An Anglican friend once asked me why I wasn't leaving the Church after all the scandals. I said I was there for Christ. When you have a strong relationship with God, flawed men do not get in the way of your spiritual progress.
I came back to the church this summer, after 20+ years of believing that it was the men who uphold the church. Only when I realized it was Christ himself that matters, i came back
I have returned to my faith after 40 years away from it - because of the scandals. Indeed, bad men do not, should not determine our faith. I've returned to fight for it.
@@tomandrews1429 I felt you when my grandma passed away. I almost committed suicide. But now I know that’s God’s grace. I wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t left this earth 8 years ago. I’ll see her when I see God. Praying for you and your family, brother🙏❤️
This morning I cancelled seeing my current therapist. I feel she wasn't helping me anymore and I felt I relied on her too much, meanwhile she hasn't helped me improve. I plan on putting my faith and trust in God instead. Thank you Father Mike :)
That’s awesome! Therapists are meant to guide us and help us when we can no longer be our own help. Once we get back up we no longer have to receive their assistance! But they are very needed!!
@@nicola489 i agree with you. what Fr Mike says pertains to matters of faith. for health issues, you should seek expert help. but put your faith in Jesus that he will guide you to the right expert. faith is not about deliberately standing in front of a speeding truck. faith is trusting that God will do what's best for you.
@Wulf Sheepskin I'm sorry to hear about your current situation :( I will pray for you and ask God to give you the peace and guidance we all need in our lives. Be strong my dear and may Jesus, Mary, and Joseph watch over you ❤✝️
@@nicola489 I've been in therapy for 8 years and have had many therapists and different psychiatric help. I've made such improvement, and though I still struggle sometimes, I feel it's my time to put my full faith in God and within myself to make the right decisions. Maybe in the future I'll find a different therapist to speak with, but for now I want to listen to God's voice and follow my own as well. But I do understand where you're coming from. I appreciate your input :) thank you and God bless!
@@thecatholiccorner Hi Tessa, I understand what you mean. I sometimes feel that I'm using my counselor/therapist like a crutch sometimes, especially when I'm overwhelmed by a trauma and dwell on it for days or weeks at a time without finding a way to accept and overcome it. However, I do find it helpful to have an objective person show me a point of view I didn't consider before because I tend to over analyze what other people say and do to me and interpret their words/actions as threatening when it's not most of the time. I also find it a comfort when I go through a bad ordeal that I don't have to unpack the situation by myself. I want to be resilient enough (like you) to regulate my emotions and over sensitivity. I pray that Jesus will heal me even through the help of a trained professional. Thank you for sharing your story.
I WENT TO MASS YOU GUYS !!! I went to mass today for the first time in a very long time. I really suffer with two conditions so with them very debilitating (making me sick amongst other things ) as well as the virus. It's been such a long time since I could attend mass. But I went today. I had a dream last night I went to mass. So I woke up today and decided today is the day I should go to mass. I went and there was sooo many restrictions. But it was still amazing ! I got to have the communion which was fantastic. I wish that the priest was more enthusiastic and didn't mumble though, truly i wish It's a shame when online mass shows more enthusiasm than your in real life congregation and priest. But I hope they're doing it for the right reasons(a few priests in my town have been con men ) and actually want to be there for the true reasons. But either way I know that I was happy to be there
God bless you dear. Seek out some bible study groups, women’s faith sharing, and meet your priest. You’ll need support along the way. Pray the rosary. 🙏🏻❤️
I remember my parish priest talking about this topic during mass and what he said "If you put your faith in your priest, bishop or even the pope, then you've already set yourself up for failure" Great vid padre Mike 👌🏽😁
Thank you Fr Mike! Put trust not in mortals but in God! May our public life match our private life ...their failing not an obstacle to our faith! I put my faith in you Jesus!! Bless you Fr Mike 🙏🙏🙏
So true father! A priest once told me, "People are fickle, focus on God, people will be your enemy one day and your friend another or vice versa, God never changes".
Matthew 10: 36......God has given me the Grace to love my enemies. Somewhere in the Old Testament it is written that our love for God evaporates like the morning dew. God never changes but He can turn hearts of stone into flesh.
Mary has actually never fell into sin either. Nor does any of the saints and holy angels sin in heaven, they are glorified, sanctified and prepared to help intercede for us through prayer to our Triune God.
@@martinmichaelpaulusnihlen1525 I guess the state applies only for our Lord of Lords Jesus Christ, Holy Mother Of All Mary and the Holy Angels .. the Saints as well are in Heaven but not all of them had the same story without any sin .. some of them actually, like Saulus that after became Paulus. Anyway, let's be inspired from all of their lives and stories to sanctify ours as much as our souls. Bless you! 🙏
@@tcn.br.92 everyone except Jesus and Mary sinned while on earth. I'm just saying that as of now, the saints in heaven have been purified and therefore able to intercede for us in the spiritual realm. Pax Christi
I just had another thought - think of Joan of Arc. She was put on the stake by the Catholic Church, she was abused and betrayed before that. Did that diminish her faith in Christ? I don't think it did. The Cross was the one thing she had faith in. Even though those who were supposed to serve Christ were the ones burning her alive. She is a true hero. 🙏🏼🌟
Priests are human. They are liable to mistakes. Do not look to the person for guidance, but to the truth they profess, which comes from the loving God. You may hear something profound from someone, but know God inspired it in them first.
I had something of a prodigal journey. When God showed me that the Bible was His word and I began reading it for the first time in over a decade, I saw it so differently. Everyone from Adam to Noah to Abraham, Jacob, Joseph Moses, David, and the Apostles were all so fallible and the same God that had loved me even when I did not believe in Him and blasphemed Him was there loving them and guiding them through. I never put faith in people in the first place as a child Christian but now I see how central to the Bible that is. It's written about sinners for sinners to show us that God is love and truth.
Very important teaching for the body of Christ! Romans 3:25 we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God! Instead of judging others, we are called to pray for them!
Spot on. Jesus said pray and do good to your enemies. I moved to a different city after retiring early from Teaching. I am an Acolyte. So far, three different Catholic Parishes have treated me like a leper. I thank God, this is a real blessing. St Francis my Saint preached about this. Catholics seem to be asleep when the Homily is preached.
Thank you, Father Mike. "If you see a person sin, do not judge yourself to be better than him because you know not how long you shall persevere in goodness". Thomas a Kempis (The Imitation of Christ)
Thank you Father for this teaching. “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) is what my mother used to quote to us kids. Today my faith does not rest on what humans do or say, but on Christ and His mercy.
most of my life i sinned as i was a broken person as i never had any faith in people as i would say all people at some stage have let me down even at my lowest point when i was broken i think i remembered nearly ending it all as what happened most people would end there life for sure as it would be too much for many what i went through i have a strong nature inside, The only thing keeping me going was god i eventually went to the church broken when i did go along it was like if someone was reeling me in as if it was your time up. i told the priest my problems and broke down in tears inside i wanted salvation but i could not say it in words i just knew all my life there was something that was there like a freind had never left me even in my worst part of my life but i felt a comforting presence when the world was dark and people turned away from me . When i became a catholic about eight years ago that same feeling in god is still there not all the time but when i am in need. i know no matter what happens he is there but i would say since becoming a catholic i have a more personal life with the holy family now
Psalm 146: "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save." Sadly, some of the actions of the religious have turned people away from following Christ.
I remember when Fr. Corapi fell. I was so completely devastated. He brought me closer to the Lord with his incredible gift of preaching. I had to remind myself that he preached the truth, even if he ultimately didn't live his private life the way he should have. I still miss his preaching and pray for him.
So human, so true. I once let down a friend of mine that I had led to Christ. I still feel so horrible about it and I know she was thoroughly disappointed. We are gradually recuperating out friendship but bless the Lord, her relationship with the Lord went on up.
@@HerstoryOverflowing Thank you, Happy Sabbath day :) King Jesus is coming soon :) May God Bless you too for Knowledge, wisdom and understanding :) Hope to see you in heaven when Judgement day is served :)
Spot on. I appreciate those who pointed me at Jesus and toward a deeper commitment and relationship with God, but my belief is in God and His teachings. I’m not surprised at human failings. We all fail.
Wow I couldn’t have said it any better. And I have tried to explain this to my family members who have fallen away. 😞😞😞😭😢😭. They belittle me and point out the abuse and doctrine. They ask how I still believe. My answer is because I do trust in Jesus and the teachings He left. My faith is rooted in Jesus not man!!!!! Priests are human and just like the rest of us fall a lot. God knew and knows this. But is so humble that He has trusted humanity with His most precious gift of the Holy Eucharist. I tell people putting aside our churches with all the riches there in. Setting all of that really has no value. Our most precious and holy rich is in the hand of a priest and in the body and Blood soul and divinity of our lords Jesus Christ. And that can never be taken away from us!!! God Bless
I was blessed to have an uncle who was a priest ( Ukrainian Catholic ) When he would talk to us when we were young, he would impress upon us that “ priests are human beings, not Saints yet “. And I remember thinking, well that’s true, because you are definitely not a saint yet. He was my uncle and he did not even compare favourably with his brothers, my other uncles. But besides his flaws and faults, he was a very good and devout priest. He had dedicated his whole life to Christ. And that was really something to us! So when my teenage ( Catholic ) contemporaries would decry the “ hypocrisy “ of the Church ( the Sixties ) and would quit going to Church, I really couldn’t fathom why. I thought “ Don’t they know that priests are still human beings? “ I had very mean and strict nuns throughout my youth. They taught us well, but could be unpredictable and frightening. But once I was taught the Catholic Faith, it would never occur to me to leave the Faith because ie my piano teacher was terrifying! ( She was!! ) Thanks for your insights and may Our Lord bless you.
I had issues in my Catholic church when I challenged them. Needless to say, I was excommunicated. My faith has excelled so much and God and me are best friends.
It must be quite a serious offense as excommunication isn't something that happens for a small thing and is quite rare. The offender must have full knowledge that the action is a grave sin, refused to repent for that sin, and refuses to follow Church teaching/doctrine. Also, I thought that only Bishops and up have the authority to excommunicate someone, your parish priest may reprimand and denounce actions against the teaching of the Catholic Church, but unless the action was by canon law an "automatic excommunication" (latae sententiae) offense, a priest wouldn't have the authority to excommunicate a person. If the person did not know that their action is an excommunicable sin, or if they are repentant of their sin, they are not excommunicated. Those excommunicated may enter the Church again if they express to the proper authority (as per canon law) their repentance and obedience to the Church teachings.
I go to a Catholic Highschool and as juniors we are learning moral theology and the priest that teaches it has talked about scandal and how he's not alowed to openly speak for or against a political party, especially now, because it can cause scandal. Having Fr. Mike as a teacher would be amazing!🤣
Just wanted to say congratulations on having such devotion to your high school religion classes and the wisdom to supplement that education with teachers like Fr Mike. I attended a catholic high school and squandered that valuable resource. The only thing I remember from those classes was that Paul wrote a lot of letters to people. Since then I’ve had to regain that education the hard way on my own. Keep up the good work and it’s refreshing to see teens who see things more clearly than most these days! Hopefully there’s more like you in your school than there was in mine.
The priest is not telling you the truth! Clergy may not hold public office; however when a particular political party advocates violations of the moral law, as the Democratic party does now, clergy have a duty to speak out publicly. It is a great scandal that most of the bishops do not call out the Democratic party on the issue of abortion (baby murder). You are being taught that clergy should be passive in the political sphere. This is wrong!! They will be judged harshly by God for not speaking out.
Hi Sav. Im a High School Teacher and would get sacked in 5 minutes for teaching about my faith in Jesus and His Holy Mother. The Holy Spirit is your Teacher, keep praying, i have witnessed MANY miracles. I am serious, be patient.
Yeah, I quit church half a year ago because a priest I considered to be my spiritual father insulted me instead of helping me make sense of the coronavirus situation... And I quit church because I really thought that priest was like a father to me, I was really counting on his help, and he hurt me. I went back to church today. I participated in Mass, went to confession, received the Holy Communion. Good video, Father! I think, I'll keep watching your videos. This one has kind of helped.
“O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you. Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel.” Psalms 69:5-6 NLT. Thank you ❤️🙏🏾❤️
This is such an important idea to learn. I remember when my daughters would say to me "don't you trust me?". My answer was " yes I trust you to be human. Subject to the same temptations and faulty judgements that I was." I would then explain my role in being tasked by God to be their accountability partner and parent. I would always tell them that my rules for their behavior exist because I love them and that God's rules are rooted in the same purpose. The good news is that now these many years later, they all express gratitude to me for my stand. With 80 + years visiting this dispensation, I can agree with you that no human behavior surprises me because I fully understand the nature if the human heart. That doesn't stop me from loving others, rather intensifies it. I long ago realized that Christ's veracity was independent of the missteps of His followers. Blessings
Father Mike please please pray for all the homeless people in Los Angeles and everywhere!! You won't believe how sad it is! Only God and Mother Mary can help us! It's so bad! It's so scary! God bless you and everyone!! LOVE for you!
I've learnt to this a long time ago when my dad walked out when I was 4 years old and my mum died soon later . I don't.know where my father is I'm 55 and yes people will let you down. I've found dogs are wonderful company while you learn to trust God 🙏 again 😉 Amen
I love dogs too. If people are not around, these dogs can give us the sense of company we need. They also make us stronger making us realize that we can be a support to another. With that sense of being needed, we can find meaning in our life. I'm sure that God looks on us, on you, smiling when you realize that you are God's son who also know how to forgive. And I've heard many times : to forgive is divine.
no fear:how have you fared in life, did you come to a loving, good foster home? I agree e that dogs can be good company , but I hesitate getting one, since i am not good socially and want to learn to be with húman beings, and communicate, help and learn on a spiritual, verbal, soul level which of course one never can with even an intelligent animal. They don't have an I of their own, and as much as I lovd my cat for 17 years, and shared love, joy and comfort with her, it made me in y exhaustion and hard life situation a bit lazy about seeking the company of others, that was so difficult to get right...but they are easier. but it fels like a failure and letting God down if we shun mankind because of laziness and fear.I am so grateful and glad for the 12-- step program, where God helps me reconsider, clean house, heal and improve socially.
Fr. Mike - one of our best. Only thing I would add is a point (specific to the sacraments) Bishop Barron makes in his book, Letter to a Suffering Church. Which is, regardless of what an ordained priest does, the sacraments which they provide us on behalf of God and His church are not in vain. Your sins are still forgiven in confession. The consecrated Eucharist is still the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus, God himself.
Amen. I must always remind myself of what you said in this message. I am not going to give up on Jesus' church despite the broken people who run it and who are members of it. I am broken, too, a sinner. Recently I've been questioning some of the Pope's actions and ideas. The question crept into my mind if it was right for me to be in the Catholic Church. Then I had to remind myself yet again that this is Jesus' church, run by humans who are broken. The fact that the church is violently attacked even from within (the Louisianna priest filming the desecration of the parish altar....) must make me draw even closer to the Church, for it is being so ferociously attacked precisely because it is Jesus' church. God bless.
You are so right. Your words reflect my own thoughts. Against all odds, i am still a practising Catholic and Acolyte. My brothers and sisters and friends have jumped ship like rats. Saint John Bosco saw this in a vision. After the Victory, Bosco saw many souls trying to get back on the ship of faith. Stay with the Ark, Mary is the modern day Ark. Encourage people to pray the Rosary, it has and always will bring about MIRACLES. God bless you.
You do good work, Fr Mike! I look forward to your weekly thoughts, along with Friar Mark Mary and all Ascension Presents! I find myself going back over and watching some of the homilies or some or the other videos. I definitely wish there were more of you and the people on Ascension Presents around, in person. You all are far and few between, especially during these times. Thank you again and I am praying for you all.
i backslid when my daughters were teens and now none of them are even Christian. and although i know that God loves me and has forgiven me and although i fast and pray for them, i would happily take a thousand millstones to bring them to Christ.
I think this just goes to remembering where all goodness and truth comes from. God may still use sinners to do good (He uses us every day!). But goodness, love, truth, and beauty all come from God. So give praise to God for these things, not the person.
Thank you for this inspiring video. It is the way a priest has treated people & me in our Cathedral parish. He was very overly welcoming to us when he was assigned to the Cathedral in 2009. Came for dinner at our home many times over 4 years. Then, as he complimented, winked, and seemed to so to enjoy your company-- he then was judging us. Then as time went on he would ignore you in parish activities & ignore your family at the Mass. This drove some parishioners to switch to a different Catholic Parish. I realized by how he treated me that he was hoping I would leave. We did not. Through much prayer--I knew I was at the Mass for my own soul and the souls of my husband & children. We were not leaving our home parish of 50 years. It was then that I realized that I am not at the Mass for the priest, but for Jesus, my own soul, and the souls of my children, departed loved ones:) We are not at the Mass for the priest, WE PRAY THE MASS FOR OUR OWN SOULS:)
I really think we are here to help one another through many challenges. None of us are perfect. We have to work to be the best we can, but we are human and sometimes we fail. There are always going to be mistakes. Each of us is responsible for our own efforts and mistakes. We can’t judge one another. Thank you Father Mike Schmitz!
Wow Father Mike, I am amazed at the way Mary our Mother kept you under her protection and the Holy Spirit kept you in the truth, after having gone through those disappointments. May God bless your apostolate.🙏🏻
I had a similar experience with trusting and caring about a priest that was found to be ... Fortunately I was 40 when I converted and mature enough to know my faith was in Christ, in the purity of faith, not in a man, an individuals. I looked down at my medal of my new patron saint, Michael the archangel, defender of the faith. I know I must do everything I can to constantly review my life and walk through the crucible of the world and keep my eyes on Christ, God, heaven to keep moving forward daily. Help your brother or sister in Christ, don't burden them with expecting them to be perfect, instead just keep encouraging them too to stand up drop what holds them back and keep moving forward to God. Hang in there. Very well said Father. Keep moving forward Father, its never over until we don't get up again to run the race.
Well said Gail. We all fall but getting up in trust is the only way. If at times we are too weary to get up, Christ and His Mother always send someone to help us.
We had a priest say that to us, don't put your trust in him or any other priest. If we did then we didn't come to serve God. Some of us are like " oh my I don't like the new priest or I love the new priest so i started back going to church. We were never there for the right reason (God)in the first. place cave. Thanks again Father Mike.
Thanks Father Mike for being such an inspiration in spite of all you are going through. I knew someone for over forty years and never knew her at all. Jesus is all.
Such an important point. It's so easy to feel betrayed when some very big preacher ends up being just a sinner and someone that leaves the faith. But after watching this message I realize it's not a personal betrayal at all. The only thing I need to have faith in is God and his son Jesus.
What an incredibly important message thank you so much so many people seem to put their faith in other people like you say and not directly in God we are all fallible we are human and we have to keep our eyes on the Lord thank you for your message and God bless
Keep "Striving". Perfection takes a lifetime. PATIENCE. Know this: "God is patience." (Scripture) This is good message. A good reminder to trust God alone and love others into healing. Thank you.
A very important message. So much so that I think it should be mentioned in every sermon or talk you give. If another person or priest that you value is the lynchpin of your faith or belief in The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then you’ve built your house on sand.
Words you spoke make sense, trust is everything, I’ve learned about how important my faith is by Great Spiritual Leaders, including you Father Mike, your Bible in a year, Catechism in a year…..are all important to the faithful,I would like to quote your Mother’s wise words to you “Remember who the Star is”…..words to live by in Jesus name.
Excellent message, Fr -- I pray those that have left the Church because of someone's 'humaness' stumbles upon this. Either way, I always pray for the priests that have strengthened my faith - and nothing can take that from me because I, too, am a sinner. For those that left the Church for this reason - even if they truly feel it was justified ... remember: "some seeds fell on rocky ground.." Let's pray that good soil gets tossed on them before it's too late.
I've watched people around me rise or fall because of this topic. I'm not on that emotional rollercoaster because it's been Jesus and I for a long time. He and I know many of my faults that would bring me down in other people's eyes. And they have. I listen to the talks that are given in truth and inspiration but don't hold up the people giving them. Like you said, too many sad examples, where I start praying for their souls ... and I hope people pray for mine! Many saints were grumpy but perseverance got them to Heaven!
Even the best of men can fall. I told my children often about Solomon- wisest and most famous of men. We do not know if he died in God's grace. he became corrupt at the end of his life. Perseverance is such an important virtue.
Amen. There is ultimately only one hero in the epic of redemptive history: Jesus Christ. To the degree that a man reflects Christ, he is heroic; and to the degree that he fails; he underscores his (and our) need of Christ. Both his success and his failure should direct us to Jesus Christ, the One upon whom all our hope depends and who is completely worthy of all honor and praise, glory and power, trust and devotion. He is the only one worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, the only one who can and should be trusted with absolute authority. He is the only Savior, the One Man who is worthy of worship. Let all God’s saints and angels, all peoples, and all of creation worship Him!
Wow that was AMAZING! I needed to hear this today! May God bless you father and protect you from ALL evil. May Our Blessed Mother cover you with Her Mantle of love, strength and peace. AMEN
Thanks. This is so apt right now. Without sometimes knowing it some are misleading others away from God, both Hierarchy, Bishops and other clergy and lapsed Catholics. Media isn't helping either. But we need to hold onto God. Found important document while listening to this and praying to Jesus. Thanks you Jesus. 🙏❤
I feel like it should also be pointed out that we should not let the virtue of others and the great experiences of God that they lead us to, keep us from recognizing that God is the source of all virtue and good. It is He in them that attracts us - and that we should not be so focused on this person instead - so as to set them up as a false god almost. God is whom we seek and only He is our ultimate fulfillment.
This hits home something I was pondering the last few weeks, and especially the past 24 hours. I converted not because of a certain Catholic person but because I came to have Faith that it has the Truth. God bless you, Father Mike.
Father Mike, the sensitivity and accuracy with which you address these sensitive issues, not to mention the divine timing, is what makes you such a gift to all of us❤God Bless you for helping me to to maintain my Faith🙏 I know we're not supposed to put Faith in people but I have Faith in YOU 😇 (mostly Christ though 😅)
Fr. MIKE, You are an awesome instrument of God's Will. You so Crack me up Sometime's . You give me a good laugh, love your sense of humor. Keep up the Great work and ThankYou, God Bless! Ken Weber. N.J.
I was broken as a teenager. Grew up in the Philadelphia area and the scandals. Horrible situation when you lose faith in the people and Catholic Church I grew up in. I’m only getting back to Church now at 58. Fr. Mike was a big help, thank you.
This message is very true. I was burned by a church and I was disillusioned by the church yes. However it didn’t shake my belief in Jesus. This is not a boast but a testament to never put your faith in men because we all fall short. All means all, no matter who you are. It was God’s mercy that He showed me to not put my faith in men.
I was thinking 'Fr Mike will never know how much I needed to hear these words'...well, I've shared this now and I'm sure I speak for countless others. Thank you so very much for all you do Fr Mike.
It's very true Fr. Mike!! I like the verse you quoted from the Bible which says that we ought not put our hope in men or leaders but in God alone! Only God knows the deepest thoughts in our hearts so he can guide us by sending us different people in our lives. I'm praying for you Father that you continue your works with a dedicated heart in the salvation of many souls into God's kingdom. With warm regards and prayers 🙏🙏😊
It goes the same when clergy in the Church hierarchy, including the Pope. When a man of God errs from the faith then the faithful do not have to obey when the salvation the world is at stake. God comes first always!!! I just had to put my 2cents in. Thank you Reverend Father. Peace ✌️ out 👍
I put my faith in the Lord Jesus, I also believe in the good of my Priest, who convinced me to put my trust in Jesus,I needed his good advice to know God is all forgiving, and God will forgive my mistake confession was cathartic …..Love your videos Father Mike
This reflection is spiritual gold! The division grows among men, especially within the church. It drives people away. I get discouraged as well. A good friend shared similar wisdom when I was struggling, that my faith must be in Christ and the truth, not men, but now my friend has fallen in this same struggle. I hurt for him. We must be steadfast, rooted, vigilant, and guard our hearts from letting people weaken our faith and love for God! Thank you, Fr Mike, for all that you do and especially for the truth you speak! God bless you!
An Anglican friend once asked me why I wasn't leaving the Church after all the scandals. I said I was there for Christ. When you have a strong relationship with God, flawed men do not get in the way of your spiritual progress.
I definitely struggle with this. Feel like silence is saying it’s ok 😢
I came back to the church this summer, after 20+ years of believing that it was the men who uphold the church. Only when I realized it was Christ himself that matters, i came back
I have returned to my faith after 40 years away from it - because of the scandals. Indeed, bad men do not, should not determine our faith. I've returned to fight for it.
Fr Chad Ripperger said no man behaviors should shake your faith and I will keep it in my heart forever
AMEN!!
Those who put their faith in man will always be disappointed. Those who put their faith in God will never be.
I put my faith in God that he would heal my grandmother. God disappointed me.
Tom Andrews maybe God had another plan. Remember he has a plan for everybody
@@marcelstephens8683 What was God's plan, how was it better than my grandmother living?
I want to like but it has a perfect 100 likes so I'm commenting instead
@@tomandrews1429 I felt you when my grandma passed away. I almost committed suicide. But now I know that’s God’s grace. I wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t left this earth 8 years ago. I’ll see her when I see God. Praying for you and your family, brother🙏❤️
This morning I cancelled seeing my current therapist. I feel she wasn't helping me anymore and I felt I relied on her too much, meanwhile she hasn't helped me improve. I plan on putting my faith and trust in God instead.
Thank you Father Mike :)
That’s awesome! Therapists are meant to guide us and help us when we can no longer be our own help. Once we get back up we no longer have to receive their assistance! But they are very needed!!
@@nicola489 i agree with you. what Fr Mike says pertains to matters of faith. for health issues, you should seek expert help. but put your faith in Jesus that he will guide you to the right expert. faith is not about deliberately standing in front of a speeding truck. faith is trusting that God will do what's best for you.
@Wulf Sheepskin I'm sorry to hear about your current situation :( I will pray for you and ask God to give you the peace and guidance we all need in our lives. Be strong my dear and may Jesus, Mary, and Joseph watch over you ❤✝️
@@nicola489 I've been in therapy for 8 years and have had many therapists and different psychiatric help. I've made such improvement, and though I still struggle sometimes, I feel it's my time to put my full faith in God and within myself to make the right decisions. Maybe in the future I'll find a different therapist to speak with, but for now I want to listen to God's voice and follow my own as well. But I do understand where you're coming from. I appreciate your input :) thank you and God bless!
@@thecatholiccorner Hi Tessa, I understand what you mean. I sometimes feel that I'm using my counselor/therapist like a crutch sometimes, especially when I'm overwhelmed by a trauma and dwell on it for days or weeks at a time without finding a way to accept and overcome it.
However, I do find it helpful to have an objective person show me a point of view I didn't consider before because I tend to over analyze what other people say and do to me and interpret their words/actions as threatening when it's not most of the time. I also find it a comfort when I go through a bad ordeal that I don't have to unpack the situation by myself.
I want to be resilient enough (like you) to regulate my emotions and over sensitivity. I pray that Jesus will heal me even through the help of a trained professional. Thank you for sharing your story.
I WENT TO MASS YOU GUYS !!! I went to mass today for the first time in a very long time. I really suffer with two conditions so with them very debilitating (making me sick amongst other things ) as well as the virus. It's been such a long time since I could attend mass. But I went today. I had a dream last night I went to mass. So I woke up today and decided today is the day I should go to mass. I went and there was sooo many restrictions. But it was still amazing ! I got to have the communion which was fantastic. I wish that the priest was more enthusiastic and didn't mumble though, truly i wish It's a shame when online mass shows more enthusiasm than your in real life congregation and priest. But I hope they're doing it for the right reasons(a few priests in my town have been con men ) and actually want to be there for the true reasons. But either way I know that I was happy to be there
Happy to hear that! God Bless 🙏
God bless you dear. Seek out some bible study groups, women’s faith sharing, and meet your priest. You’ll need support along the way.
Pray the rosary. 🙏🏻❤️
Welcome home!
@@emiliob9941 thank you
@@cn4492 I will try.
Someone once told me "Don't make heroes of people. They will always let you down. Put your faith in Jesus, He will never let you down."
I remember my parish priest talking about this topic during mass and what he said
"If you put your faith in your priest, bishop or even the pope, then you've already set yourself up for failure"
Great vid padre Mike 👌🏽😁
ooof this couldn't come at a better time :(
@@TheMariaMejia yeah... That aged well
@@TheMariaMejia why?
God bless Fr.Mike and everyone today!
Amen the same for you friend
Thank you Fr Mike! Put trust not in mortals but in God! May our public life match our private life ...their failing not an obstacle to our faith! I put my faith in you Jesus!! Bless you Fr Mike 🙏🙏🙏
Amen 🙏🏻, same to you
It's Psalm 146:3, in case anyone was looking it up, like me, not 149. 😊
Thank you and Peace be with you and yours. ♡
So true father! A priest once told me, "People are fickle, focus on God, people will be your enemy one day and your friend another or vice versa, God never changes".
Matthew 10: 36......God has given me the Grace to love my enemies. Somewhere in the Old Testament it is written that our love for God evaporates like the morning dew. God never changes but He can turn hearts of stone into flesh.
Focus on Christ. Only he doesn't fall to sin, small and large. Not everybody who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of God.
Mary has actually never fell into sin either. Nor does any of the saints and holy angels sin in heaven, they are glorified, sanctified and prepared to help intercede for us through prayer to our Triune God.
@@martinmichaelpaulusnihlen1525 Now why did I forget that? Good catch, thanks.
@@martinmichaelpaulusnihlen1525 I guess the state applies only for our Lord of Lords Jesus Christ, Holy Mother Of All Mary and the Holy Angels .. the Saints as well are in Heaven but not all of them had the same story without any sin .. some of them actually, like Saulus that after became Paulus.
Anyway, let's be inspired from all of their lives and stories to sanctify ours as much as our souls.
Bless you! 🙏
@@tcn.br.92 everyone except Jesus and Mary sinned while on earth. I'm just saying that as of now, the saints in heaven have been purified and therefore able to intercede for us in the spiritual realm.
Pax Christi
@@martinmichaelpaulusnihlen1525 got it now. You're right.
Amém! Keep it strong brother 🙏
I just had another thought - think of Joan of Arc. She was put on the stake by the Catholic Church, she was abused and betrayed before that. Did that diminish her faith in Christ? I don't think it did. The Cross was the one thing she had faith in. Even though those who were supposed to serve Christ were the ones burning her alive. She is a true hero. 🙏🏼🌟
More and more Catholics need to hear this message, as this has been an excuse that used more and more for the reason they choose to leave God.
or to leave catholic faith, it seems that the basis of their faith is in people
Priests are human. They are liable to mistakes. Do not look to the person for guidance, but to the truth they profess, which comes from the loving God. You may hear something profound from someone, but know God inspired it in them first.
I had something of a prodigal journey. When God showed me that the Bible was His word and I began reading it for the first time in over a decade, I saw it so differently. Everyone from Adam to Noah to Abraham, Jacob, Joseph Moses, David, and the Apostles were all so fallible and the same God that had loved me even when I did not believe in Him and blasphemed Him was there loving them and guiding them through. I never put faith in people in the first place as a child Christian but now I see how central to the Bible that is. It's written about sinners for sinners to show us that God is love and truth.
Very important teaching for the body of Christ! Romans 3:25 we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God! Instead of judging others, we are called to pray for them!
Spot on. Jesus said pray and do good to your enemies. I moved to a different city after retiring early from Teaching. I am an Acolyte. So far, three different Catholic Parishes have treated me like a leper. I thank God, this is a real blessing. St Francis my Saint preached about this. Catholics seem to be asleep when the Homily is preached.
Thank you, Father Mike.
"If you see a person sin, do not judge yourself to be better than him because you know not how long you shall persevere in goodness".
Thomas a Kempis
(The Imitation of Christ)
Spot on...."but for the Grace of God, there go I".....love The Imitation of Christ.
Let us trust in the Lord, His Holy Mother and the saints.
Thank you Father for this teaching. “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) is what my mother used to quote to us kids. Today my faith does not rest on what humans do or say, but on Christ and His mercy.
most of my life i sinned as i was a broken person as i never had any faith in people as i would say all people at some stage have let me down even at my lowest point when i was broken i think i remembered nearly ending it all as what happened most people would end there life for sure as it would be too much for many what i went through i have a strong nature inside, The only thing keeping me going was god i eventually went to the church broken when i did go along it was like if someone was reeling me in as if it was your time up. i told the priest my problems and broke down in tears inside i wanted salvation but i could not say it in words i just knew all my life there was something that was there like a freind had never left me even in my worst part of my life but i felt a comforting presence when the world was dark and people turned away from me .
When i became a catholic about eight years ago that same feeling in god is still there not all the time but when i am in need. i know no matter what happens he is there but i would say since becoming a catholic i have a more personal life with the holy family now
Psalm 146: "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save." Sadly, some of the actions of the religious have turned people away from following Christ.
Thanks for posting. 😎
I remember when Fr. Corapi fell. I was so completely devastated. He brought me closer to the Lord with his incredible gift of preaching. I had to remind myself that he preached the truth, even if he ultimately didn't live his private life the way he should have. I still miss his preaching and pray for him.
Was a big shock for me too.. regarding Fr. Korapi.
So human, so true. I once let down a friend of mine that I had led to Christ. I still feel so horrible about it and I know she was thoroughly disappointed. We are gradually recuperating out friendship but bless the Lord, her relationship with the Lord went on up.
Thank uou so much Father Mike! You are the Guru who leads his disciples from dakrness to light!
I love how the Lord speaks to me in various ways. He is the answer to ALL my questions! Jesus Christ is my Lord & Savior ✨✨✨
May God Bless you! Lord Jesus is the King of Kings, Please the Gospel and ask the Holyspirit for understanding😊 Amen.
@@reallove3964 May God continue to bless you with the love & wisdom of the Holy Spirit!
@@HerstoryOverflowing Thank you😊
@@HerstoryOverflowing Thank you, Happy Sabbath day :) King Jesus is coming soon :)
May God Bless you too for Knowledge, wisdom and understanding :) Hope to see you in heaven when Judgement day is served :)
Spot on. I appreciate those who pointed me at Jesus and toward a deeper commitment and relationship with God, but my belief is in God and His teachings. I’m not surprised at human failings. We all fail.
Wow I couldn’t have said it any better. And I have tried to explain this to my family members who have fallen away. 😞😞😞😭😢😭. They belittle me and point out the abuse and doctrine. They ask how I still believe. My answer is because I do trust in Jesus and the teachings He left. My faith is rooted in Jesus not man!!!!! Priests are human and just like the rest of us fall a lot. God knew and knows this. But is so humble that He has trusted humanity with His most precious gift of the Holy Eucharist. I tell people putting aside our churches with all the riches there in. Setting all of that really has no value. Our most precious and holy rich is in the hand of a priest and in the body and Blood soul and divinity of our lords Jesus Christ. And that can never be taken away from us!!!
God Bless
I was blessed to have an uncle who was a priest ( Ukrainian Catholic )
When he would talk to us when we were young, he would impress upon us that “ priests are human beings, not Saints yet “.
And I remember thinking, well that’s true, because you are definitely not a saint yet.
He was my uncle and he did not even compare favourably with his brothers, my other uncles.
But besides his flaws and faults, he was a very good and devout priest. He had dedicated his whole life to Christ. And that was really something to us!
So when my teenage ( Catholic )
contemporaries would decry the “ hypocrisy “ of the Church ( the Sixties ) and would quit going to Church, I really couldn’t fathom why.
I thought “ Don’t they know that priests are still human beings? “
I had very mean and strict nuns throughout my youth. They taught us well, but could be unpredictable and frightening.
But once I was taught the Catholic Faith, it would never occur to me to leave the Faith because ie my piano teacher was terrifying! ( She was!! )
Thanks for your insights and may Our Lord bless you.
I had issues in my Catholic church when I challenged them. Needless to say, I was excommunicated. My faith has excelled so much and God and me are best friends.
Hey John, may I ask what happened? Excommunication is quite an event to unfold.
It must be quite a serious offense as excommunication isn't something that happens for a small thing and is quite rare. The offender must have full knowledge that the action is a grave sin, refused to repent for that sin, and refuses to follow Church teaching/doctrine.
Also, I thought that only Bishops and up have the authority to excommunicate someone, your parish priest may reprimand and denounce actions against the teaching of the Catholic Church, but unless the action was by canon law an "automatic excommunication" (latae sententiae) offense, a priest wouldn't have the authority to excommunicate a person. If the person did not know that their action is an excommunicable sin, or if they are repentant of their sin, they are not excommunicated.
Those excommunicated may enter the Church again if they express to the proper authority (as per canon law) their repentance and obedience to the Church teachings.
All u need is a relationship WITH JESUS. U can go straight to him for ANYTHING. GOD IS GREAT.
lol
@@jamesfrancese6091 ???
I go to a Catholic Highschool and as juniors we are learning moral theology and the priest that teaches it has talked about scandal and how he's not alowed to openly speak for or against a political party, especially now, because it can cause scandal. Having Fr. Mike as a teacher would be amazing!🤣
Just wanted to say congratulations on having such devotion to your high school religion classes and the wisdom to supplement that education with teachers like Fr Mike. I attended a catholic high school and squandered that valuable resource. The only thing I remember from those classes was that Paul wrote a lot of letters to people. Since then I’ve had to regain that education the hard way on my own. Keep up the good work and it’s refreshing to see teens who see things more clearly than most these days! Hopefully there’s more like you in your school than there was in mine.
The priest is not telling you the truth! Clergy may not hold public office; however when a particular political party advocates violations of the moral law, as the Democratic party does now, clergy have a duty to speak out publicly. It is a great scandal that most of the bishops do not call out the Democratic party on the issue of abortion (baby murder). You are being taught that clergy should be passive in the political sphere. This is wrong!! They will be judged harshly by God for not speaking out.
Hi Sav. Im a High School Teacher and would get sacked in 5 minutes for teaching about my faith in Jesus and His Holy Mother. The Holy Spirit is your Teacher, keep praying, i have witnessed MANY miracles. I am serious, be patient.
God Bless🙏🏻 Thankful for Father Mike 🙏🏻❤️
Yeah, I quit church half a year ago because a priest I considered to be my spiritual father insulted me instead of helping me make sense of the coronavirus situation... And I quit church because I really thought that priest was like a father to me, I was really counting on his help, and he hurt me. I went back to church today. I participated in Mass, went to confession, received the Holy Communion. Good video, Father! I think, I'll keep watching your videos. This one has kind of helped.
"when one part of the body is broken, we are all broken". Thanks Fr. Mike.
“O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you. Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel.”
Psalms 69:5-6 NLT. Thank you ❤️🙏🏾❤️
This is such an important idea to learn. I remember when my daughters would say to me "don't you trust me?". My answer was " yes I trust you to be human. Subject to the same temptations and faulty judgements that I was." I would then explain my role in being tasked by God to be their accountability partner and parent. I would always tell them that my rules for their behavior exist because I love them and that God's rules are rooted in the same purpose. The good news is that now these many years later, they all express gratitude to me for my stand. With 80 + years visiting this dispensation, I can agree with you that no human behavior surprises me because I fully understand the nature if the human heart. That doesn't stop me from loving others, rather intensifies it. I long ago realized that Christ's veracity was independent of the missteps of His followers. Blessings
God Bless All. 🙏💒
Yes you are absolutely right, God bless you. Father Mike..
Father Mike please please pray for all the homeless people in Los Angeles and everywhere!! You won't believe how sad it is! Only God and Mother Mary can help us! It's so bad! It's so scary! God bless you and everyone!! LOVE for you!
I've learnt to this a long time ago when my dad walked out when I was 4 years old and my mum died soon later . I don't.know where my father is I'm 55 and yes people will let you down. I've found dogs are wonderful company while you learn to trust God 🙏 again 😉 Amen
I love dogs too. If people are not around, these dogs can give us the sense of company we need. They also make us stronger making us realize that we can be a support to another. With that sense of being needed, we can find meaning in our life. I'm sure that God looks on us, on you, smiling when you realize that you are God's son who also know how to forgive. And I've heard many times : to forgive is divine.
no fear:how have you fared in life, did you come to a loving, good foster home? I agree e that dogs can be good company , but I hesitate getting one, since i am not good socially and want to learn to be with húman beings, and communicate, help and learn on a spiritual, verbal, soul level which of course one never can with even an intelligent animal. They don't have an I of their own, and as much as I lovd my cat for 17 years, and shared love, joy and comfort with her, it made me in y exhaustion and hard life situation a bit lazy about seeking the company of others, that was so difficult to get right...but they are easier. but it fels like a failure and letting God down if we shun mankind because of laziness and fear.I am so grateful and glad for the 12-- step program, where God helps me reconsider, clean house, heal and improve socially.
Fr. Mike - one of our best. Only thing I would add is a point (specific to the sacraments) Bishop Barron makes in his book, Letter to a Suffering Church. Which is, regardless of what an ordained priest does, the sacraments which they provide us on behalf of God and His church are not in vain. Your sins are still forgiven in confession. The consecrated Eucharist is still the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus, God himself.
Amen. I must always remind myself of what you said in this message. I am not going to give up on Jesus' church despite the broken people who run it and who are members of it. I am broken, too, a sinner. Recently I've been questioning some of the Pope's actions and ideas. The question crept into my mind if it was right for me to be in the Catholic Church. Then I had to remind myself yet again that this is Jesus' church, run by humans who are broken. The fact that the church is violently attacked even from within (the Louisianna priest filming the desecration of the parish altar....) must make me draw even closer to the Church, for it is being so ferociously attacked precisely because it is Jesus' church. God bless.
You are so right. Your words reflect my own thoughts. Against all odds, i am still a practising Catholic and Acolyte. My brothers and sisters and friends have jumped ship like rats. Saint John Bosco saw this in a vision. After the Victory, Bosco saw many souls trying to get back on the ship of faith. Stay with the Ark, Mary is the modern day Ark. Encourage people to pray the Rosary, it has and always will bring about MIRACLES.
God bless you.
You do good work, Fr Mike! I look forward to your weekly thoughts, along with Friar Mark Mary and all Ascension Presents! I find myself going back over and watching some of the homilies or some or the other videos. I definitely wish there were more of you and the people on Ascension Presents around, in person. You all are far and few between, especially during these times. Thank you again and I am praying for you all.
That's brilliant Thanks Fr Mike,We Trust in Jesus,🙏🙏🙏
i backslid when my daughters were teens and now none of them are even Christian. and although i know that God loves me and has forgiven me and although i fast and pray for them, i would happily take a thousand millstones to bring them to Christ.
Gina, St Augustine's Mother prayed for him while he was a sinner. God hears your prayers, never give up. NEVER.
Prayers for AMERICA'S brokenness ... Jesus Christ Son of God I ONLY trust in YOU
💜💜💜
I think this just goes to remembering where all goodness and truth comes from. God may still use sinners to do good (He uses us every day!). But goodness, love, truth, and beauty all come from God. So give praise to God for these things, not the person.
It’s best to keep your Christianity private than be open about. Thank you father Mike. God bless. ✝️
That's awesome and you are right people that are broken 💔 are looking for JESUS CHRIST ✝️ To mend and heal themselves AMEN 🙏
You are correct, Father Mike🙏🏻🌹
Thank you for this inspiring video. It is the way a priest has treated people & me in our Cathedral parish. He was very overly welcoming to us when he was assigned to the Cathedral in 2009. Came for dinner at our home many times over 4 years. Then, as he complimented, winked, and seemed to so to enjoy your company-- he then was judging us. Then as time went on he would ignore you in parish activities & ignore your family at the Mass. This drove some parishioners to switch to a different Catholic Parish. I realized by how he treated me that he was hoping I would leave. We did not. Through much prayer--I knew I was at the Mass for my own soul and the souls of my husband & children. We were not leaving our home parish of 50 years. It was then that I realized that I am not at the Mass for the priest, but for Jesus, my own soul, and the souls of my children, departed loved ones:) We are not at the Mass for the priest, WE PRAY THE MASS FOR OUR OWN SOULS:)
Jesus I Trust In You!!!
I really think we are here to help one another through many challenges. None of us are perfect. We have to work to be the best we can, but we are human and sometimes we fail. There are always going to be mistakes. Each of us is responsible for our own efforts and mistakes. We can’t judge one another. Thank you Father Mike Schmitz!
Wow Father Mike, I am amazed at the way Mary our Mother kept you under her protection and the Holy Spirit kept you in the truth, after having gone through those disappointments. May God bless your apostolate.🙏🏻
Father Mike is the best Catholic Priest ever. 🙌
Thank you Father
I had a similar experience with trusting and caring about a priest that was found to be ... Fortunately I was 40 when I converted and mature enough to know my faith was in Christ, in the purity of faith, not in a man, an individuals. I looked down at my medal of my new patron saint, Michael the archangel, defender of the faith. I know I must do everything I can to constantly review my life and walk through the crucible of the world and keep my eyes on Christ, God, heaven to keep moving forward daily. Help your brother or sister in Christ, don't burden them with expecting them to be perfect, instead just keep encouraging them too to stand up drop what holds them back and keep moving forward to God. Hang in there. Very well said Father. Keep moving forward Father, its never over until we don't get up again to run the race.
Well said Gail. We all fall but getting up in trust is the only way. If at times we are too weary to get up, Christ and His Mother always send someone to help us.
Thanks Father for your words.
Greetings from Brazil
We had a priest say that to us, don't put your trust in him or any other priest. If we did then we didn't come to serve God. Some of us are like " oh my I don't like the new priest or I love the new priest so i started back going to church. We were never there for the right reason (God)in the first.
place cave. Thanks again Father Mike.
Beautiful and true. Thank you and God bless.
Thanks Father Mike for being such an inspiration in spite of all you are going through. I knew someone for over forty years and never knew her at all. Jesus is all.
Such an important point. It's so easy to feel betrayed when some very big preacher ends up being just a sinner and someone that leaves the faith. But after watching this message I realize it's not a personal betrayal at all. The only thing I need to have faith in is God and his son Jesus.
What an incredibly important message thank you so much so many people seem to put their faith in other people like you say and not directly in God we are all fallible we are human and we have to keep our eyes on the Lord thank you for your message and God bless
Funny that, im reminded of Jesus and Peter walking on the water. As soon as Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he sank.
Amen Fr Mike!
Keep "Striving". Perfection takes a lifetime. PATIENCE. Know this: "God is patience." (Scripture)
This is good message. A good reminder to trust God alone and love others into healing. Thank you.
Thank you Fr may God always be with you
A very important message. So much so that I think it should be mentioned in every sermon or talk you give. If another person or priest that you value is the lynchpin of your faith or belief in The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then you’ve built your house on sand.
May God grant you the perseverance to the end father Mike. You are a valuable priest for this generation.
Thank you Father I needed to hear this.
So so true I have been very disappointed thank you father
Well said Father, I totally agree.
Words you spoke make sense, trust is everything, I’ve learned about how important my faith is by Great Spiritual Leaders, including you Father Mike, your Bible in a year, Catechism in a year…..are all important to the faithful,I would like to quote your Mother’s wise words to you “Remember who the Star is”…..words to live by in Jesus name.
Excellent message, Fr -- I pray those that have left the Church because of someone's 'humaness' stumbles upon this. Either way, I always pray for the priests that have strengthened my faith - and nothing can take that from me because I, too, am a sinner. For those that left the Church for this reason - even if they truly feel it was justified ... remember: "some seeds fell on rocky ground.." Let's pray that good soil gets tossed on them before it's too late.
I've watched people around me rise or fall because of this topic. I'm not on that emotional rollercoaster because it's been Jesus and I for a long time. He and I know many of my faults that would bring me down in other people's eyes. And they have. I listen to the talks that are given in truth and inspiration but don't hold up the people giving them. Like you said, too many sad examples, where I start praying for their souls ... and I hope people pray for mine! Many saints were grumpy but perseverance got them to Heaven!
You are making the Church Jesus started better and the people of God better
thank you , Father Mike ...you have helped me alot ...Peace be with you and God bless
Even the best of men can fall. I told my children often about Solomon- wisest and most famous of men. We do not know if he died in God's grace. he became corrupt at the end of his life. Perseverance is such an important virtue.
Totally agree. Also we must not judge, on the death bed, many sinners repent. Never forget the man crucified next to Jesus, "Lord, remember me.....".
Amen. There is ultimately only one hero in the epic of redemptive history: Jesus Christ. To the degree that a man reflects Christ, he is heroic; and to the degree that he fails; he underscores his (and our) need of Christ. Both his success and his failure should direct us to Jesus Christ, the One upon whom all our hope depends and who is completely worthy of all honor and praise, glory and power, trust and devotion. He is the only one worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, the only one who can and should be trusted with absolute authority. He is the only Savior, the One Man who is worthy of worship. Let all God’s saints and angels, all peoples, and all of creation worship Him!
Beautiful way of putting it!
Wow that was AMAZING! I needed to hear this today! May God bless you father and protect you from ALL evil. May Our Blessed Mother cover you with Her Mantle of love, strength and peace. AMEN
God Bless Father Mike
Thank you Fr. Mike!!! You are on point.
Thanks. This is so apt right now. Without sometimes knowing it some are misleading others away from God, both Hierarchy, Bishops and other clergy and lapsed Catholics. Media isn't helping either. But we need to hold onto God. Found important document while listening to this and praying to Jesus. Thanks you Jesus. 🙏❤
Truth!! I only pray and hope that people would get to understand this truth.
I feel like it should also be pointed out that we should not let the virtue of others and the great experiences of God that they lead us to, keep us from recognizing that God is the source of all virtue and good. It is He in them that attracts us - and that we should not be so focused on this person instead - so as to set them up as a false god almost. God is whom we seek and only He is our ultimate fulfillment.
Thank you for the message Fr. Mike.
This hits home something I was pondering the last few weeks, and especially the past 24 hours. I converted not because of a certain Catholic person but because I came to have Faith that it has the Truth. God bless you, Father Mike.
Amen beautiful so true god bless you father Mike
Father Mike, the sensitivity and accuracy with which you address these sensitive issues, not to mention the divine timing, is what makes you such a gift to all of us❤God Bless you for helping me to to maintain my Faith🙏 I know we're not supposed to put Faith in people but I have Faith in YOU 😇 (mostly Christ though 😅)
Thank you so much Fr Schmitz. May God bless you, all priests, religious and all those walking in Faith through Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wonderful message! Thank you Fr Mike.
Fr. MIKE,
You are an awesome instrument of God's Will.
You so Crack me up Sometime's . You give me a good laugh, love your sense of humor. Keep up the Great work and ThankYou, God Bless!
Ken Weber. N.J.
I was broken as a teenager. Grew up in the Philadelphia area and the scandals. Horrible situation when you lose faith in the people and Catholic Church I grew up in. I’m only getting back to Church now at 58. Fr. Mike was a big help, thank you.
This message is very true. I was burned by a church and I was disillusioned by the church yes. However it didn’t shake my belief in Jesus. This is not a boast but a testament to never put your faith in men because we all fall short. All means all, no matter who you are. It was God’s mercy that He showed me to not put my faith in men.
I was thinking 'Fr Mike will never know how much I needed to hear these words'...well, I've shared this now and I'm sure I speak for countless others. Thank you so very much for all you do Fr Mike.
We had to hear it Fr. Mike! 👏🏽 we had to hear it.
Thank you
Such a powerful message that I'm sure is pertinent to many.
It's very true Fr. Mike!! I like the verse you quoted from the Bible which says that we ought not put our hope in men or leaders but in God alone! Only God knows the deepest thoughts in our hearts so he can guide us by sending us different people in our lives. I'm praying for you Father that you continue your works with a dedicated heart in the salvation of many souls into God's kingdom. With warm regards and prayers 🙏🙏😊
It goes the same when clergy in the Church hierarchy, including the Pope. When a man of God errs from the faith then the faithful do not have to obey when the salvation the world is at stake. God comes first always!!!
I just had to put my 2cents in. Thank you Reverend Father.
Peace ✌️ out 👍
I put my faith in the Lord Jesus, I also believe in the good of my Priest, who convinced me to put my trust in Jesus,I needed his good advice to know God is all forgiving, and God will forgive my mistake confession was cathartic …..Love your videos Father Mike
Thank you Father!
This is truth and I’ve always told my kids , the only One you can trust is Jesus.
Thank you very much sir
The Lord bless you
This reflection is spiritual gold! The division grows among men, especially within the church. It drives people away. I get discouraged as well. A good friend shared similar wisdom when I was struggling, that my faith must be in Christ and the truth, not men, but now my friend has fallen in this same struggle. I hurt for him. We must be steadfast, rooted, vigilant, and guard our hearts from letting people weaken our faith and love for God! Thank you, Fr Mike, for all that you do and especially for the truth you speak! God bless you!