Is it Ever OK to Deny Christ?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Fr. Mike answers some hard questions from his #askfrmike inquirers, starting with a question about the controversial book and movie, “Silence”, wherein two renowned Portuguese priests travel to Japan and deny Christ to prevent the suffering of their parishioners. After telling the story, Fr. Mike says if we ever were placed in such a dire situation, the question would not be “What should I do?” but rather, “What is the right thing to do?” Fr. Mike clarifies, “To deny Jesus will always be the wrong thing to do.” Blaming someone for not denying Jesus, and thereby not preventing suffering, is a red herring because it distracts people from the ones truly causing the suffering, the actual torturers.
Answering another question from his viewers, Fr. Mike addresses the need to keep a healthy balance between caring for our bodies and caring for our souls. That means putting prayer and time with Jesus before working out.
Check out Fr. Mike’s newest project Quick Catholic Lessons with Fr. Mike (bit.ly/2PmpYzw), a feature-packed teacher’s guide designed to accompany Fr. Mike’s most popular videos, presented on a convenient DVD. Teachers, catechists, and youth ministers can supplement USCCB curriculum, prompt small-group discussion, and answer students’ questions easily and powerfully with this teacher’s guide and DVD.
Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:
Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (bit.ly/2vQgGRx)
Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (bit.ly/2nCKKLK)
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (bit.ly/2vG9KX2)
YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2raspVB)
Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension:
Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (bit.ly/2sKUnJN)
Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (bit.ly/2sYtQaW).
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I’m Japanese and I remember I learned as I was still young about that horrible frightening history about those faithful Japanese people at that time stepping on Jesus’ face and denying their faith in Him. It was a very shocking story and I felt so awful thinking about both those who felt so guilty but weak so had to deny and those who were so strong but they were tortured and killed at the end. There was even a very young girl who was asked to deny Jesus by some officials so then they would give her some delicious sweets yet she refused them saying, “No, I won’t deny Jesus and I don’t want the sweets (candy?) you are giving me because I can have as many as I want when I go to heaven!” Then this poor little girl was killed.
Then after I heard all of this, I was think to myself, “What would I do if I were there at that time??” I might have stepped on Jesus face because I am such a weak person especially when it comes to pain...
Anyway, Fr.Mike, thank you for sharing the answers and it was quite encouraging to hear you saying about “little actions of compromising to deny Jesus Christ” is so true!!! I have done that way too often because I was afraid of judgment by others. But now I became stronger and I think it is actually very important for Christians to tell and show the world, well, not that “I” would show the “world” as I am a president of the US or something, but it is crucial to keep doing what is right in the name of faith and Jesus Christ! I have to take much more courage and trust in Him and do what is right for Him for sure. I now don’t get shy to make the sign of the Cross and pray in public and say to people Jesus’ name or say about my Christian beliefs with certain level of confidence but of course, in the humble manner.
God bless!
🙏🏽✨🕊✝️♥️
Hi Jaime, I am a Singaporean Catholic and had the rare pleasure of visiting Nagasaki 2 years ago. I was profoundly moved by the visit - the shrines dedicated to the matyrs, the panels in the church depicting the history and trial of the hidden Catholics for more than a century and also the life of the Servant of God Takashi Nagai. It is extremely inspiring and strengthening. I can't imagine what it would be like one day to decide life or death over our Faith for ourselves and our family but I truly salute one of the Kyoto lady matyr who embraced death for herself and her child. Perhaps we need to remind ourselves that the matyrs of the early Church are not just a footnote of history but a reminder of the highest ideal we need to bring our Faith towards. But also, I do believe that if and when such occasions should arise, God would flood us with His Grace to help us bear witness IF we want to...... I would still pray never to be put to such a test though! :-)
I think maybe you are underestimating yourself. God gives us strength when we need it. Part of my prayers is the strength to die a great death. So, I pray basically if I’m ever put in that position, I will be able to never deny and be ready to die for my faith.
An analogy I once heard was your father doesn’t give you bus money two weeks before the bus, but when the bus is coming. Peace of Christ be with you.
I believe you would stand for Jesus any time and always. Why? You are here now standing for Him. You are strong because of Jesus.
(In case you ever get victimized to such a degree) I suggest to ceaselessly remind yourself of the eternal reward of enduring and eternal loss of giving up; either deny Christ to live a while, or stay faithful for the eternal hereafter with a heavenly ticket.
They made a movie about this. It’s called “Silence” its about The Japanese who are forced to deny their faith to God.
Please pray for me, I wouldn't normally ask for this but I need it. I have been secretly Christian for the past few years because my family are atheists and don't agree with religion. I can feel myself drifting away from Christ and I feel like it's probably because I'm trying to build a relationship with Him without any guidance. I'm so shy and weak, I feel like telling people I'm Christian would be like "coming out" which makes me so uncomfortable. I also struggle with practical stuff like reading the Bible because I believe I am going through depression (potentially caused by the distance I feel from God) and so I have lost all motivation to do anything. I pray every night but sometimes it feels like I'm just getting a chore out of the way. I pray that I am able to connect fully with the Lord in such a way that I don't feel I have to hide anymore.
I'm sorry you are feeling so alone and afraid to reveal your Christian faith. Catholicism has the fullness of the Christian faith and the grace of all the sacraments given to us by Jesus. I think it would help you to attend mass. Do you have a Catholic church nearby? You could also attend RCIA classes to learn more about the faith, meet other believers, and receive guidance and support. If you are Christian, you should become baptized. I will pray for you to be strengthened and consoled by God and that He will reveal His will for you. God bless you, and don't give up! You were made for Love and Truth!
Maybe sit in an empty cathedral. Just enjoy the beauty and quiet and pray in the church for yourself and by yourself.
I'll pray for you and your connection to faith in Gods timing
Do not worry
Stay strong
Many saints have gone through this,
Sit in front of Holy Eucharist n pour out your heart to Jesus , your life would turn around. He will take care of you.
If praying is difficult just keep calling out Jesus' name.
Dear Sophie, keep walking towards God. The closer you get the better you see and understand. Learn The Faith: watch Michael Voris on Church Militant, Sensus Fidelium, Taylor Marshall. Find a good solid Catholic priest and go to Mass. Get baptized, Confession and Holy Communion.
I'm praying for you also Sophie, I agree with the comment below about sitting in a quiet empty church, many Catholic churches have perpetual adoration chapels that are 24/7. When I am upset and facing a challenge I like to just go sit in the church. It feels like a warm hug from God. Stay strong!
This priest is a living Saint! Thank you, Father.
I like that. I can c him as the patron Saint of chastity
@Don't Care When has any Catholic or Christian ever prayed TO a Saint? Literally has never happened.
I would say he preaches saintly. The moment he actually acts on those high moral values in a situation of utter terror, I will call him a saint. I believe he means very well and I believe his convictions are solid but only if he stays true to them in an excruciating situation will we know that he's truly the man he wants to be.
tipofmytongue1024 how about prayers to mother Mary?
Hi, Cornelius.
Matthew 23:9 reads,
_No one else should carry the title of ‘Father’; you have only one Father, and he’s in heaven._
The Roman Catholic Church is a non-ecclesiastical, blasphemous cult. Throughout the millennia the Vatican have announced Bible-amending decretals, e.g. placing the first day ahead of the last and even declare the Pope(s) to be God. Here's but a shred of the countless proofs:
• www.ewtn.com/v/experts/showmessage_print.asp?number=386119&language=en
• th-cam.com/play/PLBG5R_6F0vfgWk7s8M7BVTg-ntIPNrCna.html
I was in college and always pray 🙏 and sign of the cross before meals . I always got laughed at. I will continue to pray before meals 🙏 it makes people smile 😊
I always thank the Lord for my meals.
I work in Pathology and I eat lunch at the same time two Muslim Men in Pathology take lunch.
We sit together and I pray. They respect my prayer & pause until I end.
Never do I deny my savior.
💗 ✝️
I will never deny my faith as a Roman Catholic... Thank You, Fr. Mike for all you do.
Hi, mczg.
Matthew 23:9 reads,
_No one else should carry the title of ‘Father’; you have only one Father, and he’s in heaven._
The Roman Catholic Church is a non-ecclesiastical, blasphemous cult. Throughout the millennia the Vatican have announced Bible-amending decretals, e.g. placing the first day ahead of the last and even declare the Pope(s) to be God. Here's but a shred of the countless proofs:
• www.ewtn.com/v/experts/showmessage_print.asp?number=386119&language=en
• th-cam.com/play/PLBG5R_6F0vfgWk7s8M7BVTg-ntIPNrCna.html
@@benireges The Catholic Church is the first, only and True Church , the faithful Bride of Christ. "Call no man 'Father ' is not to be taken literally, for Jesus and his Apostles called men 'father/s" afterwards. Only the Church is authorized to interpret holy Scripture, as St Peter said, "No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private interpretation....." Devil/diablo means "divider," which is what protestant doctrines do.
I can't imagine how can someone hate this enormously good person
I watched Silence and then read the book after. The movie follows the the book almost word for word, but it is one of those rare masterpieces in which the visual element and acting elevates the story and makes it much more complex. I had family members and friends that were scandalized by it, but for me it was deeply moving and like Fr. Mike puts it, an "examination of conscience." I don't believe that the message of the movie is that sometimes it is OK to deny Christ--that is a surface level interpretation that skips over the psychological agony the characters undergo, and also rejects the final scene (which was purely visual, and not in the book). The movie absolutely demolished my feeling that I could be strong under threat of suffering or death and proclaim Jesus as Lord. It made me realize that I deny Christ a hundred times every day. The scene where Christ talks to Fr. Rodrigues made me realize that indeed Christ DID come to save me and without Him I am absolutely nothing and will continue to deny Him in my actions or inactions. If anyone does watch the movie, I encourage you to meditate on it. Don't judge the characters; instead take a hard look at yourself. Peace
I hadn't considered how not crossing myself in public is denying Christ, it is compromise. Way to bring this answer full circle and pointing out our smaller opportunities to say I know Christ. Love the red herring point. Thanks!
The best commentary I've seen about the movie. It still baffles me some catholics think what those priests did was justifiable.
My dear Jesus, please never let me step on your face or deny you in any way. Help me to always keep my faith and help me to make it stronger.
Thank you, Father Mike, for your wonderful videos. You have helped me understand a lot of things.
❤️🙏🙏🙏
What that story didn't take into account is the key to becoming a saint, which is that Jesus gives you a supernatural strength. No man can embrace death otherwise. Every martyr's death is supernatural because it's a special calling, and God gives the means to fulfill it. No movie or book can portray it, but we don't need it! Just read the lives of the saints, starting with the Bible. Great video as always Fr. Mike, God bless you
When it comes to difficult decisions like this we should always try to keep in mind the words or our Lord Jesus Christ "If you deny me before men I will deny you before my father". God bless you Fr Mike
I am anEastern Orthodox Christian and somehow I found your videos on a suggested list ,to watch.
I have found your honest, down to Earth, frank messages very powerful and have given me strength to build on my Faith.
Keep up the great work and God bless you.
Thank God you gave the right answer! So many saints were in this very situation. It is a practice of evil men to kill people immediately after they have gotten them to deny Christ. We have the good example of even young children who stood fast under torture or threats. May God give us the graces we need if we ever do need them for such great trials and the graces we need daily for our small ones. Thank you, Father.
wow. finally my question is finally answered for so long in my mind. thank you Father. you are heaven sent
Great answer! I love your answers!!! I’m keeping you and Ascension Presents in my prayers. Please pray for my mom and brother who are sick. 😇
So cool! You know I got some non-denominational Christians and some agnostics to start listening to you! It was the Coffee at Mass one that won over the non-denominational - which is saying something.
But what exactly is wrong with non denominational???
It's just a church with no affiliation or any agenda... Why does it need any type of convincing
@@onliner10000 lol. Dude! There is absolutely nothing wrong with non denominational! Almost everyone I know is non denominational. I was trying to say, apparently badly, that it was great that Father Mike is such a good teacher that everyone can learn from him, regardless of denominational preference. I guess I wasn't clear. Sorry about that. Cheers
@@jpb9250 well thats fine. See im the opposite. I am a Catholic but the catholic church is just becoming a little too unrealistic for me. They are assuring me that saints are in heaven and was talking in great detail that they have specific jobs up there. And like, honestly, I was thinking "how do you know that? There is no possible way that you could know that. We don't know who is where in the afterlife, if there is one at all? I want to say that I am a Christian, i know that god has expectations about repenting and turning to christ and all, but sometimes I really wonder, "is this real?"
The Catholic church is also really becoming a very unrealistic place I feel like. We go in, sit, kneel, stand, recite scripted prayers, sit, kneel, stand and sing recited prayers in a very orderly fashion. It is honestly becoming kind of cringworthy.
If anything, i need a church that gets to the point, that cuts right to the chase, that has no agenda, and no polarization, that makes it very clear. I need a church that answers these questions. What does god REALLY expect from us? Is reciting the same ritualistic prayers and Catholic church songs and customs really the way? Why am I here? How can I be sure that I am doing what god want? How can I be sure I will go to heaven? What does it REALLY take? When priests glorify the saints, how can they be sure that they are really in heaven? Why can't we admit that we really don't know the answers to these questions?
Those questions ring in my head all the time. I don't feel like the catholic church is doing a great job of indulging my doubts and curiosities. Which is why I may join a non denominational
@@onliner10000 I hear you. I too am a Catholic, but I was Protestant, non-denominational, and I can tell you - from experience, that non-denominational has the same agendas and caveats as any other denomination of Christianity. What you are feeling, I have felt too - and still do on occasion. It's a restlessness. The thing with the saints... and the whole Mary thing gets on my nerves. I even made a video about it. But what you really want - if I am understanding you correctly, is to get back to the nitty and the gritty and get some questions answered! Parish priests, sorry to say, are only helpful to a point. You need the research! Get excited about spiritual questing! No church is going to have all the answers you need. Trust me, been to a lot of them and also did copious research into other religions as well. But the Catholic church has 2000 years of research available for perusal and also has the Eucharist. So win win. If you are worried about bias compare notes with Protestant theologians as well, even secular historians and think about it. Really think and Pray about it. You seem like an intelligent guy so - yeah, do the research and make up your own mind. Actually, I think that God wants us too. He doesn't want zombie followers.
Your biggest question seems to be: What does God really expect from you? Well, God is Love. What does love want? To be loved in return? Well that would be great but true love is not that selfish. True Love - God's Love only wants one thing - for that love to be accepted. If that requires research and questions to be answered (AS IT DID BIG TIME FOR ME) then that is great! Because, you know, True faith can only come from the Truth. Just saying.
If you want to talk more, which I would like as well, you can go to my channel or my blog, so that we don't hog up this one, and I can give you as many of the answers to your questions, well as far as I am able. Let's talk.
Wow, Fr Mike!! It broke my heart of the thought of denying Jesus and the poor ppl that couldn't take torture. I'm I greatful I'm not in their shoes. I will do the sign of the cross everywhere I eat. 😊
Reminds me of St. Thomas More. It is a brave thing to do and it takes immense Faith that will give one the grace and strength to keep focused on Jesus and not compromise:: not for anyone or anything. Lord, have mercy and protect us from the evil one, amen.
Good advice, Father. These things we are tested by are real, sometimes terrible.
I absolutely believed I needed to immediately confess to God and Jesus and The Holy Spirit when I choose to not make the sign of the cross in prayer in the company of people. So thank you.
#askfrmike
Dear Fr. Mike,
Thank you very much for providing accessible answers for our questions on faith. Your TH-cam channel, Ascension Presents, has been a blessing to me for the last few months and has led me to love and fervently seek for truth, goodness and beauty everyday.
With this, I would like to share a few questions I have been pondering upon. My mother, who is suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), had two miscarriages prior my birth. The said illness caused her to have a difficulty conceiving a child, which caused the 8-year gap between me and my older brother. Between those years also cause the two miscarriages. My mother went to novenas with the intercession of St. Jude Thaddeus for four years before I was conceived. A few months after I was born, my mother was pregnant again with my younger brother. It’s been more than 20 years since my mother’s miscarriages, and a few years ago I thought of naming my brothers/sisters who I didn’t have the chance of meeting. I chose unisex names for them, Glen and Robin. I pray and sometimes light candles for them. At some point I told my parents how unfortunate the miscarriages were. I could have had four siblings. My father told me that if either of my miscarried siblings were born, I would not have had the chance to live. I am truly grateful for my life, but I have some questions in mind that might help me understand God’s plans.
1. What happens to the souls of miscarried babies? Do they become angels?
2. Was it right for me name them and pray for their souls?
3. Being privileged to have life, what can I do to honor my miscarried siblings?
These are some of the questions I have in mind. Some of them are may be problematic in structure and I would be happy if you provide more logical questions to ponder upon or answers that will somehow enlighten my thoughts on these.
Thank you and God bless!
Just one little comment that you probably won't see: Thank you for answering these hard questions. Thanks for supporting us, especially the new Catholics like myself.
Thank you very much Father Mike Schmitz!
I saw the movie about one year ago and i was really struggeling with myself about what would be the right thing in this situatioh. Thank you so much for the clear and good answer!
Thank you Fr. Mike. I was also happy to hear what you said about working out. Every time I see a vid from Fr. Mike Schmitz I think in my head, does God want to say something to me today through it.
First like and view, wow I'm early today! God bless you Fr Mike!
Ya me too n I'm from India so I had to stay up till 2am to watch it first 😂😂
Great video Father 👍🏻
An evil action for a “good” cause is always a sin !
I’m not catholic but I love your videos. They often make me really think. That being said, I am Christian and never deny my faith. But this video has really made me take a look at how I express that to others. Thanks for another great video!
Thank you, Jesus loves you!
Thank you father 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 God bless you
This movie is very deep. Any catholic with guts should watch. Strong, harsh as it is, is a very important reflection on the faith we have today.
NO NO AND NO. I can't see ever doing that. Our eternal destiny hinges on whether or not we deny Christ. We deny him, then we end up in Hell period. I pray for people all the time that they will get to know Christ and that they will accept him into their lives. I pray at meals and at restaurants. I am not ashamed of my faith or of the cross and what Christ did for me. My Catholic friends and I from Church pray in all restaurants. We are quiet about it but we do it. I'm glad I do. God has provided that meal for me. Great video Father Mike!
“we cannot train in the area of compromise” 👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks for the word mike!
Father Mike...i have seen the video when it was released...i too was perplexed with the topic of the movie...but now i have got a good version of it from ur explanation...but more than that how you explained Abt the compromises we make in our daily lives really hit me hard and i m seriously thinking about to rectify it....praise God...thnks Fr Mike
Thanks from Argentina
One of my favorite parts of the week are when Fr. Mike videos come out!!
Well... look at Saint Peter. He denied Christ three times. I bet most of us have denied Christ in our lives. Our next step is to do what Peter did after that.
the question is on purpose
As Christ himself predicted. If he didn’t then Christ would not have been correct, and that’s not possible.
That is a very big point!
Great topic father Mike. Thanks for the post.
Thank you for this video Fr. Mike! It really puts things into perspective especially when it comes to my faith! I used to be too awkward to say grace before my lunch at work and within the last year I decided to get over that fear of what others staring or what they would think & I began to say it and now I have, even though it's only 1 sometimes 2 other co-workers saying it with me, it feels really good!!
This is a very powerful video! Thank you Ascension Presents and Fr. Mike
You are most welcome, Savina! God bless!
@@AscensionPresentsI liked your coffee mug.
thank you father for everything you have donw for me
I have only seen the movie Silence, so perhaps the book is different, but I think the most significant thing to me was that Father Rodrigues and Father Garupe would never have had to apostatize if they had kept their vow of obedience.
At the start of the movie they ask their superior to send them over and he denied their request. When he finally relents he is clear that nobody would follow to help them.
In their self will they set off. With their pride they felt they could save their mentor or do a better job.
Their disobedience led to their own dishonor and the Japanese Christians suffered greatly as well.
It is a beautiful illustration of how we don’t suddenly wind up in trouble, we make a series of poor choices which lead to the “oh no!” situations.
Thank you for speaking the Truth in Love.
When I was in Iraq (I enlisted in the Marines when I was 17, I turn 34 tomm.) I was told by my Gunny if I was captured, if I was forced to convert, he said I could always cross my fingers and he believed God would understand, and I could always ask for forgiveness once they got me back. I think it is easy to think that if we were in that position we would resist. Honestly, if I was captured, I think I would have converted, not to just protect myself, but also so I could hopefully escape and get help for my fellow Marines. I think unless this is a real possibility, it’s easy to judge.
Just bought the book on Audible. Thanks Fr Mike
He's a very likable Priest.
GREAT video Father!!! Thank you!!!
Never Deny Our Lord...deny Him and He will deny you in front of His Father
ooof I love how your videos challenge me to be better and not to conform to society, or do what is easiest 🙏🏼
I watched the movie right after watching this video and I completely agree with everything Father Mike said. Not only what the priests did were wrong, it was also the worst choice as a whole because their behavior weakened the process of convertion in Japan, making the Japanese strategy to get rid of Christianity successful. Father Rodrigues might have saved a few lives but how many were prevented to ever be saved, by that bad example, for eternal life, the one that really matters?
Thanks, Father Mike!
Cheers from Brazil
I absolutely love you Fr. Mike! I'm happy to know that I'm not alone in not remembering names but remember the lesson/point.
On one hand, I think I would welcome the opportunity to be a martyr. With that, I would likely be assured of Heaven. However, once those bamboo shoots are stuck under my fingernails, once the torture begins, how much courage would I have? How strong is my faith? I am a rather stubborn person but pain can be a deterrent to one's fortitude. Thank God we live in America instead of places where I would risk being tortured for practicing my faith.
(In case you ever get victimized to such a degree) I suggest to ceaselessly remind yourself of the eternal reward of enduring and eternal loss of giving up; either deny Christ to live a while, or stay faithful for the eternal hereafter with a heavenly ticket.
Vote Democrat and it's coming. They're talking about getting rid of tax exemptions for religions.
That movie really struck me. I didn't know what to that at the end.. I appreciate your discussion on it.
I'm interested in reading that book now, really enjoyed the video; and agreed with your answer.
I'm a Catechist at my local church and today at Alteration we talked about the mass/God, specifically how much do we value our relationship with him. Is he the #1 thing in our life?
Personally I've tried to make efforts, such as becoming a Catechist, going to church every Sunday, and of course prayer.
So that book you were talking about, made me question myself and my relationship with God. Is my relationship with him strong enough for me to lay my own life down, to say yes I believe, this is my faith; risking my life, would I do that? I want to say yes, of course. Yet I've never had to risk my life before; to be able to go to church, worship our Lord, be a catholic.Therefore, I'm reflecting more on what I did through the week, for example decisions I made, and asking myself, did I listen to God's call, was that morally correct.
Just rambling at this point, but again, thank you for this video! I enjoy your podcast on SoundCloud! Listen to it every week!
What they aren't remembering is that Martyrdom is an amazing blessing!! So if he didn't deny Christ and they killed those people... What a blessing! They're in heaven!
The video did not talk about this but the situation was a little more complex; in the movie (and book if I recall correctly), the people who were being tortured already had denied Christ by trampling on the image, so it would not be a good time to die for them. Would've been more merciful then to give them more time?
@@milanoforeva No, firstly because you can never commit a mortal sin such as apostasy to save another person's life. Secondly they are not going to be inspired to recant their apostasy through seeing Father's weakness, however they could by seeing his strength.
@@jessicawurm23 True. Good point.
Martydom is d surest way to skip purgatory,denial never an option.thanks Fr.great video
“I tell you the truth, Peter-this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Would love to hear more videos related to fitness/working out Fr. Mike, I think there are lots of hazy areas you could speak on!
thank you!
That was a really good answer to Silence!
I felt the same while I was seeing the movie and reading the book: "Wow, that's the kind of priest that I want to be! What a love for Jesus" and then... that end... it's so shakin... I remember being a few weeks after watching the movie thinking over it...
It seemed to me, that it was simply a movie that ends tragically, the bad guys win and the life of Fr. Rodriges remains so gray, and sad that it cannot be understood as a good choice...
In fact, there is a detail in the movie (it don't appears in the book) that I think it's quite interesting: the face of Jesus that it's shown many times, dissolves in the dark when the priest denies and it doesn't appears any more...
The true problem of the movie and the book is that presents that gray and sad life without Christ of the Fr. Rodrigues as the martyrdom of the weaks... and that's diabolical... as martyrdom is not a matter of strenght but of His grace in our weakness... I think that's the true mistake of the movie and the book!
That movie Silence is exactly what I thought of when I read the title of this video.
R.I.P Stan Lee
Also that question about the silence when the priest to either step on the face of Christ or to have people be killed
That honestly boggled me
So thank you father mike
Love this video...yes, I am condemned...however, Jesus didn't come to teach the perfect..he came for us sinners...being condemned is hard, but it will help me do the right thing next time..
Thanks...as always. Come to Spain for a visit. Hugs
Totally agree with you you the man
I own the movie. It's AMAZING. Portuguese Missionaries trying to find out about Fr. Ferreira, a revered Priest. It's just so, so great. I cannot do it justice.
When God tells us to be in good relations with everyone, what does that fully encompass? What if the bond ended in a way that’s really difficult to fix? Thank you SO much! #askfrmike
saw this Movie. and it is an eye opener..
Taking up your cross and following Christ, means that we are prepared to die for and with Him. It is a case of 'no longer I that liveth, but Christ that liveth in me'.
Ever since I was a kid, I was brought up, happy to and very comfortably do the Cross before I eat. After growing up, especially seeing how Catholics are attacked in the society, I was scared to do that in public. After I dis that, I felt really hurt, I cannot explain in words how I feel about that. So I went to confession and told myself never be afraid to do the Cross before eating in public ever again. If strangers hate me for me, I am ready. If my friends complain about that, I don't really need them to be my friends anymore.
Thanks father. My formation house just watched this movie and were asking ourselves this same question this week. You're analysis helps a ton. :)
WE deny him constantly but he keeps on trying to reach out to us. I need to eventually accept Christ, it is those that reject him even at death that will not be in the kingdom of heaven with him
Matthew 10:33 is what came to my mind when I saw the title of this video
Fr. Our catholic Church is founded on the blood of thousands of martyres who refused to deny Jesus or didn't feel ashamed of being Christian in what they spoke or how they conducted their lives in conformity with the Christian ethics.
Now, if we do not take this question seriously it imperils our eternal salvation.
Jesus says " don't worry about what to speak when you are faced with difficulties for my sake and Holy spirit would guide you " . With this assurance, let us march forward with the lamp of faith and oil of charity to meet the bride groom at the unexpected hour , declaring that we are Christians by our lives, words , deeds and even in our thoughts.
If the second greatest commandment is love, and doing something (even though you don’t REALLY believe it) that would help others, would it really be a sin? Like “sure I’ll step on it” but I’m your heart still truly, never denying Christ.
I'm glad I'm an atheist. I don't have to worry about is stuff. What a burden that must be. Instead of worrying about all of that stuff, I can focus on being the best person I can be and make the most of the life I've got. Worrying about what happens when you die is time wasted when you should be living the one life you've got.
RIP, Stan Lee... Thanks for all the memories.
Hi Father Mike! just found your Channel! Love it! Thanks a million. My TH-cam photo is me and My Mother in St. Paul, MN Cathedral. She just passed away. Im trying to get back to church! Thanks Again
Hi Fr Mike...Greetings from Ireland. :)
Hey fr. Can you do a video on divorce and what the church teaches about it and annulment please
Jesus said "Whoever denies me before others, I will deny them before my Father in heaven."
Is anyone taking the time to think about this "dilemma" from the point of view of the people that are about to be killed??
2:20, I find it interesting you brought that up. It sounds oddly similar to George Orwell's 1984, that was the most fear I got from that book. I want to grow closer to God, as close as I can on this mortal earth, but I am just not strong in my faith and so I feared that part because I know that if I were subject to similar practises, I would likely crumble, because I have almost no faith. Please pray for me, I am struggling to grow in faith.
You should definitely do a video on psychics, and how you feel about them.
Jesus said "Whoever denies me, I will deny that person in front of my Father"
Hi Fr. Mike, thanks for another great video. I was wondering if you do a video on the Catholic church' s stance on economic policy. It seems like people have mixed feelings on this, as John Paul II took a strong stance against communism and Pope Francis is anti-capitalism. I understand he has authority on moral issues, but it is established among most in this profession that free markets are the best economic systems. I respect him a lot, but this one is hard for me to wrap my head around.
Life is worth more than any Faith and worth saving more than any faith
You have always been given free will to choose
Silence. I love that film
#askfrmike I see the sincerity and passion in your videos about living taking your faith seriously and sharing it with the world but I still want to know more about how you can apply this in real life for us who live in a secular world where we have jobs and social pressures. I have struggles with faith and I don't see how I could talk about faith in an authentic way without it being shallow or out of character. The people around me are busy and concerned with other things, an opportunity to talk about such things is rare. How do we "evangelize" truly in an authentic and effective way?
Father please pray for me, and my enemies. Father my question is "why the church and priest ignore the real things happening in the world .... the shadow world n the invisible war?"
The first two minutes of this sounds exactly like me trying to describe anything I've ever read. Haha "China, no Japan. His name was....no....wait, it was....it doesn't matter...." 😂😂😂 #relatable
If you haven't seen Silence, watch it! The Japanese Jesuit who worked as the historian of the film will be my professor in my next semester. It is a film that really captures and challenges your faith.
#askfrmike How do I respond to other Christians who question the Catholic faith and the practices/traditions of the Church. Fr. Mike you're the best!
Study :) . Luckily, there are some good online catholic references you can use to answer specific questions. You can also ask at rcspirituality.com (ask a priest). You can read Catholic Christianity by Peter Kraft. I think you will find the same questions come up over and over. Study and prepare for those questions. I also encourage non Catholics to attend RCIA. There is so much misinformation about the Catholic faith that you can tell them to learn about the faith from Catholic teachers rather than from rumors and online nonsense. RCIA is a great forum for them to ask questions.
This is what I do. Hope this helps.
In the movie the Fr who became a buddhist, died and was incinerated but he never lost his faith in Christ, as it is revealed that he kept a crucifix in his hand while he was burnt in the buddhist ceremony.
No. Matthew 10:33 gives a clear-cut warning about what will happen to people who deny Him.
Did that include Peter?
Tom Andrews it would have included Peter, however, the only reason Peter was not denied was because he repented of his sins and obeyed the Lord’s commandments.
Jesus said “If you love Me, you will keep my Commandments.”
@@thecreativenerd3319 Great, so can someone deny Christ to save others from death then repent their sins and keep everybody happy?
Tom Andrews I am not sure. I would hope it wouldn’t come to this, but if I was involved in such a situation, I would have remained faithful, and encouraged my comrades to remain faithful. The reward of eternal life in the presence of Jesus is too great for a mere life on Earth.
@@thecreativenerd3319 So your reason is essentially selfish then? You're saying that the earthly lives and comfort of my friends on earth isn't worth risking my eternal reward in heaven?
'IAM a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for God. Had I a thousand lives, all these to Him shall I offer.” - last words of San Lorenzo Ruiz, first Filipino saint, before he was tortured to death and martyred by the Japanese
Would you please list the beach names in the comments or description box? Thank you!