be protected by them. The Bible said no tattoos no markings and Jesus didn’t undo that teaching when he was on earth.
Jesus himself said that he did not come to abolish God's old law, but to fulfill it. I don't know where some people get this made up idea where they think they can not follow God's word just because Jesus came. Jesus never said that believers in the God of Israel could now eat pig just because The Son of Man has shown up, just like Jesus never said that believers in the God of Israel could now tattoo any marks upon themselves. If Jesus never directly changed something from the Old Testament, then that means it's because it wasn't meant to be changed. Not everything changed just because Jesus was sacrificed.
You know Father Mike, I have thought about getting a tattoo many times over the years. I am 54 years old and still do not have one. Once when I was a young man in the US Navy, I ended up walking in to a tattoo parlor, drunk with a couple of sailor friends of mine. I was determined that I was going to get an image of Popeye the Sailor Flexing on my arm. One of my friends stopped me. He pretty much pulled me out of the tattoo parlor and then told me "hey lets go back to the ship. You sober up get a good nights rest and if you still want to get that tatoo when you are sober. Go get it but, not now. Not while you are drunk" Good friend! I then had a re-version of my Catholic faith about a year after I got out of the Navy. Feeling so in love with Jesus and how he saved me I wanted to express that in any way possible. I thought alot about a tattoo. I still do. It is a very specific tattoo of an anotomically correct heart in black ink, no color, with a crown of thorns around it and of course some blood dripping from the thorns. I don't know if I ever will get that tattoo. You know the only thought that has stopped me is the thought that ....No matter how I adorn my body with religious symbols, tattoo, crucifix-neckless, religious t-shirt. These things can never reflect the truth in my soul. Father Mike, I like your tattoo. I am an artist and have an appreciation for expressions of art icluding tattoos. I respect expressions of faith but I am also always a bit skeptical when I see a person who seems a bit showy in terms of religious items especially a tattoo. I hope that doesn't seem too judgemental. Its actually somewhat the opposite. Its actually a hope that we all realize that only God can make us perfect inside and out.
@@passion777able unfortunately the steroetype is true, at least it seemed to be back when I was in. Although I met several Christian men who were at least trying to live their faith. The military, and back then, mostly a young Mens rough environment definately made living a virtuous life difficult. Sometimes very lonely. I had a small light in me from my Catholic upbringing but peer pressure was very powerful. I often gave in, I'm sorry to say. But God saves the mostly lowly when and how we least expect it. Through the saving work of Jesus Christ! Alleluia!
@BookDragon I, for the most part agree with you. I have a cross pendant necklace with a relic piece of the nativity stone in it. Its small and understated. I tend to wear it outside my T-shirt most of the time. If wearing a collared shirt it stays tucked under the shirt. I also have a larger silver crucifix with a gold corpus on it and a St. Benedict medal in the center. It is alot more showey. For special occasions, maybe actually serving at church/mass, events. Or when I feel a need to remind myself that particular day how I should conduct myself as man of God. Its usually under my shirt. Sometimes the cross relic that I wear stirs up conversation. Most of the time nobody notices. Its just an adornment or piece of jewlery to them, likely. I guess there is really no way for us to tell if the persons heart and soul is sincere or deceptive with such adornments. Hopefully the person wearing the religious jewlery has them blessed and uses them as a sacramental. Maybe some people consider a tattoo a sacramental. I don't know. Yes, be the lighthouse. We have the light of Christ thanks be to God!
Dear father, I have a lot of respect for you as a person and as a priest. I am a mom and therefore I am going to put a comment on your channel because I think it is important to go deeper into this topic. I believe that you should also talk about the care that must be taken when one selects a place to get tattoos. You have to talk to young people about the hygiene of the place, and also about the spiritual part. There are spiritually contaminated places, it's not that I see demons everywhere. But yes, there are places spiritual contaminated , you can tell us that you are protected by the sacraments and faith - which is true - but this exists, and may cause spiritual problems. You should delve deeper into other things. You are a spiritual leader and priest. And our children listen to you. After my daughters listened to you, they went to put one on. They didn't even consult with us . It is true that we as parents do not like it. It is not even in my culture a love for this. For the reasons that I mentioned and for others, which I believe are valid. We've researched this for years. They excused themselves because you are a priest, and because they know that we respect and pray for priests every day. Unfortunately, my daughters did it for fashion and unwisely took advantage of your comment, which is more of an invitation. Please, as a mom and on behalf of my husband, I ask you to investigate further, to explain better in a longer video and not 5 min. A tattoo is for life. many blessings
I get your point, and you stated it charitably, that kids may take advantage of his message, but he did not speak of it in such a way as to give that license. If the kids are minors they must obey their parents. To say he encourages kids to do it is like saying if a priest drinks wine at meals that gives license to minors to do it too. To follow Fr Mike’s example we as parents could say “I recommend that you don’t get a tattoo unless you AS AN ADULT have given it 4-5 years of thought, it will be a sign of your faith, and it is based in a long standing wish to visit a 700 year old religious tattoo parlor in Jerusalem-under which circumstances you may someday get it done- but for now, I do not allow it. I always tell my kids I do not condone it, but it’s your choice after you are an adult no longer living here. I’m sure Fr Mike 100% supports minors obeying parents.
@@nml5802 Please read what you wrote here . This mother is absolutely correct. Surely, you understand that "religious" can include the religion that worships satan ? That a tattoo shop in Jerusalem isn't "Godly" because a. it's in Jerusalem or b. because it uses religious symbols or c. because it is 700 yrs old ? This is temptation wrapped up in deception. Because God has said not to mark our body by drawing blood, to do so is to make a pact with satan. It needs forgiveness. God did not say don't do it unless you use symbols related to him. God does not actually recommend ANY symbols - even the cross. We have taken on symbols which mean God to us. To draw blood is an act of allegiance to the fallen one and that is exactly how God sees it. I don't think fr. Mike consciously took into account that people under 18 yrs would be watching this video. He really should have toned it down or made a specific reference to tell children ie under 18 yrs not to do so without checking with their parents. Finally, one last and obvious point is - should any "teacher" a priest especially, or other kind, be demonstrating something which shouldn't be done by children ? If I want to be a child of God's and as innocent as a child why would I promote an activity for Adults only ? I would not. I just wouldn't.
Thank you Nory for remaining faithful to Christ & truth. I believe that one of the enemy’s tactics is to use something good/as a justification for something evil. (2 Corinthians 11:14). I’m a young person and I don’t think that this video or example was good for people especially of my age. Tbh, I even thought about getting a tattoo after watching this because a priest did, but I know it’s not pleasing to God. Yes, priests are humans too & can make mistakes but I’m upset watching this video, I love Fr. Mike but cannot endorse this/religious tattoos or any tattoos. I really think that it was a temptation, even though it seems good. Even if the person getting a tattoo didn’t intend any harm, the person who gave the tattoo could’ve been from the occult & probably loved that a priest was getting a tattoo to lead others astray. Do not settle for half truths.
I listened to you again tonight. Your talent of oration is not to be matched. Mass on Sunday and your eulogy are so uplifting. Kama 93 yr. old Cajun ex nun, educator, widow, who loves hearing and taking part in the Holy Sarifice of the Mass since I cannot go to Church. Would love to attend your Mass. Pray for me. Bon Soir Mon Pe
Honestly I was caught off guard by father’s tattoo. I never pictured him inking his pigmentation. I’m a firm believer you come into this world clean and hopefully leave this world with no ink!!
I think that our bodies, like Saint Paul said, are “temples of the Holy Spirit”, they are not ours, and so, we can not mark them or do harm to them. We must keep them clean inside and out, take good care of them and have them ready for the Resurrection of the dead.
Your doing harm to them everytime you get excess sun exposure, eat sugar, expose yourself to environmental toxins, etc. Not sure why a tattoo is any different.
Thank you for sharing. I don't have a desire to get a tattoo, but if I were that would be what I would do. I loved how you said you can talk about Jesus to strangers just by talking about your tattoo. God bless you Fr. Mike. I love your podcasts.
Please pray for Fr. Mike. He is such a gift. We will never know the number of people that he introduced to the Bible and the number of people that now follow the Lord because of him. However, he is probably being tested for scripture tells us, "when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing." - Sirach 2:1 Imagine preparing and committing yourself to the Lord for a full year and leading people closer to God. Imagine the stamina that needed to go into that. I wonder if it is a tremendous letdown to now have it complete, like planning the biggest party of your life and the sadness you experience once it's all over. I wonder if he feels like the wind has been taken from his sails. I am also wondering if anyone knows how to start a spiritual bouquet for Fr. Mike. For all he has given us, I wonder how we might arrange for all subscribers of a Bible in a Year to offer up a rosary for him. That would be over a million rosaries. We can pray that our Lady will wrap him in her mantle and bring him comfort and consolation, if he needs it, and to keep him close to her Immaculate Heart.
Fr. Michael, if you said, that in Bible is written "do not get tatoo", and than you got one (even with Christian sign), there is a big perplexity. Please, be careful, you have a big responsibility of people mislead, especially young ones.
Thank you Ivan, for your point. I searched net a bit and this is a shortened statement of fr. Kodet (former Czech exorcist): Tattooing was explicitly banned for Christians as a pagan custom in 787 by Pope Hadrian I, at the Second Council of Nice. This council also issued a statement about the worship of images and clearly discerned between worship, which is appropriate only to God, and respect, which can already be demonstrated to images of Christ, the Virgin Mary or saints. Tattoos certainly aren't from God, and God didn't mean and doesn't want them on us, even if it is tattooing a Christian symbol. It is not a matter of having pious things tattooed on the body, but of having a pious heart and a pure soul, having relationships with others ok. We are created on God's image. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and deserves respect. Christian has no right to destroy, mutilate or disgrace him (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19). Anton La Vay, the Satanic Bible author, says that "every tattoo is always an expression of Satanism, whatever is the sign." By tattooing Christian symbols, no one will become more Christian. Tattoos have nothing to do with Christianity and can not be justified by having a cross tattooed on our body.
Was it right? Was it wrong? Was it essential? How does it fit in with Leviticus? Or do we make Leviticus fit in with our wants and desires? What else in the Bible can we manipulate to assuage our consciences and poor choices? Having it there on his wrist on public display and then attempting to 'justify' it by saying he now gets to talk about it and about Jesus to those who ask was, in my opinion, a cop out. He's a consecrated Priest! Surely he understands that means he gets to talk about Jesus? Does he need a tattoo to do that? If it's such a personal, compelling thing he 'had' to do then he could have had it over his heart where he could be 'reminded' but not have it on public display where it openly contradicts his previous 'interpretation' of the Bible teaching and influences others to also get a tattoo because: "hey, Fr Mike got one so it must be a really good thing for me to do too". :'-( The tragedy is that Fr Mike has such a profound and powerful impact on so many impressionable and vulnerable and so easily influenced people and I truly felt he has not considered that basically his first video presented a totally different stance and interpretation of the Bible teachings on tattoos. Then he completely flipped on that and caved in to do what he "wanted". The comments here already show the extent of this influence on others and that they now will 'comfortably' follow his lead. Fr Mike could actually "sell ice to Eskimos" as the old adage goes, he is without doubt the 'poster boy' for Catholicism - handsome, humorous etc. He is so persuasive, so popular and so influential and he could justify anything and make us all believe it is right (or wrong) - but it boils down to the fact that he clearly stated in his first video on tattoos that he "always wanted a tattoo". So in reality he just gave in to his long held desire of wanting to get a tattoo... If he needs it to be 'reminded' that he belongs to Jesus through having to get a tattoo then that is a concern. Baptism is our permanent, indelible reminder that we belong to Jesus - for life but in addition he is an ordained Priest. Getting the tattoo was, in my opinion, a very poor judgement call, the attempted 'justification' he gives does not wash and actually sounded so hypocritical and self serving to me, and the throw away comments about being almost 50 so being almost dead? What the heck? We all make very bad decisions and life choices and ones we regret for the rest of our lives. We are all "broken" (a word Fr Mike constantly uses), and our sins have consequences, consequences of our "brokenness" even when God forgives us. We can try to justify our bad decisions all we (and he) likes but that does not make them right.
I so agree with your thoughts and comments. So sadly disappointed in his decision to have done this. He has a huge following and is a great influencer, is he now "leading by example"?... His raising of arms at consecration of Eucharist will have a distraction.😔
Seems like a lot of Catholics should get tattoos. I suggest one of the many verses that talk about the consequences of judging others. Just make sure though that if you’re going to quote Leviticus -you follow ALL of it. Not just the one obscure verse taken out of context.
I 👍👍 two thumbs up.. I also don't agree with the example of his preasthood ring.. when he said he can take it off and place it back on.. vs a tattoo he could never take that off. It was a little surprising he said that but we just need to pray for him ❤
Just ask yourself this question, “would the Blessed Virgin Mary like me to get a tattoo, or would She get one Herself?” Should be a simple answer… And you don’t need to be a celebrity priest to answer this question.
@@mariechu2528 I get your point Hannah. Some people might do it out of an intention for the love of Christ, and some might do it out of pride/vanity... Some people grow beards out of vanity too. Some people do certain hairstyles and dress a certain way to appear "cool". I would just ask yourself "Is it the Will of God?" I remember in primary school the principles and teachers would say, "What Would Jesus Do?" Some things are not harmful like Fr. Mike's tattoo. In the Resurrection, we will not have tattoos and everybody will be 33 years old (so I heard... lol). God Bless you Hannah.
What is with the tattoo? Don't lose sight of who you are and who you are representing. Jesus is within you. He is not a tattoo on your arm. You have a journey remember that. Don't be distracted by trendy superficial things. God bless you, Father Mike .... Stay focused.
I got my first tattoo for a very similar reason. When I consecrated myself to Mary I started wearing the chain bracelet as described by St. Louis de Montfort. After three years it broke and I’d already been debating a Totus Tuus tattoo for years and just thought, I want my consecration tattooed on me for life. I also met a nay sayer once who hated tattoos saying they represented slavery. As a voluntary slave of Mary I thought perfect! I got the chain bracelet tattoo with Totus Tuus written right below. Five years later I still love it so much. Reminds to love and honor Mary in good times and more importantly, when in bad. All I have to do is wake up and I can literally never forget Christ.
Gosh… honestly… HONESTLY… every time I have the opportunity to listen to whichever message it is you are wanting to get across, it just gets better and better. I mean ANYTIME, I happen to stumble across a new video, or even the many times I come seeking an opinion or thought from you, I am ever and continually struck by your perspective. I truly value the direction you give me in my personal journey to and with Christ. I don’t think I have ever pressed play on a video of yours, when I don’t feel enlightened at its end. Thank you, Father Mike, not only for EVERY single thing you do, but also for WHY you do it. What a beautiful soul it is that you are, and I feel so very blessed to have you existing among us. I know I can’t speak alone when I say how comforting it is to know that you are here, fighting the good fight, and very much in our corner! And by the way, I absolutely LOVE the new ink!
I was Confirmed last Sunday, at the age of 37, and have been contemplating a first tattoo. Being quiet, I always used to wear tie-dyes, now I'm thinking of Agnus Dei on my inner forearm. I want to say something that will make others think, without using words, which have always escaped me.
People will privately think that the tattoo is ugly. That’s what people will be thinking. No will say that out loud. The tattoo might be “cool” but tattoos are objectively ugly.
What about the most precious and sublime moment of every priest: the Consecration of the Host? His going to bring the attention to himself and to the tattoo, not to the Host, and people are going to be distracted and many disappointed, and other youngsters are going to do more tattoos
Don’t know if this true but at the Council of Northumberland issued an edict saying, “When an individual undergoes the ordeal of tattooing for the sake of God, he is greatly praised.
Fr. Mike, I designed a tattoo for myself over forty years ago, sometime between September 1973 and May 1975, when I was in my early twenties. I didn't get the tattoo until 2016, when I was 63 years old. It's a tattoo that honors a sister of mine who died in 1971, her unborn child who died because of her death, my dad who wrote a poem about Rosanne and Crispin, and my youngest son who drew the image of the tattoo based on my design. I love yours! If I were to get a second tattoo it would be like yours. By the bye, I'm a Deacon in the Church, having been ordained in 2008. God bless you!
Well we can just tell our kids they are not allowed this in our home, or a variety of things, until they are adults on their own. We may tell them Fr Mike is a responsible deep-thinking adult who made this decision after years of considering it. His adult decision does not condone the same for adolescents who are less mature in their thinking and living under parental rules.
That is exactly how I feel. I definitely will not ask my three boys to watch your videos anymore. We need Catholic leaders to stand up against this culture of marking our God made bodies.
please be more specific..I am turned of by all of this.. the transparency that this particular catholic priest is flat out hypocrite.. his long story (excuse ) is straight devilish.
LOVE LOVE THE tattoo Farther Mike, I think it is just awesome, and I am so happy you chose that one. It's just perfect for who you are and what you represent. love it & love you! Thank you for being your authentic self and someone I turn to always for guidance and spiritual advice.
Wearing two different types of clothing material and certain types of meat are forbidden in the Old Testament. Does that mean we follow those laws? Obviously not. His argument isn’t solely “it’s in the old convenant”. Its pretty darn obvious why witch craft is sinful and paint in your skin is not.
I saw it on a Sunday Mass video not long ago and got really confused because I had seen your previous video on tattoos. I love it, though. I don’t have any tattoos and I’m not sure I’ll ever get one, but I love the idea of never being able to take off Jesus. ❤️
1 corinthians 15 1-4 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Oh, Fr.Mike.... First of all you can never take off Jesus YOU'RE A PRIEST and a priest forever!!! Do you not get it?!! A priest!!! The ONLY ONE, let me say it again T-H-E ONLY ONE that has been given the ability to CONSECRATE bread and wine to the BODY OF CHRIST!!! YOU PRIESTS ARE A GIFT TO THE LAITY FROM GOD ALMIGHTY TO US!!! TO BE ABLE TO HELP US WITH THE SACRAMENTS!!! THERE IS NO OTHER!!! LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN, THERE IS NO OTHER!!! BE JOYFUL AND BE GLAD BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN ABOVE ALL. I don't think you should of gotten the Tattoo but now that you have I hope it and that particular meaning does make you happy because it means GOD. FEEL MORE LOVED BECAUSE YOU ARE A PRIEST and God is so close to you, ALL PRIESTS, SHINE ON WITH GOD--- THE PRIEST.
The Lord says to honor your body and treat it as though it’s the temple of God, father… We need to lead by example. I pray for peace and clarity for you.
It is a ceremonial law for that specific time and people. It being abolished is crystal clear in the New Testament. If the old ceremonial law still needs to be followed, then men must not trim their beards, and we must not eat a medium rare steak. Even though Jesus Himself says it is not what a man puts in his mouth that defiles him but what comes out of his mouth (speech).
I hate to sound so harsh, but father here seems to going through what I've seen many others go through...wanting to stay relevant and not show a sense of bias. It starts to look controversial and confusing. Example: "I can still be cool and be for GOD"
I work in healthcare performing neurodiagnostic testing. I always wanted a tattoo until I had a patient who contracted Guillain Barre syndrome. She did not have a cold or the flu or any sickness that would have caused her to get GB. She did, however, recently get a tattoo which the doctors attributed to her getting GB. It changed my mind forever about getting a tattoo.
Many also suffer from the ink being absorbed into the body. I strive to eat organic, natural foods. I don’t get how many inject themselves with these dyes.
I have 5 Catholic tattoos, all in the last year. (I'm 52) I love that they open up conversations that might not happen if I didn't have them. I get to talk about Jesus to people that might not have talked to me had I not had tattoos. Thank you Fr Mike! Love your tattoo!!
How about wearing a sincere smile, a cross (necklace) or handing out holy cards to have a conversation with a stranger or anyone else about the love of Jesus. Just an idea you might try.
I do those things, as I'm sure you do too? I have the Sacred Heart of Jesus on one shoulder and the Immaculate heart on the other. I shared above that I've found them to open conversations that wouldn't happen normally. For example, have butterflies with Phil. 4:4-9 on my arm. There's a waitress my daughter became friends with through a conversation about her butterfly tattoo that she got when her mom died recently. See? Conversations! Healing! Love! It's exciting! God bless you!
@@Alwaysthankful9 I'm sorry for anyone's attempt to shame you for your open heart. It's words like yours that bring others to the Lord. God bless you and yours. 💗
I got my first tattoo when i was 58 years old and now I have 7. My two favorites that I have are the praying hands wrapped in a rosary and the Sacred Heart.
@@markwilkie650 So am I. But I take a very dim view of tattoos. I don’t like them at all. I grew up (and still live) in a Jewish neighborhood in Queens, NY and when I was younger, I’d see many people in my neighborhood with numbers tattooed on their arms. They had been in concentration camps and God bless them - they had survived - but those people never had a choice about their tattoos. I don’t understand why anyone would willingly scar his or her body.
@@markwilkie650I am very surprised and very disappointed Historically tattoos are used to mark slaves and pimps use them to mark their women. So do satanists. It’s a sign of slavery
Thank you for saying that.. people are being lead astray by this fake, that sliped through the cracks. Him and several other priest will not have any dialoge with me.. so much for answering any questions or an open forum.. beware of these false preachers.
Father Mike, we had the opportunity to see you and shake hands while we were on pilgrimage in Israel recently. I have to say, you inspired me on the idea of your tattoo. Thanks for all the good things you do. God Bless.
Love your explanation Fr. Mike.....sooooo awesome to share Jesus that way!!! God bless you always... I love the Holy land too, NO place like where Jesus walked, taught & lived, His beautiful presence & peace still so ALIVE there. 🙏🕊
Ohhh nooo!!! You feel for it. 😬 love and respect you Father Mike, our body is a temple, I don’t need a tattoo to remind me of my love for JESUS. He’s tattooed in our hearts don’t need a body drawing to remind me, make “ME” happy, or have his name always on me that I don’t want to take it off, God lives in me in my heart. With all love and respect. 🙏🏼
They all fell for it!! have you read all the comments defending him. I have not received any comment back from Mike..I will NOT call him father..what a disgrace. I have contacted other priest about this and there is no accountabilty.. noone gets back to me and how interesting that is because they put the vid up in the first place.
@@JB-pp4nj Yep!!!! Fell for the foolishness. Just how the bible tells ...trust NO one...wolves in sheep clothing. Just another confirmation I did the right thing by leaving the catholic church. He could talk to anyone who would ask why does he wear that shirt. Jesus is to live supreme in our hearts...we do NOT need visual reminders. He even stumbled over his words....he knew this wrong not a good idea. lolol
I recently talked my dentist and her assistant out of this. Tattoos are neurotoxic. One of the substances in the ink, mercury, can damage the brain and nervous system. Another substance, lead, can cause organ and tissue damage. Additionally, microscopic particles from tattoo ink can migrate into the body and end up in the lymph nodes. I believe the best proselytizing is done through quietly performed good deeds.
I agree with the neurotoxicity .....just like the covaids shot and other shots, along with crap food people eat, and the BPA plastic water bottles. I do think we can get too obsessed and crazy about the body though, and I think he is doing it to be branded in Christ Jesus, if the gov comes knocking at the door. I think this goes deeper for him....
I love that you are so real, just like the rest of us. Always great to hear your perspective on things we think about and not sure who we can ask. Thank you Fr Mike!
Fr Mike,I feel you did it for the right reasons. It was also where Jesus walked.i wear the the Jerusalem cross, but I also have a tattoo that I put together for my mom she had dementia the flower for that is ,forget me not flower, my moms birth flower& daisey bumblebee and specially psalms118:24 she could remember that clear up till she passed .i felt it was a good reason to get it ,i haven’t regretted it
I am currently 25 years of age…what most would still consider millennial. Having said that I want to say that your arguments Father to getting a tattoo are very compelling but it doesn’t take away that this is an opinion rather that a statement of truth. Today in mass the priest said that if he spoke from opinion and it made someone uncomfortable then it was right to open a conversation, but if it was him teaching the word of God and it made us uncomfortable then we must look to ourselves to see why we feel and think that way. And since it is an opinion I feel compelled to add to the conversation. The tattoo of Gods name, of his cross has already been imprinted in you by baptism. You are a child of God not just a creation of God. He (God) is the only one someone should want to be recognized by and marked by permanently. Now these are not opinions I hold by personally but are just following what the church teaches about goodness, beauty and truth of the church and what it says about our bodies. By no means am I highly knowledgeable as a theologian but I don’t need to have a degree per se to find truth because it is already inscribed in every heart by the creator. In your vocation as a spiritual father you are called to be an icon of the Heavenly Father, just as we all are, but for you specifically it carries more weight because you as one of the heads of the church, shepherds the world like Jesus. So your actions speak louder than most. So as an icon of the father I ask you: If we are all trying to be the image of God/Jesus, would you say Jesus would have gotten a tattoo today? What if the pope got a tattoo? What message would that spread to the world? There is this story during world war 2 where in Japan, priest were asked to step on the image of Jesus multiple times. The cost of not stepping on the image was death. One would say “hey it’s just an image” “my life is worth more” right? Well to the priest it might not have been a big deal if he was alone but if he had his brothers and sitters around him then it was a statement to them that his life, identity, purpose was worth nothing. So it’s not just a personal decision that affects you it affects everyone else that you are liable of and as a priest you are liable to the whole world!!! The question we really have to ask ourselves is “are my actions leading others to Christ?” I know you mentioned this question and or idea in your previous video… Sometimes we must do things not because we want to do them but because they reveal goodness, truth and beauty. However, like you said in one of your videos about King Solomon, that even being wise and knowing the truth doesn’t mean that we always have the inclination to follow it. It’s true and we live in a fallen world and we can’t always do Gods will perfectly but my prayer is always that I decrease and that He (God) increases in me. If someone is praying this and living it out with Gods grace then it’s that which people will be attracted to not because you have a tattoo will people feel like they can approach you. Jesus never tried to accommodate himself so that others would come to him. He simply spoke truth and acted out truth because He was all truth and some people came to him but other people wanted to kill him. Yes he did walk amongst sinners and some people criticized him for that but never did he conform to them they conformed to His truth because it trumps any lie and reveals the most intimate identity of ourselves. Knowing the truth we shouldn’t conform to the world. People shouldn’t conform to ourselves either. We all must conform to the truth…Jesus Christ I just want to point out Father that you yourself said that you were not inherently happy and or disappointed in getting the tattoo. Then why get it in the first place? What were you trying to fulfill by getting a tattoo? What was it going to add to your life? Maybe the fact that you got it in the Holy Land but I think one is better off saying that you prayed and confirmed your identity as a child of God by having celebrated mass, or prayed in a chapel than to get a tattoo that is an external mark of what the world already sees in you. We all see the glory and goodness of God in you Father Mike…you have been so influential in my understanding of the faith but this just doesn’t sound correct. Our lives are more than likes and streams on a video. I know you said that the previous video on tattoos you made got many views but I dont think that getting a tattoo and making a video would add more clarity but more confusion. I trust that you have good intentions but I would propose more clarity and maybe speak about it with another priest and or priests. But as a Catholic and as a brother I do pose these arguments and questions because I’m not trying to please anyone but God and since I am looking to please him He calls me to talk to my brothers and sisters with the truth that is inscribed in the Bible, church and in every heart. Will be praying for a deeper understanding of this. May His will be done in every action and decision for the saving of many souls. Through Him and with Him forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏼
Thank you for your grace of so eloquently speaking great guidance and feedback to the sheep & the Shepard. The Holy Spirit guided you, beautifully said, Thank you & God Bless.
I couldn't agree more! An explanation that should be given by a priest. This world has turned up side down. Fathers are getting tattoos... some haven't understood Jesus's assignment!
Father Mike , I got the same tattoo. I’m 66 years old and it was now or never . Always wanted one but didn’t know what I wanted till I saw yours. It’s meaning is so powerful and even my tattoo artist thought it was way cool . So thank you. ❤️🙏
I believe you are a very sincere man. I enjoy your Masses and your teachings. I also like John Michael Talbot. A while back he made a vaccination video, telling everyone he got the jab. I was so disappointed in him that I just backed away for a while. He is also a very sincere man. I choose to let you have another idea about this and continue to listen to your other teachings. I also choose to forgive JMT for pushing the jab. They are, I believe, interconnected, however. Our culture wants to express itself and say, "Look at me. I am into the new thing." I imagine there will be people getting Ukraine tattoos and Johnny Depp tattoos because they feel like that is appropriate in their desire to express themselves. Jesus doesn't need a tattoo to own you. Thank you, Lord, for a mother who looked down on these things and let me know way back that they were not a good thing. Now I can live life without ink, piercings, and old expressions of myself.
Question! Ever since I contemplated about getting a tattoo, I always thought of it representing my Catholic faith. But obviously before committing to it, I have to ask myself questions that I would genuinely would want to know about someone else: 1. If I want to feel like I’m forever unified with Christ, why isn’t consuming communion enough? 2. What does adding a marking on your body do, when you feel already feel Christ’s Love and company? Thank you!
Fr. Mike, I LOVE THE TATTOO and what it means to YOU. I am a 66 year old grandma and my 42 year old daughter has tats. Each and everyone has a special meaning to her. Much like your tat means to you. Continue to do you, and spread the word of your love of Jesus, your way!
I have always loved your views, input, advice. PERSONALLY, Not a fan of tattoos. The wet and stick kinds are fun. But not the needles and ink. Going to sound old fashioned, but I feel as though if the world was not into tatoos right now and everybody was not getting one, would you have? I feel it is a culture that is taking us away from simplicity and The Word of God, simply, no t shirts, no tatoos, no nothing, just living a virtuous life for God. People can see Him in our works and how we live. Still love you, all my friends and relatives who have tattos. But since you asked what I think..there is it... past 50 , just a bit, so Im almost dead too!🤣
Fr Mike. I enjoyed your story and ultimately your journey to get tattooed in closeness with Jesus. My wife and I intended to get matching tattoos years ago. She has hers (she was tattooed within a few weeks of us making that agreement) and I keep putting it off. You’ve definitely given me a new lens and an inspiration of sorts to follow through. Stay well and God bless you.
Fr Mike, love the tat. I got praying hands and a rosary on my arm as a Lutheran. Over the next 10 years, so many people asked me if I was Catholic, it actually caused me to begin looking into it. I entered the Catholic Church in 2014 and have never looked back
Wow!
Welcome😇
No. You were deceived as a Lutheran. Now you are a Catholic, you are going to deceive other Catholics into having a tattoo. Satan works that way.
Lovely story Knate1104. The tattoo led you home. Alma mater. 🙏📿
That’s awesome 🙏🏼 God bless you.
Great ink. The fact it has a strong meaning for you and all Catholics makes it worthwhile. Good job
I was listening with my eyes closed and when you said “I never ever want to take off Jesus” I felt this overwhelming smile take over ♥️ thank you for sharing Fr Mike
Yes. "Amen," I felt it too. It's amazing the love for Jesus.
That's is the sweetest thing ever
Baptism puts on Jesus
Amen, I felt something inside me when I heard that statement.
Peace
I had that exact reaction too.
I love this Father Mike! My daughter was dating a Catholic from the UAE who had a cross tattooed in the same place as yours. He said it was so there was no doubt, regardless of where he was in the middle East, who he belonged to. Many in his family had been persecuted. It was such a powerful testimony.
Wow. Respect!
Wear a T-Shirt!!!
You’re comparing your tattoo to the sacraments and struggling to do so. Really?
@@michaelgaston6296
Lol.
So understandable why he would want this! Hope he is safe.
That was a shock, Fr. Mike, but not nearly as shocking as when an elderly friend of mine got a tattoo on her wrist at the age of 89! Her reason made perfect sense. She was concerned that she might one day be in a nursing home with dementia, or something, and she wanted to be sure everyone knew she belonged to Jesus. And plus it gave her an opportunity to share her faith with the tattoo artist. It seems like your reasoning is along similar lines.
Love this! Btw, I am 60!
God bless her☦️✝️📿🙏🙏🙏🙏
I don't think Ive ever seen a priest's sleeve go down that far during Consecration. Even if it did, it's on the inside of his arm, visible to him only, not on his forehead.
@@Roman-Labrador I have no problem with tattoos but it could have been a little smaller and further up on his arm so it wouldn't show during the consecration.
@@Roman-Labrador good point, i get your point, but I want to say I've seen Him do Mass recently and it wasn't noticeable as in it wasn't showing. I'm not trying to debate your point or disagree with it necessarily just sharing that there is a good chance maybe he was already aware of that and has taken the precaution to make sure at least during the celebration of the Eucharist it is not seen, and if that is not the case then maybe he will read your comment or someone else will bring it to his attention and its something that can be coverable so its not a distraction, i guess maybe he could have done it just a tad bit higher to your point. But yea good point but also a chance it may not be an issue. I guess time will tell.
I have a Harry Potter tattoo on my forearm that I'm contemplating getting covered up/redesigned into a tattoo of our Blessed Mother. At one point I felt like Harry Potter "saved" me as a teenager because it allowed me to find friends who helped me feel less alone and less depressed, but now I've been saved by Jesus (and was actually baptized, confirmed, and received my first Eucharist on the Easter Vigil this year!). Part of that process was cultivating a relationship with Mary, which allowed me to give up most of my worldly vanity and embrace my calling as a daughter of Christ
Welcome home and congratulations! 🥰🌹
Welcome home and God bless!
pray to God and ask for His approval. What did Jesus say to the Adulterer woman who was not stoned because everyone is guilty of at least 1 sin? Go and sin no more. How does it apply to you?
Warms my heart to read a testimony like yours. Hope you stay strong in the path of Jesus Christ💖
Congrats! I'm proud of you
Really nice Fr. Mike, I took off Jesus for 15 years. I recently put him back on, and I pray I constantly that I never take him off again 🙏🏻😊
Thanks!
I'm still in the "I don't want or need a tattoo" camp.
While I agree some tattoos are sinful and others not, I am made in the image of God, so my whole body is already a "tattoo" of God in its form and function.
Each time I receive the Eucharist- His blood flows through my veins.
No condemnation or judgment... but just don't see Jesus needing to tatoo "Father" on His arm as an enhancement to the Our Father or Crucifixion.
I was about to say my rosary before I saw this and like what!!. No judgements but I believe that whatever we do(good or bad), there is always a strong and probably good reason we give for it . But the question always is does that make it right? What about the sacramentals we wear? As a baptised Catholic, in faith, we have Jesus indelible in us and his resurrection merits never to be revoked as our bodies have become His temple. Tattoos doesn't prove it.
I totally agree.
I'm 76, Mexican and a lady. I agree with you completely. Tattoos are for drunken sailors. Mark Wahlberg had about 6 and had them all removed in front of his kids so they could see the pain it is to remove them. He does not agree on tattoos. Brave man for saying this.
“Need” a tattoo is never a thing. Unfortunately Father your “justification “ for a tattoo just gave many, many young people who aren’t so full of your righteous reasons the go ahead to mark up their beautiful bodies. There are spirits of bodily defamation that attach themselves to people who start to go down this slippery path. Let’s also not be so naive to think that just because it comes from some ancient tattoo shop that makes it good. Evil and good have existed side by side from the fall of man. Thinking a priest who has been teaching on the Old Testament for so long would recognize this one.
What about all the Bible verses on, be in the world and not of the world?
The New Testament also says that just because we are “free” to do all things, doesn’t mean we should.
I will pray for you and now all the others you have led down this path because of your example.
I am a mother of nine and a grandmother to five and now my job just got a whole lot harder.
Jesus be praised now and forever!
@@thewishingacrewithteresawo9380 Dear friend - I am so glad so many of you are speaking up. You have every right to speak up with the family you have. It's NOT EASY in this modern world to follow the teachings of Our Lord. And this priest is just justifying his bad behavior to so many people. The BEST he could do now is stop rationalizing his behavior. Thank you for speaking up. Silvia Near Chicago.
Let us all pray for Fr. Mike and his ministry 🙏
Obviously, he needs it. Just shameful!!!!!
Good reply, I had words in my head that should be kept in my head.
Yes, we definitely need to pray for Father Mike because he's spreading the AntiChrist spirit with this video. ANY tattoos are against God's law because our bodies are holy and NOT places to put graffiti on. Getting people used to tattoos is of the AntiChrist, because it's preparing people to get them comfortable with taking the Mark of the Beast. This Father is clearly mentally unhinged not only by these falsehoods, but by his flaky behavior. The Lord warned us that "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Catholics MUST remember that there is a false pope (Francis) in charge of the Church and he has satanic disciples throughout TESTING our faith by spewing this kind of nonsense. DO NOT FALL FOR IT. Your body is a precious gift from God and is not meant to be marked up like some hapless train car coming out of LA.
@@matthewhartt5887It is a ceremonial law for that specific time and people. It being abolished is crystal clear in the New Testament. If the old ceremonial law still needs to be followed, then men must not trim their beards, and we must not eat a medium rare steak. Even though Jesus Himself says it is not what a man puts in his mouth that defiles him but what comes out of his mouth (speech).
@@matthewhartt5887 oh come now, tell me what shame there is in having the permanence of Christ on your body?
Fr. Mike, my husband and I love you. We are 60, & enjoy these videos so much. We really think you are a very special Soul
Fr. Mike. My husband was in that same shop last year and he got the Lord’s Prayer in Armenian tattooed over his heart. We are Armenian orthodox Christians. God bless you.
Me too. Ench bess es
@@TheAyurvedic pointless. It's meaningless because it's not a Christian action. The Lord did not tell you to go get tattoos. But he does want your heart to be pierced by His love
@@kimthames2531 I’m glad you can tell me what the aloes said to my husband. Phew! Thank goodness we have an interpreter.
@@TheAyurvedic the bible tells you not too...just like the church can give allowances for divorce even though it's unbiblical so they can lead you astray with this also
That’s such a beautiful analogy and thought behind the tattoo. I’ve been seriously debating getting a tattoo but I love how your unrelenting love or bond for Jesus is palpable through this beautiful.
Woah, that is something I didn't see coming.
I think he explained quite well why he did it.
@@trumpwon8972 He is serving God? How is he not?
@@trumpwon8972 Serving others has nothing to do with enjoying time off. What he does with his time off is his buisness. Guess what the Bible says about judging your neighbor...
Priest should not talk about themselves? How do you spread God’s word without ever talking about yourself? St. Paul talked about himself in the Bible
Yeah he lost here
I was on a mission trip in Israel after my conversion to Protestantism (now a Catholic). I had tattoos from my youth, and was really ashamed of them and kept them covered the entire time I was abroad - long sleeves, even in 114 degree heat, doing physical labor, all day every day. Until one day, I just couldn't take the heat anymore and decided to take the risk, remove that long sleeved, outer layer, and let my skin be exposed. During my entire time on this trip, no one from Israel would really talk to me, or our group all that much. But after I removed that covering, a Muslim man (middle-aged gentleman with a family) I was working with, saw them, and, in the best English he could muster, complimented them; and from that moment on, he began to look after me on the work site like a daughter, and started speaking with me and sharing pictures of his family and opening up about his life (as much as he could with the language barrier). The whole purpose of our mission trip was to serve the community and to build friendly relationships with the people living there, so that, maybe one day, they would become more open to hearing what we had to say and receive the Gospel. The whole point was to make connections and to show love. God took what I was ashamed of and tried so desperately to hide, and turned it into something beautiful that opened the door and made a way for friendship between two unlikely individuals to bloom. God used my tattoos to open a door, and brought healing and joy where I had previously only felt shame. I will never, ever forget that. My reasons for getting the tattoos in the past may not have been God centered or right - but that doesn't mean God can't still use them to create connections, to start a conversation, or maybe make one seem more "approachable" rather than "strictly religious". Some people have a hard time opening up to people they are afraid might look down on them and judge them. Sometimes, displaying the fact you aren't perfect either or might have something in common with them, is all it takes to make someone feel more comfortable and trusting of you. Again, especially with my modern generation, having a tattoo as a religious person, can open a surprising amount of doors. But that's just been my experience. I hope you will find your experience falls along similar lines, Father. May God bless you and your efforts.
Good story and explanation. Bless you.
So beautiful, thank you for sharing this!
Beautiful
Thank you sharing your story. I can see how your tattoos would open doors in unexpected places. ❤️
Amen!!! Great story!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hey Father Mike, my friend and I both got Christian tattoos. I spent year deciding and praying on mine. It is a 3 inch cross on my ankle with purple roses. I love it! I want everyone to know I proudly follow Jesus, even if I keel over and end up in a hospital and I lose my cross. I want it permanently on my body that I love Jesus Forever!🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜
I still don't really fully get it, I know what he's saying, but, at least for me, I don't need to see a physical reminder imprinted on my body? God created me as I am, I don't need to mark it.
Tattooing is the type of thing that if you don't watch it can become more and more addictive and take the person away from seeing themselves as Christ sees them.
Am I missing something?
Your not missing anything. He is a false preacher that we have been warned of by Jesus himself. He is very subtle and now thousands of fools are going to do the same thing and defile there body in the name of Christ.. god help them. He is actually proud of it... if he wasnt he would get it removed. Chris keep the good fight
See what Fr Rippergers says in his video on this. You are right. And doing this is wrong.
You don't get why tattoo in old testament ar forbidden therr is a reason behind that@@RenaissancePesto
I've known Priests that smoke cigarettes. They aren't perfect they are people too.
Great thinking.. your mind is in the right place ❤
Fr. Mike, I got a tattoo on my 33 wedding anniversary. My husband got one on our third anniversary. So, our anniversary was coming up and I knew that he would love it, so I did it. It’s a cute teddy bear, in a sailor’s outfit. It also has his name on it. He loved it, and I loved him for loving it too. We have been married almost 53years, so it’s a little faded, but we both smile when we see it, or explain it to others. God has given us the grace to still b together after all these years, and we know how lucky we are. So, that’s my story, and I am sticking to it!
What a beautiful marriage you are so Blessed!
I have a full sleeve of religious, specifically Catholic, tattoos and totally appreciate the *not wanting to take Him off* thing. Feeling affirmed! Rock on, Father (and I'm 51 :)
I really want to see it !!
Rock on Father????
wish we could see it/them!!
I have covering my shoulder the Sorrowful Heart of the Blessed Mother with 7 swords and a sunburst behind it wrapping around the shoulder; below that, the Crown of Thorns encircling my arm above the bicep; on the underside of my arm, the Sacred Heart of Jesus; on the lower arm on the outside, St. Michael the Archangel with his sword and shield; around and in-between the negative spaces I have the colors of blue,, green,, and yellow stars from Our Lady of Guadalupe's mantle; and on my forearm Our Lady of Recovery tweaked just a bit with images of my parents who have passed away and a favorite niece, underneath Our Lady's mantle
Did I miss something? Since when did religious ink become the literal equivalent to Jesus?
Thank you for sharing Father Mike. Praying for you always. You bring so many people to Jesus.
I am profoundly disappointed.
"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify."
1 Corinthians 10:23
The Catholic Church teaches that when a man participates in priesthood after the Sacrament of Holy Orders, he acts in persona
Christi Capitis, representing the person of Christ. Now, we all know by Leviticus 19:28, Jesus never had any tattoos nor cuttings
on his body as to fulfill the will of the Father. So, Fr Mike now appears more different from the person Christ than before. It would
seem obvious that getting a tattoo is an act of conforming with the world in contrast to our need to strive to become Holy.
When I read the responses, most are of the "Rock On Father!" or "I got a tattoo too!" . I don't see any response to Fr. Mikes new
tattoo bringing any soul closer to Jesus or any connection to picking up one's cross and following God's Will. What I see is more
people now thinking of following Fr. Mike's worldly example to make themselves more acceptable to the world by being like the
world.
Just to add a little perspective, do you believe the Virgin Mary, Mother to all, Queen of Heaven, has a tattoo ?
Mate, I'm not a fan of tattoos or have one but for you to think for one second that Fr Mike getting a tattoo has changed him or those he is evangelising is ridiculous. Really.
@@petersholle823 it's not ridiculous. Read the comments. He has confirmed a worldly act that desecrates the body.
Your brave Charles and what you wrote was well put. I love Father Mike and still do but I am disappointed 😢
It is a ceremonial law for that specific time and people. It being abolished is crystal clear in the New Testament. If the old ceremonial law still needs to be followed, then men must not trim their beards, and we must not eat a medium rare steak. Even though Jesus Himself says it is not what a man puts in his mouth that defiles him but what comes out of his mouth (speech).
@@Saiyan585 Okay, If you are troubled by Ceremonial Law, we can examine the writings of St Paul in the Epistles.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you
have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price." This doesn't seem to suggest St Paul
is encouraging the new Christian to get cut or a flashy new tattoo. Fr. Mike's example is encouraging Catholics to
make themselves more acceptable to the world by being like the world.
I didn't accuse Fr. Mike of committing a sin by getting a tattoo. You assume too much. Rather, I pointed out as his
vocation as a Priest, he represents Jesus to the Laity and the World. Jesus didn't have any tattoos. The point is
Catholics are supposed to be in the World, but separate from the World. If tattoos are now blessed by the Vatican,
then we should install drive through windows in all the Cathedrals like fast food restaurants. So,the Eucharist can
now be served by a guy with a paper hat through a window without having to deal with the hassle of going to Mass
every week and kneeling at the Communion Rail. Billions and billions served ... ( over thousands and thousands of years)
Look at Fr Mike's behavior another more basic way. How does getting cut or getting a new tattoo please God ?
In reference to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 where God has placed the Holy Spirit into our bodies which are now temples
and more significantly we are slaves to God where Jesus paid the price for our souls. So, would it please the
Master to have us permanently write graffiti on the walls of the Temple? How does a Christian getting a tattoo
demonstrate his Obedience to God?
One would have thought that your baptism and priestly vows and the oils of your ordination are your permanent and indelible mark upon your soul, Father Mike.
You are absolutely correct. Those permanent and indelible marks are not outwardly visible though. His tattoo is a visible outward sign of the invisible soul and an expression of his enduring love of the Lord.
@@debbielawrence2494 Maaaybeee so...?? It is also a distraction from the Eucharistic mass to the man himself, rather than the priest acting as a vessel 'in persona Christi' whenever it shows as he lifts his arms. I just do not like tattoos. They really do make me physically balk away from them and I cannot seem to stop that instinct.
@@virginiacharlotte7007 Yes, when he's up on that alter raising our Lord's body and blood, he will also see that mark. It's very disturbing. It's not anymore about our Lord, it's about Fr. Mike's tattoo. That's the focus now
Never care of having tattoos much less knowing a Father of a church having one. My tattoo is scarred in my heart for Jesus.
@@virginiacharlotte7007you do know your sinning by judging and gossiping about someone you don’t know right. If you’re not free from sin you can’t cast stones
Great Tat Mike! I smiled when I heard you say you never wanna take off christ. I wear a Chi Rho tattoo on my heart for that reason. May God bless you and the work you have done
You shall not make any cuttings in the flesh , for the dead, neither shall you make in yourselves any figures or marks: I am the Lord.Leviticus 19 vs 28
Exactly thankyou
As the scripture of “no cutting flesh” may be true then in that time of the book.. It doesn’t mean it is now. That could be thought for just the pagans rituals they would do so then. Some say it’s simply for the dead only. Like fr Mike said, it’s the meaning behind it.
Tattoos are a form of expression. You don’t have to do it, you don’t have to like it, but don’t shame those that do get tattoos that mean a lot to them, and doesn’t hinder their faith. It doesn’t make people with tattoos any less close to God.
God bless 🙏🏻
It also says we can’t eat shrimp and we can’t wear clothing with 2 different fabrics which I’m sure you do
@@Lady_nitephaSeNonsense. Father Mike is spreading the AntiChrist spirit in this video. ANY tattoos are against God's law because our bodies are holy and NOT places to put graffiti on. Getting people used to tattoos is of the AntiChrist, because it's preparing people to get them comfortable with taking the Mark of the Beast. This Father is clearly mentally unhinged not only by these falsehoods, but by his flaky behavior. The Lord warned us that "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Catholics MUST remember that there is a false pope (Francis) in charge of the Church and he has satanic disciples throughout TESTING our faith by spewing this kind of nonsense. DO NOT FALL FOR IT. Your body is a precious gift from God and is not meant to be marked up like some hapless train car coming out of LA.
@@HumanTorch-tc5op Unnatural fibres cause health problems, so the no two different fabrics rule is prescient and wise. Shrimp and shellfish carry parasites and toxins, so also wise. Parasites cause c an c e r.
I too have a Jerusalem cross tattooed on my arm. It opens a lot of conversations that wouldn’t happen normally (being able to talk about God, Jesus, Catholicism). I’m a very introverted person so evangelizing does not come easily for me, but the tattoo has been a great tool to open conversations I probably never would of had. Please don’t judge fr mike so harshly, tattoos of themselves are not evil - intent is key.
my tat cross is beautiful, old wooden brown cross with a vine and green leaves going through it and a red rose in centre, yes it is a conversaton piece for sure, along with I like how Father says he never wants to remove Jesus, so many neegative comments here, this is quite sad, let people do what they want and the new testament does not say don't mark your body only the Old and even there it is how you interpret it, God Bless Fr. Mike Amen
If a church leader needs a tattoo to solidify his faith because he "never wants Jesus out of him" I would question his teachings. This is what's wrong with the catholic church, they need external validation for what they believe instead of living by faith alone. The Cross has become a fashion statement, even street gangs have tattoos of the Cross (that must mean they are solid Christians). Jesus said our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we were bought at a very high price so we need to honor them. Maybe we should tattoo the Word of God in our hearts by reading the Bible instead of our skins so we can actually share the gospel with people who are lost.
@@kaboom9081 faith alone is a logical fallacy - and not theologically sound. You are falling into dualism which isn’t what God intended for humans. We are both spirit AND body - not spirit OR body. What God intends for us is - as seen in Revelation - is the perfect union of body AND spirit. So yes - there is a physical component to our faith because we are physical beings! If you say you have faith but without any physical manifestation of it (like good works, see the book of James) - then your faith is dead. It is a husk of what it could potentially be.
@@Hanna-se3vr God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth (John 4:24) The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing (John 6:63) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith (Ephesians 2:8) Yes there must be outward evidence of our faith but its what the Bible calls the fruits of the Spirit, not of the flesh. I dont think a tattoo is a fruit of the Spirit but purely a man-centered desire that adds no value to my salvation. But catholics do needs their statues, rosaries, tattoos to visually solidify their faith which is not biblical. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18) I don't judge you, I judge the catholic church for misleading so many people with false doctrines which Jesus saved me from.
@@kaboom9081 Jesus is God (spirit) and human (flesh) - so are you saying his humanness has no meaning? Without his literal blood (physical) we wouldn’t be saved. There MUST be a physical component to faith for it to be valid. Don’t cherry pick verses either from the Bible without understanding the full meaning of the passages or the historical context. To disregard the physical realm as merely something to throw away has led to many other logical fallacies (see trans issues - people denying their physicality, because their “spirit” tells them otherwise). The physical realm is reality and so is the spiritual realm. If you throw out one for the other - you are ripe for heresy…
“We are the temple of the Holy Spirit “
1 Cor 6:19
What stands for the name of Jesus… worldwide … is a man dressed 24/7 with his clergy shirt at the service to human kind. (This applies to for nuns and their habit)
After 8 years of religious discernment. I ended in Spain with the OFM Franciscan . They used there religious habit for special holidays… not a single stain, wrinkle… but there was only ONE old Franciscan priest amount them that he even sleep with his habit. When I asked why?! He said . This are my work clothes and I work for someone that does not rest or takes days off. He always keeps me working for him.
I see doctors wearing their uniform in restaurants and army people with their uniform as well in the streets . They are not working but they spend so many years on their studies and their life commitment to their profession that they are not ashamed to show what they are. That does not applies any more in our church… now the new thing is a tattoo?!
In Colombia they tattoo beautiful faces of Jesus, Mary , Rosaries and their names as well. Surprise!!! They are gangsters. And they used the tattoo for shield for bullets and pray in order of not missing their next vandalism operation.
Love Father your first video and your final words about tattoo… today you change my opinion 180 degrees.
Your tattoo is wonderful, in that it represents your belief in Jesus and the passion you have for Him. I think it's great, well done and nicely thought out.
I thought the 2nd commandment says to make no graven image of God or anything related. I don't care what people do. Just trying to understand. I have two tattoos that aren't religious but basic designs. I don't plan on getting anymore.
I think it's sooo beautiful !
I have a tattoo of the Star of David on my wrist & I love telling people who ask What it is & telling them about my faith.
God bless you Fr.
Sorry if this may seem like a foolish question, but why the Star of David?
I came across this while getting ready for today's BIAY podcast...i too have some ink with a lot of meaning. And i am way older than you are, Father. I think your reasoning is well expressed. Also, offered my prayers at Mass and Holy Hour for you today. May God bless you and keep you faithful to your Call all the days of your life...your LONG life ;-)
My heart is Broken!!! Humility is your eternal tattoo....I send prayers and love!!
Amen
This vídeo came to me right on time Father! During the spiritual exercises last february, I felt for the first time in my life I could get a tattoo... My principle and foundation: remain in His love
Love it! God has used your tattoo to evangelize Christ even more. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you, Father Mike. 😊
I like it. I don't like tattoos, I wasn't sure about having a tattoo I thought it was wrong in our faith.
But ...I like what you said, I like this tattoo and I love your reasoning. What a great way to say His name, out loud and to strangers..., His name is Jesus...yes I like it.
Amen and God bless you Fr. Mike
Good morning friend how are you doing today
I am not an advocate for tattoos. I spent 22 years in the military and many of my friends had tattoos. While I never had a problem with them as individuals, I often wondered what was the attraction in having a permanent mark on the body by choice. My dad got a tattoo while he served during WWII. As a child, I was fascinated by the tall chip on his forearm with a "Sailor's Grave" scroll under it. However, when I joined the Navy years later I noticed that it was fading and a choice my father regretted. To add to my decision not to have a tattoo was several friends that were intent on "body tattoos" from the neck down to the ankles. I respected my buddies, but began to see them as a sideshow attraction. Further, how would a drawing of some sort be justified to my future wife and family for what get I came to think of as body graffiti? I couldn't see a reason to add artwork to the body that God had provided me in life. I feel that the faith I have in God should be reflected in my actions and words and not by a permanent symbol I selected from a catalog of artwork. I have worn a "5 way" medal around my neck since I was seventeen years old. I like the idea that it is something I wear everyday by choice and not because of a single choice I made over fifty years ago. How others express their devotion is their personal right, however, for me a tattoo is not how I want to show it.
Michael I truly love and respect your comment. Not many in the world will stand for these points. You are coming to God with yourself as you are without adding something physically. You prove yourself in your faithful service by respect for the way he created your body. I am honestly shocked by this video and disappointed but nothing really surprises me anymore.
Sodom was about rape, nothing to do with marriage of any kind.
Levit, Corinth, and Timothy was translated wrong by Billy Graham. Its referring to pedophilia.
Mathew 19:12 Eunuchs that are born that way are transgender. Eunuchs made that way by others were abused but it doesnt happen to everyone that was abused. Those that choose to live like Eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven are bisexual people that choose partners of the same sex but opposite in gender. Notice, God prefers for people to be in LGBT relationships. Male or female is determined by gender located in the brain. Billy Graham translated the bible wrong.
Rapture is when God's true people shine like the sun right here on earth. It is not what most people think. Malachi 4:2-4. Read it. I am Elijah of Malachi 4:5-6. Anyone selling anything using the gospel or teaching the LIE of monetary tithing won't make it. Same sex marriage is not a sin. God prefers it. Again, male or female is determined by gender located in the brain. *
Acts 3:22-23 says it will come to pass that anyone that fails to listen to me will be utterly destroyed from among the people. That means everyone has their own choice to make.
@@daniellebuckner6964 So all the tribes around the world who have used tattoos for centuries are “ satanic “?
Or could it be a “ cultural “ thing?
Great comment michael julien!! I feel the same. Many blessings to all of us and wisdom in abundance going forward.
Great comment Danielle. I agree. I know what you mean. There are still some things that surprise me though. May God give us all the wisdom we can take in for those extremely young to those who are very old. Gods blessings and health.
I don't want to judge you Fr. Mike, but I think tattoos always undermine beauty of the body and never enhance it. Our spiritual circumcision in Christ is spiritual in our hearts.
Cry
@@PottedJam how charitable of you :)))
@@PottedJam Uh huh
@@cheese6783 anytime...
@@JohnR.T.B. well, go on then...
Gosh thank you Jesus for putting on your child heart to be in service.. We are so Grateful for Father Mike! Clear message brings the heart back to Jesus.
Thanks Fr Mike for this enlightening msg.
This msg is encouraging.
I finally got my tattoo last yr because i really want it since college and same as you i have been debating this inside my head and kept the photo in my cellphone . I am 30 and this will be my first and last and everyday i am reminded to renew my faith and to remember Jesus for everything he has given me.
He is a false preacher, do not get the tattoo. Pride , Vanity and on and on
For the Christian Leader: “[If I were the devil] I would tempt them to commit a major moral failure or to put themselves in a compromising situation so I could disqualify them for ministry.” - C.S. Lewis
God bless you for condemning this moral failure of a priest!
Yes this.
I have a feeling of sadness after watching this video. God bless you father Mike.
I do too. Somehow it reminds me not to 'idolize' a person, no matter how high they seem to be intellectually, spiritually, socially... People disappoint. Jesus does not.
Why?
@@LasPhoenix777 Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Me too.
@@LasPhoenix777 I worry this is succumbing to the world. Do you think God wants us getting tattoos? Can we really improve on His art ? He created us. Also other priests like Fr Ripperger as I understand it, are very clear on this issue.
“The worst tattoo I ever had to decommission … was a tattoo of St. Michael the Archangel.”8)
Such tattoos are a form of sacrilege which greatly offends the Saints and Angels rather than honoring them. In a certain sense, it is understandable that some could think that "Catholic" tattoos could be a way to remember God. Still, this is a cheap substitute for engraving His memory into our hearts, which is far more necessary….”
Comments by Fr Chad Ripperger
… just something to think about before you take the plunge.
Its a Jesuit tattoo. No follower of Christ should get this.
"never want to take off Jesus" That's what you received in Holy Orders. An indelible mark on your soul. You act in persona Christi. This reality should be so ingrained in a priest's priesthood and spirtuality, that they wouldn't need such a worldly physical symbol or reminder of it. As far as evangelization, that's what your clericals are for.
Exactly!
Definitely.. Well said. We need to keep all priests in our prayers.
Father, with all due respect, I am not against tattoos, but it sounds like you are reasoning with us. I am disappointed, but you are only human. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Couldn't agree more!!! Love this comment.
You know, I love father Mark and I love his teachings. I’ve been following him for years and also encouraging my kids and others to listen to him, and I will continue to do so, but I don’t agree with tattoos at all, and to see a priest with them, is more shocking to me. I personally do not think that to have them will make you holier. Ask yourself: what would Jesus or Saint Paul said about them?
They probably wouldn’t say anything.
Well first of all you need to understand the definition that us Catholics have on holiness. Is it to be on some spiritual level or being perfect? Or is it truly understanding that you are a beloved son or daughter of God? Tattoos, in itself, is not sinful. The book of Leviticus prohibited it but Christ changed it like Father Mike said. Priests can have tattoos if they want and that should not shock people BECAUSE it’s not a sin to have one.
You're entitled to your opinion, but the bottom line is that the Church doesn't forbid tattoos assuming the content isn't blasphemous, obscene etc and that it's not otherwise leading people into sin (such as spending money on tattoos rather than on feeding their kids). So be prepared for many Catholics, including clergy, to have a different opinion from you. The Church is a big tent.
Who's Father Mark, where can I hear his teachings?
@@patrickparris8 Is actually father Mike, not Mark, my mistake
Honestly with all the respect and love for Fr.Mike. It feels to me as if he was going through something. I don’t judge him at all he is still Fr.Mike but that action to get a tattoo has got me surprised. The reason is because things as special as the name Jesus is a tattoo you were on your heart and mind. Instead of showing it through tattoo is better to show it how Jesus did which was through service to others.On the side note If you are going through something is ok too. We are humans as long as our hearts are tattooed with God, the season you are going through will pass.
I share your thoughts as well. Even though he said he has been wanting a tattoo all his life and waited years, it still feels like an impulsive move.
Yes!
I thought the same thing that he was being tempted. He’s become a celebrity and must pray more for humility. Father Mike’s vestments speak loudly about who he follows and they must open up conversations about God, the Catholic faith, etc
I agree 100%.
I think Fr. Mike might be going through midlife crisis. Instead of getting a fancy sport car, he got a Jesus tattoo. On the other hand, our hearts are fickle, tattooing our hearts with God can sound like platitude.
You just crack me up! I like the meaning of your tatoo! It's always makes me happy to talk about Jesus in public. Thank you for sharing this.
Just when I think...”man, Fr. Mike is probably the coolest Priest” .. I see this! Wish I could meet him in real life haha. I feel like I know him after participating and almost finishing in Bible in a year. Day 352!!
Thanks for everything you’ve done for me! You inspired me to get baptized and join a local church after running away for years and years. I’m finally home❤️❤️❤️
Welcome home Brigette !
Welcome home!
Be ready for the waterworks on day 365
Yes, you are home. Does not mean Catholic priests should have a tattoo. JESUS LIVES within Catholics, they do not need a tattoo to remind them. Tattoos are defiling to a person's body.
He is a priest in my Diocese, and yes, I know him. What you see here, is how he is in person. I love assisting at his masses, as he is so reverent at the time of consecration
Fr Mike was totally honest and spoke from his heart about the tattoo. He had it done after years of prayer and careful consideration. It was a conscious decision not one made in a drunken stupor with friends daring him.
He was in Jerusalem, a city he loves and went to a tattoo place that has meaning to the city. Fr mentioned the Old Testament law about marking the body, then He said Jesus came and some laws changed. For example, the Israelites were not to eat pork, but then Jesus came and now we can eat bacon.
His Roman collar marks him as a priest but I have known of priests who take the collar off and to not be faithful to their promise. Fr.,as he said, never wants to take Jesus off.
Fr. Mike was our priest all during the Pandemic. He said Mass for us and his homilies blessed us with wisdom. He read to us from the Bible and opened our eyes and hearts to God’s word. I have been a Catholic all my life, Fr renewed my faith and trust in God through some tough times.
I see Fr. Mike as a blessing even with a tattoo.
God bless him always.
If that’s your argument being honest about your reasons doesn’t make something right even if Fr Mike is a Priest. Jesus did not go get a tattoo did he? and that’s who Fr Mike and every priest on earth is representing-Jesus. Getting tatts is such a trendy, worldly thing to do now not to mention it comes from false eastern religions that worship false gods demons and they use those tattooed symbols as a way to consecrate themselves to those false gods and to be protected by them. The Bible said no tattoos no markings and Jesus didn’t undo that teaching when he was on earth.
I agree. When I saw his tattoo, I was overwhelmed with wow! It meant something to him. I said, to myself if I doing a plimigrge Jerusalem
A tattoo of the name of Jesus and a cross is not a sin
Jesus himself said that he did not come to abolish God's old law, but to fulfill it.
I don't know where some people get this made up idea where they think they can not follow God's word just because Jesus came.
Jesus never said that believers in the God of Israel could now eat pig just because The Son of Man has shown up, just like Jesus never said that believers in the God of Israel could now tattoo any marks upon themselves.
If Jesus never directly changed something from the Old Testament, then that means it's because it wasn't meant to be changed.
Not everything changed just because Jesus was sacrificed.
I'm sorry, but the tatoo as a HUGE mistake
You know Father Mike, I have thought about getting a tattoo many times over the years. I am 54 years old and still do not have one.
Once when I was a young man in the US Navy, I ended up walking in to a tattoo parlor, drunk with a couple of sailor friends of mine. I was determined that I was going to get an image of Popeye the Sailor Flexing on my arm. One of my friends stopped me. He pretty much pulled me out of the tattoo parlor and then told me "hey lets go back to the ship. You sober up get a good nights rest and if you still want to get that tatoo when you are sober. Go get it but, not now. Not while you are drunk" Good friend!
I then had a re-version of my Catholic faith about a year after I got out of the Navy. Feeling so in love with Jesus and how he saved me I wanted to express that in any way possible.
I thought alot about a tattoo. I still do. It is a very specific tattoo of an anotomically correct heart in black ink, no color, with a crown of thorns around it and of course some blood dripping from the thorns.
I don't know if I ever will get that tattoo.
You know the only thought that has stopped me is the thought that ....No matter how I adorn my body with religious symbols, tattoo, crucifix-neckless, religious t-shirt. These things can never reflect the truth in my soul.
Father Mike, I like your tattoo. I am an artist and have an appreciation for expressions of art icluding tattoos. I respect expressions of faith but I am also always a bit skeptical when I see a person who seems a bit showy in terms of religious items especially a tattoo.
I hope that doesn't seem too judgemental. Its actually somewhat the opposite. Its actually a hope that we all realize that only God can make us perfect inside and out.
Thank you for sharing the story of your conversion. Please pray for me.
I made the comment tattoos are for drunken sailors and you just verified my comment. Thank you.
@@joanhaselman444 absolutely Joan! I pray for peace, joy, love, healing and that the light of Christ would shine through you. Please pray for me also.
@@passion777able unfortunately the steroetype is true, at least it seemed to be back when I was in.
Although I met several Christian men who were at least trying to live their faith. The military, and back then, mostly a young Mens rough environment definately made living a virtuous life difficult. Sometimes very lonely. I had a small light in me from my Catholic upbringing but peer pressure was very powerful. I often gave in, I'm sorry to say. But God saves the mostly lowly when and how we least expect it. Through the saving work of Jesus Christ! Alleluia!
@BookDragon I, for the most part agree with you. I have a cross pendant necklace with a relic piece of the nativity stone in it. Its small and understated. I tend to wear it outside my T-shirt most of the time. If wearing a collared shirt it stays tucked under the shirt. I also have a larger silver crucifix with a gold corpus on it and a St. Benedict medal in the center. It is alot more showey. For special occasions, maybe actually serving at church/mass, events. Or when I feel a need to remind myself that particular day how I should conduct myself as man of God. Its usually under my shirt.
Sometimes the cross relic that I wear stirs up conversation. Most of the time nobody notices. Its just an adornment or piece of jewlery to them, likely.
I guess there is really no way for us to tell if the persons heart and soul is sincere or deceptive with such adornments. Hopefully the person wearing the religious jewlery has them blessed and uses them as a sacramental. Maybe some people consider a tattoo a sacramental. I don't know.
Yes, be the lighthouse.
We have the light of Christ thanks be to God!
Your explanation is so beautiful! Jesus is permanently in our hearts and lives. The excitement in your voice is wonderful. God bless you.
Dear father, I have a lot of respect for you as a person and as a priest. I am a mom and therefore I am going to put a comment on your channel because I think it is important to go deeper into this topic. I believe that you should also talk about the care that must be taken when one selects a place to get tattoos. You have to talk to young people about the hygiene of the place, and also about the spiritual part. There are spiritually contaminated places, it's not that I see demons everywhere. But yes, there are places spiritual contaminated , you can tell us that you are protected by the sacraments and faith - which is true - but this exists,
and may cause spiritual problems. You should delve deeper into other things. You are a spiritual leader and priest. And our children listen to you. After my daughters listened to you, they went to put one on. They didn't even consult with us . It is true that we as parents do not like it. It is not even in my culture a love for this. For the reasons that I mentioned and for others, which I believe are valid. We've researched this for years. They excused themselves because you are a priest, and because they know that we respect and pray for priests every day. Unfortunately, my daughters did it for fashion and unwisely took advantage of your comment, which is more of an invitation. Please, as a mom and on behalf of my husband, I ask you to investigate further, to explain better in a longer video and not 5 min. A tattoo is for life. many blessings
So sorry your daughters did this!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I get your point, and you stated it charitably, that kids may take advantage of his message, but he did not speak of it in such a way as to give that license. If the kids are minors they must obey their parents. To say he encourages kids to do it is like saying if a priest drinks wine at meals that gives license to minors to do it too. To follow Fr Mike’s example we as parents could say “I recommend that you don’t get a tattoo unless you AS AN ADULT have given it 4-5 years of thought, it will be a sign of your faith, and it is based in a long standing wish to visit a 700 year old religious tattoo parlor in Jerusalem-under which circumstances you may someday get it done- but for now, I do not allow it. I always tell my kids I do not condone it, but it’s your choice after you are an adult no longer living here. I’m sure Fr Mike 100% supports minors obeying parents.
@@nml5802
Please read what you wrote here .
This mother is absolutely correct.
Surely, you understand that "religious" can include the religion that worships satan ?
That a tattoo shop in Jerusalem isn't "Godly" because a. it's in Jerusalem or b. because it uses religious symbols or c. because it is 700 yrs old ?
This is temptation wrapped up in deception.
Because God has said not to mark our body by drawing blood, to do so is to make a pact with satan. It needs forgiveness.
God did not say don't do it unless you use symbols related to him.
God does not actually recommend ANY symbols - even the cross.
We have taken on symbols which mean God to us.
To draw blood is an act of allegiance to the fallen one and that is exactly how God sees it.
I don't think fr. Mike consciously took into account that people under 18 yrs would be watching this video.
He really should have toned it down or made a specific reference to tell children ie under 18 yrs not to do so without checking with their parents.
Finally, one last and obvious point is - should any "teacher" a priest especially, or other kind, be demonstrating something which shouldn't be done by children ?
If I want to be a child of God's and as innocent as a child why would I promote an activity for Adults only ?
I would not. I just wouldn't.
Thank you Nory for remaining faithful to Christ & truth. I believe that one of the enemy’s tactics is to use something good/as a justification for something evil. (2 Corinthians 11:14). I’m a young person and I don’t think that this video or example was good for people especially of my age. Tbh, I even thought about getting a tattoo after watching this because a priest did, but I know it’s not pleasing to God. Yes, priests are humans too & can make mistakes but I’m upset watching this video, I love Fr. Mike but cannot endorse this/religious tattoos or any tattoos. I really think that it was a temptation, even though it seems good. Even if the person getting a tattoo didn’t intend any harm, the person who gave the tattoo could’ve been from the occult & probably loved that a priest was getting a tattoo to lead others astray. Do not settle for half truths.
@@jitiy3642 👍
You are good at rationalizing.
God bless you Fr. Mike.
Another way of worshipping Jesus
Another way of worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ Amen!
I absolutely love this. I never want to take off the name of Jesus either. Love it!
I listened to you again tonight. Your talent of oration is not to be matched. Mass on Sunday and your eulogy are so uplifting. Kama 93 yr. old Cajun ex nun, educator, widow, who loves hearing and taking part in the Holy Sarifice of the Mass since I cannot go to Church. Would love to attend your Mass. Pray for me. Bon Soir Mon Pe
God bless you❤✝️
Honestly I was caught off guard by father’s tattoo. I never pictured him inking his pigmentation. I’m a firm believer you come into this world clean and hopefully leave this world with no ink!!
It don't matter how you leave ink or no ink.... when the Lord comes, we'll be in our glorified bodies with him.
This.
I think that our bodies, like Saint Paul said, are “temples of the Holy Spirit”, they are not ours, and so, we can not mark them or do harm to them. We must keep them clean inside and out, take good care of them and have them ready for the Resurrection of the dead.
Amen brother
Amén 🙏
Your doing harm to them everytime you get excess sun exposure, eat sugar, expose yourself to environmental toxins, etc. Not sure why a tattoo is any different.
@@JuanDiaz-ud7ji Crusaders and holy men historically got tattoos(they even carved crosses on their bodies), so I fail to see any relevance.
That's EXACTLY why I got my cross tattoo, and I just realized it now! I NEVER want to take off Jesus! 💜💜💜🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing. I don't have a desire to get a tattoo, but if I were that would be what I would do. I loved how you said you can talk about Jesus to strangers just by talking about your tattoo. God bless you Fr. Mike. I love your podcasts.
Please pray for Fr. Mike. He is such a gift. We will never know the number of people that he introduced to the Bible and the number of people that now follow the Lord because of him. However, he is probably being tested for scripture tells us, "when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing." - Sirach 2:1 Imagine preparing and committing yourself to the Lord for a full year and leading people closer to God. Imagine the stamina that needed to go into that. I wonder if it is a tremendous letdown to now have it complete, like planning the biggest party of your life and the sadness you experience once it's all over. I wonder if he feels like the wind has been taken from his sails. I am also wondering if anyone knows how to start a spiritual bouquet for Fr. Mike. For all he has given us, I wonder how we might arrange for all subscribers of a Bible in a Year to offer up a rosary for him. That would be over a million rosaries. We can pray that our Lady will wrap him in her mantle and bring him comfort and consolation, if he needs it, and to keep him close to her Immaculate Heart.
Fr. Michael, if you said, that in Bible is written "do not get tatoo", and than you got one (even with Christian sign), there is a big perplexity. Please, be careful, you have a big responsibility of people mislead, especially young ones.
The Bible says to not get a tattoo “for the dead”. There’s a lot of context
Thank you Ivan, for your point. I searched net a bit and this is a shortened statement of fr. Kodet (former Czech exorcist): Tattooing was explicitly banned for Christians as a pagan custom in 787 by Pope Hadrian I, at the Second Council of Nice. This council also issued a statement about the worship of images and clearly discerned between worship, which is appropriate only to God, and respect, which can already be demonstrated to images of Christ, the Virgin Mary or saints. Tattoos certainly aren't from God, and God didn't mean and doesn't want them on us, even if it is tattooing a Christian symbol. It is not a matter of having pious things tattooed on the body, but of having a pious heart and a pure soul, having relationships with others ok. We are created on God's image. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and deserves respect. Christian has no right to destroy, mutilate or disgrace him (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19).
Anton La Vay, the Satanic Bible author, says that "every tattoo is always an expression of Satanism, whatever is the sign." By tattooing Christian symbols, no one will become more Christian. Tattoos have nothing to do with Christianity and can not be justified by having a cross tattooed on our body.
Please watch the first video about Can I get a tattoo. He was talking that was written in Old testament and what is different in New Testament
I love the tattoo & your reason for getting it. Absolutely outstanding. You rock! God Bless you.
Was it right? Was it wrong? Was it essential? How does it fit in with Leviticus? Or do we make Leviticus fit in with our wants and desires? What else in the Bible can we manipulate to assuage our consciences and poor choices? Having it there on his wrist on public display and then attempting to 'justify' it by saying he now gets to talk about it and about Jesus to those who ask was, in my opinion, a cop out. He's a consecrated Priest! Surely he understands that means he gets to talk about Jesus? Does he need a tattoo to do that?
If it's such a personal, compelling thing he 'had' to do then he could have had it over his heart where he could be 'reminded' but not have it on public display where it openly contradicts his previous 'interpretation' of the Bible teaching and influences others to also get a tattoo because: "hey, Fr Mike got one so it must be a really good thing for me to do too". :'-(
The tragedy is that Fr Mike has such a profound and powerful impact on so many impressionable and vulnerable and so easily influenced people and I truly felt he has not considered that basically his first video presented a totally different stance and interpretation of the Bible teachings on tattoos. Then he completely flipped on that and caved in to do what he "wanted". The comments here already show the extent of this influence on others and that they now will 'comfortably' follow his lead.
Fr Mike could actually "sell ice to Eskimos" as the old adage goes, he is without doubt the 'poster boy' for Catholicism - handsome, humorous etc. He is so persuasive, so popular and so influential and he could justify anything and make us all believe it is right (or wrong) - but it boils down to the fact that he clearly stated in his first video on tattoos that he "always wanted a tattoo". So in reality he just gave in to his long held desire of wanting to get a tattoo...
If he needs it to be 'reminded' that he belongs to Jesus through having to get a tattoo then that is a concern. Baptism is our permanent, indelible reminder that we belong to Jesus - for life but in addition he is an ordained Priest.
Getting the tattoo was, in my opinion, a very poor judgement call, the attempted 'justification' he gives does not wash and actually sounded so hypocritical and self serving to me, and the throw away comments about being almost 50 so being almost dead? What the heck?
We all make very bad decisions and life choices and ones we regret for the rest of our lives. We are all "broken" (a word Fr Mike constantly uses), and our sins have consequences, consequences of our "brokenness" even when God forgives us. We can try to justify our bad decisions all we (and he) likes but that does not make them right.
I so agree with your thoughts and comments. So sadly disappointed in his decision to have done this. He has a huge following and is a great influencer, is he now "leading by example"?... His raising of arms at consecration of Eucharist will have a distraction.😔
This was disappointing. It’s going to be hard raising my kids in this generation where Religious tattoos are now being seen as “acceptable”.
Sounds like a mid-life crisis. In the days of the desert monks they called such midday (now midlife) temptations the noonday devil.
Seems like a lot of Catholics should get tattoos. I suggest one of the many verses that talk about the consequences of judging others. Just make sure though that if you’re going to quote Leviticus -you follow ALL of it. Not just the one obscure verse taken out of context.
I 👍👍 two thumbs up.. I also don't agree with the example of his preasthood ring.. when he said he can take it off and place it back on.. vs a tattoo he could never take that off. It was a little surprising he said that but we just need to pray for him ❤
Father Mike--- I love it. As someone who is almost 50 as well, I love your honesty and truth.
Just ask yourself this question, “would the Blessed Virgin Mary like me to get a tattoo, or would She get one Herself?” Should be a simple answer… And you don’t need to be a celebrity priest to answer this question.
@@mariechu2528 I get your point Hannah. Some people might do it out of an intention for the love of Christ, and some might do it out of pride/vanity... Some people grow beards out of vanity too. Some people do certain hairstyles and dress a certain way to appear "cool". I would just ask yourself "Is it the Will of God?" I remember in primary school the principles and teachers would say, "What Would Jesus Do?" Some things are not harmful like Fr. Mike's tattoo. In the Resurrection, we will not have tattoos and everybody will be 33 years old (so I heard... lol). God Bless you Hannah.
It's bloodletting look it up.
Your honesty, your open heart is unique. Love this way
What is with the tattoo? Don't lose sight of who you are and who you are representing. Jesus is within you. He is not a tattoo on your arm. You have a journey remember that. Don't be distracted by trendy superficial things. God bless you, Father Mike .... Stay focused.
Good morning Anita how are you doing today
I got my first tattoo for a very similar reason. When I consecrated myself to Mary I started wearing the chain bracelet as described by St. Louis de Montfort. After three years it broke and I’d already been debating a Totus Tuus tattoo for years and just thought, I want my consecration tattooed on me for life. I also met a nay sayer once who hated tattoos saying they represented slavery. As a voluntary slave of Mary I thought perfect! I got the chain bracelet tattoo with Totus Tuus written right below. Five years later I still love it so much. Reminds to love and honor Mary in good times and more importantly, when in bad. All I have to do is wake up and I can literally never forget Christ.
Gosh… honestly… HONESTLY… every time I have the opportunity to listen to whichever message it is you are wanting to get across, it just gets better and better. I mean ANYTIME, I happen to stumble across a new video, or even the many times I come seeking an opinion or thought from you, I am ever and continually struck by your perspective. I truly value the direction you give me in my personal journey to and with Christ. I don’t think I have ever pressed play on a video of yours, when I don’t feel enlightened at its end. Thank you, Father Mike, not only for EVERY single thing you do, but also for WHY you do it. What a beautiful soul it is that you are, and I feel so very blessed to have you existing among us. I know I can’t speak alone when I say how comforting it is to know that you are here, fighting the good fight, and very much in our corner! And by the way, I absolutely LOVE the new ink!
Perspective of wishy-washy???
@@codylola2010 What could you possibly have meant by this?
Thank you, Fr. Mike! This is brilliant and beautiful. Amen... never take off Jesus.
I was Confirmed last Sunday, at the age of 37, and have been contemplating a first tattoo. Being quiet, I always used to wear tie-dyes, now I'm thinking of Agnus Dei on my inner forearm. I want to say something that will make others think, without using words, which have always escaped me.
I love that...Agnus Dei
Lamb of God
People will privately think that the tattoo is ugly. That’s what people will be thinking. No will say that out loud. The tattoo might be “cool” but tattoos are objectively ugly.
Juan, do NOT have a tattoo. JESUS LIVES within you, do not defile your body. JESUS CREATED you just as you are.
@@trumpwon8972 You are right about President Trump. You are right about ugly tattoos. Stay as you are.
What about the most precious and sublime moment of every priest: the Consecration of the Host? His going to bring the attention to himself and to the tattoo, not to the Host, and people are going to be distracted and many disappointed, and other youngsters are going to do more tattoos
Exactly what I was thinking. The tattoo will be on display at the consecration, very irreverent
Right. Terrible.
The tattoo is not on display if you watch Fr. Mike’s virtual mass. And please remember the tattoo is the name of Jesus and a cross
And also remember this is a Coptic practice that came from the Christians of Egypt during the time of the Crusades.
Don’t know if this true but at the Council of Northumberland issued an edict saying, “When an individual undergoes the ordeal of tattooing for the sake of God, he is greatly praised.
Fr. Mike, I designed a tattoo for myself over forty years ago, sometime between September 1973 and May 1975, when I was in my early twenties. I didn't get the tattoo until 2016, when I was 63 years old. It's a tattoo that honors a sister of mine who died in 1971, her unborn child who died because of her death, my dad who wrote a poem about Rosanne and Crispin, and my youngest son who drew the image of the tattoo based on my design. I love yours! If I were to get a second tattoo it would be like yours. By the bye, I'm a Deacon in the Church, having been ordained in 2008. God bless you!
Love this for the simplicity and clarity of the valid purposes of a tattoo.
If it helps Father Mike, that’s great. I kinda feel like all our efforts to keep our kids from getting tats just went out the window.
Well we can just tell our kids they are not allowed this in our home, or a variety of things, until they are adults on their own. We may tell them Fr Mike is a responsible deep-thinking adult who made this decision after years of considering it. His adult decision does not condone the same for adolescents who are less mature in their thinking and living under parental rules.
Agree Collegeville!
That is exactly how I feel. I definitely will not ask my three boys to watch your videos anymore. We need Catholic leaders to stand up against this culture of marking our God made bodies.
@@misom6207 explain what he did wrong tho
How sad, because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit
I love how the tattoo itself doesn’t excite Father Mike, but it’s meaning naturally incites the best of him.
And if/when we are persecuted and stripped and ripped.....the tattoo will be like the sign above our Lord on the Cross...
@@Jennifer-gr7hn 100%.
To people who felt off watching this, for me this shows transparency. Which is something the church owes us…a lot.
Thats your point? now what.. This shows a decieved priest... his weakness is vanity and he took the bait
please be more specific..I am turned of by all of this.. the transparency that this particular catholic priest is flat out hypocrite.. his long story (excuse ) is straight devilish.
@@RenaissancePesto I love Fr. Mike. but I do agree that tattoos are a no no. Difficult when you are trying to reach many young people.
@@RenaissancePesto he clearly said that the tattoo was not for vanity.
LOVE LOVE THE tattoo Farther Mike, I think it is just awesome, and I am so happy you chose that one. It's just perfect for who you are and what you represent. love it & love you! Thank you for being your authentic self and someone I turn to always for guidance and spiritual advice.
Withcraft is also forbidden in Leviticus. Does that mean that since it is the old convenant it does not apply anymore?? We know that is not the case.
Preach it Laura because Fr. Mike lost it!
Wearing two different types of clothing material and certain types of meat are forbidden in the Old Testament. Does that mean we follow those laws? Obviously not. His argument isn’t solely “it’s in the old convenant”. Its pretty darn obvious why witch craft is sinful and paint in your skin is not.
I saw it on a Sunday Mass video not long ago and got really confused because I had seen your previous video on tattoos.
I love it, though. I don’t have any tattoos and I’m not sure I’ll ever get one, but I love the idea of never being able to take off Jesus. ❤️
1 corinthians 15 1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Oh, Fr.Mike.... First of all you can never take off Jesus YOU'RE A PRIEST and a priest forever!!! Do you not get it?!! A priest!!! The ONLY ONE, let me say it again T-H-E ONLY ONE that has been given the ability to CONSECRATE bread and wine to the BODY OF CHRIST!!! YOU PRIESTS ARE A GIFT TO THE LAITY FROM GOD ALMIGHTY TO US!!! TO BE ABLE TO HELP US WITH THE SACRAMENTS!!! THERE IS NO OTHER!!! LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN, THERE IS NO OTHER!!! BE JOYFUL AND BE GLAD BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN CHOSEN ABOVE ALL. I don't think you should of gotten the Tattoo but now that you have I hope it and that particular meaning does make you happy because it means GOD. FEEL MORE LOVED BECAUSE YOU ARE A PRIEST and God is so close to you, ALL PRIESTS, SHINE ON WITH GOD--- THE PRIEST.
Just found this channel randomly and he's awesome. I'm not even religious but his positivity is inspiring
The Lord says to honor your body and treat it as though it’s the temple of God, father… We need to lead by example. I pray for peace and clarity for you.
Amen
It is a ceremonial law for that specific time and people. It being abolished is crystal clear in the New Testament. If the old ceremonial law still needs to be followed, then men must not trim their beards, and we must not eat a medium rare steak. Even though Jesus Himself says it is not what a man puts in his mouth that defiles him but what comes out of his mouth (speech).
so temples aren’t decorated? idk about you but every church/temple i walk into is covered in paintings and artwork
I hate to sound so harsh, but father here seems to going through what I've seen many others go through...wanting to stay relevant and not show a sense of bias. It starts to look controversial and confusing.
Example: "I can still be cool and be for GOD"
I work in healthcare performing neurodiagnostic testing. I always wanted a tattoo until I had a patient who contracted Guillain Barre syndrome. She did not have a cold or the flu or any sickness that would have caused her to get GB. She did, however, recently get a tattoo which the doctors attributed to her getting GB. It changed my mind forever about getting a tattoo.
Did she get a flu shot or any other "vaccine," since they are notorious for causing GBS! Critical care nurse here, and it's real.
Also Hep C
Many also suffer from the ink being absorbed into the body. I strive to eat organic, natural foods. I don’t get how many inject themselves with these dyes.
It was the VxAxX
Loved the tattoo and the passionate purpose and explanation of it! Thanks for sharing it with us ♥️
I have 5 Catholic tattoos, all in the last year. (I'm 52) I love that they open up conversations that might not happen if I didn't have them. I get to talk about Jesus to people that might not have talked to me had I not had tattoos. Thank you Fr Mike! Love your tattoo!!
How about wearing a sincere smile, a cross (necklace) or handing out holy cards to have a conversation with a stranger or anyone else about the love of Jesus. Just an idea you might try.
I do those things, as I'm sure you do too? I have the Sacred Heart of Jesus on one shoulder and the Immaculate heart on the other. I shared above that I've found them to open conversations that wouldn't happen normally. For example, have butterflies with Phil. 4:4-9 on my arm. There's a waitress my daughter became friends with through a conversation about her butterfly tattoo that she got when her mom died recently. See? Conversations! Healing! Love! It's exciting! God bless you!
@@Alwaysthankful9 I'm sorry for anyone's attempt to shame you for your open heart. It's words like yours that bring others to the Lord. God bless you and yours. 💗
I got my first tattoo when i was 58 years old and now I have 7. My two favorites that I have are the praying hands wrapped in a rosary and the Sacred Heart.
Good for you! I get the same reactions from folks to my sleeve; I've had some interesting conversations with folks as a result. God bless you.
You received the indelible mark on your soul through the sacraments. Amen
To be honest I'm a little surprised at Fr. Mike's decision. you?
@@markwilkie650 So am I. But I take a very dim view of tattoos. I don’t like them at all. I grew up (and still live) in a Jewish neighborhood in Queens, NY and when I was younger, I’d see many people in my neighborhood with numbers tattooed on their arms. They had been in concentration camps and God bless them - they had survived - but those people never had a choice about their tattoos. I don’t understand why anyone would willingly scar his or her body.
@@markwilkie650I am very surprised and very disappointed
Historically tattoos are used to mark slaves and pimps use them to mark their women.
So do satanists.
It’s a sign of slavery
Thank you for saying that.. people are being lead astray by this fake, that sliped through the cracks. Him and several other priest will not have any dialoge with me.. so much for answering any questions or an open forum.. beware of these false preachers.
@@markwilkie650 Shocked more covers it for me.
Father Mike, we had the opportunity to see you and shake hands while we were on pilgrimage in Israel recently. I have to say, you inspired me on the idea of your tattoo. Thanks for all the good things you do. God Bless.
Do not be inspired. Father Mike has lost his way to have a tattoo.
Love your explanation Fr. Mike.....sooooo awesome to share Jesus that way!!! God bless you always... I love the Holy land too, NO place like where Jesus walked, taught & lived, His beautiful presence & peace still so ALIVE there. 🙏🕊
Ohhh nooo!!! You feel for it. 😬 love and respect you Father Mike, our body is a temple, I don’t need a tattoo to remind me of my love for JESUS. He’s tattooed in our hearts don’t need a body drawing to remind me, make “ME” happy, or have his name always on me that I don’t want to take it off, God lives in me in my heart. With all love and respect. 🙏🏼
They all fell for it!! have you read all the comments defending him. I have not received any comment back from Mike..I will NOT call him father..what a disgrace. I have contacted other priest about this and there is no accountabilty.. noone gets back to me and how interesting that is because they put the vid up in the first place.
Exactly how I feel. To be honest, it makes me sad. Even our good shepherds are succumbing.
@@JB-pp4nj Yep!!!! Fell for the foolishness. Just how the bible tells ...trust NO one...wolves in sheep clothing. Just another confirmation I did the right thing by leaving the catholic church. He could talk to anyone who would ask why does he wear that shirt. Jesus is to live supreme in our hearts...we do NOT need visual reminders. He even stumbled over his words....he knew this wrong not a good idea. lolol
Amen
@@JB-pp4nj amen
I recently talked my dentist and her assistant out of this. Tattoos are neurotoxic. One of the substances in the ink, mercury, can damage the brain and nervous system. Another substance, lead, can cause organ and tissue damage. Additionally, microscopic particles from tattoo ink can migrate into the body and end up in the lymph nodes. I believe the best proselytizing is done through quietly performed good deeds.
Good for you! I believe getting tattoos is self-abuse.
I agree with the neurotoxicity .....just like the covaids shot and other shots, along with crap food people eat, and the BPA plastic water bottles. I do think we can get too obsessed and crazy about the body though, and I think he is doing it to be branded in Christ Jesus, if the gov comes knocking at the door. I think this goes deeper for him....
Yes!
God bless you Fr. Mike just proved who is god is the king of vanity.
Don't where you heard it, inks are vegan and toxic safe
I love that you are so real, just like the rest of us. Always great to hear your perspective on things we think about and not sure who we can ask. Thank you Fr Mike!
I just love how he is an open hypocrite
Fr Mike,I feel you did it for the right reasons. It was also where Jesus walked.i wear the the Jerusalem cross, but I also have a tattoo that I put together for my mom she had dementia the flower for that is ,forget me not flower, my moms birth flower& daisey bumblebee and specially psalms118:24 she could remember that clear up till she passed .i felt it was a good reason to get it ,i haven’t regretted it
I am currently 25 years of age…what most would still consider millennial. Having said that I want to say that your arguments Father to getting a tattoo are very compelling but it doesn’t take away that this is an opinion rather that a statement of truth. Today in mass the priest said that if he spoke from opinion and it made someone uncomfortable then it was right to open a conversation, but if it was him teaching the word of God and it made us uncomfortable then we must look to ourselves to see why we feel and think that way. And since it is an opinion I feel compelled to add to the conversation.
The tattoo of Gods name, of his cross has already been imprinted in you by baptism. You are a child of God not just a creation of God. He (God) is the only one someone should want to be recognized by and marked by permanently.
Now these are not opinions I hold by personally but are just following what the church teaches about goodness, beauty and truth of the church and what it says about our bodies. By no means am I highly knowledgeable as a theologian but I don’t need to have a degree per se to find truth because it is already inscribed in every heart by the creator.
In your vocation as a spiritual father you are called to be an icon of the Heavenly Father, just as we all are, but for you specifically
it carries more weight because you as one of the heads of the church, shepherds the world like Jesus. So your actions speak louder than most.
So as an icon of the father I ask you:
If we are all trying to be the image of God/Jesus, would you say Jesus would have gotten a tattoo today?
What if the pope got a tattoo? What message would that spread to the world?
There is this story during world war 2 where in Japan, priest were asked to step on the image of Jesus multiple times. The cost of not stepping on the image was death. One would say “hey it’s just an image” “my life is worth more” right? Well to the priest it might not have been a big deal if he was alone but if he had his brothers and sitters around him then it was a statement to them that his life, identity, purpose was worth nothing. So it’s not just a personal decision that affects you it affects everyone else that you are liable of and as a priest you are liable to the whole world!!! The question we really have to ask ourselves is “are my actions leading others to Christ?” I know you mentioned this question and or idea in your previous video…
Sometimes we must do things not because we want to do them but because they reveal goodness, truth and beauty. However, like you said in one of your videos about King Solomon, that even being wise and knowing the truth doesn’t mean that we always have the inclination to follow it. It’s true and we live in a fallen world and we can’t always do Gods will perfectly but my prayer is always that I decrease and that He (God) increases in me.
If someone is praying this and living it out with Gods grace then it’s that which people will be attracted to not because you have a tattoo will people feel like they can approach you. Jesus never tried to accommodate himself so that others would come to him. He simply spoke truth and acted out truth because He was all truth and some people came to him but other people wanted to kill him. Yes he did walk amongst sinners and some people criticized him for that but never did he conform to them they conformed to His truth because it trumps any lie and reveals the most intimate identity of ourselves. Knowing the truth we shouldn’t conform to the world. People shouldn’t conform to ourselves either. We all must conform to the truth…Jesus Christ
I just want to point out Father that you yourself said that you were not inherently happy and or disappointed in getting the tattoo. Then why get it in the first place? What were you trying to fulfill by getting a tattoo? What was it going to add to your life? Maybe the fact that you got it in the Holy Land but I think one is better off saying that you prayed and confirmed your identity as a child of God by having celebrated mass, or prayed in a chapel than to get a tattoo that is an external mark of what the world already sees in you. We all see the glory and goodness of God in you Father Mike…you have been so influential in my understanding of the faith but this just doesn’t sound correct. Our lives are more than likes and streams on a video. I know you said that the previous video on tattoos you made got many views but I dont think that getting a tattoo and making a video would add more clarity but more confusion. I trust that you have good intentions but I would propose more clarity and maybe speak about it with another priest and or priests.
But as a Catholic and as a brother I do pose these arguments and questions because I’m not trying to please anyone but God and since I am looking to please him He calls me to talk to my brothers and sisters with the truth that is inscribed in the Bible, church and in every heart.
Will be praying for a deeper understanding of this. May His will be done in every action and decision for the saving of many souls. Through Him and with Him forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏼
Very well said, that is the fraternal correction Jesus taught Mt 18,15-17
Thank you for your grace of so eloquently speaking great guidance and feedback to the sheep & the Shepard. The Holy Spirit guided you, beautifully said, Thank you & God Bless.
This is beautiful and I'm also a catholic and i agree 100%
I had the same thoughts. Very well explained. :)
I couldn't agree more! An explanation that should be given by a priest. This world has turned up side down. Fathers are getting tattoos... some haven't understood Jesus's assignment!
Father Mike , I got the same tattoo. I’m 66 years old and it was now or never . Always wanted one but didn’t know what I wanted till I saw yours. It’s meaning is so powerful and even my tattoo artist thought it was way cool . So thank you. ❤️🙏
same with me “i always wanted one but i don’t know what i wanted till i saw yours” Father Mike… thank you so much 😍
Tattoos are sun!!
Sin
I'm 72......never wanted one before I saw this video. Cool!
@@lindasands8263😂
I believe you are a very sincere man. I enjoy your Masses and your teachings. I also like John Michael Talbot. A while back he made a vaccination video, telling everyone he got the jab. I was so disappointed in him that I just backed away for a while. He is also a very sincere man. I choose to let you have another idea about this and continue to listen to your other teachings. I also choose to forgive JMT for pushing the jab. They are, I believe, interconnected, however. Our culture wants to express itself and say, "Look at me. I am into the new thing." I imagine there will be people getting Ukraine tattoos and Johnny Depp tattoos because they feel like that is appropriate in their desire to express themselves. Jesus doesn't need a tattoo to own you. Thank you, Lord, for a mother who looked down on these things and let me know way back that they were not a good thing. Now I can live life without ink, piercings, and old expressions of myself.
Question!
Ever since I contemplated about getting a tattoo, I always thought of it representing my Catholic faith. But obviously before committing to it, I have to ask myself questions that I would genuinely would want to know about someone else:
1. If I want to feel like I’m forever unified with Christ, why isn’t consuming communion enough?
2. What does adding a marking on your body do, when you feel already feel Christ’s Love and company?
Thank you!
Finally someone with real and raw courage. God bless you for your profound Holy Spirit insight. Great questions!
Fr. Mike, I LOVE THE TATTOO and what it means to YOU. I am a 66 year old grandma and my 42 year old daughter has tats. Each and everyone has a special meaning to her. Much like your tat means to you. Continue to do you, and spread the word of your love of Jesus, your way!
I have always loved your views, input, advice. PERSONALLY, Not a fan of tattoos. The wet and stick kinds are fun. But not the needles and ink. Going to sound old fashioned, but I feel as though if the world was not into tatoos right now and everybody was not getting one, would you have? I feel it is a culture that is taking us away from simplicity and The Word of God, simply, no t shirts, no tatoos, no nothing, just living a virtuous life for God. People can see Him in our works and how we live. Still love you, all my friends and relatives who have tattos. But since you asked what I think..there is it... past 50 , just a bit, so Im almost dead too!🤣
Remember that the place he went to has been doing HOLY tattoos for 700 years.
I predict the next generation will not want tattoos because “all the old people have them.”
What else do you need only faith and love 💕 in Jesus Christ our lord and saviour Amen 🙏
Love the tattoo and love the explanation even more. You rock it, Fr. Mike!!
Fr Mike. I enjoyed your story and ultimately your journey to get tattooed in closeness with Jesus. My wife and I intended to get matching tattoos years ago. She has hers (she was tattooed within a few weeks of us making that agreement) and I keep putting it off. You’ve definitely given me a new lens and an inspiration of sorts to follow through. Stay well and God bless you.