On December 18, 2023, the “Vatican” (more accurately the “Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith”) released the Declaration Fiducia Supplicans, and it has gotten much misleading “press.” Most of the coverage announces, in headlines, statements that do not accurately represent the meaning of the document but generate a confusing narrative about the Catholic Church's teaching on marriage, sex and relationships. This document is principally focused on the pastoral meaning of blessings and clearly states that there is no change in the liturgy of the Church or doctrine to bless or otherwise condone marriages or relationships not in accordance with Christian teaching. “It is precisely [only] in this context that one can understand the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.” It is important to make clear that marriage (the only relationship in which the sexual embrace is sanctioned) remains an exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children. The sexual embrace is sacramental, covenantal and life giving. Homosexual acts are grave sins against chastity and under no circumstances can they be blessed or even approved. (See Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 2357-2359) The document states about the blessing of people in “irregular situations:” “to seek a blessing in the Church is to acknowledge that the life of the Church springs from the womb of God’s mercy and helps us to move forward, to live better, and to respond to the Lord’s will.” For a priest to offer a blessing, outside liturgy, to a person in such a context is not to weaken doctrine or practice but to offer God’s blessings to those “very much in need.” Furthermore, the document states “indeed, the grace of God works in the lives of those who do not claim to be righteous [or in Christian unions] but who acknowledge themselves humbly as sinners, like everyone else.” So, this document is teaching that the Church does not bless homosexual unions, rather if a person or persons ask for a blessing outside of the church liturgy; then responding to humble sinners in need - the priest may give a blessing. At the same time, it is important to note that the Church is in no way blessing a homosexual “union.” Rather, she blesses people in the hope that they will overcome sin and live lives in accord with God’s will. I am sorry to have to address this rather difficult and somewhat confusing matter in conjunction with the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas. Let us pray for each other. Fr. Mike
Priests who are already giving these blessings to people (have you not seen the pictures?) are not calling anyone to repentance, but rather approving by way of acknowledgement (have you not read the words being used in these blessings?) the couple’s “union.” Why have so many priests allowed themselves to be blinded by Satan at the reality of what this intends, and what is already erupting. The blind leading the blind…. May God have mercy.
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So, by this logic, what is the difference between the gay "couple" having the priest "bless" them and a man and his mistress or woman and her lover coming together to ask for blessing? Would it work the same? Confusion does not come from God, but Satan. The fact that priests have to jump through hoops to clarify this "document" and what a blessing actually is says all anyone needs to know.
Not blessing sin. Okay ! But what about blessing people ON THE BASIS of their specific sin: homosexuality ? What about rethinking the whole theology on sin?
The problem is, Pope Francis has a history of making confusing statements, and then refusing to explain them, even when other bishops and priests call for clarity. And while I'm grateful Fr. Mike, that you're trying to rectify this confusion from the pulpit, too many times priests and bishops have had to try to explain what the pope really meant. I feel his statements are intentionally ambiguous in an attempt to walk the fence instead of being fixed firmly on the right side of it. I pray for God's blessings upon our pope and the confused laity.
@@libranoon It wasn't the first language of many popes before him, and they weren't confusing like this pope has been. I love Fr. Mike, but I have to agree with EWTN and the many priests coming out saying this is wrong and some that some things in the document are even absurd...and they are when you read it.
Just as they tried to confuse us with "synod on synodality" that alot of bishops, cardinals and lay faithful pointed out that the holy spirit was left out in the synodality and it would be a secular gathering, which it turned out to be.
Why not emphasize the sacrament of confession for those involved in same sex marriage instead of blessing? Church is supposed to be clear and firm in her teachings and not ambiguous. This development will certainly affect the faith of many Catholics. May God help us!
@@gerardbenjamin8272 yes. The church is going thru her passion right now (as Christ did) and will be resurrected (as Christ was). Infiltrated from within. Pray!
@@jessicabarker6721 dear Jessica Jesus' passion was part of His redemptive agenda to bring the good news of His Kingdom and salvation to the lost. Repentance from sin not "blessings in sin" is the prerequisite for becoming a child of God and members of His family (the church). Read Ephesians 2:1-10 for a start.
Absolutely! Any catholic who thinks this is just a blessing hasn't been following pope Francis. There's never been a pope I aligned with as pope Francis but what he's been doing lately has been beyond shocking and embarrassing to say the least.
Are they coming for a healing and repentance blessing? I don’t think they are coming in for a healing or a repentance blessing but an acceptance blessing.
Read the document itself.... the document talks so much about the blessing being allowed as a way to help these people bring their lives into conformity with God. Jesus didn't send tax collectors away while they remained tax collectors right? Read the document, I read it and honestly thought it was pretty dang clear. To the people who don't think it's clear, it's because they expect the pope to issue a document that is rebutting liberal political viewpoints, not lead a church mission. All I can say is read the document itself. You'll see it is not as the headlines and commentators make it out to seem.
@@luke9747 Well what you are saying has always been in place. Sinners are always welcome and called to repent. Read the document and how much it mentions not saying it’s a wedding. It’s not saying come in for a healing prayer to turn away from sin.
@@InventorKnight i think the Pope is saying the EXACT reason people come for a blessing in this case is to help turn away from their sin. From the document paragraphs 20 and 21: "One who asks for a blessing show himself to be in need of God’s saving presence in his life and one who asks for a blessing from the Church recognizes the latter as a sacrament of the salvation that God offers. To seek a blessing in the Church is to acknowledge that the life of the Church springs from the womb of God’s mercy and helps us to move forward, to live better, and to respond to the Lord’s will. 21. In order to help us understand the value of a more pastoral approach to blessings, Pope Francis urges us to contemplate, with an attitude of faith and fatherly mercy, the fact that “when one asks for a blessing, one is expressing a petition for God’s assistance, a plea to live better, and confidence in a Father who can help us live better.”[12] This request should, in every way, be valued, accompanied, and received with gratitude. People who come spontaneously to ask for a blessing show by this request their sincere openness to transcendence, the confidence of their hearts that they do not trust in their own strength alone, their need for God, and their desire to break out of the narrow confines of this world, enclosed in its limitations."
@@mike7gerald “Repentence” is not being required for the blessing of this intrinsic evil. What if a dude wants his menage-a-trois blessed or maybe a dude & his german shepherd or a dude & his 12 year old daughter who he molests. Can we still say that the Catholic church is just blessing the sinner & not the sin. It’s all optics. Where does this end? Gay marriage being authorized in 20 years when the next Marxist Pope finishes the destruction of our Catholic faith.
How many everyday Lay Catholics are going to understand the difference. A Blessing is a Blessing. Confusion is one of Satan’s best tools. Don’t underestimate the damage this is going to cause the everyday Faithfuls.
A) the vast majority of those seeking these blessings will have no intent to repent and change. They will be seeking validation. B) this is not a blessing of things or individuals, no matter what the pope wants; it is a blessing of a specific relationship. C) this document will be bent/twisted/folded and stapled (just like Vat II) to justify an agenda. D) Jimmy Martin is already booking group gay blessings that will look a LOT like a wedding.
Father, first they repent, then you hear their confession then you bless them. So please DO NOT ADD to the confusiin. So before you bless them take them to the confessional.
If you go to Mass, but didn't yet get to confession, you can receive a blessing instead of receiving Holy Communion. So no, you don't have to go to confession to receive a blessing, but the hope is you'll want to go to confession and the grace received in the blessing would help you want to.
A person doesn't have to go to confession to receive a blessing ! People who aren't Catholic go up front at mass all the time and receive a blessing from the priest , should the priest start asking their whole life story before he offers them a blessing ?
I am not convinced. Example: me and my buddy are hitmen, we are killers, thats our job, we are not going to quit killing but we feel ostracized from the church and discriminated against we would like a blessing. Can we get a blessing and at the same time not stop what we doing? Does that make any sense at all?
Just because you have no intentions of stopping being a hitman doesn't mean you won't stop 20 years from now. You might change tonight, tomorrow, or who knows when, but you still don't get shut out from the catholic church. God loves the sinner not the sins.
Why does the document say couples, why not just say homosexuals, or individuals in a polygamist relationship or people not in union with the church? It was meant to divide us more. Fr. James Martin is ecstatic over this. That tells me all I need to know.
To me this seems like an exercise in futility. Most people living in same sex relationships are trying to force the Church into accepting it as legitimate, as most of society has already done. The Church, by creating a specific blessing which does not ultimately do that, but merely calls them to conversion through grace is really nothing more that already existed in the church. All it is doing now is causing consternation among the faithful who, although also sinners, are to varying degrees acknowledging their sinfulness, repenting and converting from sin. Why is this sin so special? Why are the sacraments and blessings offered for the rest of mankind not sufficient for them? It seems to me like we’re catering to brats.
Civilizations right before they collapse have the breakdown of the family and rampant sexual immorality. The Catholic Church should be unambiguous about the societal and personal consequences of homosexuality. A blessing would rather be an exortation to give up this harmful lifestyle.
What is wrong in saying like John the baptist did. Repent foe the kingdom of God is close at hand. What is the caveat in creating a private blessing for them. I think the church needs to wake up and speak out. We as lay faithful should rise and let our voices be heard. Call sin what it's and let the sinner repent. Invite them with love preach to them, not bless them without preaching. If I tell you I am a thief or you know I am one, will you bless me and let me go? If I tell you I am a thief, you should preach christ crucified and win me over with love and then bless me for grace to live a righteous life. Jesus told the adulterous woman, "Did anyone condemn you? She said no, and neither do I but go and sin no more. In the end, the message was passed. Adultery is a sign. Go and sin no more is the best blessing for anyone in such sin.
The pope is not where JESUS Taught us to get answers. What happened to your Relationship With GOD? It hurts my heart to read the comments, hear the pope and listen to preachers try to explain, both in support and to condemn things which they know little about. Are we here to cast judgement? You want to be judge, while we're the greatest of sinners, supporting wars and walls and fat bank accounts while people suffer immensely, surrounded with nowhere to run, starving in poverty and persecuted into pain; then to make it worse, we point our fingers at them and accuse them and tell them it's their own fault. We throw stones with our accusations and then use every technique available to us, other than love, without forgiveness and with zero understanding of kindness, to turn as many others away from GOD as possible. We preach about a future of eternal hell to people who are already suffering hell on earth. We take prideful pleasure doing this and then we return to our luxury, open our Bible, read a few WORDS and believe we know everything - without any fear of being spit out. Nobody here understands sin and nobody here understands GRACE! GOD, please Save these evil people, they know not what they say. They believe what goes into their mouths to be more important than what comes out. They don't understand when hunger turns to satisfaction, nor when satisfaction turns to gluttony. They believe they See all others so clearly, but are blind to your Truth. They believe in all the lesser rules while constantly and continually breaking The HIGHEST TWO RULES YOU TAUGHT US - LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR And MESSIAH, In YOUR NAME we Pray. Who is worthy to give a Blessing? I read a comment on a YT video about The Rapture. The comment read, "There's not going to be The Rapture, because Jesus finds no one worthy enough to come back for." Are you worthy enough to give a Blessing? People looking for a Blessing in these modern times should realize they're looking in all the wrong places. JESUS CHRIST Is Listening.... in case anyone needs a Blessing. 9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. MATTHEW 7
@@J-hz4jball just long drawn out words in defense trying to excuse sin. We have a conscience and should know right from wrong. Bottom line this pope needs to go.
@@virgilbrumley5423Does he call them to repentance? Ambiguity and half messages are always a disingenuous way of communicating. Speak clearly and directly and call people to repentance of their sins.
It hurts my heart so much to read the hundreds of comments, to hear the pope and to listen to the various preachers try to explain, both in support and to condemn things which they know so very little about. Are we here to cast judgement? We the greatest of sinners, supporting wars and walls and fat bank accounts while people suffer immensely, surrounded with nowhere to run, starving in poverty and persecuted into pain. We throw stones with our accusations and then use every technique available to us, other than love, without forgiveness and with zero understanding of kindness, to turn as many others away from GOD as possible. We preach about a future of eternal hell to people who are already suffering hell on earth. We take prideful pleasure doing this and then we return to our luxury, open our Bible, read a few WORDS and believe we know everything - without any fear of being spit out. Nobody here understands sin and nobody here understands GRACE! GOD, please Save these evil people, they know not what they say. They believe what goes into their mouths to be more important than what comes out. They don't understand when hunger turns to satisfaction, nor when satisfaction turns to gluttony. They believe they See all others so clearly, but are blind to your Truth. They believe in all the lesser rules while constantly and continually breaking The HIGHEST TWO RULES YOU TAUGHT US - LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR And MESSIAH, In YOUR NAME we Pray.
Who is worthy to give a Blessing? I read a comment on a YT video about The Rapture. The comment read, "There's not going to be The Rapture, because Jesus finds no one worthy enough to come back for." Are you worthy enough to give a Blessing? People looking for a Blessing in these modern times should realize they're looking in all the wrong places. JESUS CHRIST Is Listening.... in case anyone needs a Blessing.
@@sweetxjc Yes but in their hearts they themselves know that they've requested a blessing without an intention to confess or repent. They are not fooling anyone but themselves. In the final analysis no one can cheat his own conscience. And God sees what is in the heart. Nothing is hidden.
Wel,l if the pope says you can blame gays, he knows they are gay, that's why we are talking about gay people,not some ramdom people who don't know who they are, they are gay,and he knows they are gay, he first have to tell them to repent and turn from homosexuality ,then bless them like another human been.@@sweetxjc
An aid of conversion? That is naive. Dropping this a week before Christmas is also ominous. Same sex couples are not looking to separate from each other or be celibate. You bless each individually to repent of your sins. You do not bless a couple committing mortal sin with each other. The blessing won’t even work because of the mortal sin aspect. This whole explanation is ridiculous!
You want an explanation - seek GOD. You want to know how bodily desires work for others - ask GOD. But just remember, all that time looking at and trying to understand others, could have been used to understand yourself and why GOD Created you. What happened to your Relationship With GOD? Nobody here understands sin and nobody here understands GRACE! People believe in all the lesser rules while constantly and continually breaking The HIGHEST TWO RULES YOU TAUGHT US - LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR And MESSIAH, In YOUR NAME we Pray. Who is worthy to give a Blessing? I read a comment on a YT video about The Rapture. The comment read, "There's not going to be The Rapture, because Jesus Finds no one worthy enough to return for." Are you worthy enough to give a Blessing? People looking for a Blessing in these modern times should realize they're looking in all the wrong places. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST Is Listening.... in case anyone needs a Blessing. 9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! MATTHEW 7-7 to 7-12.
Don't forget about the nativity removal in Rome a year or two ago as well. And of course the Pachamama on the altar of St. Peter which then led to the plague shortly thereafter. Pope Pachamama.
We could have used a document on our need of repentance. Funny thing is that this document seems to have been created for a group who are "proud" and not repentant.
Don't kid yourself, in the long run its all about eventually getting rid of the Holy Sacrament of marriage - slowly, slowly, bit by bit introducing blessings for everyone including same sex relationships - exactly what Our Lady of Fatima foretold - breakdown of the family!!
You bless them if they repent Joel 2:14 “Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?”
I agree-it’s the frog in water slowly coming to a boil scenario-funny how the American clergy are telling their flocks it’s just a blessing while the courageous clergy in Malawi are saying no way -it’s been said that it will be the African nations that will bring back holiness to the church.
Thank you. I’m a Prot and have heard several traditional Catholic blogs/videos call out how ambiguous and confusing all this is and believe it is satanic.
Totally agree. Just as Dr Taylor Marshall said, we are going to see alot of "pope-splainers" trying to make light of this serious situation or confusion and ambiguity the pope has put us in.
@@Mutasis_MutandisI would recommend reading the document itself. If you hear it from the headlines you will get a liberal interpretation, from traditionalists and interpretation that the pope is horrible. I read it myself, honestly I thought it was clear and a good document trying to make the point that you can bless the people and not the sin and that the blessing is to help bring their lives in conformity to God. If people actually just read the document without looking at it from a sinister or political perspective I think we'd realize that there isn't anything wrong with it... not to mention the pope isn't writing these documents thinking hmmmm how will CNN use these words to make it sound like something it didn't say
A Popesplainer! If father is correct, then there is absolutely no reason for the document to be issued. Implicit in the document is a redefinition of sin.
Our Lord is God of truth, not confusion. If there is confusion in the gathering of God's people, it implies that the spirit of devil is in possession of the originators of that confusion. We all should pray not to be spiritual blind, because our faith shall be tested individually. May God have mercy on us all...Amen
I love Fr Michael O'Connor and his homilies are top notch. Having a little trouble with Fr's explanation on this. Doesn't the confessional serve this purpose already? If I am a practicing addict and in search of a Priest's blessing to assist me in my struggle with that sin, does it make sense that I would present for a blessing with a bag of drugs next to me? If the goal of the blessing is to assist me in ending the relationship, shouldn't I already be on my way and present individually rather than with the one with which I committing sin?
This is the only time I have had a problem with father's preaching. Father why do you think gay people all-over the world are celebrating including father Martin. This only serves to promote the sin that cries out to heaven
I would be so appreciative if someone would let me know if that blessing applies to a young people who are cohabitating. Can they present themselves together for a blessing? Does that mean they can continue to cohabitate?? Is the Catholic Church endorsing that the blessing will lead them to repentance? This is confusing to all- so the parents of heterosexuals that cohabitate can just stop worrying about the souls of the involved parties and say go get a blessing not for the sin but for the union as along as it does not look like a marriage Mass. I am sorry- this is just ridiculous. Preach repentance for all!! Heterosexuals and homosexuals!
@@annmariegodsservantThe church cannot bless sin, even after this document. This document was completely unnecessary in that anyone can approach for a blessing and while the Priest will most likely ask for what purpose is the blessing, there is no moral shake down. If young people present a cohabitating couple and want the Priest to bless that relationship, the Priest would have to decline. Don't think that it is just a coincidence on the timing of this release and make no mistake, it was put forth to cause confusion in Mother Church.
@@chestymarine4731 I agree! That is my point exactly. No need for this document other than to sow confusion- and the proof is that they only mention homosexual unions bc they would not bless cohabitation bc it’s a sin and they are NOT trying to change the church’s stance on that-just on homosexuality and the “union”
One of the main problems with the Pope's new teaching is that when a couple in a same sex union or irregular union usually come to the church or a priest for a blessing, they would come together as a couple, not as an individual. They would ordinarily come with the intention to bless their union and invoke God's blessing and all that are derived from his goodness, such as longevity, prosperity and happiness of the Union and good health for the parties to grow more and be strengthened in the union. In other words, they would come for the priest's blessing, seeking that all the goodness of the Lord may come and descend upon them. They would not ordinarily come to a priest, seeking his advice on how they can put a stop on their sinful relationship and, in the process, ask for a confession and live a holy life. Indeed, it would be awkward for the priest to ask said couple to seek confession first, live a life of holiness and, in the process, abandon the relationship. My take is that the new teaching on the blessing of same sex or irregular union borders on encouraging the perpetuation of sin and a sinful union, rather than discouraging the commission of sin and putting a stop to an unholy union.
This document is confusing for a reason. Why? So the Pope can fulfill his promise to make a mess. This blessing in no way calls people to repentance. Wishful thinking.
We are not in the 3rd or 15th century where people were not a literate as we are now. It's our job as Parents #1 to educate our kids in the faith for this WE must educate ourselves, we cannot give what we don't have and ignorance of faith is a disservice to everyone.
Neo-pagan Pope, slippery slope. He is condoning sin period. A blessing for the President and Speaker is abortion is OK. I'm not confused. The pope is an anti Christ. I'm Catholic and I'm tired of the explaining away this garbage. I got texts from my protestant friends very angry. The same ones I am telling about the One True Church. I have had it, our Trad friends are going to need to add some chairs. I'm done with the Modernist Church.
Sorry. This is sophistry. At 8:51 Fr. O'Connor says, "...We don't bless homosexual union. We bless the people in homosexual union that they would repent..." For one thing, we do not BLESS someone to repent: we PRAY for someone for the grace to repent. We BLESS couples so their relationship will PROSPER with God's grace not for them to split apart. There is a disingenuous play on words going on here. Even the word "couple" focuses on the union not the individuals. "...and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh." Mark 10:8 Regarding the blessing: Is that blessing in order to encourage the couple to repent and break up their illicit relationship? "Bless us as a couple father so we can repent and break up our sinful union" Nonsense. The fact that they ask for a blessing as a couple in a union means they have no interest in repenting of that union and breaking up otherwise they'd come as individuals if that is their desire. I mean if a couple in an adulterous relationship approaches the priest as a couple and asks for a blessing, do you really think it is because they want the grace to be able to break up? No. They are asking for the Church's BLESSING on their union as that word is universally understood in the English language. I suggest the following interpretation is more accurate defacto and on the ground: "We are not going to break up because the Church needs to change not us so bless us anyway because that means we are accepted by God and the Church as a couple."
Father, please listen to Dr. Taylor Marshall. You are naive to think gay couples in their minds aren’t thinking the church in their own way are condoning this slippery slope. Confession and individual blessings are good but not as a couple. It is seriously leading people to hell. 😢
Whatever you do. Don’t listen to Taylor Marshall. That guy is a sede . Actually still an Anglican. He hates the pope just like the prots. Calls him by his given name not pope Francis. There are so many Catholics who have left the church because of that man
Slippery slope? There is no slippery slope, that was before. This is the modern high-tech world, this is our end, in a few more decades, each of us, our time comes up. We already slipped long ago, we're at the bottom of the mountain, not at the top. The pope is not where JESUS Taught us to get answers. What happened to your Relationship With GOD? It hurts my heart so much to read the comments, hear the pope and listen to preachers try to explain, both in support and to condemn things which they know little about. Are we here to cast judgement? You want to be judge, while we're the greatest of sinners, supporting wars and walls and fat bank accounts while people suffer immensely, surrounded with nowhere to run, starving in poverty and persecuted into pain; then to make it worse, we point our fingers at them and accuse them and tell them it's their own fault. We throw stones with our accusations and then use every technique available to us, other than love, without forgiveness and with zero kindness, to turn as many others away from GOD as possible. We preach about a future of eternal hell to people who are already suffering hell on earth. We take prideful pleasure doing this and then we return to our luxury, open our Bible, read a few WORDS and believe we know everything - without any fear of being spit out. Nobody here understands sin and nobody here understands GRACE! GOD, please Save these evil people, they know not what they say. They believe what goes into their mouths to be more important than what comes out. They don't understand when hunger turns to satisfaction, nor when satisfaction turns to gluttony. They believe they See all others so clearly, but are blind to your Truth. They believe in all the lesser rules while constantly and continually breaking The HIGHEST TWO RULES YOU TAUGHT US - LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR And MESSIAH, In YOUR NAME we Pray. Who is worthy to give a Blessing? I read a comment on a YT video about The Rapture. The comment read, "There's not going to be The Rapture, because Jesus Finds no one worthy enough to return for." Are you worthy enough to give a Blessing? People looking for a Blessing in these modern times should realize they're looking in all the wrong places. JESUS CHRIST Is Listening.... in case anyone needs a Blessing. 9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. MATTHEW 7
Blessing requires that what is blessed be conformed to God's will, as expressed in the teachings of the church. John the Baptist said REPENT. Christ said REPENT. They did not bless first, they made the requirements clear. REPENT and be BLESSED.
I believe your analysis from an intellectual perspective is accurate. But in the real world these "blessings" will turn into a spectacle as same sex couples will request their blessing to confirm their sinful state and not see the blessing as a call to repent.
Yes, I wonder if the homosexual couples, who present for a blessing, will be told by the priests who bless them, that it is NOT their relationship that is being blessed, but the INDIVIDUAL?
Hearing what is coming out of Austria and Germany tells me the agenda is not just a blessing but will move ever so slowly to blessing unions -sadly, the Malawi Bishops get the message more than our American clergy
@@cherylyates1979 Actually, I believe it is their relationship that is to be blessed, to the degree that their relationship involves compassion, commitment, fidelity and shared faith. That is what is being blessed. No human relationship is completely devoid of sin.
Forgive us if we are a bit leary... but it seems like a tiny opening. And why now? Why the urgency to present this to faithful Catholics the week before Christmas?
A week before Christmas to cause division in the family. I suspect there will be plenty of arguments over this at family get togethers. As Fatima predicted.
Stop it Father, We are not stupid. This is an offhand ambiguous door opening to blessing sin. You must have an intention to repent. We see what the liberal Priest and Bishops are saying about this. When these individuals are not stopped for blessing the unions, we will see. We are not confused about the sex offender enabling hierarchy intentions here. They could solve this, by allowing only one person of the same sex, standing alone to be blessed to repent. Oh wait we already have that.
Hi, I invite you to be a Muslim and worship the creator alone. Islam is the only religion that is unchangeable with the same values. Christianity gave up on many of it's teachings because it's not the religion of God. God sent us prophets including Jesus to worship him alone without associating anything or anyone with him. You should watch this channel for more details about Islam : one message foundation.
there is quite a distinction between blessing a person and blessing a union. The implication that the blessing is to provoke repentance is disingenuous; that is not the "visual" and neither will it be the purpose for which such blessing will be sought.
Father I have read the document and it is quite disheartening. I have a lot of problems with what the document says and does not say. There is no definitive mention of repentance or turning away from a sinful “irregular situation”. It creates more confusion, it’s misleading. If we humbly acknowledge ourselves as sinners we should repent and seek absolution. I don’t think persons who will seek blessings will be there for fraternal correction, on the contrary for affirmation. Spontaneity should be in accordance to scripture and tradition when giving a blessing. There is alot of implicit admission of wrong doing in the document. It left me with the question of what exactly is being blessed.
The document is about blessing people in a way to aid them in conforming their lives to God... I read the document, it isn't that long, I honestly thought it was very well written and a beautiful summation of God's mercy... it seemed all appropriate to me. People can interpret it wrongly, but I think that what the pope wrote in it is truly good. Yeah when you read it in the news it's different. But read it yourself please people
I've been listening to leaders for over 30 years explaining away this slippery slope of evil. That's what you are doing now. That's how we got to this point in time, today.
Bingo! Just as Dr Taylor Marshall said " there's gonna be alot of pope-splainers trying to make light of this problem pope Francis and the Vatican is putting the church in. This is schismatic!
With all due respect, Father I am not following along here with this explanation. And that hurts me to say this as I enjoy your content. It helps me in becoming a better fellow Roman Catholic. I think the Pope needs to provide a full discussion on this to all of us. At the very least. This news of his letter really felt like a punch to the gut.
5. This is also the understanding of marriage that is offered by the Gospel. For this reason, when it comes to blessings, the Church has the right and the duty to avoid any rite that might contradict this conviction or lead to confusion. Such is also the meaning of the Responsum of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which states that the Church does not have the power to impart blessings on unions of persons of the same sex.
For as long as I can recall I've been reminded, hate the sin, love the sinner. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude that you have given the real true meaning once again. God Bless you Fr. Mike. A true voice in the wilderness.
It's not the same to bless sinners and to bless couples. The document says it's OK to bless gay couples. To bless a couple it's like blessing the relationship.
Imitate Christ! To the woman caught in adultery, he showed true mercy by calling her to repentance at the same time. A show of mercy to a sinner as regards any particular situation of sin but which is devoid of strong call to repentance is simply a false or deceptive shadowy appearance of something like God's mercy but not really divine mercy. "Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on, do not sin anymore." The destruction of the soul because of sin is the worst consequence such that saving her from the penalty of stoning to death momentarily but leaving her soul engulfed in a mortal sin could not never be the goal of Christ Jesus. That's why he commanded her also not to sin anymore. Mercy and unambiguous direct call to repentance are simultaneously offered to the sinner by God in Jesus Christ. Therefore, love of God for the sinful humanity manifests itself in a call to repentance in order to receive the gift of life, that is salvation from sin which leads to death if not repented from. Therefore, "hate the sin, love the siner" means condemn the sin and proclaim the necessity of repentance from sin in order for souls to be saved. The Pope and all Christians must not condemn anyone practicing homosexuality because God himself has already condemned such despicable sinfulness, but he is duty bound to call them to repentance in direct plain manner like the way Jesus did to the woman he showed mercy to. We must not be foolish to insinuate that we love siners but only hate sin if we do nothing to condemn that which we hate (i.e., sin), and do nothing to urge those living in a situation of sin that leads to the loss of sanctifying grace to repent and get out of such situations with God's help. This is where the Pope has missed it. He has not urged those homosexual couples to repent, and that is why the LGBTQ+ celebrate him as one who champions their cause.
You are totally wrong here. Look at the world in ruins around you...open your eyes...it is not a coincidence!!! Pope Pachamama then the plague...one thing after another with this silly old man with a silly hat. Francis has now shown he has got to go asap. REPENT.
Yes, is to bless their sin, because he knows they are gay couple and should tell them first to repent,and turn away from the sin, then bless them because they are not gay no more.@@sergiovellozo6451
The intent of that document was to create confusion Father. It puts holy priests in a difficult situation from the altar. Thank you for clarifying the church teaching. We must unite to help all those in need to repent.
This is only to confuse the people more the Pope should be corrected and i hate the way the Priest are making excuses for this Pope its got to stop 🛑, we are placing ourselves on the side of the Antichrist, stop making excuses for him its wrong because what are people suppose to think when a Pope says this , he is slowly changing the churches teachings which has never happened before, stop making excuses for him , its either 100% for God or you are on the Devils side , can you imagine what the priests who say no in Canada, they will go to prison, it’s shameful to make this right 🙏🙏🙏🙏
@jeannenollen4492 Words are important. Although I suspect your comments are based in truth, we cannot truly know anyone's heart. Only God can do that. You would be wiser, and likely more accurate, to say: " IT APPEARS the intent of that document was to create confusion Father.".
Unfortunately the ambiguity of this document is intentional. It leaves the structure of the blessing open, so as to be improvised by the priest, calling that "pastoral." This means that in parishes all across the world who are sympathetic to the gay agenda, the blessing of gay couples will now begin. This is a shame and no amount of trying to explain will change this. Our Church has lost her way. Kyrie eleison.
Priest and bishops have been blessing people for centuries. So why come out with this specific document? Maybe to cause confusion? And we know all know who confusion comes from… Not God.
If people in these “irregular situations,” whatever that is, intended to repent they wouldn’t be asking for a COUPLE blessing. The failure to define what an irregular situation is shows just how intentional the confusion is. What this does is allow priests to bless gay unions. And once that happens just try telling young people -with a straight face- they have to remain chaste until marriage. This is how the church’s moral authority will be undermined.
The Vatican is engaging in equivication in this matter. Using the word "bless" in two different senses, knowing that faithful Catholics will interpret the word in its general sense and that the secular world will interpret it in the specific. As such this is an extremely dishonest document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It is what I have come to expect from Francis. It is our misfortune that we live at a time when we have such a confused Pope.
He's a silly old man with a silly hat (sounds like someone I know running into walls in a white house), making a mockery of those who are trying really hard to follow the commandments & Catechism of the Catholic Church. He must go now.
Question Fr Mike, did Priest not already the "Pastoral Duty" to bless sinners for their conversion? Was this doctrine really necessary? Or was this doctrine put out to create the confusion, headline messages we see today?
Repent repent repent is what Pope Francis’s message should be to all those in same sex relations and to all sinners .The Lord is all merciful to those who ask his forgiveness in confession. “Go sin no more “
Ask James Martins discription of this Brogolios statement... Pope splainers will do their best to cononize tis person. Pray the Rosary every day and have Faith in our Lord,.
Absolute nonsense to say that a sinner who has not made any pledge to repent should go to a priest to get blessed while still actively committed to the same sin. It doesn’t make any sense Father. There is nothing to read about such a document. Blessing of sin is exactly what the Pope has promoted here unless twisting the truth is a virtue.
My respect for Fr. Mike addressing the issue. However, just by recognizing them as an "irregular" couple, the document is inadvertently giving them legitimacy, and repentence is not expressly required in the document from what I have seen. This is an admirable attempt at damage control, but barring mental gymnastics, I can find for no Scriptural, traditional, or Catechism basis for this decree. My heart is sad, because schism is inevitable. God bless.
Excellent comment. Heartbreaking to see, and I am not even Catholic. I always had such admiration for the Church's stand against sin even in the face of persecution from modern culture. Definitely discouraging and testifies to how close we are to God's final judgment.
@@mike7gerald And the blessings comes when they attend Confession. Let's face it, a person who steals needs a blessing to overcome their sin. Should we have a blessings for thieves? Or rather, is the blessing in Confession, already established directly from Jesus, the correct blessing to assist a person who desires to stop stealing, but having difficulty doing it? Same thing. We have the blessings in place for ANY and EVERY person who wishes to overcome any sin whatsoever, so this new letter is intended to slowly bring in blessing sin itself. Which will never be, as the faithful are awake, and Jesus has told us the the gates of Hell shall not prevail over HIS church.
Where the confusion comes in is that the letter mentions eight times that the priest is blessing the couple. It is not possible to bless the couple and at the same time not bless the sinful relationship of that couple at some level. Why is the couple coming to the priest at the same time, if not in some way to validate the relationship? This scandalizes young people who are struggling with same sex attraction because the letter says nothing about the need for the priest to offer admonition or a call to repentance. The letter should state that the priest is only permitted to bless the people in the relationship individually. As the letter is currently drafted, a married man in an adulterous relationship can come before the priest with his concubine and ask for a blessing. That is absurd. Jesus did not bless the woman caught in adultery. He gave her an admonition to avoid that type of sin in the future. The letter makes a mockery of our spiritual reasoning and the problem is not that people are over-reacting. The flock knows when it is being fleeced by it's shepherd.
Perfectly stated. We are living in a time when people are expected to suspend all reasoning and common sense and swallow anything no matter how absurd, or be accused of being the ungodly unenlightened ones.
The apostle John told us what to do concerning those that teach false doctrine; II John 1:10: “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.”
As an individual he can 'bless' them all he wants...but as a representative of a Christian faith he can't bless something that is clearly defined as sinful. 'Pretending to be a leader does not a leader make'...God will deal with him as he has done with false teacher throughout history, but the faithful should reject him as a leader of their faith and find one who understands Biblical scripture and its message. We will pray for him, but we pray mostly for the flock he is shepherding that they are not led astray. In Jesus' Holy name
I read the document but it was confusing as to blessings. If the document had been written for the lay person to understand, then I would be less frustrated. Saying to bless the person and not the sin, is what should have been made clear. You explained it best, so I appreciate that. The problem arises when people in an unnatural union ask a priest for a blessing. How does he explain this to them?
This is from Merriam-Webster dictionary: BLESS verb 1 religion : to hallow or consecrate by religious rite or word asked the priest to bless their marriage Bless this home. 2 religion : to hallow with the sign of the cross He blessed himself before liftoff. 3 : to invoke divine care for bless your heart -used in the phrase bless you to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed 4 a : PRAISE, GLORIFY bless his holy name b : to speak well of : APPROVE 5 : to confer prosperity or happiness upon God has blessed us with four children. 6 archaic : PROTECT, PRESERVE Bless me from marrying a usurer! -Shakespeare 7 : ENDOW, FAVOR blessed with athletic ability Note, there is no verb listed to "repentance." One cannot hijack the definition of a commonly used word to accomodate a false doctrine. This is what this spineless Pope has done. He needs to be removed as a heretic. While I appreciate your words, Mike, I cannot agree with them. I think you should just come out and say that the word "blessing" is the wrong word. The word the Pope is looking for is "condemned."
Well, Father, have you ever before knowingly blessed same-sex couples? Be honest, this is the first very public step to normalize the state of same-sex unions.
Great homily and thanks for clearing that up. But, it’s still clear as mud. These blessings will “look” like weddings. Photographers, flowers, special music maybe even a soloist. Family all gathered together dressed up to witness the blessing. Pictures with the priest with both men in tuxedos. Receptions held after to “celebrate” the blessing. Parties with food and wine to celebrate after. What does Pope Francis say about this?
Hopefully it won’t be like that. This is where our priests will need to step up and explain what Church teaching and this blessing actually is. Lord, help us all to be strong and remain faithful to the doctrine and teachings of the Catholic Church, especially during these trying and confusing times. Amen. ❤️
@@cherylyates1979 It’s the priests standing and smiling for photos with gay couples on their “blessing day” that go viral that I worry will confuse our kids even more 🤷🏻♀️🙏
@@jessicabarker6721 Blessing and pictures of this material world's actions and ideas is not where to get the Best Knowledge. This is the modern high-tech world, this is our end, in usually much less than 100 years, each of us, our time comes up. We look to others, who are more temporary than even we are, for the eternal answers. Is there not something wrong with that strategy? The pope is not where JESUS Taught us to get answers. What happened to your Relationship With GOD? It hurts my heart so much to read the comments, hear the pope and listen to preachers try to explain, both in support and to condemn things which they know little about. Are we here to cast judgement? You want to be judge, while we're the greatest of sinners, supporting wars and walls and fat bank accounts while people suffer immensely, surrounded with nowhere to run, starving in poverty and persecuted into pain; then to make it worse, we point our fingers at them and accuse them and tell them it's their own fault. We throw stones with our accusations and then use every technique available to us, other than love, without forgiveness and with zero kindness, to turn as many others away from GOD as possible. We preach about a future of eternal hell to people who are already suffering hell on earth. We take prideful pleasure doing this and then we return to our luxury, open our Bible, read a few WORDS and believe we know everything - without any fear of being spit out. Nobody here understands sin and nobody here understands GRACE! GOD, please Save these evil people, they know not what they say. They believe what goes into their mouths to be more important than what comes out. They don't understand when hunger turns to satisfaction, nor when satisfaction turns to gluttony. They believe they See all others so clearly, but are blind to your Truth. They believe in all the lesser rules while constantly and continually breaking The HIGHEST TWO RULES YOU TAUGHT US - LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR And MESSIAH, In YOUR NAME we Pray. Who is worthy to give a Blessing? I read a comment on a YT video about The Rapture. The comment read, "There's not going to be The Rapture, because Jesus Finds no one worthy enough to return for." Are you worthy enough to give a Blessing? People looking for a Blessing in these modern times should realize they're looking in all the wrong places. JESUS CHRIST Is Listening.... in case anyone needs a Blessing. 9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. MATTHEW 7
If nothing changed, then why did Father James Martin (the openly gay priest) sing the praises of Pope Francis literally moments after the document was released. WAKE UP, PEOPLE! Our Church is under attack from the inside.
I am new to this channel. I am not Catholic but I am a Christian. I have a question, how can an openly gay man be a priest in the church? I don't agree with the Pope about this blessing. 🙏❤️✝️🇺🇲
You wouldn't go with your partner in adultery or fornication to confession, would you? Exactly, because if you are sincere, you have a sense of shame for your sin. If a "couple" is going together, they are asking for a couple's blessing on their relationship. Period. @@Innocentorum The very clear message to them will be that you can have God's blessings and forgiveness without repentance (turning away from the sin being confessed), and that is a lie straight from Hell.
I cannot stand cowards of the faith Father you are wrong This blessing amounts to a permission to be in a sinful relationship. Will you bless a man and his mistress? I am disappointed in you I will stay in prayer
I doubt if it would make any difference. People will make of it as they will. Blessings have always been there for anyone who wants them. No need for a document which will only continue to cause speculation and confusion. God is in charge.
Here people receive a blessing if they don't wish to receive the Holy Eucharist... those not in a state of Grace (needing confession) or unmarried et al... Anyhow this will go the way of Gluten Free Eucharist 😊
@@winall9 A blessing of what? Individuals, a couple, their “marriage”? Isn’t a blessing in response to repentance and contrition? I think, may be wrong, but if a homosexual couple approached a Priest asking for a blessing, they will view it as divine validation of their union, just as I would if my wife and I went to a priest and asked him to bless us as a couple.
I think you doth protest too much. Pope Francis has opened the door and many priests will use this letter as an excuse TO BLESS same sex couples. Fr. Martin is jumping for joy.
The community of faith is receiving a Special Christmas Gift from the “top shepherd”: a gift of CONFUSION. That takes away the peace of A Silent Night.
@@mandyphillips7057 pray for pope Francis, he needs it more! Pray for the priests in Brazil who allow the local idol "pacha mama" to be placed infront of the altar during mass. Pray for pope Francis for what he did to cardinal Burke and Strickland. Pray for pope Francis for echoeing the "climate grifting" of evil politicians who want to introduce energy poverty for about half the world, instead of being a voice of reason and hope. I could go on
Unfortunately, we and Fr. Mike shouldn't have to be fired up about a document that should not have been created in the first place. Instead of directing and shoring up the church in root matters, as the current pope's predecessors did, the Vatican is exploring worldly tendencies. Oh mighty God, strengthen and guide our clergy in all matters according to your Will.
In the years before coming to Christ as my Savior I was so lost in sin. I was hungry for anyone that would say something to in anyway justify what I was doing. Jesus didn’t do that. As Jesus is saying today, the way to destruction is broad and easy. The road to eternal life is narrow and difficult and few find it. He didn’t bless me and send me on my way unchanged. When I cried out to Him He responded. Jesus Christ has many “hard” sayings, but they are full of grace and truth and real love that won’t let you go. When I was so lost people who said things to justify in any way my behavior….they were doing me a disservice. “ Bless the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.
Thank you for your testimony. Today the Church as a whole, not just Catholicism, is preaching the message that there is no need to change your life, just be saved by faith and grace. Where have all the Watchmen gone? No voices warning of the catastrophe ahead. The Word of God states very clearly in black and white that if we continue in sin, including the one at issue here, we will in no way see the Kingdom of God, and that if we join hands with evildoers, we are partakers of their sin. Where are the shepherds protecting the flock from wolves?
50 YEARS AGO, THIS WASN'T EVEN A THING!!!! You would NOT even have to worry about it being MISCONSTRUDE BECAUSE IT WASN'T DONE!!!! If people can't see we're "LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS" then I don't know what to say!!!! Thank-You Father for clarifying!!!!
I am a Christian living in the UK. I have no connection wth either the Catholic or Anglican Church but I am very thankful for your Ministry Fr. Mike. I am now in my mid seventies and was converted over 45 years ago by reading the Bible alone. The Word of God is indeed 'living and active - sharper than a two edged sword. I love the way you stick closely to the word. I am grateful to you for your endeavour to clarify as clearly as possible the use of the word 'blessing'. The fact is, the term 'blessing' is very ill chosen and misleading in relation to the ministry needed to help people who are struggling with same sex attraction. We are living in extremely testing times. It's in times like these that the Church, the Bride of Christ, has to be holding out the Truth in its simplicity. She has to be true to her Lord and not given to ambivalence - that would be like sending out mixed messages that are neither honest or helpful. Ultimately it will only create unhappiness and confusion for those within the Church and those outside of it. I believe Christians worldwide are becoming shocked and dismayed at what's happening in the higher echelons of the Church.... but, it is the Lord, and He alone, who is the ultimate and true Shepherd of the sheep who brings us safely home.
I think that it's very unlikely that a gay couple is going to come to a priest and ask for blessings so that they can repent. This is just the first step in accepting gay marriage.
Blessing for conversion? We pray for conversion and we receive blessings when we are in "ADHERENCE" to the path we choose AFTER we converted. The blessing doesn't come first. The conviction does. What you did, dear Father, was play PR to the pope. When Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez was made perfect of the dicastry of faith, every faithful knew that this false pope and his allies have captured the holy offices as wolves in sheep's clothing. Cardinal Manuel 's reputation of scandals and as Pope's ghost-writer, well precedes your defense of them, father. I, as a true catholic and willing to be faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, know along with others in Him, that we in our lifetime, are preparing see the abomination of desolation. May God have mercy on us all, dear Father.
On December 18, 2023, the “Vatican” (more accurately the “Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith”) released the Declaration Fiducia Supplicans, and it has gotten much misleading “press.” Most of the coverage announces, in headlines, statements that do not accurately represent the meaning of the document but generate a confusing narrative about the Catholic Church's teaching on marriage, sex and relationships.
This document is principally focused on the pastoral meaning of blessings and clearly states that there is no change in the liturgy of the Church or doctrine to bless or otherwise condone marriages or relationships not in accordance with Christian teaching. “It is precisely [only] in this context that one can understand the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.”
It is important to make clear that marriage (the only relationship in which the sexual embrace is sanctioned) remains an exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children. The sexual embrace is sacramental, covenantal and life giving. Homosexual acts are grave sins against chastity and under no circumstances can they be blessed or even approved. (See Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 2357-2359)
The document states about the blessing of people in “irregular situations:” “to seek a blessing in the Church is to acknowledge that the life of the Church springs from the womb of God’s mercy and helps us to move forward, to live better, and to respond to the Lord’s will.” For a priest to offer a blessing, outside liturgy, to a person in such a context is not to weaken doctrine or practice but to offer God’s blessings to those “very much in need.” Furthermore, the document states “indeed, the grace of God works in the lives of those who do not claim to be righteous [or in Christian unions] but who acknowledge themselves humbly as sinners, like everyone else.” So, this document is teaching that the Church does not bless homosexual unions, rather if a person or persons ask for a blessing outside of the church liturgy; then responding to humble sinners in need - the priest may give a blessing. At the same time, it is important to note that the Church is in no way blessing a homosexual “union.” Rather, she blesses people in the hope that they will overcome sin and live lives in accord with God’s will. I am sorry to have to address this rather difficult and somewhat confusing matter in conjunction with the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas. Let us pray for each other.
Fr. Mike
Priests who are already giving these blessings to people (have you not seen the pictures?) are not calling anyone to repentance, but rather approving by way of acknowledgement (have you not read the words being used in these blessings?) the couple’s “union.” Why have so many priests allowed themselves to be blinded by Satan at the reality of what this intends, and what is already erupting. The blind leading the blind…. May God have mercy.
Check Out EWTN On Demand: Raymond Arroyo Interview with Rev. Gerald Murray Canon Law Lawyer & Doctorate Degree for the Roman Catholic Church! Interview Date: 12/21/23: Excellent Interview & Extensive Information!
So, by this logic, what is the difference between the gay "couple" having the priest "bless" them and a man and his mistress or woman and her lover coming together to ask for blessing? Would it work the same? Confusion does not come from God, but Satan. The fact that priests have to jump through hoops to clarify this "document" and what a blessing actually is says all anyone needs to know.
Mystery Babylon
A long USSR-style statement how USSR is democratic and peacefull...
The CONFUSION is the point! Satan is the father of confusion.
Exactly, most people get the news from the secular media.They are framing it as the Church has changed its teaching.
Not blessing sin. Okay !
But what about blessing people ON THE BASIS of their specific sin: homosexuality ?
What about rethinking the whole theology on sin?
And deception. The blessing is for a couple. If a someone living in adultery rock up, would they be blessed as a couple.
Good question. @@AL-wn2tt
@@splinterbyrdbefore he said ' I will not serve' now Lucifer brings darkness and does everything opposite of Light.
The problem is, Pope Francis has a history of making confusing statements, and then refusing to explain them, even when other bishops and priests call for clarity. And while I'm grateful Fr. Mike, that you're trying to rectify this confusion from the pulpit, too many times priests and bishops have had to try to explain what the pope really meant. I feel his statements are intentionally ambiguous in an attempt to walk the fence instead of being fixed firmly on the right side of it. I pray for God's blessings upon our pope and the confused laity.
English is not the Pope's first language. Fr Mike did a very good job
@@libranoon It wasn't the first language of many popes before him, and they weren't confusing like this pope has been. I love Fr. Mike, but I have to agree with EWTN and the many priests coming out saying this is wrong and some that some things in the document are even absurd...and they are when you read it.
Double speak has become a habit of PopeFrancis - confusion which become false truth!
Yes, another statement well put. Albeit, sadly about the obfuscation from the Papacy.
Just as they tried to confuse us with "synod on synodality" that alot of bishops, cardinals and lay faithful pointed out that the holy spirit was left out in the synodality and it would be a secular gathering, which it turned out to be.
Jesus used to say sin no more to the sinners and we seem to be forgetting that,
Oh yeah? And you have indeed stopped sinning? I think not, and you have the same need to confess week after week after week, ad nauseam.
Why not emphasize the sacrament of confession for those involved in same sex marriage instead of blessing?
Church is supposed to be clear and firm in her teachings and not ambiguous.
This development will certainly affect the faith of many Catholics.
May God help us!
Totally agree with you.
Agreed! Confessions for sin not blessings of it! What’s Francis paving the way for? 🤔
And in spite of seeing the truth so clearly y'all still believe that your church is that "one true church" that Jesus built and established?
@@gerardbenjamin8272 yes. The church is going thru her passion right now (as Christ did) and will be resurrected (as Christ was). Infiltrated from within. Pray!
@@jessicabarker6721 dear Jessica Jesus' passion was part of His redemptive agenda to bring the good news of His Kingdom and salvation to the lost. Repentance from sin not "blessings in sin" is the prerequisite for becoming a child of God and members of His family (the church). Read Ephesians 2:1-10 for a start.
Let your yes be yes and let your no be no, anything other than that is from the devil.
Amen !
Excellent 😊!
Relieved indeed.
Yes, yes, yes
Absolutely! Any catholic who thinks this is just a blessing hasn't been following pope Francis. There's never been a pope I aligned with as pope Francis but what he's been doing lately has been beyond shocking and embarrassing to say the least.
Are they coming for a healing and repentance blessing?
I don’t think they are coming in for a healing or a repentance blessing but an acceptance blessing.
exactly
Yup it seems the parties are at cross purpose. But Fr Mike clarifies this very eloquently
Read the document itself.... the document talks so much about the blessing being allowed as a way to help these people bring their lives into conformity with God. Jesus didn't send tax collectors away while they remained tax collectors right? Read the document, I read it and honestly thought it was pretty dang clear. To the people who don't think it's clear, it's because they expect the pope to issue a document that is rebutting liberal political viewpoints, not lead a church mission. All I can say is read the document itself. You'll see it is not as the headlines and commentators make it out to seem.
@@luke9747 Well what you are saying has always been in place. Sinners are always welcome and called to repent. Read the document and how much it mentions not saying it’s a wedding. It’s not saying come in for a healing prayer to turn away from sin.
@@InventorKnight i think the Pope is saying the EXACT reason people come for a blessing in this case is to help turn away from their sin. From the document paragraphs 20 and 21: "One who asks for a blessing show himself to be in need of God’s saving presence in his life and one who asks for a blessing from the Church recognizes the latter as a sacrament of the salvation that God offers. To seek a blessing in the Church is to acknowledge that the life of the Church springs from the womb of God’s mercy and helps us to move forward, to live better, and to respond to the Lord’s will. 21. In order to help us understand the value of a more pastoral approach to blessings, Pope Francis urges us to contemplate, with an attitude of faith and fatherly mercy, the fact that “when one asks for a blessing, one is expressing a petition for God’s assistance, a plea to live better, and confidence in a Father who can help us live better.”[12] This request should, in every way, be valued, accompanied, and received with gratitude. People who come spontaneously to ask for a blessing show by this request their sincere openness to transcendence, the confidence of their hearts that they do not trust in their own strength alone, their need for God, and their desire to break out of the narrow confines of this world, enclosed in its limitations."
"blessing is not supposed to be an approval..."
But it is. And it will be. And the authors of the document know that. The Church is compromised.
No it's not. You didn't read the document. Francis specifically said a blessing approves nothing.
How would you feel about the sacrifice of the mass being celebrated on the same altar where an intrinsic evil was blessed just moments earlier?
@@texasvet54 Bless the sinner so that he may repent from his sin and sin no more.
@@mike7gerald “Repentence” is not being required for the blessing of this intrinsic evil.
What if a dude wants his menage-a-trois blessed or maybe a dude & his german shepherd or a dude & his 12 year old daughter who he molests.
Can we still say that the Catholic church is just blessing the sinner & not the sin.
It’s all optics. Where does this end? Gay marriage being authorized in 20 years when the next Marxist Pope finishes the destruction of our Catholic faith.
@@texasvet54 judge not lest you be.....
How many everyday Lay Catholics are going to understand the difference. A Blessing is a Blessing. Confusion is one of Satan’s best tools. Don’t underestimate the damage this is going to cause the everyday Faithfuls.
The slippery slope that begins the inevitable collapse
@@jamess7264 Boom!💥
It already did, I'm very grateful for this priest to lay it out. And recognize our confusion and frustration.
A) the vast majority of those seeking these blessings will have no intent to repent and change. They will be seeking validation.
B) this is not a blessing of things or individuals, no matter what the pope wants; it is a blessing of a specific relationship.
C) this document will be bent/twisted/folded and stapled (just like Vat II) to justify an agenda.
D) Jimmy Martin is already booking group gay blessings that will look a LOT like a wedding.
Exactly!!!
Father, first they repent, then you hear their confession then you bless them. So please DO NOT ADD to the confusiin. So before you bless them take them to the confessional.
very good and wise statement, thank you. God bless!
I totally agree with you.
If you go to Mass, but didn't yet get to confession, you can receive a blessing instead of receiving Holy Communion. So no, you don't have to go to confession to receive a blessing, but the hope is you'll want to go to confession and the grace received in the blessing would help you want to.
A person doesn't have to go to confession to receive a blessing ! People who aren't Catholic go up front at mass all the time and receive a blessing from the priest , should the priest start asking their whole life story before he offers them a blessing ?
I 100 percent agree!
I am not convinced. Example: me and my buddy are hitmen, we are killers, thats our job, we are not going to quit killing but we feel ostracized from the church and discriminated against we would like a blessing. Can we get a blessing and at the same time not stop what we doing? Does that make any sense at all?
Just because you have no intentions of stopping being a hitman doesn't mean you won't stop 20 years from now. You might change tonight, tomorrow, or who knows when, but you still don't get shut out from the catholic church. God loves the sinner not the sins.
The God is not a god of confusion or delusion. The church should give us comfort, not confusion.
Why does the document say couples, why not just say homosexuals, or individuals in a polygamist relationship or people not in union with the church? It was meant to divide us more. Fr. James Martin is ecstatic over this. That tells me all I need to know.
Holy Spirit enlighten us, guide us, grant us wisdom, discernment, Holiness and pure of heart
❤❤❤
Thank you Fr Mike perfect explanation you helped millions.
Catholics. Read church documents we need this for right thinking and speaking.
Good clear and right
It makes sense as you explained it all
Thank you. For this .
Amen 🙏🙏
And keep us away from the deception of the pope.
AMEN!!!!
If they want a blessing to give them the grace to repent, why not just go individually and privately to see the Priest?
Is there something in the document I missed about publicity?
Rationalizing an evil then explaining that is not really what is happening
To me this seems like an exercise in futility. Most people living in same sex relationships are trying to force the Church into accepting it as legitimate, as most of society has already done. The Church, by creating a specific blessing which does not ultimately do that, but merely calls them to conversion through grace is really nothing more that already existed in the church. All it is doing now is causing consternation among the faithful who, although also sinners, are to varying degrees acknowledging their sinfulness, repenting and converting from sin. Why is this sin so special? Why are the sacraments and blessings offered for the rest of mankind not sufficient for them? It seems to me like we’re catering to brats.
Civilizations right before they collapse have the breakdown of the family and rampant sexual immorality. The Catholic Church should be unambiguous about the societal and personal consequences of homosexuality. A blessing would rather be an exortation to give up this harmful lifestyle.
100%
What is wrong in saying like John the baptist did. Repent foe the kingdom of God is close at hand. What is the caveat in creating a private blessing for them.
I think the church needs to wake up and speak out. We as lay faithful should rise and let our voices be heard.
Call sin what it's and let the sinner repent. Invite them with love preach to them, not bless them without preaching.
If I tell you I am a thief or you know I am one, will you bless me and let me go?
If I tell you I am a thief, you should preach christ crucified and win me over with love and then bless me for grace to live a righteous life.
Jesus told the adulterous woman, "Did anyone condemn you? She said no, and neither do I but go and sin no more.
In the end, the message was passed. Adultery is a sign. Go and sin no more is the best blessing for anyone in such sin.
The pope is not where JESUS Taught us to get answers. What happened to your Relationship With GOD? It hurts my heart to read the comments, hear the pope and listen to preachers try to explain, both in support and to condemn things which they know little about. Are we here to cast judgement? You want to be judge, while we're the greatest of sinners, supporting wars and walls and fat bank accounts while people suffer immensely, surrounded with nowhere to run, starving in poverty and persecuted into pain; then to make it worse, we point our fingers at them and accuse them and tell them it's their own fault.
We throw stones with our accusations and then use every technique available to us, other than love, without forgiveness and with zero understanding of kindness, to turn as many others away from GOD as possible. We preach about a future of eternal hell to people who are already suffering hell on earth. We take prideful pleasure doing this and then we return to our luxury, open our Bible, read a few WORDS and believe we know everything - without any fear of being spit out.
Nobody here understands sin and nobody here understands GRACE!
GOD, please Save these evil people, they know not what they say. They believe what goes into their mouths to be more important than what comes out. They don't understand when hunger turns to satisfaction, nor when satisfaction turns to gluttony. They believe they See all others so clearly, but are blind to your Truth.
They believe in all the lesser rules while constantly and continually breaking The HIGHEST TWO RULES YOU TAUGHT US - LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR And MESSIAH, In YOUR NAME we Pray.
Who is worthy to give a Blessing? I read a comment on a YT video about The Rapture. The comment read, "There's not going to be The Rapture, because Jesus finds no one worthy enough to come back for."
Are you worthy enough to give a Blessing? People looking for a Blessing in these modern times should realize they're looking in all the wrong places. JESUS CHRIST Is Listening.... in case anyone needs a Blessing.
9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
MATTHEW 7
@@J-hz4jball just long drawn out words in defense trying to excuse sin. We have a conscience and should know right from wrong. Bottom line this pope needs to go.
Preach simply and directly what Jesus and His Church states on the matter. Prayers for our Church leadership and clergy to remain faithful. ❤🙏
In my heart I new that the Pope was blessing the indevidual s and not the Union. I trust Jesus and his Church on Faith and Morals
@@virgilbrumley5423Does he call them to repentance? Ambiguity and half messages are always a disingenuous way of communicating. Speak clearly and directly and call people to repentance of their sins.
@@josea0121 Amen
It hurts my heart so much to read the hundreds of comments, to hear the pope and to listen to the various preachers try to explain, both in support and to condemn things which they know so very little about. Are we here to cast judgement? We the greatest of sinners, supporting wars and walls and fat bank accounts while people suffer immensely, surrounded with nowhere to run, starving in poverty and persecuted into pain.
We throw stones with our accusations and then use every technique available to us, other than love, without forgiveness and with zero understanding of kindness, to turn as many others away from GOD as possible. We preach about a future of eternal hell to people who are already suffering hell on earth. We take prideful pleasure doing this and then we return to our luxury, open our Bible, read a few WORDS and believe we know everything - without any fear of being spit out.
Nobody here understands sin and nobody here understands GRACE!
GOD, please Save these evil people, they know not what they say. They believe what goes into their mouths to be more important than what comes out. They don't understand when hunger turns to satisfaction, nor when satisfaction turns to gluttony. They believe they See all others so clearly, but are blind to your Truth.
They believe in all the lesser rules while constantly and continually breaking The HIGHEST TWO RULES YOU TAUGHT US - LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR And MESSIAH, In YOUR NAME we Pray.
Who is worthy to give a Blessing? I read a comment on a YT video about The Rapture. The comment read, "There's not going to be The Rapture, because Jesus finds no one worthy enough to come back for."
Are you worthy enough to give a Blessing? People looking for a Blessing in these modern times should realize they're looking in all the wrong places. JESUS CHRIST Is Listening.... in case anyone needs a Blessing.
You added more to the confusion. Blessing comes after repentance and confession.
It does not !
Anyone can get a blessing from a priest without confession or repentance.
@@sweetxjc Yes but in their hearts they themselves know that they've requested a blessing without an intention to confess or repent. They are not fooling anyone but themselves. In the final analysis no one can cheat his own conscience. And God sees what is in the heart. Nothing is hidden.
Wel,l if the pope says you can blame gays, he knows they are gay, that's why we are talking about gay people,not some ramdom people who don't know who they are, they are gay,and he knows they are gay, he first have to tell them to repent and turn from homosexuality ,then bless them like another human been.@@sweetxjc
An aid of conversion? That is naive. Dropping this a week before Christmas is also ominous. Same sex couples are not looking to separate from each other or be celibate. You bless each individually to repent of your sins. You do not bless a couple committing mortal sin with each other. The blessing won’t even work because of the mortal sin aspect. This whole explanation is ridiculous!
You're so right.
In so many ways!
Very unfortunate.
Absolutely correct!
You want an explanation - seek GOD. You want to know how bodily desires work for others - ask GOD. But just remember, all that time looking at and trying to understand others, could have been used to understand yourself and why GOD Created you.
What happened to your Relationship With GOD?
Nobody here understands sin and nobody here understands GRACE!
People believe in all the lesser rules while constantly and continually breaking The HIGHEST TWO RULES YOU TAUGHT US - LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR And MESSIAH, In YOUR NAME we Pray.
Who is worthy to give a Blessing? I read a comment on a YT video about The Rapture. The comment read, "There's not going to be The Rapture, because Jesus Finds no one worthy enough to return for."
Are you worthy enough to give a Blessing? People looking for a Blessing in these modern times should realize they're looking in all the wrong places.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST Is Listening.... in case anyone needs a Blessing.
9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
MATTHEW 7-7 to 7-12.
Don't forget about the nativity removal in Rome a year or two ago as well. And of course the Pachamama on the altar of St. Peter which then led to the plague shortly thereafter. Pope Pachamama.
How is blessings them not affirming their sin. Why not preach the truth to them
Right. He is trying to meet in the middle with homosexuals and heterosexuals. God does not meet in the middle.
Does the "blessing" include a call to conversion
We could have used a document on our need of repentance.
Funny thing is that this document seems to have been created for a group who are "proud" and not repentant.
Don't kid yourself, in the long run its all about eventually getting rid of the Holy Sacrament of marriage - slowly, slowly, bit by bit introducing blessings for everyone including same sex relationships - exactly what Our Lady of Fatima foretold - breakdown of the family!!
You bless them if they repent
Joel 2:14
“Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?”
I agree-it’s the frog in water slowly coming to a boil scenario-funny how the American clergy are telling their flocks it’s just a blessing while the courageous clergy in Malawi are saying no way -it’s been said that it will be the African nations that will bring back holiness to the church.
Thank you. I’m a Prot and have heard several traditional Catholic blogs/videos call out how ambiguous and confusing all this is and believe it is satanic.
Totally agree. Just as Dr Taylor Marshall said, we are going to see alot of "pope-splainers" trying to make light of this serious situation or confusion and ambiguity the pope has put us in.
@@Mutasis_MutandisI would recommend reading the document itself. If you hear it from the headlines you will get a liberal interpretation, from traditionalists and interpretation that the pope is horrible. I read it myself, honestly I thought it was clear and a good document trying to make the point that you can bless the people and not the sin and that the blessing is to help bring their lives in conformity to God. If people actually just read the document without looking at it from a sinister or political perspective I think we'd realize that there isn't anything wrong with it... not to mention the pope isn't writing these documents thinking hmmmm how will CNN use these words to make it sound like something it didn't say
A Popesplainer! If father is correct, then there is absolutely no reason for the document to be issued. Implicit in the document is a redefinition of sin.
So I’m still very confused … why does this point to a “couple” being blessed? The blessing should be to the individual who have a desire to repent.
There is not one word about repentance
Our Lord is God of truth, not confusion. If there is confusion in the gathering of God's people, it implies that the spirit of devil is in possession of the originators of that confusion. We all should pray not to be spiritual blind, because our faith shall be tested individually. May God have mercy on us all...Amen
I love Fr Michael O'Connor and his homilies are top notch. Having a little trouble with Fr's explanation on this. Doesn't the confessional serve this purpose already? If I am a practicing addict and in search of a Priest's blessing to assist me in my struggle with that sin, does it make sense that I would present for a blessing with a bag of drugs next to me? If the goal of the blessing is to assist me in ending the relationship, shouldn't I already be on my way and present individually rather than with the one with which I committing sin?
This is the only time I have had a problem with father's preaching. Father why do you think gay people all-over the world are celebrating including father Martin. This only serves to promote the sin that cries out to heaven
I would be so appreciative if someone would let me know if that blessing applies to a young people who are cohabitating. Can they present themselves together for a blessing? Does that mean they can continue to cohabitate?? Is the Catholic Church endorsing that the blessing will lead them to repentance? This is confusing to all- so the parents of heterosexuals that cohabitate can just stop worrying about the souls of the involved parties and say go get a blessing not for the sin but for the union as along as it does not look like a marriage Mass. I am sorry- this is just ridiculous. Preach repentance for all!! Heterosexuals and homosexuals!
@@annmariegodsservantThe church cannot bless sin, even after this document. This document was completely unnecessary in that anyone can approach for a blessing and while the Priest will most likely ask for what purpose is the blessing, there is no moral shake down. If young people present a cohabitating couple and want the Priest to bless that relationship, the Priest would have to decline. Don't think that it is just a coincidence on the timing of this release and make no mistake, it was put forth to cause confusion in Mother Church.
Excellent point!!!
@@chestymarine4731 I agree! That is my point exactly. No need for this document other than to sow confusion- and the proof is that they only mention homosexual unions bc they would not bless cohabitation bc it’s a sin and they are NOT trying to change the church’s stance on that-just on homosexuality and the “union”
Playing with the words? Giving a blessing is already an acceptance no matter what you say!
One of the main problems with the Pope's new teaching is that when a couple in a same sex union or irregular union usually come to the church or a priest for a blessing, they would come together as a couple, not as an individual. They would ordinarily come with the intention to bless their union and invoke God's blessing and all that are derived from his goodness, such as longevity, prosperity and happiness of the Union and good health for the parties to grow more and be strengthened in the union. In other words, they would come for the priest's blessing, seeking that all the goodness of the Lord may come and descend upon them. They would not ordinarily come to a priest, seeking his advice on how they can put a stop on their sinful relationship and, in the process, ask for a confession and live a holy life. Indeed, it would be awkward for the priest to ask said couple to seek confession first, live a life of holiness and, in the process, abandon the relationship. My take is that the new teaching on the blessing of same sex or irregular union borders on encouraging the perpetuation of sin and a sinful union, rather than discouraging the commission of sin and putting a stop to an unholy union.
Well said.
This document is confusing for a reason. Why? So the Pope can fulfill his promise to make a mess. This blessing in no way calls people to repentance. Wishful thinking.
Ask a teenager or twenty something what this means? Most people have a very basic catholic education…Our Lady of Akita, pray for us!
Inch by inch, unfortunately, Francis is inching to same sex marriage. Whoever receives it is cursed.
We are not in the 3rd or 15th century where people were not a literate as we are now. It's our job as Parents #1 to educate our kids in the faith for this WE must educate ourselves, we cannot give what we don't have and ignorance of faith is a disservice to everyone.
Go to date another man but not Child any more.
Neo-pagan Pope, slippery slope. He is condoning sin period. A blessing for the President and Speaker is abortion is OK. I'm not confused. The pope is an anti Christ. I'm Catholic and I'm tired of the explaining away this garbage. I got texts from my protestant friends very angry. The same ones I am telling about the One True Church. I have had it, our Trad friends are going to need to add some chairs. I'm done with the Modernist Church.
So tonight's Saint I will read about is St. Akita, my RCIA education is getting quite eclectic!
Sorry.
This is sophistry.
At 8:51 Fr. O'Connor says, "...We don't bless homosexual union.
We bless the people in homosexual union that they would repent..."
For one thing, we do not BLESS someone to repent: we PRAY for someone for the grace to repent.
We BLESS couples so their relationship will PROSPER with God's grace not for them to split apart.
There is a disingenuous play on words going on here.
Even the word "couple" focuses on the union not the individuals.
"...and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh." Mark 10:8
Regarding the blessing:
Is that blessing in order to encourage the couple to repent and break up their illicit relationship?
"Bless us as a couple father so we can repent and break up our sinful union"
Nonsense.
The fact that they ask for a blessing as a couple in a union means they have no interest in repenting of that union and breaking up otherwise they'd come as individuals if that is their desire.
I mean if a couple in an adulterous relationship approaches the priest as a couple and asks for a blessing, do you really think it is because they want the grace to be able to break up?
No. They are asking for the Church's BLESSING on their union as that word is universally understood in the English language.
I suggest the following interpretation is more accurate defacto and on the ground:
"We are not going to break up because the Church needs to change not us so bless us anyway because that means we are accepted by God and the Church as a couple."
Spot on.
Father, please listen to Dr. Taylor Marshall. You are naive to think gay couples in their minds aren’t thinking the church in their own way are condoning this slippery slope. Confession and individual blessings are good but not as a couple. It is seriously leading people to hell. 😢
Whatever you do. Don’t listen to Taylor Marshall. That guy is a sede . Actually still an Anglican.
He hates the pope just like the prots. Calls him by his given name not pope Francis.
There are so many Catholics who have left the church because of that man
imo 'Dr ' Marshall is himself, a slippery slope. What the Pope may have said or not said it is still not Doctrine. Nothing has changed.
@@christinegreenberg1145Dr Taylor Marshall is a good authority on Catholicism, better than this current pope and his silly cardinal manuel fernandes
Slippery slope? There is no slippery slope, that was before. This is the modern high-tech world, this is our end, in a few more decades, each of us, our time comes up. We already slipped long ago, we're at the bottom of the mountain, not at the top.
The pope is not where JESUS Taught us to get answers. What happened to your Relationship With GOD? It hurts my heart so much to read the comments, hear the pope and listen to preachers try to explain, both in support and to condemn things which they know little about. Are we here to cast judgement? You want to be judge, while we're the greatest of sinners, supporting wars and walls and fat bank accounts while people suffer immensely, surrounded with nowhere to run, starving in poverty and persecuted into pain; then to make it worse, we point our fingers at them and accuse them and tell them it's their own fault.
We throw stones with our accusations and then use every technique available to us, other than love, without forgiveness and with zero kindness, to turn as many others away from GOD as possible. We preach about a future of eternal hell to people who are already suffering hell on earth. We take prideful pleasure doing this and then we return to our luxury, open our Bible, read a few WORDS and believe we know everything - without any fear of being spit out.
Nobody here understands sin and nobody here understands GRACE!
GOD, please Save these evil people, they know not what they say. They believe what goes into their mouths to be more important than what comes out. They don't understand when hunger turns to satisfaction, nor when satisfaction turns to gluttony. They believe they See all others so clearly, but are blind to your Truth.
They believe in all the lesser rules while constantly and continually breaking The HIGHEST TWO RULES YOU TAUGHT US - LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR And MESSIAH, In YOUR NAME we Pray.
Who is worthy to give a Blessing? I read a comment on a YT video about The Rapture. The comment read, "There's not going to be The Rapture, because Jesus Finds no one worthy enough to return for."
Are you worthy enough to give a Blessing? People looking for a Blessing in these modern times should realize they're looking in all the wrong places. JESUS CHRIST Is Listening.... in case anyone needs a Blessing.
9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
MATTHEW 7
@@christinegreenberg1145 You know that and I know that, but many homosexuals think it is a step towards marriage.
Blessing requires that what is blessed be conformed to God's will, as expressed in the teachings of the church.
John the Baptist said REPENT. Christ said REPENT. They did not bless first, they made the requirements clear. REPENT and be BLESSED.
Excellent point. We are losing our way with this pope.
@@queen.in.the.countrynot me am not following the Pope. I left RCC at 21 yrs old.
I believe your analysis from an intellectual perspective is accurate. But in the real world these "blessings" will turn into a spectacle as same sex couples will request their blessing to confirm their sinful state and not see the blessing as a call to repent.
Yes, I wonder if the homosexual couples, who present for a blessing, will be told by the priests who bless them, that it is NOT their relationship that is being blessed, but the INDIVIDUAL?
Exactly
Hearing what is coming out of Austria and Germany tells me the agenda is not just a blessing but will move ever so slowly to blessing unions -sadly, the Malawi Bishops get the message more than our American clergy
@@cherylyates1979 Actually, I believe it is their relationship that is to be blessed, to the degree that their relationship involves compassion, commitment, fidelity and shared faith. That is what is being blessed. No human relationship is completely devoid of sin.
Always listen to your homilies. I was not worry I follow St. Padre Pio Pray,Hope and Don't Worry. Because in this dark days everyday is something new.
Follow Christ Jesus not man.
Actually, they could give two craps what the RCC teaches.
@@TheLords_PrayerPadre Pio, that is intercession. Why Saint Michael prayed? That is intercession for follow Jesus Christ/God.
Forgive us if we are a bit leary... but it seems like a tiny opening. And why now? Why the urgency to present this to faithful Catholics the week before Christmas?
Lest we not forget that Communion in the hand was a temporary "exception" granted in France or Belgium in the early 1970's.
A week before Christmas to cause division in the family. I suspect there will be plenty of arguments over this at family get togethers. As Fatima predicted.
It's a very dark day in the catholic church
Stop it Father,
We are not stupid.
This is an offhand ambiguous door opening to blessing sin.
You must have an intention to repent.
We see what the liberal Priest and Bishops are saying about this.
When these individuals are not stopped for blessing the unions, we will see.
We are not confused about the sex offender enabling hierarchy intentions here.
They could solve this, by allowing only one person of the same sex, standing alone to be blessed to repent.
Oh wait we already have that.
Hi, I invite you to be a Muslim and worship the creator alone. Islam is the only religion that is unchangeable with the same values. Christianity gave up on many of it's teachings because it's not the religion of God. God sent us prophets including Jesus to worship him alone without associating anything or anyone with him. You should watch this channel for more details about Islam : one message foundation.
You are spot on. Come individually
Amen! 🙏... Ill walk out of the church if my priest starts doing this. GOD BLESS THE AFRICAN BISHOPS for rejecting this Aweful Decision!
Exactly- it’s all confusion! Where is the moral clarity the world needs!!!
there is quite a distinction between blessing a person and blessing a union. The implication that the blessing is to provoke repentance is disingenuous; that is not the "visual" and neither will it be the purpose for which such blessing will be sought.
Confusion where there should be no confusion. We are all sinners, yes but that first step is REPENTANCE.
exatly, repentance first and then blessings.
I was confused before this sermon what was meant? Thanks FR. Now I’m more confused than ever!
and that is exactly what the devll wants
Father I have read the document and it is quite disheartening. I have a lot of problems with what the document says and does not say. There is no definitive mention of repentance or turning away from a sinful “irregular situation”. It creates more confusion, it’s misleading. If we humbly acknowledge ourselves as sinners we should repent and seek absolution. I don’t think persons who will seek blessings will be there for fraternal correction, on the contrary for affirmation. Spontaneity should be in accordance to scripture and tradition when giving a blessing. There is alot of implicit admission of wrong doing in the document. It left me with the question of what exactly is being blessed.
This is causing confusion and why do this now during advent/Christmas season? The Pope should be talking about the birth of Christ, Mary, and Joseph.
Because the pope does not belong to God. The fruit he has beared should be evidence enough. The pope would try to bless Lucifer if he could.
can God bless something God has forbidden?
The document is about blessing people in a way to aid them in conforming their lives to God... I read the document, it isn't that long, I honestly thought it was very well written and a beautiful summation of God's mercy... it seemed all appropriate to me. People can interpret it wrongly, but I think that what the pope wrote in it is truly good. Yeah when you read it in the news it's different. But read it yourself please people
Francis is a mason , he is destroying the church , why dont you look into that ,the Fatima prophecies are coming true .
I've been listening to leaders for over 30 years explaining away this slippery slope of evil. That's what you are doing now.
That's how we got to this point in time, today.
Bingo! Just as Dr Taylor Marshall said " there's gonna be alot of pope-splainers trying to make light of this problem pope Francis and the Vatican is putting the church in. This is schismatic!
With all due respect, Father I am not following along here with this explanation. And that hurts me to say this as I enjoy your content. It helps me in becoming a better fellow Roman Catholic. I think the Pope needs to provide a full discussion on this to all of us. At the very least. This news of his letter really felt like a punch to the gut.
Spiritual people is telling what your God needs to do or not.
5. This is also the understanding of marriage that is offered by the Gospel. For this reason, when it comes to blessings, the Church has the right and the duty to avoid any rite that might contradict this conviction or lead to confusion. Such is also the meaning of the Responsum of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which states that the Church does not have the power to impart blessings on unions of persons of the same sex.
Read the document
I agree , no more excuses for the Pope
Another one who thinks the Catholic Church is a representative democracy.
Sounds like it can mean whatever you want it to mean, like a trick a wolf in sheep's clothing would do.
Love Fr. Mike for immediately tackling and clarifying this. Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ
For as long as I can recall I've been reminded, hate the sin, love the sinner. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude that you have given the real true meaning once again. God Bless you Fr. Mike. A true voice in the wilderness.
It's not the same to bless sinners and to bless couples. The document says it's OK to bless gay couples. To bless a couple it's like blessing the relationship.
Imitate Christ! To the woman caught in adultery, he showed true mercy by calling her to repentance at the same time. A show of mercy to a sinner as regards any particular situation of sin but which is devoid of strong call to repentance is simply a false or deceptive shadowy appearance of something like God's mercy but not really divine mercy. "Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on, do not sin anymore." The destruction of the soul because of sin is the worst consequence such that saving her from the penalty of stoning to death momentarily but leaving her soul engulfed in a mortal sin could not never be the goal of Christ Jesus. That's why he commanded her also not to sin anymore. Mercy and unambiguous direct call to repentance are simultaneously offered to the sinner by God in Jesus Christ. Therefore, love of God for the sinful humanity manifests itself in a call to repentance in order to receive the gift of life, that is salvation from sin which leads to death if not repented from. Therefore, "hate the sin, love the siner" means condemn the sin and proclaim the necessity of repentance from sin in order for souls to be saved. The Pope and all Christians must not condemn anyone practicing homosexuality because God himself has already condemned such despicable sinfulness, but he is duty bound to call them to repentance in direct plain manner like the way Jesus did to the woman he showed mercy to. We must not be foolish to insinuate that we love siners but only hate sin if we do nothing to condemn that which we hate (i.e., sin), and do nothing to urge those living in a situation of sin that leads to the loss of sanctifying grace to repent and get out of such situations with God's help. This is where the Pope has missed it. He has not urged those homosexual couples to repent, and that is why the LGBTQ+ celebrate him as one who champions their cause.
Very true. The Catholic Church had it right in the recent past. This pope now does a complete 180 and reverses what was very clear.@@sergiovellozo6451
You are totally wrong here. Look at the world in ruins around you...open your eyes...it is not a coincidence!!! Pope Pachamama then the plague...one thing after another with this silly old man with a silly hat. Francis has now shown he has got to go asap. REPENT.
Yes, is to bless their sin, because he knows they are gay couple and should tell them first to repent,and turn away from the sin, then bless them because they are not gay no more.@@sergiovellozo6451
The intent of that document was to create confusion Father. It puts holy priests in a difficult situation from the altar. Thank you for clarifying the church teaching. We must unite to help all those in need to repent.
This is only to confuse the people more the Pope should be corrected and i hate the way the Priest are making excuses for this Pope its got to stop 🛑, we are placing ourselves on the side of the Antichrist, stop making excuses for him its wrong because what are people suppose to think when a Pope says this , he is slowly changing the churches teachings which has never happened before, stop making excuses for him , its either 100% for God or you are on the Devils side , can you imagine what the priests who say no in Canada, they will go to prison, it’s shameful to make this right 🙏🙏🙏🙏
@@MissMarieB7075 How is she judging? She is stating the obvious. Repentance is in the confessional.
@jeannenollen4492 Words are important. Although I suspect your comments are based in truth, we cannot truly know anyone's heart. Only God can do that. You would be wiser, and likely more accurate, to say: " IT APPEARS the intent of that document was to create confusion Father.".
Unfortunately the ambiguity of this document is intentional. It leaves the structure of the blessing open, so as to be improvised by the priest, calling that "pastoral." This means that in parishes all across the world who are sympathetic to the gay agenda, the blessing of gay couples will now begin. This is a shame and no amount of trying to explain will change this. Our Church has lost her way. Kyrie eleison.
Priest and bishops have been blessing people for centuries. So why come out with this specific document? Maybe to cause confusion? And we know all know who confusion comes from… Not God.
If people in these “irregular situations,” whatever that is, intended to repent they wouldn’t be asking for a COUPLE blessing. The failure to define what an irregular situation is shows just how intentional the confusion is. What this does is allow priests to bless gay unions. And once that happens just try telling young people -with a straight face- they have to remain chaste until marriage. This is how the church’s moral authority will be undermined.
The Vatican is engaging in equivication in this matter. Using the word "bless" in two different senses, knowing that faithful Catholics will interpret the word in its general sense and that the secular world will interpret it in the specific. As such this is an extremely dishonest document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. It is what I have come to expect from Francis. It is our misfortune that we live at a time when we have such a confused Pope.
He's a silly old man with a silly hat (sounds like someone I know running into walls in a white house), making a mockery of those who are trying really hard to follow the commandments & Catechism of the Catholic Church. He must go now.
I don't believe he is confused. He knows exactly what he is doing.
Question Fr Mike, did Priest not already the "Pastoral Duty" to bless sinners for their conversion? Was this doctrine really necessary? Or was this doctrine put out to create the confusion, headline messages we see today?
Great point
Read the Bible...it's an abomination to the Lord, Cardinal Burke said, you can't bless sin!
What if bless the person who make the sin?
Father, why didn't you not mention that the document talks about blessing homosexual couples?
Repent repent repent is what Pope Francis’s message should be to all those in same sex relations and to all sinners .The Lord is all merciful to those who ask his forgiveness in confession. “Go sin no more “
And you studied theology and teachings of the church for how many YEARS? 🙏 for the church
Stop being so arrogant
@@walterpierce6061It's not arrogant ..
Indeed, the Pope needs to talk more about repentance.
I totally agree with you.
Repentance would be a natural thing to do for ANY form of sin if we follow the Catholic faith and teachings.
Ask James Martins discription of this Brogolios statement... Pope splainers will do their best to cononize tis person.
Pray the Rosary every day and have Faith in our Lord,.
Absolute nonsense to say that a sinner who has not made any pledge to repent should go to a priest to get blessed while still actively committed to the same sin.
It doesn’t make any sense Father. There is nothing to read about such a document. Blessing of sin is exactly what the Pope has promoted here unless twisting the truth is a virtue.
It makes me wonder why homosexuals would want this blessing anyway other than to twist the Church into sin.
My respect for Fr. Mike addressing the issue. However, just by recognizing them as an "irregular" couple, the document is inadvertently giving them legitimacy, and repentence is not expressly required in the document from what I have seen. This is an admirable attempt at damage control, but barring mental gymnastics, I can find for no Scriptural, traditional, or Catechism basis for this decree. My heart is sad, because schism is inevitable. God bless.
Excellent comment. Heartbreaking to see, and I am not even Catholic. I always had such admiration for the Church's stand against sin even in the face of persecution from modern culture. Definitely discouraging and testifies to how close we are to God's final judgment.
@@cathycline7461 👍
Pray for people to break the demonic bonds of same sex relationship with power and the authority of Christ not blessing. Blessing is to empower
A sinner needs a blessing to overcome his sin.
@@mike7gerald And the blessings comes when they attend Confession. Let's face it, a person who steals needs a blessing to overcome their sin. Should we have a blessings for thieves? Or rather, is the blessing in Confession, already established directly from Jesus, the correct blessing to assist a person who desires to stop stealing, but having difficulty doing it? Same thing. We have the blessings in place for ANY and EVERY person who wishes to overcome any sin whatsoever, so this new letter is intended to slowly bring in blessing sin itself. Which will never be, as the faithful are awake, and Jesus has told us the the gates of Hell shall not prevail over HIS church.
Where the confusion comes in is that the letter mentions eight times that the priest is blessing the couple. It is not possible to bless the couple and at the same time not bless the sinful relationship of that couple at some level. Why is the couple coming to the priest at the same time, if not in some way to validate the relationship? This scandalizes young people who are struggling with same sex attraction because the letter says nothing about the need for the priest to offer admonition or a call to repentance. The letter should state that the priest is only permitted to bless the people in the relationship individually. As the letter is currently drafted, a married man in an adulterous relationship can come before the priest with his concubine and ask for a blessing. That is absurd. Jesus did not bless the woman caught in adultery. He gave her an admonition to avoid that type of sin in the future. The letter makes a mockery of our spiritual reasoning and the problem is not that people are over-reacting. The flock knows when it is being fleeced by it's shepherd.
Perfectly stated. We are living in a time when people are expected to suspend all reasoning and common sense and swallow anything no matter how absurd, or be accused of being the ungodly unenlightened ones.
Praise God. He is calling all of us sinners to repentance and to come back to Him. God loves us immensely.
The apostle John told us what to do concerning those that teach false doctrine; II John 1:10: “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.”
As an individual he can 'bless' them all he wants...but as a representative of a Christian faith he can't bless something that is clearly defined as sinful. 'Pretending to be a leader does not a leader make'...God will deal with him as he has done with false teacher throughout history, but the faithful should reject him as a leader of their faith and find one who understands Biblical scripture and its message.
We will pray for him, but we pray mostly for the flock he is shepherding that they are not led astray. In Jesus' Holy name
Satan is the father of all lies. One day, you'll stand before God's judgment. May God lead you to the truth.
I read the document but it was confusing as to blessings. If the document had been written for the lay person to understand, then I would be less frustrated. Saying to bless the person and not the sin, is what should have been made clear. You explained it best, so I appreciate that.
The problem arises when people in an unnatural union ask a priest for a blessing. How does he explain this to them?
Repentance first, bless afterwards!
This is from Merriam-Webster dictionary:
BLESS
verb
1
religion : to hallow or consecrate by religious rite or word
asked the priest to bless their marriage
Bless this home.
2
religion : to hallow with the sign of the cross
He blessed himself before liftoff.
3
: to invoke divine care for
bless your heart
-used in the phrase bless you to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed
4
a
: PRAISE, GLORIFY
bless his holy name
b
: to speak well of : APPROVE
5
: to confer prosperity or happiness upon
God has blessed us with four children.
6
archaic : PROTECT, PRESERVE
Bless me from marrying a usurer!
-Shakespeare
7
: ENDOW, FAVOR
blessed with athletic ability
Note, there is no verb listed to "repentance." One cannot hijack the definition of a commonly used word to accomodate a false doctrine. This is what this spineless Pope has done. He needs to be removed as a heretic. While I appreciate your words, Mike, I cannot agree with them. I think you should just come out and say that the word "blessing" is the wrong word. The word the Pope is looking for is "condemned."
Father bless me for I have sinned. That use of the word blessing isn't found in Websters
it opens the door.. no mater how you define it..
The lack of clarity seems to be intentional and common. It speaks to a hidden agenda. This is troubling.
Well, Father, have you ever before knowingly blessed same-sex couples? Be honest, this is the first very public step to normalize the state of same-sex unions.
Nope...read the document
Why he even make a document why did he do this right before Christmas? Why is it even being discussed?
Great homily and thanks for clearing that up. But, it’s still clear as mud. These blessings will “look” like weddings. Photographers, flowers, special music maybe even a soloist. Family all gathered together dressed up to witness the blessing. Pictures with the priest with both men in tuxedos. Receptions held after to “celebrate” the blessing. Parties with food and wine to celebrate after. What does Pope Francis say about this?
Hopefully it won’t be like that. This is where our priests will need to step up and explain what Church teaching and this blessing actually is.
Lord, help us all to be strong and remain faithful to the doctrine and teachings of the Catholic Church, especially during these trying and confusing times. Amen. ❤️
@@cherylyates1979 It’s the priests standing and smiling for photos with gay couples on their “blessing day” that go viral that I worry will confuse our kids even more 🤷🏻♀️🙏
@@jessicabarker6721 Blessing and pictures of this material world's actions and ideas is not where to get the Best Knowledge. This is the modern high-tech world, this is our end, in usually much less than 100 years, each of us, our time comes up. We look to others, who are more temporary than even we are, for the eternal answers. Is there not something wrong with that strategy?
The pope is not where JESUS Taught us to get answers. What happened to your Relationship With GOD?
It hurts my heart so much to read the comments, hear the pope and listen to preachers try to explain, both in support and to condemn things which they know little about. Are we here to cast judgement? You want to be judge, while we're the greatest of sinners, supporting wars and walls and fat bank accounts while people suffer immensely, surrounded with nowhere to run, starving in poverty and persecuted into pain; then to make it worse, we point our fingers at them and accuse them and tell them it's their own fault.
We throw stones with our accusations and then use every technique available to us, other than love, without forgiveness and with zero kindness, to turn as many others away from GOD as possible. We preach about a future of eternal hell to people who are already suffering hell on earth. We take prideful pleasure doing this and then we return to our luxury, open our Bible, read a few WORDS and believe we know everything - without any fear of being spit out.
Nobody here understands sin and nobody here understands GRACE!
GOD, please Save these evil people, they know not what they say. They believe what goes into their mouths to be more important than what comes out. They don't understand when hunger turns to satisfaction, nor when satisfaction turns to gluttony. They believe they See all others so clearly, but are blind to your Truth.
They believe in all the lesser rules while constantly and continually breaking The HIGHEST TWO RULES YOU TAUGHT US - LORD JESUS CHRIST SAVIOUR And MESSIAH, In YOUR NAME we Pray.
Who is worthy to give a Blessing? I read a comment on a YT video about The Rapture. The comment read, "There's not going to be The Rapture, because Jesus Finds no one worthy enough to return for."
Are you worthy enough to give a Blessing? People looking for a Blessing in these modern times should realize they're looking in all the wrong places. JESUS CHRIST Is Listening.... in case anyone needs a Blessing.
9 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.
MATTHEW 7
If nothing changed, then why did Father James Martin (the openly gay priest) sing the praises of Pope Francis literally moments after the document was released. WAKE UP, PEOPLE! Our Church is under attack from the inside.
I am new to this channel. I am not Catholic but I am a Christian. I have a question, how can an openly gay man be a priest in the church? I don't agree with the Pope about this blessing. 🙏❤️✝️🇺🇲
Repent, confess, bless. That order. This is nothing other than the church hedging on truth.
When you go for confession how do you begin?
“Bless me Father, for I have sinned.”
The Church is wise.
You wouldn't go with your partner in adultery or fornication to confession, would you? Exactly, because if you are sincere, you have a sense of shame for your sin. If a "couple" is going together, they are asking for a couple's blessing on their relationship. Period. @@Innocentorum The very clear message to them will be that you can have God's blessings and forgiveness without repentance (turning away from the sin being confessed), and that is a lie straight from Hell.
I cannot stand cowards of the faith Father you are wrong This blessing amounts to a permission to be in a sinful relationship. Will you bless a man and his mistress? I am disappointed in you I will stay in prayer
Thank you Father Mike! This video should be played on CNN, Fox & Vatican news🙏🙏🙏❤️
I doubt if it would make any difference. People will make of it as they will. Blessings have always been there for anyone who wants them. No need for a document which will only continue to cause speculation and confusion. God is in charge.
Don’t we get a blessing every time we attend Mass? Then they should just go to the holy sacrifice of the Mass.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Here people receive a blessing if they don't wish to receive the Holy Eucharist... those not in a state of Grace (needing confession) or unmarried et al... Anyhow this will go the way of Gluten Free Eucharist 😊
Somewhat true. They can go to mass but if they are practicing homosexuals, they cannot participate in the Eucharist.
@tommaxwell429 but can get a private blessing?
@@winall9 A blessing of what? Individuals, a couple, their “marriage”? Isn’t a blessing in response to repentance and contrition? I think, may be wrong, but if a homosexual couple approached a Priest asking for a blessing, they will view it as divine validation of their union, just as I would if my wife and I went to a priest and asked him to bless us as a couple.
They don't want a blessing they want public affirmation.
But why is it a couple? And not the individual?
And meanwhile not a word about the sacrement of confession.
Thank you Father for explaining or clarifying this. God bless you!!❤🙏🙏
So, if my husband is having an affair, he can bring his mistress and ask the priest for a blessing?🤦🏻♀️🙏🏻🙏🏻
I think you doth protest too much.
Pope Francis has opened the door and many priests will use this letter as an excuse TO BLESS same sex couples. Fr. Martin is jumping for joy.
The community of faith is receiving a Special Christmas Gift from the “top shepherd”: a gift of CONFUSION. That takes away the peace of A Silent Night.
Absolutely. He's been doing this for a while now.
Did you read the document and understand it. 🙏 for you
@@briankenome🙏 for you
@@mandyphillips7057 did you? How about section 34? Did you read that? Did it make straightforward sense to you?
@@mandyphillips7057 pray for pope Francis, he needs it more! Pray for the priests in Brazil who allow the local idol "pacha mama" to be placed infront of the altar during mass. Pray for pope Francis for what he did to cardinal Burke and Strickland. Pray for pope Francis for echoeing the "climate grifting" of evil politicians who want to introduce energy poverty for about half the world, instead of being a voice of reason and hope. I could go on
You cannot bless sin
Plain and simple!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏
And the document says exactly that. Have you read it or just believe fake Catholic news.
Unfortunately, we and Fr. Mike shouldn't have to be fired up about a document that should not have been created in the first place. Instead of directing and shoring up the church in root matters, as the current pope's predecessors did, the Vatican is exploring worldly tendencies. Oh mighty God, strengthen and guide our clergy in all matters according to your Will.
In the years before coming to Christ as my Savior I was so lost in sin. I was hungry for anyone that would say something to in anyway justify what I was doing. Jesus didn’t do that. As Jesus is saying today, the way to destruction is broad and easy. The road to eternal life is narrow and difficult and few find it. He didn’t bless me and send me on my way unchanged. When I cried out to Him He responded.
Jesus Christ has many “hard” sayings, but they are full of grace and truth and real love that won’t let you go. When I was so lost people who said things to justify in any way my behavior….they were doing me a disservice. “ Bless the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.
Thank you for your testimony. Today the Church as a whole, not just Catholicism, is preaching the message that there is no need to change your life, just be saved by faith and grace. Where have all the Watchmen gone? No voices warning of the catastrophe ahead. The Word of God states very clearly in black and white that if we continue in sin, including the one at issue here, we will in no way see the Kingdom of God, and that if we join hands with evildoers, we are partakers of their sin. Where are the shepherds protecting the flock from wolves?
Amen. Thanks for sharing.
50 YEARS AGO, THIS WASN'T EVEN A THING!!!! You would NOT even have to worry about it being MISCONSTRUDE BECAUSE IT WASN'T DONE!!!! If people can't see we're "LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS" then I don't know what to say!!!! Thank-You Father for clarifying!!!!
Father didn't clarify here- he condoned & covered for his boss. Sadly a lot of them do.
I am a Christian living in the UK. I have no connection wth either the Catholic or Anglican Church but I am very thankful for your Ministry Fr. Mike. I am now in my mid seventies and was converted over 45 years ago by reading the Bible alone. The Word of God is indeed 'living and active - sharper than a two edged sword. I love the way you stick closely to the word. I am grateful to you for your endeavour to clarify as clearly as possible the use of the word 'blessing'. The fact is, the term 'blessing' is very ill chosen and misleading in relation to the ministry needed to help people who are struggling with same sex attraction. We are living in extremely testing times. It's in times like these that the Church, the Bride of Christ, has to be holding out the Truth in its simplicity. She has to be true to her Lord and not given to ambivalence - that would be like sending out mixed messages that are neither honest or helpful. Ultimately it will only create unhappiness and confusion for those within the Church and those outside of it. I believe Christians worldwide are becoming shocked and dismayed at what's happening in the higher echelons of the Church.... but, it is the Lord, and He alone, who is the ultimate and true Shepherd of the sheep who brings us safely home.
You are right! The are deliberately attempting to talk about marriage!!it is a sin and there can be no blessings on sin! Period!
Spirit of confusion comes from the enemy. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever🎉
I think that it's very unlikely that a gay couple is going to come to a priest and ask for blessings so that they can repent. This is just the first step in accepting gay marriage.
Fr Mike
You are respectfully wrong on this one
Blessing for conversion? We pray for conversion and we receive blessings when we are in "ADHERENCE" to the path we choose AFTER we converted. The blessing doesn't come first. The conviction does. What you did, dear Father, was play PR to the pope. When Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez was made perfect of the dicastry of faith, every faithful knew that this false pope and his allies have captured the holy offices as wolves in sheep's clothing. Cardinal Manuel 's reputation of scandals and as Pope's ghost-writer, well precedes your defense of them, father. I, as a true catholic and willing to be faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, know along with others in Him, that we in our lifetime, are preparing see the abomination of desolation. May God have mercy on us all, dear Father.
Correction: God is mercy. God is holy. The blessing is bestowed on the act of conversion NOT on the assuming of conversion.
Thank You Fr Mike !!! God Loves You ....
Thank you Fr. for explaining.Yes agreed. Never can bless sin.
Keep praying the rosary.
Our Lady will take care of it.😢