I confessed last Tuesday and since then the devil has been tormenting my thoughts with sinful ideas. But the confession was so good that I am doing very well since then.
As much as I bemoan the internet, for me, it's brought me back to my Catholic Faith and Church by watching Fr. Mike Schmitz, Bishop Barron, Fr. Mark Mary and all of the Ascension Presents clergy and lay staff. I also appreciate the many Apologetics like Dr. Frank Turek and Dr. Lennox. How glorious God is in spreading the word in today's world. 😊😊😊
Same here! As well as Mother Angelica, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Jason and Crystalina Evert, Steubenville Conference Talks, ACatholicMom and LizzieAnswers!
Hannah Ja Oh my goodness, I love Lizzie Answers too! I can't help but to mimic her, I'm all..., "Hey guyyyys, it's Liiiizzzzie" lol. She's SO sweet! And she really knows the Bible - impressive!
This is so helpful to me! I'm 45 years old and not (yet!) married, and sometimes, I feel "left out" in the Church's focus on married couples (and, to a degree, younger single people). Yet I do still obviously have a calling to holiness! I just wish that the Church would speak more often to the *many, many* people in my age range and life situation! Thank you for doing so.
Same here, in my 50s and still single. Answering the question “why aren’t you married” used to be awkward. Now I simply respond from a kind place, “sounds like you have a reason for asking?” It makes people question their own reason for asking. As if being single in mid life is somehow an issue. It used to really bother me but it does not anymore. God‘s plan plays out in our lives differently. Choosing the vocation of love regardless of marital status seems to be a great path.
@@Onlinesully I have no calling to be a priest. The calling that I am referring to is the one I mentioned above in my comment. It is the same calling that all Catholics share-- the calling to holiness. We are *all called* to live holy lives, whether we are priests, or nuns, or married, or single.
Natalia Marcondes My sweet Natalia, thank you my friend 💗. I put your name in my phone so I remember to pray for you too, Sweet Girl! I love to sit in quiet prayer during Adoration so know you'll be especially prayed for this Friday too!! XoXo
I am struggling with my faith and feel like I am going in and out of love and faith to God. Those who read this, pray for me that I may understand what God wants for me and live a life of faith :)
@Gangari TheWanderer discernment is a smaller and less essential teaching to our faith to the point I think confusion and disagreement on it does not ruin our unity or core values. I think all 3 different opinions on discernment are right to an extent. For some, they will just know. For others, might not be as clear but they can only so their best to do good. For all, no guidance can be very dangerous and can aid in the road towards damnation. I don't believe the church abandoned the laity. The laity make a big portion of the church, and members of the church are human and therefore make mistakes and also vary in talents and thoughts, so disagreement on a topic that is not a core issue is normal and understandable.
Hi, As a new dad who changes ALOT of dirty diapers, in all things pray. Offer up the little sufferings, like poopy diapers up as a prayer. Then wash your hands... and pray in that too. Keep the Catholic messages coming FR Mike. Love em. God bless big guy! Jon
This is so inspiring. I’ve always thought my vocation was the priesthood, and I still believe it is. But over the past few months I’ve been having challenges with my faith because I got accused of something I was not involved in, and my Rector asked my bishop to withdraw me. All seems lost now, but I still have faith that God will make a way for me to serve him in the ministerial priesthood. In the meantime, I’ll follow your advice and pursue the immediate vocation of virtue. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
I was accused at my church for something i was innocent of, but my accusers eventually were relieved from their church duties a couple years after. I just prayed and continued to live life with faith in God.
I had a recognition of how i was stumbling and falling away due to not cutting out my obstacles so after confession my preist was even like hows your prayer life i said since this obstacle i have felt so ashamed to even touch the rosary my obstacle is lust so i need prayer please pray for me that i grow in chastity and patience thanks and just wanna say its super cool how i really needed to hear this thank you Father Mike your so helpful every word i related to in every way
Natalia Marcondes I have the same problem as you, we need to be more consistent with our prayers, be around good company, avoid being alone and avoid temptations , I know there’s sometimes that we may think that our prayers and everything we do is useless but this changes usually take a lot of time so we need to keep the faith, be patient and let Jesus work in us. God bless you 😊
Joachim Zachary oh my gosh! thank u yes i did watch that same video of fr don just forgot the words its true tho your words gave me so much hope! last night i went mass there was a big painting of st maria goretti and a statue of our lady and i just bawled as if a child seeing her family and i was filled with some hope again. Thank you so much you should be a preist😁 lol im also going to the first friday saturday masses im hoping for a miracle tnite this lust has crawled into my life exactly as u say as a snake so please pray i have the strength to lift the rosary for our lady to crush satans head and im praying for zeal and ferver again rather then giving up that ill never change God bless you thank you my brother in Christ
Joachim Zachary God bless u brother again i needed to hear this cuz im battling today i just keep thinking how could i do this after all Jesus has done....i know what u mean with the prodigal son but how many times do we have to fall until this is buried once for all i need a resurrection here i fear ill do it again and i dunno this gut wrenching pain over what i did.... what graces i lost... how did you keep getting back up to keep going to the sacraments frequently? Because that in itself is a grace i feel sick to my stomach to even lift my hands be an alter of God the Holy one in the Eucharist how can He entrust Himself to me after what i did i feel like hiding
Benjamin Flynn thank u so much thank u for reaching out to tell me this cuz i feel ashamed thank u for prayer as well i need it cuz although i confessed it in confession im still feeling the shame
This helped me a lot. I've been decerning my vocation with so much pressure, feeling as if I must make the right decision and if not I am failing God. But to be a virtuous person first, is to asses who you are as a child of God; that role comes before whatever you are on earth such as a parent or religious devotee. It's such good advice because everything makes sense now- take it step by step. I struggle most with patience; its just been part of my personality since I was a child. It's not that I have bad intentions, I just like a fast-paced life and mentally move fast so it frustrates me when life doesn't move at the same pace. I need to stop asking God when my blessing will come and start being thankful in the moment for the blessings I'm living right now, being happy that I have them at all. Thank you for this video, Father. For about a year I have been stressed about what God wants me to be but this just gave me so much clarity and took a huge weight off my chest. Thank you so much God bless you.
Funny thing: as Father starts talking about being a saint humorously I thought to myself "the only thing I'm good at is going to confession"... the first example he gave was going to confession. Then, right before he mentioned virtues to focus on I was having a spat of road rage and right during that spat he first mentions the virtue of gentleness.
AMEN, Father Mike. And a Saint is a sinner who keeps trying to do God's Will! THANK YOU LORD for the Saints who went before us, those canonized and those that will never be canonized. Thank you for letting us have their example in our life.
Thank you so much for this message ☺️ I really needed to hear once again the huge importance that prayer has in our lives as Christians. Also, about God's will for us to be saints. I have been asking Jesus about these things lately. This is a very practical video. I decided to apply it from this moment on. God bless 🤗
God wants to you be a saint 1. Say yes to God (opportunities that appear in life) 2. Say no to things that you're already now they're obstacles to God 3. Choose a virtue - what is one thing in your life that you need to work out (per week) 4. Pray, pray, pray, pray
I think this must be the best video I have even seen on vocations.... Having struggled my whole life with discernment of vocation the message here absolutely rings true with what I have painstakingly come to sense from deep within - God simply needs me to be holy now, today - that is really the only thing that matters! And if He wants to reveal some "major plan" or decision at some point - He will. THANK YOU for laying this out so clear and confirming something I and probably many, many more needed to hear!
I thought this is the way of life (holy)everybody should strive for? My god wants me to be happy and live a fulfilling life, but devil wants to abuse and hurt me and on this plain he is winning, but God gives me strength and not break.
AMEN. Someone told me once and it resonated within me, if you can't strive to be a Saint WHERE you are, in the place where GOD has placed you NOW...you won't be a Saint anywhere.
The Lord has lead me down many different paths. Redemptorist Seminary, life as a Capuchin. Married life of 17 years with 2 kids. Now I am discerning the Permanent Diaconate after turning away in regret for leaving the Capuchins for many years. I have learned why God called me out, gave me the most supportive wife any man could possibly have. He did this for my benefit so I can fall into the vocation He wants for me. A married father of 2 who serves the Church as a Deacon. I'll be praying for all of you discerning and ask you to storm the gates of Heaven for me as well! Pax et Bonum!
Thankyou father Mike for those words. I think the world needs someone like Fr Mike who can lead people by explaining the god's will in a simple yet impactful manner. Today's generation needs to be taught in this way. Thankyou
Having spent some years for a third order to join, I only recently joined the Dominicans, being the only thing in my life so far I am absolutely 100% certain I am called to (praise be to God for this). For a long time I couldn't understand why God was so slow in answering my ardent prayers on vocation and purpose, but I came to understand why - it had to happen in GOD'S time, not mine. HIS timing is right. So I am happy, even at 38 years old now - knowing that He answers when and where He wishes, for our sake and His purpose. I came to understand the same thing Fr. Mike says here, that our no. 1 vocation is to be holy HERE AND NOW - and then all else will fall into place! God will reveal what needs to be revealed. To be holy is to be in His presence, so in that way we will always be where we are supposed to be! I no longer need "the big plan laid out" - I KNOW now that I am simply to say "here I am, Lord" - and HE will lead me - it is not I who do the work, but Him - in His time. This has given me the peace of mind and rest I needed so badly - I am no longer "anxious" about all these things. God will answer in His time - and He actually answers every day by wanting to live in communion with us by us simply being near Him. (An add-on to my comment below.)
I love the suggestion to think about what does my Yes to God look like right now? And, to pick a specific virtue to work on weekly. Very useful reflections! Amen! I need this! And I love your humor, Father Mike! :)
I think there needs to be more said about single life in the Church in general. (I know it's not a vocation - unless you're 100% committed to it, but...). This was great because Fr talks about how we need to be HOLY, VIRTUOUS, SAINTS in whatever walk of life we are in, and that this is possible whilst being single (of course it is). Everybody is single at some point in their lives....one may be married for 20 years and then a widow for 40...and would we say since that person is not living in a particular vocation, she has somehow missed her vocation? Quick...get married again...make some commitment...no...but then we hear people say that once we get to a certain age when we've never been married that somehow we've missed our vocations. This is possible. We have a choice and we can say no or miss hearing it if we don't pray enough. But some of us have tried a vocation to the religious life (perhaps more than once) and tried dating, but nothing ever seems to work out. I for one don't worry about this, but it does frustrate me to hear people who found their vocations easily saying that others missed theirs and that it's harder to be holy without it. This may be true but it's not necessarily! We strive to do the will of God and not to be constantly longing for marriage in a way that takes away from the present. We have to do God's will NOW, not wait to do it when (if) we start living in a vocation. I believe there needs to be more said about SINGLE LIFE (for older people and people who will likely live that way all their lives or a good chunk of it).
I agree. Also the cultural reality makes it so that young people on average will be single for longer periods of time. We have to learn to live in the now, too.
I agree too. I´m a single man in the Church. And the Church has not much to offer to singles. That´s sad, because more and more people are singles, specially in the cities. Not all of them choose it voluntarely to be singles. For me Jordan Peterson became a Mentor figure. Although he is not perfect catholic or even christian. But he says many true and important things about responsibiliy and meaning in life. I would appreciate to have more guidance inside the Church.
Out of all of your video's Father, this is the first time I've felt genuinely blessed by one. Thank you. ...I've been struggling to know my vocation for a long time now and this past year feeling greatly discouraged; you may think you are pointing out the obvious, but never underestimate the power of encouragement. Most people seem to be on the bandwagon of beating others with the rod of correction (wounds of love right? yet they never remain with the person to "suffer with" as Christ asks - we are very careless with our help I think) ..but how many people are building up the church with words of encouragement? A little goes a long way.
I’m a senior in Highschool and honestly this channel has been such a blessing in my life and journey as a Catholic. I teach religious Ed for 1st grade as well, so it helps me have answers for difficult questions my students ask. This channel helps me sort my priorities better and keep my focus on faith. Thank you 😊
We can't be perfect right, only God is perfect. However, and obviously in contradiction to my prior sentence, what our perfection is, is fully becoming what God wants us to become.
“The only goal worth pursuing is to be a saint.” Thank you @frmikeschmitz for your faith-filled message. I will continue to live a virtuous life as a loving and faithful husband and father according to God’s will. God bless you in your ministry!
"Offering guidance and support for those navigating the journey of finding their true calling, reminding us that the path to purpose is unique for each individual."
Thank you, Fr. Mike. Timely, as usual. That's a good realization from that guy you were talking about: being virtuous. Something I myself need to work on. We're all called to be saints. The one vocation everyone shares in common.
Thanks, Fr. Mike. I can sort of relate to this. When I entered the convent, I literally gave up everything as I was so sure I wanted to be a nun. When I got out after 11 months, I was in a state of confusion, finding myself asking God what He really wants from me.
Of course...make time for CHRIST JESUS IN PRAYERS...TO DISCERN HIS WILL...TO LIVE CHASTITY, CELIBACY, OBEDOECE & POVERTY REGARDLESS. OF COURSE THE GRACE OF GOD WILL CAPTIVATE YOU TO KNOW THERE IS NO OTHER OR MIDDLE GROUND IN RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. HE IS MY REAL DEAL NONE OTHERS...AMEN!! THANK YOU FATHER FOR HELPING THE WORLD TO SEE CHRIST JESUS THE SOURCE OF LOVE.
Hi Mike. I seriously was told I was nonverbal converted by Catholics as black before. This makes so much sense to me. Spirit has no race or book of faith. Amen.
We aren't exactly afraid of making decisions, Father Mike, we are terrified of userping God's place in our lives- so much so that it actively prohibits us from doing as He commands. The obstacle to holiness in these cases is *humility*, and it *should* be an obstacle at that. Better by far to be humble than to make it to Heaven at that, infinitely better altogether to negate all decision-making than to make a decision and thus become our own 'god'; best of all to do away with the mere *idea* of "god" at all, to have no God, to let the place not exist, that way one cannot userp His throne, as it becomes impossible thus to do so... due to His throne not existing.
Right now my yes is to God is taking my children to church consistently and being a peaceful wife and mother as I also work on my skills for a vocation that I know God has pointed out to me.
Dear father mike Thanks so much for this video it really helped at my mature age of 57 Your inspiration to live a single life consecrated to god was just what I was looking for but could not put my finger on it I know what I was meant to do ❤️
The way Fr. Schmitz portrays these ideas is scarily similar to how I think about these kinds of things.. I guess that's a very good thing. Praise be to God
Just graduated college, 25 and moved to South Korea. I had a job offer that I took and now i realize it’s not anything that they said it would be. I feel so underprepared for life and feel abandoned. But like the video said, just trust in God and move forward.
It's true..and it's not boring at all. Almighty father, I am planning to start technical writer course, although I am a computer Science engineer. But after a break of 8yrs I feel this will be better for me. But, may your will and not mine be done. I wanted to be a nun...when I was like 4-5. Yes...he wants me to be virtuous. God, give me the strength to pull the trigger. St. Michael I need you right now.
Started seeing emails from Ascension and I would ignore them but today I took the opportunity to open the email and follow the links to a few of the videos. I am glad I did.
This really helped me find a steady starting point. I am in high school now and, as everyone knows, one of the most common questions I'm asked (most often by myself) is: What will I be when I grow up? And the truthful answer (for now) is I don't know. So, for now, I'm just going to explore my options, take little steps, and work on myself and growing in the faith. I really liked the idea of working on a specific virtue each week, but I think I'm going to change it to a virtue for each month so that it's easier for me to keep up with it. I hope whoever is reading this has a wonderful day :)
To what extent, I wonder, do we also obsess about the unknown as a way to avoid or escape the present. Of course, we know not the hour, so my fantasies and fears of the future end up often being a disconnect with the beautiful, adventurous life in front of us, waiting for us to wrestle with faith and virtue. Thanks, Fr. Mike!
This video is so good. I was struggling these days because i don't know what to study after plus two and my parents kept asking me. But now I'm confident coz my greatest wish is to become a saint, like u said, nd i don't need a degree certificate / good job for that. All i need is to love all & do some virtue. Thank you Fr. Mike & THANK GOD💖
This is an important message, as so so many Catholics waaayyyy overspiritualize discernment. Ultimately, God wants us to be holy, as he is holy. It’s not that God doesn’t have a “plan” for our lives; but, I have seen so many people fretting over things like, “should I be a plumber, or a computer specialist?” Be practical, know what your own strengths and weaknesses are, and take that leap of faith. The same with discerning marriage or the priesthood/religious life. If you feel inclined to the latter, make the effort to actually talk to a vocations director, be it for your own diocese or for a religious community that interests you; if it is the former, be bold and risk rejection by asking that person out (and, for those being asked out, be open, and have your expectations and standards grounded in reality, as far too few younger Catholics today seem to).
Many Blessings, Father! Just wanted to say a big thanks to you. All these videos you make have helped me a lot in building my spiritual life and I'm sure, there's even more to come. Your explanations on different subjects are very profound, yet they are also reasonable and fulfilling. Watching this show I've decided to convert, so next Easter season I'm fully in =) Again, push forward, father! God Bless!
Amen. Fr. Benedict Joseph Groeschel said 'yes,' to God. He kept it 'real.' Everyone knows he had a type of 'Alzheimer' problem at the end of his life. It's a shame that something he said rather bluntly and without tact, when clarified, is sorrowful & true let some look down on him. It doesn't take away from his life long saying 'yes' to God. It seems most of the good I do in life is prayer. Please pray for me.
I say yes to God. Signing up for RCIA. Pray for me :)
I will pray for you indefinitely! Welcome home!
Nice Zoe!! when you say yes to God he gives you more than you ever expected God bless:)
St. Raphael will accompany you.
You go girl!
Definitely praying, Zoe!!
It is not the channel I watch the most but probably the channel I need the most.
Is that an inadvertent comparison between Father Mike and Batman?
Chris Tully now that you mention it, I don't think anyone has ever seen Father Mike and Batman in the same room....🤔🤔🤔🤔
NO! it is not the channel you need the most! Felix C? for it is just more r c lies?
@@DualFrodo NO!
but you are NOT!@@precisi0n86 ? as a lost roman catholic who is still a pagan!
It's scary how these always seem to speak about where I am in my life. God works in pretty neat ways.
agreee !
Same like right now!
Amen
It isn't scary when you get used to it! Always amazing though.
@Andrew Moneypenny Amen. HALLELUJAH
I confessed last Tuesday and since then the devil has been tormenting my thoughts with sinful ideas. But the confession was so good that I am doing very well since then.
Bulbin
Interesting.
Pray to Saint Michael prayer every time before you go to confession. AMEN.
Every time you are temped to sin, just do the sign of the cross and remember Christ's Passion and ask Our Lady for help. This helps me everytime
Read about desolation and consolation from st ignatius. Bad spirits desolate you when you are on God's path
@@rottveil6027 Ask Jesus for help or our father.
As much as I bemoan the internet, for me, it's brought me back to my Catholic Faith and Church by watching Fr. Mike Schmitz, Bishop Barron, Fr. Mark Mary and all of the Ascension Presents clergy and lay staff. I also appreciate the many Apologetics like Dr. Frank Turek and Dr. Lennox. How glorious God is in spreading the word in today's world. 😊😊😊
Eileen D wow what you wrote here is exactly the same as me!!!!
Same here! As well as Mother Angelica, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Jason and Crystalina Evert, Steubenville Conference Talks, ACatholicMom and LizzieAnswers!
The Internet, espacially youtube brought me to a Interest for my catholic Faith and now I am in :).
Happy for you. Thank God for the internet!
Hannah Ja Oh my goodness, I love Lizzie Answers too! I can't help but to mimic her, I'm all..., "Hey guyyyys, it's Liiiizzzzie" lol. She's SO sweet! And she really knows the Bible - impressive!
This is so helpful to me! I'm 45 years old and not (yet!) married, and sometimes, I feel "left out" in the Church's focus on married couples (and, to a degree, younger single people). Yet I do still obviously have a calling to holiness! I just wish that the Church would speak more often to the *many, many* people in my age range and life situation! Thank you for doing so.
christianman73
What calling are you referring to ? Are you thinking to become a priest ?
Same here, in my 50s and still single. Answering the question “why aren’t you married” used to be awkward. Now I simply respond from a kind place, “sounds like you have a reason for asking?” It makes people question their own reason for asking. As if being single in mid life is somehow an issue. It used to really bother me but it does not anymore. God‘s plan plays out in our lives differently. Choosing the vocation of love regardless of marital status seems to be a great path.
@@Onlinesully I have no calling to be a priest. The calling that I am referring to is the one I mentioned above in my comment. It is the same calling that all Catholics share-- the calling to holiness. We are *all called* to live holy lives, whether we are priests, or nuns, or married, or single.
christianman73
I see, that's lovely
Elizabeth Elliot.
Hi Everyone! Remember, all things are possible through Jesus 💗.
Eileen D thank u hi eileen
Not getting through the DMV in a reasonable amount of time.
Natalia Marcondes Hi Natalia!!
Eileen D i hope your well its first friday coming up!! Ill be praying for u
Natalia Marcondes My sweet Natalia, thank you my friend 💗. I put your name in my phone so I remember to pray for you too, Sweet Girl! I love to sit in quiet prayer during Adoration so know you'll be especially prayed for this Friday too!! XoXo
I am struggling with my faith and feel like I am going in and out of love and faith to God. Those who read this, pray for me that I may understand what God wants for me and live a life of faith :)
"Ever since discernment became popular no one's made a decision"
Legit.
@Gangari TheWanderer discernment is a smaller and less essential teaching to our faith to the point I think confusion and disagreement on it does not ruin our unity or core values.
I think all 3 different opinions on discernment are right to an extent. For some, they will just know. For others, might not be as clear but they can only so their best to do good. For all, no guidance can be very dangerous and can aid in the road towards damnation.
I don't believe the church abandoned the laity. The laity make a big portion of the church, and members of the church are human and therefore make mistakes and also vary in talents and thoughts, so disagreement on a topic that is not a core issue is normal and understandable.
Hi, As a new dad who changes ALOT of dirty diapers, in all things pray. Offer up the little sufferings, like poopy diapers up as a prayer. Then wash your hands... and pray in that too.
Keep the Catholic messages coming FR Mike. Love em.
God bless big guy!
Jon
1) choose a virtue and work on it
2) pray
This is so inspiring. I’ve always thought my vocation was the priesthood, and I still believe it is. But over the past few months I’ve been having challenges with my faith because I got accused of something I was not involved in, and my Rector asked my bishop to withdraw me. All seems lost now, but I still have faith that God will make a way for me to serve him in the ministerial priesthood. In the meantime, I’ll follow your advice and pursue the immediate vocation of virtue. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
I was accused at my church for something i was innocent of, but my accusers eventually were relieved from their church duties a couple years after. I just prayed and continued to live life with faith in God.
It's ben four years what happened did you become a priest?
@@jonnystanley8720 I did not. I was rejected. Now en route to the bar.
@@JoelSamso what’s been going on now? What’s your vocation
Are you okay?
I had a recognition of how i was stumbling and falling away due to not cutting out my obstacles so after confession my preist was even like hows your prayer life i said since this obstacle i have felt so ashamed to even touch the rosary my obstacle is lust so i need prayer please pray for me that i grow in chastity and patience thanks and just wanna say its super cool how i really needed to hear this thank you Father Mike your so helpful every word i related to in every way
I'll pray for you, Natalia. Maybe you can pray for me, too.
Natalia Marcondes I have the same problem as you, we need to be more consistent with our prayers, be around good company, avoid being alone and avoid temptations , I know there’s sometimes that we may think that our prayers and everything we do is useless but this changes usually take a lot of time so we need to keep the faith, be patient and let Jesus work in us. God bless you 😊
Joachim Zachary oh my gosh! thank u yes i did watch that same video of fr don just forgot the words its true tho your words gave me so much hope! last night i went mass there was a big painting of st maria goretti and a statue of our lady and i just bawled as if a child seeing her family and i was filled with some hope again. Thank you so much you should be a preist😁 lol im also going to the first friday saturday masses im hoping for a miracle tnite this lust has crawled into my life exactly as u say as a snake so please pray i have the strength to lift the rosary for our lady to crush satans head and im praying for zeal and ferver again rather then giving up that ill never change
God bless you thank you my brother in Christ
Joachim Zachary God bless u brother again i needed to hear this cuz im battling today i just keep thinking how could i do this after all Jesus has done....i know what u mean with the prodigal son but how many times do we have to fall until this is buried once for all i need a resurrection here i fear ill do it again and i dunno this gut wrenching pain over what i did.... what graces i lost... how did you keep getting back up to keep going to the sacraments frequently? Because that in itself is a grace i feel sick to my stomach to even lift my hands be an alter of God the Holy one in the Eucharist how can He entrust Himself to me after what i did i feel like hiding
Benjamin Flynn thank u so much thank u for reaching out to tell me this cuz i feel ashamed thank u for prayer as well i need it cuz although i confessed it in confession im still feeling the shame
This helped me a lot. I've been decerning my vocation with so much pressure, feeling as if I must make the right decision and if not I am failing God. But to be a virtuous person first, is to asses who you are as a child of God; that role comes before whatever you are on earth such as a parent or religious devotee. It's such good advice because everything makes sense now- take it step by step. I struggle most with patience; its just been part of my personality since I was a child. It's not that I have bad intentions, I just like a fast-paced life and mentally move fast so it frustrates me when life doesn't move at the same pace. I need to stop asking God when my blessing will come and start being thankful in the moment for the blessings I'm living right now, being happy that I have them at all. Thank you for this video, Father. For about a year I have been stressed about what God wants me to be but this just gave me so much clarity and took a huge weight off my chest. Thank you so much God bless you.
Funny thing: as Father starts talking about being a saint humorously I thought to myself "the only thing I'm good at is going to confession"... the first example he gave was going to confession. Then, right before he mentioned virtues to focus on I was having a spat of road rage and right during that spat he first mentions the virtue of gentleness.
Thank you Father Mike. This channel has been a huge help to me in my conversion from Protestantism.
That was odd i literally have been asking God what he wanted me to be, and here i am
Gents
I find it very distracting the way this is portrayed.
Surely we need to make up our own minds what we want to do.
AMEN, Father Mike. And a Saint is a sinner who keeps trying to do God's Will! THANK YOU LORD for the Saints who went before us, those canonized and those that will never be canonized. Thank you for letting us have their example in our life.
Thank you so much for this message ☺️ I really needed to hear once again the huge importance that prayer has in our lives as Christians. Also, about God's will for us to be saints. I have been asking Jesus about these things lately. This is a very practical video. I decided to apply it from this moment on. God bless 🤗
I need to work on many virtues. I pray that we all say yes to God.
God wants to you be a saint
1. Say yes to God (opportunities that appear in life)
2. Say no to things that you're already now they're obstacles to God
3. Choose a virtue - what is one thing in your life that you need to work out (per week)
4. Pray, pray, pray, pray
I think this must be the best video I have even seen on vocations.... Having struggled my whole life with discernment of vocation the message here absolutely rings true with what I have painstakingly come to sense from deep within - God simply needs me to be holy now, today - that is really the only thing that matters! And if He wants to reveal some "major plan" or decision at some point - He will. THANK YOU for laying this out so clear and confirming something I and probably many, many more needed to hear!
Indeed!👌
I thought this is the way of life (holy)everybody should strive for? My god wants me to be happy and live a fulfilling life, but devil wants to abuse and hurt me and on this plain he is winning, but God gives me strength and not break.
AMEN. Someone told me once and it resonated within me, if you can't strive to be a Saint WHERE you are, in the place where GOD has placed you NOW...you won't be a Saint anywhere.
Thanks, Father Mike. In this complicated world, you remind us how easy it is.
The Lord has lead me down many different paths. Redemptorist Seminary, life as a Capuchin. Married life of 17 years with 2 kids. Now I am discerning the Permanent Diaconate after turning away in regret for leaving the Capuchins for many years. I have learned why God called me out, gave me the most supportive wife any man could possibly have. He did this for my benefit so I can fall into the vocation He wants for me. A married father of 2 who serves the Church as a Deacon. I'll be praying for all of you discerning and ask you to storm the gates of Heaven for me as well! Pax et Bonum!
Thankyou father Mike for those words. I think the world needs someone like Fr Mike who can lead people by explaining the god's will in a simple yet impactful manner. Today's generation needs to be taught in this way. Thankyou
Having spent some years for a third order to join, I only recently joined the Dominicans, being the only thing in my life so far I am absolutely 100% certain I am called to (praise be to God for this). For a long time I couldn't understand why God was so slow in answering my ardent prayers on vocation and purpose, but I came to understand why - it had to happen in GOD'S time, not mine. HIS timing is right. So I am happy, even at 38 years old now - knowing that He answers when and where He wishes, for our sake and His purpose. I came to understand the same thing Fr. Mike says here, that our no. 1 vocation is to be holy HERE AND NOW - and then all else will fall into place! God will reveal what needs to be revealed. To be holy is to be in His presence, so in that way we will always be where we are supposed to be! I no longer need "the big plan laid out" - I KNOW now that I am simply to say "here I am, Lord" - and HE will lead me - it is not I who do the work, but Him - in His time. This has given me the peace of mind and rest I needed so badly - I am no longer "anxious" about all these things. God will answer in His time - and He actually answers every day by wanting to live in communion with us by us simply being near Him. (An add-on to my comment below.)
I am in the midst of making one of those bigger life decisions and this advice is very timely for me.
God is on YOUR side!
Amen 🙏
Amazing. Thank you, Father.
"if we wait until we are perfect to do anything we will do nothing!" Don't remember who this but wasn't me.
'I am NOT God Almighty YET but I keep trying.' From an Old Friend.
I love the suggestion to think about what does my Yes to God look like right now? And, to pick a specific virtue to work on weekly. Very useful reflections! Amen! I need this! And I love your humor, Father Mike! :)
I think there needs to be more said about single life in the Church in general. (I know it's not a vocation - unless you're 100% committed to it, but...). This was great because Fr talks about how we need to be HOLY, VIRTUOUS, SAINTS in whatever walk of life we are in, and that this is possible whilst being single (of course it is). Everybody is single at some point in their lives....one may be married for 20 years and then a widow for 40...and would we say since that person is not living in a particular vocation, she has somehow missed her vocation? Quick...get married again...make some commitment...no...but then we hear people say that once we get to a certain age when we've never been married that somehow we've missed our vocations. This is possible. We have a choice and we can say no or miss hearing it if we don't pray enough. But some of us have tried a vocation to the religious life (perhaps more than once) and tried dating, but nothing ever seems to work out. I for one don't worry about this, but it does frustrate me to hear people who found their vocations easily saying that others missed theirs and that it's harder to be holy without it. This may be true but it's not necessarily! We strive to do the will of God and not to be constantly longing for marriage in a way that takes away from the present. We have to do God's will NOW, not wait to do it when (if) we start living in a vocation. I believe there needs to be more said about SINGLE LIFE (for older people and people who will likely live that way all their lives or a good chunk of it).
I agree. Also the cultural reality makes it so that young people on average will be single for longer periods of time. We have to learn to live in the now, too.
I agree too. I´m a single man in the Church. And the Church has not much to offer to singles. That´s sad, because more and more people are singles, specially in the cities. Not all of them choose it voluntarely to be singles. For me Jordan Peterson became a Mentor figure. Although he is not perfect catholic or even christian. But he says many true and important things about responsibiliy and meaning in life. I would appreciate to have more guidance inside the Church.
Clazza Maree relax and pray Jesus son of God will answer. Stop thinking in circles, hurting yourself.
Amen. Thanks for your very wise post.
Consider a lay missionary vocation
I like that p pic of virtue and study it for a week. Excellent . thanks
Thank God we have good priests like you
Out of all of your video's Father, this is the first time I've felt genuinely blessed by one. Thank you. ...I've been struggling to know my vocation for a long time now and this past year feeling greatly discouraged; you may think you are pointing out the obvious, but never underestimate the power of encouragement. Most people seem to be on the bandwagon of beating others with the rod of correction (wounds of love right? yet they never remain with the person to "suffer with" as Christ asks - we are very careless with our help I think) ..but how many people are building up the church with words of encouragement? A little goes a long way.
All im gonna say is that ,your personality is perfect.
I’m a senior in Highschool and honestly this channel has been such a blessing in my life and journey as a Catholic. I teach religious Ed for 1st grade as well, so it helps me have answers for difficult questions my students ask. This channel helps me sort my priorities better and keep my focus on faith. Thank you 😊
Thank you. I’m converting to Catholicism and you’re doing great work and helping me! God Bless You 🙏🏼
We can't be perfect right, only God is perfect. However, and obviously in contradiction to my prior sentence, what our perfection is, is fully becoming what God wants us to become.
Thank you Father Mike! There were so many people including myself that needed to hear this!
“The only goal worth pursuing is to be a saint.” Thank you @frmikeschmitz for your faith-filled message. I will continue to live a virtuous life as a loving and faithful husband and father according to God’s will. God bless you in your ministry!
"Offering guidance and support for those navigating the journey of finding their true calling, reminding us that the path to purpose is unique for each individual."
Thank you, Fr. Mike. Timely, as usual. That's a good realization from that guy you were talking about: being virtuous. Something I myself need to work on. We're all called to be saints. The one vocation everyone shares in common.
So glad I am here early! Love you Father Mike Schmitz!
excellent series
Prayer is the most important thing at any given moment, thank you Fr Mike, I needed to hear that today
Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future.
Thanks, Fr. Mike. I can sort of relate to this. When I entered the convent, I literally gave up everything as I was so sure I wanted to be a nun. When I got out after 11 months, I was in a state of confusion, finding myself asking God what He really wants from me.
Of course...make time for CHRIST JESUS IN PRAYERS...TO DISCERN HIS WILL...TO LIVE CHASTITY, CELIBACY, OBEDOECE & POVERTY REGARDLESS. OF COURSE THE GRACE OF GOD WILL CAPTIVATE YOU TO KNOW THERE IS NO OTHER OR MIDDLE GROUND IN RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. HE IS MY REAL DEAL NONE OTHERS...AMEN!! THANK YOU FATHER FOR HELPING THE WORLD TO SEE CHRIST JESUS THE SOURCE OF LOVE.
It made someone rich, that is clear enough. But still it doesn't matter, and it will only be a blessing if they are truly good.. 🙏
There is no saint without a past no sinner without a future
Hi Mike. I seriously was told I was nonverbal converted by Catholics as black before. This makes so much sense to me. Spirit has no race or book of faith. Amen.
We aren't exactly afraid of making decisions, Father Mike, we are terrified of userping God's place in our lives- so much so that it actively prohibits us from doing as He commands. The obstacle to holiness in these cases is *humility*, and it *should* be an obstacle at that. Better by far to be humble than to make it to Heaven at that, infinitely better altogether to negate all decision-making than to make a decision and thus become our own 'god'; best of all to do away with the mere *idea* of "god" at all, to have no God, to let the place not exist, that way one cannot userp His throne, as it becomes impossible thus to do so... due to His throne not existing.
Muy acertado padre. Muchas gracias y saludos desde España :)
"Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future "...Oscar Wilde .
These are not just words ...these are the greatest hope of my life ....
Right now my yes is to God is taking my children to church consistently and being a peaceful wife and mother as I also work on my skills for a vocation that I know God has pointed out to me.
This video just confirmed the conversation I had in confession.
God bless you Father. Keep it up we need you.
Dear father mike
Thanks so much for this video it really helped at my mature age of 57 Your inspiration to live a single life consecrated to god was just what I was looking for but could not put my finger on it
I know what I was meant to do ❤️
It sad that I will probably never see you in person to tell you how much I needed this video.
I really love listening to this man, you can see The Light of Christ Shining through his eyes.
"PRAY! prayprayprayprayprapra" -Fr Mike
Love your stuff!
The way Fr. Schmitz portrays these ideas is scarily similar to how I think about these kinds of things.. I guess that's a very good thing. Praise be to God
Thanks needed to hear this
Just graduated college, 25 and moved to South Korea. I had a job offer that I took and now i realize it’s not anything that they said it would be. I feel so underprepared for life and feel abandoned. But like the video said, just trust in God and move forward.
It's true..and it's not boring at all. Almighty father, I am planning to start technical writer course, although I am a computer Science engineer. But after a break of 8yrs I feel this will be better for me. But, may your will and not mine be done. I wanted to be a nun...when I was like 4-5. Yes...he wants me to be virtuous. God, give me the strength to pull the trigger. St. Michael I need you right now.
So this was exactly what I needed. Praise the Lord for He is gooooood!
Started seeing emails from Ascension and I would ignore them but today I took the opportunity to open the email and follow the links to a few of the videos. I am glad I did.
This really helped me find a steady starting point. I am in high school now and, as everyone knows, one of the most common questions I'm asked (most often by myself) is: What will I be when I grow up? And the truthful answer (for now) is I don't know. So, for now, I'm just going to explore my options, take little steps, and work on myself and growing in the faith.
I really liked the idea of working on a specific virtue each week, but I think I'm going to change it to a virtue for each month so that it's easier for me to keep up with it.
I hope whoever is reading this has a wonderful day :)
To what extent, I wonder, do we also obsess about the unknown as a way to avoid or escape the present. Of course, we know not the hour, so my fantasies and fears of the future end up often being a disconnect with the beautiful, adventurous life in front of us, waiting for us to wrestle with faith and virtue. Thanks, Fr. Mike!
This video is so good. I was struggling these days because i don't know what to study after plus two and my parents kept asking me. But now I'm confident coz my greatest wish is to become a saint, like u said, nd i don't need a degree certificate / good job for that. All i need is to love all & do some virtue.
Thank you Fr. Mike &
THANK GOD💖
This is an important message, as so so many Catholics waaayyyy overspiritualize discernment. Ultimately, God wants us to be holy, as he is holy. It’s not that God doesn’t have a “plan” for our lives; but, I have seen so many people fretting over things like, “should I be a plumber, or a computer specialist?” Be practical, know what your own strengths and weaknesses are, and take that leap of faith. The same with discerning marriage or the priesthood/religious life. If you feel inclined to the latter, make the effort to actually talk to a vocations director, be it for your own diocese or for a religious community that interests you; if it is the former, be bold and risk rejection by asking that person out (and, for those being asked out, be open, and have your expectations and standards grounded in reality, as far too few younger Catholics today seem to).
Guadalupe Picasso
Make practical decisions and do practical stuff
Many Blessings, Father!
Just wanted to say a big thanks to you. All these videos you make have helped me a lot in building my spiritual life and I'm sure, there's even more to come. Your explanations on different subjects are very profound, yet they are also reasonable and fulfilling. Watching this show I've decided to convert, so next Easter season I'm fully in =)
Again, push forward, father! God Bless!
Needed to hear this, thanks Fr. Mike!
Jesus, Mary & Joseph, I love you. Save souls.
Shout out to those like me, bursting into tears at 1.08. Come on, lets keep on saying yes.
Fr Mike you're like a breath of fresh air to listen to.
Go RCIA ,anyone good for Aquinas 101 , and Thanks again for Faith formation
You can't be virtuous without God
Awesome video. Thank you Father Mike! :)
Must have been a talkative boy 😀 Love this cute and self-disciplined manner to end a talk. It's a pleasure to watch 😍
i need to be with you guys becouse i LOVE praying the roserey i love JESUS and mother MARY AMEN GOD LOVES YOU ALL GOD BLESS YOU ALL AMEN
God bless you all ✝️🙏
You helped me Father discern what God wants me to do with my life right now. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
You are a blessing. I felt the Holy Spirit while watching this.
Great advice. Step by step, take action and adjust. Take another step forward. Thank you.
A saint is someone who believes in Jesus and yes does His will though he or she makes mistakes😊
Wow God's wisdom from his word is just too amazing! Thank you for helping me figure out where God wants me today. 😊
Thank you for supporting Ascension! 💛 We're honored to be walking alongside you!
Wow this exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you Jesus for speaking to through this father!
I liked what you said baby step to bigger steps moving forward with pray and God's will be done love and hope 2 show the way. God bless take care .
Wow, the vision I had in mind is the same as what is said in the video, "to be a saint" I think I am in a right track
Love this Fr Mike thank you so much!❤
Don't forget the importance of being in his word! Reading the scriptures.
Amen. Fr. Benedict Joseph Groeschel said 'yes,' to God. He kept it 'real.'
Everyone knows he had a type of 'Alzheimer' problem at the end of his life.
It's a shame that something he said rather bluntly and without tact, when clarified,
is sorrowful & true let some look down on him.
It doesn't take away from his life long saying 'yes' to God.
It seems most of the good I do in life is prayer. Please pray for me.
Excellent. Thanks Mike.
Great stuff as usual Fr Mike! Peace and Thank You!
Praise God!! Needed to listen to this talk!! Thank you Fr. Mike. God bless. 🙏🙏🙏