Fr. Mike, this homily…! Two weeks ago, I asked God why He wouldn’t just take home my extremely ill 95 year old father who was suffering from kidney failure, sepsis, and dementia on top. What was the purpose of his lingering? I “heard” God say, “Nope. His work isn’t done. His suffering will end when you and your (estranged) brother reconcile.” This struck me deeply. I was shaken. I remembered that about a year ago, while caring for dad in my home, I asked Dad if I could talk to him, that I needed fatherly advice. He was all ears! I tearfully spilled my rage toward my brother for never visiting Dad and consistently refusing my pleas for help - not even giving a reason- only a firm no. Dad listened intently as my anger bubbled over. When my tirade ended, my Dad, who’d never, ever, ever been a man of few words looked me deeply in the eyes and simply said, “All I can really say is that he is my son and I love him”. 🥺 I was humbled into silence, realizing his response sounded awfully familiar (prodigal son). The very next morning, I went to Mass and stayed after in the hope that Father would hear my confession. He did (God Bless our good priests). Even he looked stunned by the anger I’d held toward my brother. I begged forgiveness for my ugliness, and was absolved of that sin. I spent the next days reaching out to my brother but was met with silence. Completely ignored as usual. But now I was changed and instead of becoming enraged, I became more determined to do everything I had to do to make peace so Dad could be released. Last Sunday, I listened to this homily and realized that my anger didn’t have anything to do with my brother not being a good son to Dad, but that I had taken every rebuff of my brother’s as a personal attack; a complete indifference. Void of caring! My eyes were opened! I sent the video of your homily to my brother AND my sisters and “publicly” apologized for my self-centeredness, my attempt to control my brother and for my anger, which has caused much stress to my siblings. Silence. Yesterday, my siblings and I all met with Dad’s hospice nurse regarding Dad’s treatment. It was the first time in years that my brother had joined us sisters. It was a bit tense. She felt Dad had days, a week- max, to live. After the meeting we all went to Dad’s room and told Dad, who’d been unresponsive for days, that we were going to go grab some lunch, but that a couple of us would return to be with him. My brother refused to join us for lunch so I seized the opportunity, grabbed his hand and walked him to an empty room. Looked him in the eye and apologized for the hate I’ve harbored toward him. I told him that I know now that my anger was deep hurt because his “nos” felt to me like “I don’t care about you”. That was self-centered of me and would he please forgive me, I love him and begged for us to start over again? His eyes filled with tears and he said I had no idea how much that meant to him. He forgave me and was happy to start over. My sisters were overjoyed as healing balm spread over all of us. We went to lunch and enjoyed being family again. Just as we finished lunch, my phone rang. It was hospice telling us that Dad had passed. 🥲🙌✝️♥️ Thank you, Fr. Mike. Your fatherhood of me through this homily made a difference for which I’ll never be able to repay you. I love you. Thank you!
Such a beautiful testimony of God's love and unfathomable mercy for you and your family ... such a great joy to release that as your dad entered Eternal life. So proud of you ... I have a prayer on my daily calendar that says: A humble woman is hard to offend. You see I too suffer from the evils of pride and anger Tears of hope from Tampa ❤️❤️❤️
I love the Jesus in the Chosen. He is so decidedly the Man God. And I can just imagine him with Martha. How he answered the question in her heart and not the question on her lips. It isn’t just Martha Jesus speaks to but every word is for every Biblical character that rises up in our own humanity. Today I heard about a woman who used to be my friend. For so long I felt sorry for myself because she stopped being my friend. And I blamed her . And then I heard she is suffering. And I felt that had I prayed for her instead of blaming her she may not be in that position. Such a waste of years to carry grievances.
Always have God in your center of life! Offer all of your sufferings to Him! You will never disappointed! Thank you Lord for Your Goodness! God bless you Fr Mike!
I am happy to see a priest addressing psychological problems that are so common with us humans… Victimization… Much of our suffering is self-inflicted but strangely we believe that it is others and the world that is causing pain to us… and more strangely we blame our Lord for them… There are many sins that will cause pain and suffering… Greed, gluttony, etc Let’s pray God help us to stay away from them…
Years ago, I was in religious formation. Fr Brennen, our Rector had a therapist give a retreat, like every 6 months. After a couple retreats, I told the therapist how worry was so defining (Word choice?) for me. He was very helpful. He taught me that worry wasn’t our natural state in life. After some years in regular therapy, I came to know I had some clinical depression. Eventually I went to an MD who prescribed a med. it helped, but what helped more was discovering that my worries were part of who I was, and revealed to me that God was the one who relieved me of all my terrors in the Dark Valley. He the Lord led me through the Dark Valley to clear waters and sunlight. Thanks be to Christ, the Good Shepherd, that I am free from the pit (of dark, selfish depression)!
Well, he's got the whole word mumbling prayers to him 24/7 - at the same time. Sheesh. Plus, who knows if he still needs some down time after that cruxification mess. Sigh. 🙏 🌎
Thank you Fr. Mike I do matter to Jesús! I will rejoice in my God I will give it to Him I want to participate and offer to him my Life, family, and friends! I will not be a victim of my own self pity. I can with Him handle all situations. I trust in Him.
Thank you Fr.Mike!!!! I asked this question hundreds of times. God gave me the answer through you. Thank you for being a wonderful priest! You are such a blessing!!! May God shower more and more blessings upon you!!!!!!
Best sermon I have ever heard in my life. I'm not Catholic. Jesus does care .... an individual needs to TRUST him even though one cannot see him. Jesus is alive and well and spared my life many times. He often warns one of danger ..... stay prayed up. Amen
No he didnt. Sorry...Jehovah didn't spare your life...but then let the 10 year old die of cancer. Not how it works. You aren't special. Study your bible.
Thank you, Father Mike! I especially liked this homily and like tuning into your other podcasts. What has really helped me is the Bible in a Year podcast. A wonderful way to spend time with God each day and learn about the Bible.
My husband and I have been Catholic for 50 years. We didn't realized how much we don't know or misunderstand about the Bible until we discovered your podcast and online mass. Thank you for reminding us the important of eucharist. Now we attend mass in person and watch your mass again at home. My 10-year-old loves to sing the Latin prayer with you. Could you do the same with St. Michael prayer? Thank you and God Bless.
Hey Fr. Mike. I’m a therapist and I just want to say that I think you did an amazing job w the balance between feeling and then moving forward. It is a balance and most priests don’t get it. The only thing I would add is if someone is struggling to take that next step it might not be a spiritual blunder but that person may need the help of a therapist and/or psychiatrist to get to that better place and that is ok too. We love your videos. Thanks so much for all you do!
I have a therapist and she is helpful but not the answer to the question does it all matter? Jesus is the only one who can answer that question. My therapist is someone to talk to, who is neutral in my life and can offer some good advice. There is a place for therapy and counseling I agree, but it isn't the end all answer, it's just a stop along the way in the life.
Ty Fr Mike with long suffering comes many experiences, self pity doesn’t serve any purpose, but depression which is part of illness is more destructive to our well being but The Good Lord Is greater than any of our feelings & suffering GBUF🙏🏼 Your Homilies are always a pleasure 🕊🙏🏼♥️♥️♥️✌️🦋
Thank you Fr Mike for your beautiful and so profound homilies and talks. It really is food for our souls. I feeled so much renewed in my thoughts.. intelligence .. ..spirit...mind.. Everytime. Thank you Fr ! . I learned so much from your videos . It help me grow spiritually and love God more and more and trust Him more ! And believe ...that yes ...He do care for us.. He do care for me. ! God bless you and you beautiful ministry. Blessings from Mauritius island.
I can't thank you enough. 😭🤧 Extremely powerful as being human we forget, especially if suffering is all you have in this life, it's all a grace. When it's routine sometimes it's hard to remember. Many people you gave your whole life can't be bothered. 95% of them left me. Heartache is worse than all my diseases & major surgeries. Serving God gave me joy, so when it was taken everyone left. I never realized compassion was a gift. I thought it was an automatic instinct. Pray for more compassion in the world, not to look down on the disabled 🙏🏻 and walk away.
Wow, I needed this homily! I am going through great suffering after the death of my daughter and being a caregiver to my elderly parents, and I do find myself falling into self pity, the why me Lord question, the but don't you care Lord question, the does anything really matter Lord question because I feel like I'm just going through the motions of life aimlessly. You've answered it for me very perfectly. Thank you. I have always seen myself as a Martha, but Martha just needed to understand that she mattered and all she was doing wasn't in vain. I need this too. Your message perfectly fits with the message of Divine Mercy as well....Jesus I Trust in You. May God continue to bless you in your vocation and ministry.
Thank you for this message it gives me hope. I will continue to have faith in Jesus! I have been struggling financially and mentally because I lost my job as a social worker because I declined the vaccine. I declined due to my pre existing health conditions heart disease and lupus. I’m on a ton of medications already warfarin and blood thinners. Living with lupus is challenging I’m in constant pain. I was denied my medical/religious exemption from Forsyth hospital. Since losing my job I’ve been struggling to provide for my two children. I’m so overwhelmed because both of my boys are autistic. So they require a lot out of me. My husband passed away three years ago so I’m all alone. I’m so down and depressed over my circumstances. I have been called horrible names and mocked because of my situation. I was even accused of lying by christians which really hurt my heart. Every month is a struggle and I’m in fear of being homeless. But I have so much faith that God will provide for me and my children.
My heart goes out to you and your family. It sounds like your time of suffering has been made worse at times by people who don't understand, and I am sorry for that. Mousey, I am praying God will continue to build your trust in Him, and that He will pour out blessings on you!
Thank you Father Mike for opening my eyes to the Love of Jesus loving me as much as He doesn’t. Just needed to hear it!!!! This is going to be a Great week if I leave everything to Jesus!!!!!! God bless you!!!!!!
Thank you Father Mike for your Homily...I'm struggling with the issues you mentioned, being the oldest among my siblings. Pray for me and my adult son too - who just has his own issues. Thank you. May the Good Lord God Almighty bless you always 🙏🏾🕊
Greetings Father Mike, 1. Thanks for Sunday Homily once again which triggers My Oldest Valuable Lesson from My School Days. 2. I may have lost All my Friends in one go, not a master in world of Romantic Love with Young ladies due to their Fear of Commitment, Fear of Social Acceptance, Lack in Clarity in Thoughts, Toxic Friends. But Thanks to Dear God for kind lesson in every aspects. 3. Despite my Sister, Brother in-law with other relatives 's illminded actions, I have forgiven them All and moved on with new start through Our Lord Jesus Christ. 4. Our Family is gradually recovery from Health related issues and also Stay in Prayers. With respect with Prayers, RanjithJoseph (R.J)
Thank you for a beautiful homilie! I will try to offer up my suffering as best as I can! I know he cares. He has showed me multiple times. But even so, sometimes the doubt creeps in... And wow, those embroideries are mesmerising! Georgeous!
Like 999. That’s me. Thanks Fr. Mike for the excellent homily. I discover your channel during Covid, and started watching the Sunday Mass you an Ascension Presents provided for us during our need. But I stop watching you when I went back to church, but I’m glad I stumbled across your channel again and you have these Sunday mass condensed into a 20 minute homily. I will make sure stop by every week to listen to them. Currently on day 82 of the Bible in a Year. Thank you Fr. Mike for helping me deepen my faith and get closer to the heart of God.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I needed to hear this today because I am the care giver of my family and there is a lot on my plate .But I need look to God and give with a joyful heart of Jesus.
I continued to ask God why am I here... Then I had a dream.. I heard a song and it sang "I am here because, I am loved"... But I was asking what vocation or state in life I am to pursue... But this wasn't the answer I thought I wanted but rather perhaps it's the answer I need...
My mother entered hospice care this week, and my father is struggling greatly with this question. I didn't know how to even approach consoling him, but thank you for reminding me of the answer. Like my confirmation saint said, our hearts are restless until they find rest in God, and so is our grief restless until we give it to God and find rest. I've watched your videos for years, thank you for all you do, Fr. Mike. Please pray for us. Vivat Jesus!
Thank you for feeding my Soul. I absolutely grew and learned from this. Pain and Suffering is hard for me to understand... I accept it, but just don't fully understand. Maybe I never will. So I need instead to stop focusing on the fact I don't totally understand and instead offer up my lack of understanding and Trust in God more instead. Trusting is God always seems to be the right answer.
That was heavy! I am watching your videos for the first time today and each video applies to my current situation. I'm learning so much and somehow you know how to address the specific issues of us suffering like the self pity and grieving process and how to handle it. How to ask Jesus the vulnerable questions. I don't question God's love but like you said in another video, we need to accept that love from God. I love what you said about the Saint rejoicing in their suffering for Jesus and to allow Jesus to transform that suffering. My recent trauma has caused me to question myself and how to communicate with God properly but I am working on it. I pray to Jesus and I have started my conversations with God again in a gentle non-assuming way. Thank you for your guidance. You seem to know what a lot of us are going through and that it is not to be taken lightly.
OK so this is weird, I've been asking the question in this video a lot lately. I left my laptop on the bed to make myself a drink and when I came back and picked it up this video was randomly playing on my laptop even though I never clicked on it(intentionally anyway). It was sitting idly on the home page of RUclips when I left it. I guess the Lord really does work in mysterious ways.
I didn't feel sorry for myself when I couldn't get a job, when my husband left me, when he kicked me out penniless, when I had a psychotic break, when my brother finally kicked me out because I couldn't see reason, I wasn't able to get off of his couch and he never asked to take care of me, when I was living in my car, when I was so disconnected from reality that I lost my car and was freezing in the street believing it hurt because my brain was being dissected, when the police took me in, when I was hospitalized with nothing to wear but the filthy worn out clothes I came in with, and no visitors and my medications were being changed without me understanding that the hallucinations and delusions were not real, when medication was the only thing that gave me a real hope that I could hold down a job and take care of myself one day. That Lent, I swear God led me to actively engage in self pity. It was so good for me, it was transformative to my soul. I felt like I didn't deserve those things for the first time. I felt like my pain was real for the first time. It was self-compassion. I felt pity for others more because I felt pity for myself more. It was like water on a shriveled dry plant, a whole lot of buds popped up and I felt like I could rest in God's love for the first time because there was more to life than a cross I couldn't carry, idk...
“I felt pity for others more because I felt pity for myself more...I felt like I could rest in God's love for the first time...” This is an important distinction, the type of “pity” that opens our hearts to others or that shuts us in. Surely Fr. Mike would acknowledge this in this context. Peace be with you😊
@@seans.131 Absolutely. I realized there was a distinction I didn't have in the past. I couldn't put it in words but I knew I was not understanding it the same, so I wanted to comment in case anyone else was in that "zero self-pity" headspace when it's actually sneaky "zero self-compassion" because it can make you feel like you're doing something wrong for being gentle with yourself. Fr. Mike is definitely right if you understand him right but that language is tricky
@@Aaalllyyysssaaaaa "'zero self-pity' headspace when it's actually sneaky 'zero self-compassion'" - great point. I know for sure Fr. Mike does not believe in this, but it is important to say in case anyone else misunderstood his point as well, which I might have in similar circumstances, thank you for telling us that😊 “it can make you feel like you're doing something wrong for being gentle with yourself.” They definitely don't think this. I have heard Fr. Mike say many times, “Be patient with yourself,” for example - such an important message for people like you and me. “Fr. Mike is definitely right if you understand him right but that language is tricky” I totally agree with you, thank you for pointing that out. God bless you always😊 Peace
He said to her: 'Be not afraid; it is I.' These words had such power that when she heard them she could not doubt, and she was greatly strengthened and gladdened by such good companionship. For she saw plainly that it was a great help to taking such care to do nothing which would displease Him because she felt that He was always looking at her. Whenever she wanted to draw near to His Majesty in prayer, and at other times as well, she felt that He was always looking at her. Whenever she wanted to draw near to His Majesty in prayer, and at other times as well, she felt He was so near that He could not fail to hear her; although she was unable to hear Him speaking to her whenever she wished, but did so at quite unexpected times, when it became necessary. She was conscious that He was walking at her right hand, but this consciousness arose, not from those senses which tell us that another person is near us, but in another and a subtler way which is indescribable. It is quite as unmistakable, however, and produces a feeling of equal certainty, or even greater. Other things of the kind might be attributable to fancy, but this thing is not, for it brings such great benefits and produces such effects upon the interior life as could not occur if it were the result of melancholy. The devil, again, could not do so much good: were it his work, the soul would not have such peace and such constant desires to please God and such scorn for everything that does not lead it to Him. Later, this person attained a clear realization that it was not the work of the devil, and came to understand it better and better.
At first I was wondering " ok Father, whats the point of the story...?" then he said "it all mattered" and I was like "ah... I get it now :)" What would be interesting to see is a video on why we choose to 'not matter so much.'
Keep the homilies coming please! I watch your masses but I love to send a homily to my family. Sometimes they don’t want to watch the mass! So just send the homily is awesome! This one was extremely excellent and I really appreciate it. Please keep them coming ascension press thank you!
Father Mike, I went thru a lot of priests between grade school , high school plus all the priests that have spent time at our parish in Florida, but I have to admit that you are the most unique priest I think I ever listened to. You actually believe in what you say not just speak it like many parish priests do. Like to meet you if you are in SW Florida. My daughter is going to Crown college this year so when I go up to catch her BB games I'll look you up. God Bless you Father Mike Rocky C
Prayer for the Conversion of the World Our Holy Mother writes in Her message: These days are a preparation for the descent of your King; pray so that everybody will be ready; pray, My little children, fervently for those souls who refuse to hear and refuse to see, pray to your Father who is in Heaven in this way: Jesus reminds us in that way: Beloved ones, I am the Light of the world and before you I am walking; still, I am telling you this: there are other sheep I have that are not of your fold, I will lead all these as well under My Renovated Church so that there will be one flock and one Shepherd; go out to the nations and teach them to pray to the Father this prayer: Father all Merciful, let those who hear and hear again yet never understand, hear Your Voice this time and understand that it is You, the Holy of Holies; open the eyes of those who see and see, yet never perceive, to see with their eyes this time Your Holy Face and Your Glory, place Your Finger on their hearts so that their hearts may open and understand Your Faithfulness, we pray and ask you all these things Righteous Father, so that all the nations be converted and be healed through the Wounds of Your Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Our Holy Mother (May 15, 1990 - and the Nihil Obstat)
Father Mike, Your homily sincerely struck a chord with me. Thank you! I did have a question because I was reading about this today: Was Hosea the one that prophesied Herod killing children in his search of Jesus leading to His escape to Egypt?
Father, I am going through this right now. I’ve become disabled since my mentally ill son tried to kill me. So now I live with my daughter and family. I miss my son very much and am feeling sorry for myself. What do I do?
Love Father Mike. Father Mike, it looks like you even dying your hair black. I think it looks better with the original sandy brown. The black hair is too harsh.
the bible words about care were written thousands of years ago. do you have a more recent affirmation that God cares? I haven't noticed any care in my 6 years of suffering, living below the breadline and suffering from the constantly progressing diabetes.
Jesus is still alive. He doesn't want your affirmations to come from words written in a book thousands of years ago, but from a living, ongoing relationship with Him. Ask Him yourself
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Fr. Mike, this homily…!
Two weeks ago, I asked God why He wouldn’t just take home my extremely ill 95 year old father who was suffering from kidney failure, sepsis, and dementia on top. What was the purpose of his lingering? I “heard” God say, “Nope. His work isn’t done. His suffering will end when you and your (estranged) brother reconcile.” This struck me deeply. I was shaken.
I remembered that about a year ago, while caring for dad in my home, I asked Dad if I could talk to him, that I needed fatherly advice. He was all ears!
I tearfully spilled my rage toward my brother for never visiting Dad and consistently refusing my pleas for help - not even giving a reason- only a firm no. Dad listened intently as my anger bubbled over. When my tirade ended, my Dad, who’d never, ever, ever been a man of few words looked me deeply in the eyes and simply said, “All I can really say is that he is my son and I love him”. 🥺
I was humbled into silence, realizing his response sounded awfully familiar (prodigal son).
The very next morning, I went to Mass and stayed after in the hope that Father would hear my confession. He did (God Bless our good priests). Even he looked stunned by the anger I’d held toward my brother. I begged forgiveness for my ugliness, and was absolved of that sin. I spent the next days reaching out to my brother but was met with silence. Completely ignored as usual. But now I was changed and instead of becoming enraged, I became more determined to do everything I had to do to make peace so Dad could be released.
Last Sunday, I listened to this homily and realized that my anger didn’t have anything to do with my brother not being a good son to Dad, but that I had taken every rebuff of my brother’s as a personal attack; a complete indifference. Void of caring! My eyes were opened! I sent the video of your homily to my brother AND my sisters and “publicly” apologized for my self-centeredness, my attempt to control my brother and for my anger, which has caused much stress to my siblings.
Silence.
Yesterday, my siblings and I all met with Dad’s hospice nurse regarding Dad’s treatment. It was the first time in years that my brother had joined us sisters. It was a bit tense. She felt Dad had days, a week- max, to live.
After the meeting we all went to Dad’s room and told Dad, who’d been unresponsive for days, that we were going to go grab some lunch, but that a couple of us would return to be with him. My brother refused to join us for lunch so I seized the opportunity, grabbed his hand and walked him to an empty room. Looked him in the eye and apologized for the hate I’ve harbored toward him. I told him that I know now that my anger was deep hurt because his “nos” felt to me like “I don’t care about you”. That was self-centered of me and would he please forgive me, I love him and begged for us to start over again?
His eyes filled with tears and he said I had no idea how much that meant to him. He forgave me and was happy to start over. My sisters were overjoyed as healing balm spread over all of us.
We went to lunch and enjoyed being family again. Just as we finished lunch, my phone rang. It was hospice telling us that Dad had passed. 🥲🙌✝️♥️
Thank you, Fr. Mike. Your fatherhood of me through this homily made a difference for which I’ll never be able to repay you.
I love you. Thank you!
That is a really inspiring story, Terry. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thanks Be to God!! Thank you for sharing. ❤️✝️🙏🏼🥰
Such a beautiful testimony of God's love and unfathomable mercy for you and your family ... such a great joy to release that as your dad entered Eternal life. So proud of you ... I have a prayer on my daily calendar that says: A humble woman is hard to offend.
You see I too suffer from the evils of pride and anger
Tears of hope from Tampa
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. May the Lord continue to touch your heart until you're ready to meet Him ❤
Peace.
Thanks Father Mike. A very timely message that I so needed to hear
I love the Jesus in the Chosen. He is so decidedly the Man God. And I can just imagine him with Martha. How he answered the question in her heart and not the question on her lips. It isn’t just Martha Jesus speaks to but every word is for every Biblical character that rises up in our own humanity. Today I heard about a woman who used to be my friend. For so long I felt sorry for myself because she stopped being my friend. And I blamed her . And then I heard she is suffering. And I felt that had I prayed for her instead of blaming her she may not be in that position. Such a waste of years to carry grievances.
Always have God in your center of life! Offer all of your sufferings to Him! You will never disappointed!
Thank you Lord for Your Goodness!
God bless you Fr Mike!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
I am happy to see a priest addressing psychological
problems that are so common with us humans… Victimization…
Much of our suffering is self-inflicted but strangely we believe that it is others and the world that is causing pain to us… and more strangely we blame our Lord for them…
There are many sins that will cause pain and suffering… Greed, gluttony, etc
Let’s pray God help us to stay away from them…
Years ago, I was in religious formation. Fr Brennen, our Rector had a therapist give a retreat, like every 6 months. After a couple retreats, I told the therapist how worry was so defining (Word choice?) for me. He was very helpful. He taught me that worry wasn’t our natural state in life. After some years in regular therapy, I came to know I had some clinical depression. Eventually I went to an MD who prescribed a med. it helped, but what helped more was discovering that my worries were part of who I was, and revealed to me that God was the one who relieved me of all my terrors in the Dark Valley. He the Lord led me through the Dark Valley to clear waters and sunlight. Thanks be to Christ, the Good Shepherd, that I am free from the pit (of dark, selfish depression)!
Anyway, thanks for guiding me through this video to remembering the Lord’s constant care.
Well, he's got the whole word mumbling prayers to him 24/7 - at the same time. Sheesh. Plus, who knows if he still needs some down time after that cruxification mess. Sigh. 🙏 🌎
Wow! Hallelujah
It felt like you were talking directly to me, I've been feeling sorry for myself lately.
Thank you Very good. Lord God.. Jesus Christ in Virgin Mary amen Thank Peace Elisângela Cristina Duarte ❤❤😊. You 🌵 católica
God help me want what you want more than what I want 💯☘️❤️🙏🌹
Thank you Jesus. Thanks Fr. Mike. GBU. Amen.
Thanks
Thank you Fr. Mike I do matter to Jesús! I will rejoice in my God I will give it to Him I want to participate and offer to him my Life, family, and friends! I will not be a victim of my own self pity. I can with Him handle all situations. I trust in Him.
Fr Mike is so gifted! May the Holy Spirit continue to be your guide. God bless you, Fr Mike. 🤍🤲🏻
Matthew 22:14 says "Many are called but few a chosen." That certainly implies to me that God cares about some people more than others.
Amen Father Mike 🤗
God bless you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you Fr.Mike!!!! I asked this question hundreds of times. God gave me the answer through you. Thank you for being a wonderful priest! You are such a blessing!!! May God shower more and more blessings upon you!!!!!!
Best sermon I have ever heard in my life. I'm not Catholic. Jesus does care .... an individual needs to TRUST him even though one cannot see him. Jesus is alive and well and spared my life many times. He often warns one of danger ..... stay prayed up. Amen
No he didnt. Sorry...Jehovah didn't spare your life...but then let the 10 year old die of cancer. Not how it works. You aren't special. Study your bible.
Hi! Come to the Church 💕
THANK YOU THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING AMEN AMEN
Lost-one of the best adventure shows ever.
Thank you, Father Mike! I especially liked this homily and like tuning into your other podcasts. What has really helped me is the Bible in a Year podcast. A wonderful way to spend time with God each day and learn about the Bible.
My husband and I have been Catholic for 50 years. We didn't realized how much we don't know or misunderstand about the Bible until we discovered your podcast and online mass. Thank you for reminding us the important of eucharist. Now we attend mass in person and watch your mass again at home. My 10-year-old loves to sing the Latin prayer with you. Could you do the same with St. Michael prayer? Thank you and God Bless.
Hey Fr. Mike. I’m a therapist and I just want to say that I think you did an amazing job w the balance between feeling and then moving forward. It is a balance and most priests don’t get it. The only thing I would add is if someone is struggling to take that next step it might not be a spiritual blunder but that person may need the help of a therapist and/or psychiatrist to get to that better place and that is ok too. We love your videos. Thanks so much for all you do!
@@nehyeshua That’s interesting - I haven’t heard of that. I wish you well!
@@nehyeshua"Past lives" are a deceptive demonic delusion. Demons will trick you into believing their lie.
8
I have never met Therapist that doesn't have as many or more problems than me.
I have a therapist and she is helpful but not the answer to the question does it all matter? Jesus is the only one who can answer that question. My therapist is someone to talk to, who is neutral in my life and can offer some good advice. There is a place for therapy and counseling I agree, but it isn't the end all answer, it's just a stop along the way in the life.
Insightful for me. Thank you!
Thank you Father Mike. God bless you!
Thanks!
🙏🏼❤️
Thank you, Father Mike (and Ascension Crew)
A profound homily and beautiful Father Mike.. Help us God to reflect on whatever it is you want for us.
God bless you Father! Your family sounds like mine! That story about your nephew made me smile!
Ty Father Mike
Ty Fr Mike with long suffering comes many experiences, self pity doesn’t serve any purpose, but depression which is part of illness is more destructive to our well being but The Good Lord Is greater than any of our feelings & suffering GBUF🙏🏼 Your Homilies are always a pleasure 🕊🙏🏼♥️♥️♥️✌️🦋
Thank you Fr Mike for your beautiful and so profound homilies and talks. It really is food for our souls. I feeled so much renewed in my thoughts.. intelligence .. ..spirit...mind.. Everytime. Thank you Fr ! . I learned so much from your videos . It help me grow spiritually and love God more and more and trust Him more ! And believe ...that yes ...He do care for us.. He do care for me. ! God bless you and you beautiful ministry. Blessings from Mauritius island.
This homily perfectly suited my situation
I can't thank you enough. 😭🤧 Extremely powerful as being human we forget, especially if suffering is all you have in this life, it's all a grace. When it's routine sometimes it's hard to remember. Many people you gave your whole life can't be bothered. 95% of them left me. Heartache is worse than all my diseases & major surgeries. Serving God gave me joy, so when it was taken everyone left.
I never realized compassion was a gift. I thought it was an automatic instinct. Pray for more compassion in the world, not to look down on the disabled 🙏🏻 and walk away.
We suffer together. God bless you and hold you close to His Sacred Heart. +
@@wms72 yes, God bless you. I have up & downs. There's so much.
God give us fortitude. 🙏🏻
Thanks.
Wow, I needed this homily! I am going through great suffering after the death of my daughter and being a caregiver to my elderly parents, and I do find myself falling into self pity, the why me Lord question, the but don't you care Lord question, the does anything really matter Lord question because I feel like I'm just going through the motions of life aimlessly. You've answered it for me very perfectly. Thank you. I have always seen myself as a Martha, but Martha just needed to understand that she mattered and all she was doing wasn't in vain. I need this too. Your message perfectly fits with the message of Divine Mercy as well....Jesus I Trust in You. May God continue to bless you in your vocation and ministry.
Beautiful
this sermon just converted me a bit more
Thank you for this message it gives me hope. I will continue to have faith in Jesus! I have been struggling financially and mentally because I lost my job as a social worker because I declined the vaccine. I declined due to my pre existing health conditions heart disease and lupus. I’m on a ton of medications already warfarin and blood thinners. Living with lupus is challenging I’m in constant pain. I was denied my medical/religious exemption from Forsyth hospital. Since losing my job I’ve been struggling to provide for my two children. I’m so overwhelmed because both of my boys are autistic. So they require a lot out of me. My husband passed away three years ago so I’m all alone. I’m so down and depressed over my circumstances. I have been called horrible names and mocked because of my situation. I was even accused of lying by christians which really hurt my heart. Every month is a struggle and I’m in fear of being homeless. But I have so much faith that God will provide for me and my children.
Hang in there, friend. Give all your worries and cares to Sacred Heart of Jesus. My prayers are with you ❤️
My heart goes out to you and your family. It sounds like your time of suffering has been made worse at times by people who don't understand, and I am sorry for that. Mousey, I am praying God will continue to build your trust in Him, and that He will pour out blessings on you!
@Mousy Miller I am so sorry for your great sufferings. Sometimes the mountain seems impossible to climb. My prayers go out to you
Prayers🙏🙏🙏 So sorry for your situation, God bless you and your children always🌹😊
Praying for you & those you love, every day, Dear Mousey. 😘❤️🤗
Amen Father!!!! I've asked myself that question often,never realizing the answer lies in and on the Cross!!!! Thank you!!!!
Jesus loves us. He can.only look on hoping for our salvation.
Thank you Father Mike for opening my eyes to the Love of Jesus loving me as much as He doesn’t. Just needed to hear it!!!! This is going to be a Great week if I leave everything to Jesus!!!!!!
God bless you!!!!!!
Lord, I consecrate my suffering to you for your good and holy purpose.
Thank you Father Mike for your Homily...I'm struggling with the issues you mentioned, being the oldest among my siblings. Pray for me and my adult son too - who just has his own issues. Thank you. May the Good Lord God Almighty bless you always 🙏🏾🕊
Greetings::(USA)
"6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6 King James Version)
Blessings Father
Greetings Father Mike,
1. Thanks for Sunday Homily once again which triggers My Oldest Valuable Lesson from My School Days.
2. I may have lost All my Friends in one go, not a master in world of Romantic Love with Young ladies due to their Fear of Commitment, Fear of Social Acceptance, Lack in Clarity in Thoughts, Toxic Friends. But Thanks to Dear God for kind lesson in every aspects.
3. Despite my Sister, Brother in-law with other relatives 's illminded actions, I have forgiven them All and moved on with new start through Our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Our Family is gradually recovery from Health related issues and also Stay in Prayers.
With respect with Prayers,
RanjithJoseph (R.J)
Thank you Father Mike.
Thank you for a beautiful homilie!
I will try to offer up my suffering as best as I can!
I know he cares. He has showed me multiple times. But even so, sometimes the doubt creeps in...
And wow, those embroideries are mesmerising! Georgeous!
❤️🔥
This is so good, and so relevant. Thanks
Like 999. That’s me.
Thanks Fr. Mike for the excellent homily. I discover your channel during Covid, and started watching the Sunday Mass you an Ascension Presents provided for us during our need. But I stop watching you when I went back to church, but I’m glad I stumbled across your channel again and you have these Sunday mass condensed into a 20 minute homily. I will make sure stop by every week to listen to them. Currently on day 82 of the Bible in a Year. Thank you Fr. Mike for helping me deepen my faith and get closer to the heart of God.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I needed to hear this today because I am the care giver of my family and there is a lot on my plate .But I need look to God and give with a joyful heart of Jesus.
🧡🧡🙏🧡🧡
I continued to ask God why am I here... Then I had a dream.. I heard a song and it sang "I am here because, I am loved"...
But I was asking what vocation or state in life I am to pursue... But this wasn't the answer I thought I wanted but rather perhaps it's the answer I need...
This was so insightful. Thank you
God uses the dark needs to show you the light
My mother entered hospice care this week, and my father is struggling greatly with this question. I didn't know how to even approach consoling him, but thank you for reminding me of the answer. Like my confirmation saint said, our hearts are restless until they find rest in God, and so is our grief restless until we give it to God and find rest. I've watched your videos for years, thank you for all you do, Fr. Mike. Please pray for us. Vivat Jesus!
Thank you for feeding my Soul. I absolutely grew and learned from this. Pain and Suffering is hard for me to understand... I accept it, but just don't fully understand. Maybe I never will. So I need instead to stop focusing on the fact I don't totally understand and instead offer up my lack of understanding and Trust in God more instead.
Trusting is God always seems to be the right answer.
Grazie Mille Papa! 3 Ave Maria's 🙏🏼🙏🏽🙏🏾
That was heavy! I am watching your videos for the first time today and each video applies to my current situation. I'm learning so much and somehow you know how to address the specific issues of us suffering like the self pity and grieving process and how to handle it. How to ask Jesus the vulnerable questions. I don't question God's love but like you said in another video, we need to accept that love from God. I love what you said about the Saint rejoicing in their suffering for Jesus and to allow Jesus to transform that suffering. My recent trauma has caused me to question myself and how to communicate with God properly but I am working on it. I pray to Jesus and I have started my conversations with God again in a gentle non-assuming way. Thank you for your guidance. You seem to know what a lot of us are going through and that it is not to be taken lightly.
Wow great message thanks Fr
OK so this is weird, I've been asking the question in this video a lot lately. I left my laptop on the bed to make myself a drink and when I came back and picked it up this video was randomly playing on my laptop even though I never clicked on it(intentionally anyway). It was sitting idly on the home page of RUclips when I left it. I guess the Lord really does work in mysterious ways.
I didn't feel sorry for myself when I couldn't get a job, when my husband left me, when he kicked me out penniless, when I had a psychotic break, when my brother finally kicked me out because I couldn't see reason, I wasn't able to get off of his couch and he never asked to take care of me, when I was living in my car, when I was so disconnected from reality that I lost my car and was freezing in the street believing it hurt because my brain was being dissected, when the police took me in, when I was hospitalized with nothing to wear but the filthy worn out clothes I came in with, and no visitors and my medications were being changed without me understanding that the hallucinations and delusions were not real, when medication was the only thing that gave me a real hope that I could hold down a job and take care of myself one day. That Lent, I swear God led me to actively engage in self pity. It was so good for me, it was transformative to my soul. I felt like I didn't deserve those things for the first time. I felt like my pain was real for the first time. It was self-compassion. I felt pity for others more because I felt pity for myself more. It was like water on a shriveled dry plant, a whole lot of buds popped up and I felt like I could rest in God's love for the first time because there was more to life than a cross I couldn't carry, idk...
“I felt pity for others more because I felt pity for myself more...I felt like I could rest in God's love for the first time...”
This is an important distinction, the type of “pity” that opens our hearts to others or that shuts us in. Surely Fr. Mike would acknowledge this in this context.
Peace be with you😊
@@seans.131 Absolutely. I realized there was a distinction I didn't have in the past. I couldn't put it in words but I knew I was not understanding it the same, so I wanted to comment in case anyone else was in that "zero self-pity" headspace when it's actually sneaky "zero self-compassion" because it can make you feel like you're doing something wrong for being gentle with yourself. Fr. Mike is definitely right if you understand him right but that language is tricky
@@Aaalllyyysssaaaaa "'zero self-pity' headspace when it's actually sneaky 'zero self-compassion'" - great point. I know for sure Fr. Mike does not believe in this, but it is important to say in case anyone else misunderstood his point as well, which I might have in similar circumstances, thank you for telling us that😊
“it can make you feel like you're doing something wrong for being gentle with yourself.” They definitely don't think this. I have heard Fr. Mike say many times, “Be patient with yourself,” for example - such an important message for people like you and me.
“Fr. Mike is definitely right if you understand him right but that language is tricky” I totally agree with you, thank you for pointing that out.
God bless you always😊
Peace
Awesome as usual
🕊🔥🕊🔥🕊🔥🕊
Amen.
Amém 🙏❤
He said to her: 'Be not afraid; it is I.' These words had such power that when she heard them she could not doubt, and she was greatly strengthened and gladdened by such good companionship. For she saw plainly that it was a great help to taking such care to do nothing which would displease Him because she felt that He was always looking at her. Whenever she wanted to draw near to His Majesty in prayer, and at other times as well, she felt that He was always looking at her. Whenever she wanted to draw near to His Majesty in prayer, and at other times as well, she felt He was so near that He could not fail to hear her; although she was unable to hear Him speaking to her whenever she wished, but did so at quite unexpected times, when it became necessary. She was conscious that He was walking at her right hand, but this consciousness arose, not from those senses which tell us that another person is near us, but in another and a subtler way which is indescribable. It is quite as unmistakable, however, and produces a feeling of equal certainty, or even greater. Other things of the kind might be attributable to fancy, but this thing is not, for it brings such great benefits and produces such effects upon the interior life as could not occur if it were the result of melancholy. The devil, again, could not do so much good: were it his work, the soul would not have such peace and such constant desires to please God and such scorn for everything that does not lead it to Him. Later, this person attained a clear realization that it was not the work of the devil, and came to understand it better and better.
Lost is a good show
At first I was wondering " ok Father, whats the point of the story...?"
then he said "it all mattered" and I was like "ah... I get it now :)"
What would be interesting to see is a video on why we choose to 'not matter so much.'
LOL, I say those EXACT SAME WORDS to my six year old all the time!!
Amen 🙏
This. Because Most. Timely. Video. Ever.
Keep the homilies coming please! I watch your masses but I love to send a homily to my family. Sometimes they don’t want to watch the mass! So just send the homily is awesome! This one was extremely excellent and I really appreciate it. Please keep them coming ascension press thank you!
Father Mike, I went thru a lot of priests between grade school , high school plus all the priests that have spent time at our parish in Florida, but I have to admit that you are the most unique priest I think I ever listened to. You actually believe in what you say not just speak it like many parish priests do. Like to meet you if you are in SW Florida. My daughter is going to Crown college this year so when I go up to catch her BB games I'll look you up. God Bless you Father Mike Rocky C
Prayer for the Conversion of the World
Our Holy Mother writes in Her message: These days are a preparation for the descent of your King; pray so that everybody will be ready; pray, My little children, fervently for those souls who refuse to hear and refuse to see, pray to your Father who is in Heaven in this way:
Jesus reminds us in that way: Beloved ones, I am the Light of the world and before you I am walking; still, I am telling you this: there are other sheep I have that are not of your fold, I will lead all these as well under My Renovated Church so that there will be one flock and one Shepherd; go out to the nations and teach them to pray to the Father this prayer:
Father all Merciful, let those who hear and hear again yet never understand, hear Your Voice this time and
understand that it is You,
the Holy of Holies; open the eyes of those who see and see, yet never perceive, to see with their eyes this time Your Holy Face and Your Glory, place Your Finger on their hearts so that their hearts may open and understand Your Faithfulness, we pray and ask you all these things Righteous Father, so that all the nations be converted and be healed through the Wounds of Your Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Our Holy Mother (May 15, 1990 - and the Nihil Obstat)
12 months ago 😮
Well it's true. All things end badly in this world. See?
Father Mike, Your homily sincerely struck a chord with me. Thank you! I did have a question because I was reading about this today: Was Hosea the one that prophesied Herod killing children in his search of Jesus leading to His escape to Egypt?
Thank you!. Father would you consider translating to Spanish? I would be happy to volunteer to translate for Ascension.
Father, I am going through this right now. I’ve become disabled since my mentally ill son tried to kill me. So now I live with my daughter and family. I miss my son very much and am feeling sorry for myself. What do I do?
Love Father Mike. Father Mike, it looks like you even dying your hair black. I think it looks better with the original sandy brown. The black hair is too harsh.
Jesus DOES care!!! But he is NOT SANTA CLAUSE!!!!
Will smith. Always modern ha ha ha. Thanks father Mike.
I can relate to Martha big league but I always ask God why, and does He care. 😒🥴
There are sins in the Bible that are described as unforgiveabke sins. Father Mike, would you speak to that at some point?
the bible words about care were written thousands of years ago. do you have a more recent affirmation that God cares? I haven't noticed any care in my 6 years of suffering, living below the breadline and suffering from the constantly progressing diabetes.
Jesus is still alive. He doesn't want your affirmations to come from words written in a book thousands of years ago, but from a living, ongoing relationship with Him. Ask Him yourself
Haha that Jim Halpert face
This is bank lol 😂💯☘️❤️🌹
@FatherMike My Patron Saint is Saint Martha, I've been looking for a book on her and can't find any. Do you have any recommendations?
Fr. Mike, why does the statue of Martha have a small dragon on her side, isn't she the sister of Magdaline and Lazarus, please explain?
Why cant i get the entire mass
Wired for worry because of inherited SIN. Mention that part. We weren't created to b in this mess.
Lol
Jesus do you not care?
Bro called out will smith😅