Beautifully said. It's 2019, Ash Wednesday. I went to Mass and as I sat there, I was really thinking about Lent and the Lent's before today. I remembered my daughter who use to attend Mass and how she told me, "I don't know if I want to be a Catholic anymore." Most of my family are not practicing Catholic's. They are angry with God and I can understand why that might be. I was once angry as well, but God's gentle grace nudged me back. Yet, as I sat there thinking about my family, almost in tears, I had a divine whisper said to me, that Lent is like a walk. I had an image of Jesus walking into a town, a home, a crowd and I realized that Lent is about my walk into myself, to others and, of course, to God. It's allowing God into all facets of my life, even into my sadness and allowing healing to flow. Please pray for my family. If you don't have anyone praying for you, I will. Just ask. You will be included in my prayers.
I am a convert and the only one in my family who is Catholic. Only two of my twelve grandchildren are baptized. All I can do is trust and pray, and remember what God did in my life he can do in theirs.
For those who might say LENT isn't biblical, Read Matthew 6:16-18. LENT is about FASTING and PRAYING which jesus did for 40 days and night in the desert. Getting Ashes is a sign of Repentance for Sinfulness. Catholics do this as a sign of Humility and repentance and also as a sign of ones Sinfulness. Its also a reminder, From Dust we came and unto dust we shall return.
@@jongee4336 i am fasting for 40 days and i don't publicity, "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
@@jongee4336 Yes. Jesus said very clearly that no one should be able to tell that you are fasting. He literally said to wash your face and behave normally. I have no problem with taking the ashes at church. I do have a problem with wearing them around town all day afterward. because it contradicts what Jesus said.
It's lent 2022. This is my first lent as a Catholic Christian. Mind blown! The "core of obedience is love. The only thing God doesn't have is our hearts unless we participate by actively giving him our hearts!
@@FiliusChristi1 Dakota I pray your Lenton season is a time of deep connection with our Lord and with His church and that The Holy Spirit will guide you as you pray, Fast, Give and reflect in preparation for Easter. Many blessings.
@@Ria.ray77257 I think it's a personal thing. Like some people fast daily from 12-12. And just like Fr. Mike said- 2 small meals and 1 large meal- I have heard this on other catholic pages too. Hopefully this helps :) Happy Ash Wednesday!
I'm a firm believer that thinks everything happens for a reason and I am Catholic was raised Catholic baptized Catholic and just wanted to refresh myself in the knowledge for this Ash Wednesday tomorrow and the first channel that popped up was yours father Mike I'm so happy I found your Channel you're such a righteous man thank you for the awesome word today God bless love you❤️✝️❤️
you weren't "baptized" catholic, you were sprinkled catholic. Read the story of Jesus' baptism if you want to have it done correctly. Jesus said don't call any man father, except your own, read the Bible for yourself and stop following this man.
Just a point regarding the Rule of Fasting and Abstinence: it is 1 full meal + 2 small meals that together doesn't equal to a full meal, according to the USCCB website. But the message of the video is so great! God desires our heart and we must show obedience to Him. Thank you for being this incredibly inspiring Priest for all of us, Father Mike! I'm praying for you.
Oh Fr. Mike . . . you made me cry . . . your words are inspiring . . . and inspiring me to be as obedient as I can possibly be for him as possible not just this season . . . but always . . . because I don't ever want HIM to think I don't LOVE HIM . . . I want to show him MY LOVE. Thank you!
Thank You Father Mike, you have a way of making me understand things I should of learned many years ago, But Now I'm Ready I suppose! God Bless You and Everyone and Prayers for all who are Hurting! Amen 🙏✝😇❤
Romans 12:2, KJV: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Thank you very much for how well you explain things, Fr Mike and for the many useful topics that you are willing to cover. Your teachings are incredibly helpful as I strive to know & love God more & by his grace increase my courage to do God’s will & be who he believes I can be. I am very grateful for all you do in your priestly ministry & how you use technology to make that available to someone on the other side of the world. Thank you for your obedience & love for God. May God bless you and continue to look after you and all the people in your life; especially this year as you celebrate 20 years of priestly service in June 2023. Each time you say at the end of one of your podcasts “I am praying for you, please pray for me”. I promise you that I do pray for you 🙏🕊
I remember back when I wanted to just do bare minimum. Wow it has really grown into where the relationship-building with God is so important, I giggle at the silly thought of just doing minimum. I also don't have to be extreme... That can still miss the point. Thanks for a reminder of the Point!
I know in the Latin church we only really have to fast for two days but I'm going to recommend that if you are healthy and physically capable of it that you try to do it at least once a week
The things god has asked of us is actual Perfect for our earthly condition. Fasting actually is the healthiest thing we can do where as over eating or gluttony is the quickest way to becoming sick. Autophage is the renewing effects of fasting, where our body eliminated inefficiencies and renews it’s self. Our bodily temple, the gift we are indebted for is cleaned up for our spirit to rule from.
Did my first fast on Ash Wednesday, not quite right but earnestly tried. I hated it. Kept thinking about not appearing to others as fasting but I was so grumpy I just avoided people as much as possible. I needed to hear a simple explanation of why it’s done. Thanks Father Mike. See if I can do better with it on Good Friday.
Thank you so much for that, Fr. Mike. I needed that message today and have been hearing that message from the liturgy for the past week (because I have no home church). Was already planning to go to mass at noon but am going with a different resolve. God bless you.
Thanks for the video, I was trying to find a cool way to explain ashs to my kids. I enjoyed the content as well as your delivery. Please keep the videos coming
I am Catholic (not a very good one at that). Took my last meal dinner on Tuesday, did not eat until dinner time on Wednesday. It was the first time I fasted, for health reasons. And it was easy. Just drank water and about four cups of black coffee without sugar. I hope my fasting counted, maybe :)
We are not supposed to say everything we give up for. Lent is a time together closer to God, rather not to try to get attention on what you are giving up.
Lent used to be harder though, like NO FOOD at all fasting. Seems to me that the more you are called to sacrifice, the more glory you merit by your obedience and the more love you develop for God. Seems like modern fasting and abstinence rules are pretty meh. I think we should hold Catholics to higher standards.
That's why I'm black fasting this year. No food at all till after sunset and even then no meat (including fish) no milk, no cheese, no eggs, and no alchohol. And during holy week only bread, salt, herbs, and water. This was the way the church did it before and it's the way we should do it now I think. Jesus gave his life for us so the least we can do is fast.
According to the USCCB's "Fast & Abstinence" page, your two small meals shouldn't equal more than your one full meal. In other words, the general formula is *small meal 1 + small meal 2 < full meal*. Plus, if you're of a certain age or have certain health conditions then you may not have to fast or avoid meat at all. I recommend checking out USCCB, EWTN, Catholic Answers, or Paul VI's "Paenitemini" for more info.
Gong to Mass is easy it's only 1hr of your day. I have friends that are Baptist or Denomination they go for 2 to 3 hours on Sunday. If there preacher is having an interesting day he will try to make everybody come to the front and get them save and make the service longer. Trust me being Catholic is easy and a blessing 🙏
I don't eat meat anyway so avoiding meat is not that difficult for me but what it does mean is I have to do is find something else because it's really not Penance for me if I'm not giving up anything. I have to tell you though that there are more than two days that the Church fasts since not every Catholic is a Latin Catholic
Good point about other Catholic Rites besides the Latin. It's out of mind for most Latin Rite Catholics (and Protestants) in the US and Canada simply because there are fewer cities and towns where other Catholic Liturgies are celebrated. I wasn't aware of the other Rites until I moved to a larger city with an Eastern European immigrant tradition -- and even then, it only came to my attention because of year-round Fish Fry Fridays.....and even then, the only reason I learned about the reason for year-round Fish Fry was because a Polish Bishop was appointed to head the Archdiocese the year before a year when St. Patrick's Day fell on a Friday during Lent. It was actually major news on TV, radio, and in newspapers for the whole region around Buffalo, NY, wondering if the new Archbishop would grant the traditional dispensation allowing Catholics to eat corned beef. One radio station interviewed a priest of the Byzantine Rite to ask him for his thoughts about what the Archbishop would decide, and he said, "It doesn't matter to us Byzantines if the Roman Rite Archbishop grants a dispensation to Roman Rite Catholics. Byzantines abstain from meat every Friday year-round, and all 40 days of Lent, with no dispensations." That was my introduction to other Rites in the Church, and I was immediately filled with gratitude for the Byzantines, because I really like Fish Fry Fridays.
Adam Hovey latin Catholism is more of a deeper traditional way of Christiantiy. And if you want to go deeper, you can ask our brothers of the Orthodox church that will win us both on that together. See now each are very unique but not really different from eachother. And you can give up maybe a certain food you like to eat most during this Lent season. Or treats, or snacks. Something you would want to not only give up or cut down during Lent, but for the rest of your life. That is my only advice.
And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ' this people honors me with their lips , but their heart is far away from me . ' but in vain do they worship me , teaching as doctrines the precepts of men .' Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." He was also saying to them, "You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. Mark 7:6-9 NASB
Father Mike, uhm I did not have the cross mark in my head and did not attend the ash wednesday today,. but uhm yes' I will asks Jesus that I can accompany him towards lenten season, Godbless us Father and all his follower, and I will cut my meat in its said days,. and Father do not forget me always include me to your prayers and connection to Christ Jesus and thankyou. 🙍🙏🙎🙍
90sdimples While Mass is indeed the most important way to start the Lenten season, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation and yet it's the most popular Mass of the year. I personally go because I love to start my journey with Mass (and the readings are wonderful), but it's to kick-start my own 40 days. Good for those who don't need Lent to start them off, I know I'm not one of them. May this season bring us all closer to Him in true love, obedience, and humility. God bless.
90sdimples I do apologize if I appeared that I was speaking about technicalities. I was simply expressing how I'm not good enough to not go to Mass to start my Lenten journey.
Theresa Janiszewski dont assume the worst from my commentary. it has nothing to do with your own thoughts. everyone is caapable of going to Mass, in sin or not, as a christain or not. Everyone is welcomed to join for this rmarkable journey. So why not enjoy it to its fullest potential? from the start.
Great. I can't tell you what I had for dinner. It was not vegan. I live on food stamps. And I receive them on the first of the month. Once those food stamps are gone, in about 10 days to be exact, I am hungry. It feels miserable to be without eggs or milk. I miss the protein that chicken contains or my delicious milk shakes with protein powder. February was the best month I had with coping with hunger. I just tried to forget about food altogether. It really does not make up for the nutrition I am missing. On Friday my landlord and the county sheriff will evict me from my home. I did have a miracle on February 28. On that day I was supposed to get evicted. Everyone arrived late and they put it off till Friday. I have been praying as much as I can. And today, I received my ashes. There were not too many people in the church. A mother and her children wanted to get ashes too. She got the priest to come back to the church and we all got our ashes. My heart is breaking to find myself homeless at 63 years of age. Sometimes we have to care about ourselves, too. I am my own greatest champion. I have listened to Joel Osteen for a long time. I try to believe in his words of hope. God loves those who walk by faith.
Wendy Frances Milone I am so sorry to hear your predicament Wendy. I can't imagine what you must be feeling. I can only say that I will remember you every time I go to mass. Just keep you trust in God and he will give you the courage you need. Always look to the time when you will be with him in heaven and NO ONE will ever be able to take that away from you. This life is just a drop in an ocean of our existence. My next rosary will be said with you in mind.
Thank you for your kind words. When I was a child, a vision spoke to my heart and told me I would never find happiness on this earth. I guess there is no way out of unhappiness. It seems to find it's way towards me. And this is the great Catholic promise. The promise of heavenly bliss. I have no desire to die right now, though.
I know this post is old but did you know there are many wonderful resources out there. There is no reason for anyone to go hungry. Most churches have a special pantry where they store canned food, beans, rice ect for those in need. You can also go to food banks. Most catholic churches also have christian service program which can provide you with economical help , free clothing, counseling, finding jobs. Many services are provided. I use to volunteer in my church's Christian service program.
Father Mike, I just found you. I have a few questions. 1. Can you explain what the Holy Spirit is? I'm having trouble explaining it to a christian friend. 2. Can you grow out your beard again? 3. Can you fully explain confession? The process, not the why (I get the why). Every time I go I feel like a lost kid. RCIA kind of glossed over it. Can you make a tutorial? Thanks
I'm a random catechumen but I can try to explain for you about how I go through confession. I sit down into the room with the priest and talk to him about my sins then he will tell me what I need for penance or he can and sometimes explains why what I did was wrong. Then I say the act of contrition and leave. God bless
The Holy Spirit is a gift from the Father that all can receive by calling on Jesus and confessing then repenting of your sinful life. Then if you follow Him or abide in His Word you will be obeying His commands. The holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus in you. With man, he will tell you to do, do, do, do, but with Jesus it's done for you once and for all!
#askmike Okay. What's the deal about fish on Fridays? my late grandma said it had to do with the fishing industry and a Pope. What's the story? can we get a video on this please???
I've been fasting ever since I was in elementary school because my family is very traditional. I'm always confused because there's so many variations and some people don't fast until they're 14+ or even 18+ and while I was taught to eat 2 small meals, I see some people eat 3 full meals (no snacks) but also with meat.
As a kid, I was taught that fasting just meant no snacks. (We did abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent.) I started that version of fasting as soon as I understood what that meant, but I learned that wasn't really fasting so much as the easiest way my mother knew how to describe it. It still helped because I used that baseline to grow into proper fasting as I matured in my faith, and the experience helped me to discover that I need to take charge of my spiritual growth instead of simply relying on others for it.
The Catholic Church used to fast every Wednesday and Friday, as well as all of Great and Holy Lent, and many other times, the same as the Eastern Orthodox Church. Where do you think McDonalds fish Fridays came from? ;)
This is my first Ash Wednesday since my return. I'm surprised to learn how much one can still eat...... That's sounds almost to easy......... On paper or should I say to easy in comments? And mean that in the most humble way.
Why are folks always trying to get out of it? We're asked to fast two times a year, and ppl want to know how much they can possibly eat and still consider it fasting? It's not that much to ask. Reminds me of the ppl who try to figure out at what exact time within the mass they will be receiving the Eucharist, so they don't have to refrain from food for more than an hour.. dude, just fast one hour before mass begins, you'll live.
Well Mike, its sad that the good news of God's Word especially how we can be saved and know for sure we will end up in the kingdom take a back seat to all our Catholic church rules, but you sure get a lot of praise from your sheep, but there is still time right now to correct these mistakes. Like it or not we are in the last days and God called all to confess, and repent of their wicked ways and follow Him (follow a command to-abide in His Word), and until they understand that message they will not see His kingdom.
So acording to the church on days of fasting you don't actually have to fast at all?? I would never eat the recomended amount on a normal day let alone on a fast day...I would also hardly ever eat meat on a Friday so that's no hassle.
I was not aware you could not eat sweets on Ash Wed n Good Fri. Ive always thought meat was the food you were not allowed to eat. This was on a diff podcast today???
#askfrmike or was it @askfrmike ? Anyways... I have a question about Adoration. Sometimes I can't make it to adoration or would like to spend more time in Adoration. Is online adoration valid? How should I conduct myself with online adoration? I see online Adoration like having a skype call with Jesus. I want to take up adoration for Lenten..hence the question Thank you! have a a blessed Lent!
Oh WOW. Adoration is available 24/7. All Catholic Churches have a special chapel that usually has a key lock that opens the door. You can visit Jesus anytime you wish
This video helps a little bit but, I’m trying to understand what is Ash Wednesday and I did not know you guys fast on this day or Good Friday. I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints and I have a new year revaluation to celebrate holiday’s and other faiths meaningful days a bit more fully and/or learn more about it. But for my faith when we fast and if our health allows us too, we fast on the first Sunday of every mouth. For our fast we don’t eat or drink for 2 meals or in a 24 hour time period. We give the money that we would of use for the two meals and give it to our Bishop/Branch President of our ward/branch, so he can forward it to a place so goes towards food for the needy. Their are people who can not fast food wise, due to health reasons, so they fast in a different way. We still love them and don’t judge and sometimes the weather and slightly effect our fasting, depending on where we live and what we are doing. Thank you for your help to understand what is Ash Wednesday a little more. Also, sorry for the little bit of information overload. By celebrated Ash Wednesday and lint, I hope it might help my mom go back to church instead of being inactive because at this point I will even be happy if she be an active Catholic again. At this point, all I can do is love her.
Yes, show your mother love. That is a good thing! We fast on Ash Wed and Good Friday. You can also fast other days, especially during Lent. There was a time when we would fast on all days of Lent. Whew! That is not a discipline anymore, unless you really want to. There is nothing stopping you. 😀💗
Ok quick question from a noob in RCIA. My church offers a Saturday night mass, so could I go to this one if I know I will be absent from Sunday mass like traveling or I'm a teenager who oversleeps on accident from time to time?
Aurora Fenzl In the U.S., there are many Saturday late afternoon/evening masses for that exact reason. Make sure they are a vigil mass and not daily mass. I use to attend many Saturday vigil masses when I was teen and when my children were young. It's nice to have the flexibility.
The Mass on Saturday evening (around 4 p.m. or later) fulfills the Sunday obligation. The Mass on Saturday during the day does NOT fulfill the Sunday obligation.
What? In Poland we can't eat meat every Friday (sometimes the dioecese decides to give a day off like on Christmas day if Chirstmas eve occured on Thursday).
Actually, Fr. Mike is correct. In the US and other English-speaking countries, Fridays outside of Lent are no longer days of abstinence from meat. Moreover, Fridays during lent (other than Good Friday) require only abstinence, not fasting. He did an earlier video where he explains why.
Hi Father, what would you recommend for someone who is already vegetarian? Would you recommend additional restrictions on Fridays during Lent? Thank you!
What if your work on Sunday's and your job requires you to work during the times of mass. is that still a sin and breaking obedience? Most of us work on weekends especially with retail. I work. I'm the grocery industry. our busiest days are Sunday and Saturday. Father Mike I would love to know what you think.
Joey Herrera-yes but Sunday mass is a holy obligation. we go to daily mass but Sunday Is considered a sin of we don't attend. Our family is also attends a Latin Mass church. is it different because of that fact or is it the same.
There is Saturday mass as well. The question is how hard are you trying to attend your obligation. I think that is what matters. Usually we aren't trying very hard.
Most churches have multiple mass times on Sunday and there's also the option to go to the Saturday Vigil if you can't attend mass on Sunday. If you truly can't make it to any mass to fulfill your obligation then you should tell a priest.
Most retail stores don't have any problem with you blocking out time on Sunday, or all of Sunday for religious observance reasons. From my personal experience working in retail, I worked those days because I was afraid to make my faith known, and I convinced myself they wouldn't hire me or give me the hours I needed if I made the request. These days, it's easy for retailers to find someone who'll work on Sunday's. Also, there are retail locations that aren't even open on Sunday's. We have Hobby Lobby and Fareway locally that aren't open on Sunday's. I'm not trying to suggest that this is the same as your situation or that you have the same options, only sharing my experience to perhaps help encourage you.
Father Mike-I'm still a bit confused about fasting. The blood thinner that I take must be taken on a full stomach. If I don't have a full stomach, I get terrible stomach cramps. If I skip my medication, then I lose my balance and fall. I want to God's will. What should I do?
Lisa Herrling There are exceptions for the young, the sick, and the elderly. In your case, since it would be unhealthy for you to fast, you might be exempt. Im not sure so i would clarify with your local priest.
Lisa Herrling Dont worry. Gods will is most important part is not food but the soul and heart to become humbled and in prayer during this Season. You are a special case so you dont need to giveup food. You may give up certain habits, or material poscessions that keep you distracted from God. :-) I am only proud of you for remembering and wanting to do Gods will. Your faith is strong. :-)
Then, as your fast, just cut out the certain delicacies you enjoy. Like candy. Or try to only eat the three meals, and nothing in between. But if you really can't, then don't worry! God knows, he made you! Just remember to especially pray on those days (more than usual, or deeper than usual, if you can)
If you read your Bible, it is the custom that when you repent, fasting is usually done, along with praying and almsgiving. Jesus is even told why His disciples do not fast. Jesus tells them that when He is no longer with them, that they will fast. So, if Jesus acknowledges this, why would you not do it
TheLHShowChannel God said keep His Sabbath holy, he never changed the Sabbath to Sunday. The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, what we call Saturday. It is not a sin not to go to church on Sunday. It’s a sin not to keep the Sabbath Holy.
Beautifully said. It's 2019, Ash Wednesday. I went to Mass and as I sat there, I was really thinking about Lent and the Lent's before today. I remembered my daughter who use to attend Mass and how she told me, "I don't know if I want to be a Catholic anymore." Most of my family are not practicing Catholic's. They are angry with God and I can understand why that might be. I was once angry as well, but God's gentle grace nudged me back. Yet, as I sat there thinking about my family, almost in tears, I had a divine whisper said to me, that Lent is like a walk. I had an image of Jesus walking into a town, a home, a crowd and I realized that Lent is about my walk into myself, to others and, of course, to God. It's allowing God into all facets of my life, even into my sadness and allowing healing to flow. Please pray for my family. If you don't have anyone praying for you, I will. Just ask. You will be included in my prayers.
I will be praying for your family to come to Christ. 🙏🏻
Well done. Pray for me and my estranged husband. Thank you and God bless you.
Praying for you guys! Please Pray for my daughter Tiffany, and our family!
I am a convert and the only one in my family who is Catholic. Only two of my twelve grandchildren are baptized. All I can do is trust and pray, and remember what God did in my life he can do in theirs.
May God Bless You and Your Family! Amen 🙏✝😇❤
For those who might say LENT isn't biblical, Read Matthew 6:16-18. LENT is about FASTING and PRAYING which jesus did for 40 days and night in the desert. Getting Ashes is a sign of Repentance for Sinfulness. Catholics do this as a sign of Humility and repentance and also as a sign of ones Sinfulness. Its also a reminder, From Dust we came and unto dust we shall return.
Facts
But those verses say that you should be careful to publicly display your fasting right?
@@jongee4336 i am fasting for 40 days and i don't publicity, "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
@@jongee4336 Yes. Jesus said very clearly that no one should be able to tell that you are fasting. He literally said to wash your face and behave normally. I have no problem with taking the ashes at church. I do have a problem with wearing them around town all day afterward. because it contradicts what Jesus said.
@@jsharp3165not really. It’s a matter of the heart and intention behind it. I don’t hide my cross when I go out in public lol.
It's lent 2022. This is my first lent as a Catholic Christian. Mind blown! The "core of obedience is love. The only thing God doesn't have is our hearts unless we participate by actively giving him our hearts!
Congratulations and welcome to the family!
Welcome Shana! ❤
Jesus loves❤❤❤
It's Lent 2023. This is my first lent as a Catholic- celebrating your year 2!
@@FiliusChristi1 Dakota I pray your Lenton season is a time of deep connection with our Lord and with His church and that The Holy Spirit will guide you as you pray, Fast, Give and reflect in preparation for Easter. Many blessings.
I personally fast every Friday. Go above and beyond with your love for god!
@kelly heubel I'd like to know that too..also do you just fast till sunset?
If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing!
Hello, do you have any tips on how to fast, I'm new to fasting so I'm not really sure😅.
@@Ria.ray77257 I think it's a personal thing. Like some people fast daily from 12-12. And just like Fr. Mike said- 2 small meals and 1 large meal- I have heard this on other catholic pages too. Hopefully this helps :) Happy Ash Wednesday!
@@chizobaorizu1745 Thank you!😃 This is really helpful, God bless
Wishing you Blessed 40 days Fr.Mike, thanks for another great vid :)
I find it really striking, the fact that our fasting days are more than most other people eat on a normal day....
I'm a firm believer that thinks everything happens for a reason and I am Catholic was raised Catholic baptized Catholic and just wanted to refresh myself in the knowledge for this Ash Wednesday tomorrow and the first channel that popped up was yours father Mike I'm so happy I found your Channel you're such a righteous man thank you for the awesome word today God bless love you❤️✝️❤️
you weren't "baptized" catholic, you were sprinkled catholic. Read the story of Jesus' baptism if you want to have it done correctly. Jesus said don't call any man father, except your own, read the Bible for yourself and stop following this man.
Jason M It also says Thou shalt not judge and to be compassionate I hope you have a wonderful day God bless you
father Mike thank you
Just a point regarding the Rule of Fasting and Abstinence: it is 1 full meal + 2 small meals that together doesn't equal to a full meal, according to the USCCB website. But the message of the video is so great! God desires our heart and we must show obedience to Him. Thank you for being this incredibly inspiring Priest for all of us, Father Mike! I'm praying for you.
Oh Fr. Mike . . . you made me cry . . . your words are inspiring . . . and inspiring me to be as obedient as I can possibly be for him as possible not just this season . . . but always . . . because I don't ever want HIM to think I don't LOVE HIM . . . I want to show him MY LOVE. Thank you!
Thank you Father Mike!
My Lent plans
no snacking and sugary drinks and 15% less of my usual 3 meals.
God will help me to do it.
Father Mike, your words are beautiful, clear and profound. Thank you for your guidance. God bless you💞
Thank You Father Mike, you have a way of making me understand things I should of learned many years ago, But Now I'm Ready I suppose! God Bless You and Everyone and Prayers for all who are Hurting! Amen 🙏✝😇❤
Thank you for reminding me of OBEDIENCE! Change starts now in me....to LOVE God.
Romans 12:2, KJV: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
I’m not really a spiritual person but you changed my thinking thank u
Thanks for the video Fr Mike 😁 Love from Ireland God Bless 🙏
Love your videos Fr. Mike. They bring peace and closer to God. Thank you
Message received and understood. ;-). Thank you and God bless.
Thank you very much for how well you explain things, Fr Mike and for the many useful topics that you are willing to cover. Your teachings are incredibly helpful as I strive to know & love God more & by his grace increase my courage to do God’s will & be who he believes I can be. I am very grateful for all you do in your priestly ministry & how you use technology to make that available to someone on the other side of the world. Thank you for your obedience & love for God. May God bless you and continue to look after you and all the people in your life; especially this year as you celebrate 20 years of priestly service in June 2023. Each time you say at the end of one of your podcasts “I am praying for you, please pray for me”. I promise you that I do pray for you 🙏🕊
Just beautiful, simply beautiful.
Blessings father from Puerto Rico.
emanuel alicea Mi isla bella!
God has everything..three things we can only give him ..and most great one is obedience
That was so helpful Fr Mike. Thankyou.
Thank You! Father! I thought I had blown this day but you cheer me up! ❤️ 😊
Thanks for the video may the Lord keep blessing you always.
I remember back when I wanted to just do bare minimum. Wow it has really grown into where the relationship-building with God is so important, I giggle at the silly thought of just doing minimum. I also don't have to be extreme... That can still miss the point.
Thanks for a reminder of the Point!
I'm starting this week every Wednesday and Friday. Spelt bread and water.
I know in the Latin church we only really have to fast for two days but I'm going to recommend that if you are healthy and physically capable of it that you try to do it at least once a week
The things god has asked of us is actual Perfect for our earthly condition. Fasting actually is the healthiest thing we can do where as over eating or gluttony is the quickest way to becoming sick. Autophage is the renewing effects of fasting, where our body eliminated inefficiencies and renews it’s self. Our bodily temple, the gift we are indebted for is cleaned up for our spirit to rule from.
Did my first fast on Ash Wednesday, not quite right but earnestly tried. I hated it. Kept thinking about not appearing to others as fasting but I was so grumpy I just avoided people as much as possible. I needed to hear a simple explanation of why it’s done. Thanks Father Mike. See if I can do better with it on Good Friday.
Fr. Thank you 😇
2023...always hood to he here
HCC...attempting with prayer
Feb/16/2023 . God bless ❤️🙏🏻
Thank you so much for that, Fr. Mike. I needed that message today and have been hearing that message from the liturgy for the past week (because I have no home church). Was already planning to go to mass at noon but am going with a different resolve. God bless you.
Fr. Mike the best youtube videos that exist. I wish I could just thank him for being so awesome. Oh wait I am :-) God bless everyone!
God bless you too!
God bless you
Thanks for the video, I was trying to find a cool way to explain ashs to my kids. I enjoyed the content as well as your delivery. Please keep the videos coming
Thank you. ❤️
I would have worded it differently. God has my heart. He doesn’t have my free will.
Thanks for your insight 😊
Great video. Thanks Fr Mike! :D God bless
I fast every Wednesday and Fridays throughout the years...not just holy days in Lent🙏
I really loved this video! Keep up the good work!
I am Catholic (not a very good one at that). Took my last meal dinner on Tuesday, did not eat until dinner time on Wednesday. It was the first time I fasted, for health reasons. And it was easy. Just drank water and about four cups of black coffee without sugar. I hope my fasting counted, maybe :)
Love your videos it helps to make me a better person
God bless you to...
Whether I like it or not.. That’s right! 🙏🏾🕊✝️
yes
We are not supposed to say everything we give up for. Lent is a time together closer to God, rather not to try to get attention on what you are giving up.
@Peter Capizzi yeeee
People in the Orthodox Church fast 40 days without meat, chicken or fish. Absolutely no animal products during the 40 days.
Just amazing.
Have a fruitful lenten season 2019 Fr Mike
"Fasting without prayer is wasted suffering."- St. Padre Pio
watching the day before ASH WEDNESDAY 2023
Thank you father have a happy lent everyone god bless 🙏
again, here i am the day before lent and ash Wednesday ready to fast for our lord and savior
Thank you
I decided to do 33 Days with you guys. Give up shaving for Lent!
thanks
Amen
I had cereal breakfast, sushi lunch and small panckakes for dinner-on ash wednesday. small portions so I would not feel "full" after I stopped eating.
Lent used to be harder though, like NO FOOD at all fasting. Seems to me that the more you are called to sacrifice, the more glory you merit by your obedience and the more love you develop for God. Seems like modern fasting and abstinence rules are pretty meh. I think we should hold Catholics to higher standards.
That's why I'm black fasting this year. No food at all till after sunset and even then no meat (including fish) no milk, no cheese, no eggs, and no alchohol. And during holy week only bread, salt, herbs, and water. This was the way the church did it before and it's the way we should do it now I think. Jesus gave his life for us so the least we can do is fast.
According to the USCCB's "Fast & Abstinence" page, your two small meals shouldn't equal more than your one full meal. In other words, the general formula is *small meal 1 + small meal 2 < full meal*. Plus, if you're of a certain age or have certain health conditions then you may not have to fast or avoid meat at all. I recommend checking out USCCB, EWTN, Catholic Answers, or Paul VI's "Paenitemini" for more info.
chatwithchika so where is that in scriptures?
Gong to Mass is easy it's only 1hr of your day. I have friends that are Baptist or Denomination they go for 2 to 3 hours on Sunday. If there preacher is having an interesting day he will try to make everybody come to the front and get them save and make the service longer. Trust me being Catholic is easy and a blessing 🙏
I don't eat meat anyway so avoiding meat is not that difficult for me but what it does mean is I have to do is find something else because it's really not Penance for me if I'm not giving up anything. I have to tell you though that there are more than two days that the Church fasts since not every Catholic is a Latin Catholic
Good point about other Catholic Rites besides the Latin. It's out of mind for most Latin Rite Catholics (and Protestants) in the US and Canada simply because there are fewer cities and towns where other Catholic Liturgies are celebrated. I wasn't aware of the other Rites until I moved to a larger city with an Eastern European immigrant tradition -- and even then, it only came to my attention because of year-round Fish Fry Fridays.....and even then, the only reason I learned about the reason for year-round Fish Fry was because a Polish Bishop was appointed to head the Archdiocese the year before a year when St. Patrick's Day fell on a Friday during Lent. It was actually major news on TV, radio, and in newspapers for the whole region around Buffalo, NY, wondering if the new Archbishop would grant the traditional dispensation allowing Catholics to eat corned beef. One radio station interviewed a priest of the Byzantine Rite to ask him for his thoughts about what the Archbishop would decide, and he said, "It doesn't matter to us Byzantines if the Roman Rite Archbishop grants a dispensation to Roman Rite Catholics. Byzantines abstain from meat every Friday year-round, and all 40 days of Lent, with no dispensations." That was my introduction to other Rites in the Church, and I was immediately filled with gratitude for the Byzantines, because I really like Fish Fry Fridays.
Adam Hovey latin Catholism is more of a deeper traditional way of Christiantiy. And if you want to go deeper, you can ask our brothers of the Orthodox church that will win us both on that together. See now each are very unique but not really different from eachother. And you can give up maybe a certain food you like to eat most during this Lent season. Or treats, or snacks. Something you would want to not only give up or cut down during Lent, but for the rest of your life. That is my only advice.
And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ' this people honors me with their lips , but their heart is far away from me . ' but in vain do they worship me , teaching as doctrines the precepts of men .' Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." He was also saying to them, "You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.
Mark 7:6-9 NASB
Why? It is required by Canon Law (we need more than two required fast days in the calendar though - let’s start with the Ember Days) 😄
my youth group leader met him and he snap chatted he was praying us :)
#frmike please post about mental illness and fear that never ends
Father Mike, uhm I did not have the cross mark in my head and did not attend the ash wednesday today,. but uhm yes' I will asks Jesus that I can accompany him towards lenten season, Godbless us Father and all his follower, and I will cut my meat in its said days,. and Father do not forget me always include me to your prayers and connection to Christ Jesus and thankyou. 🙍🙏🙎🙍
funnynickline Mass was the most important for ash wednesday.
90sdimples While Mass is indeed the most important way to start the Lenten season, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation and yet it's the most popular Mass of the year. I personally go because I love to start my journey with Mass (and the readings are wonderful), but it's to kick-start my own 40 days. Good for those who don't need Lent to start them off, I know I'm not one of them.
May this season bring us all closer to Him in true love, obedience, and humility. God bless.
Theresa Janiszewski if you want to see it in technicality, yes you are correct.
90sdimples
I do apologize if I appeared that I was speaking about technicalities. I was simply expressing how I'm not good enough to not go to Mass to start my Lenten journey.
Theresa Janiszewski dont assume the worst from my commentary. it has nothing to do with your own thoughts. everyone is caapable of going to Mass, in sin or not, as a christain or not. Everyone is welcomed to join for this rmarkable journey. So why not enjoy it to its fullest potential? from the start.
Great. I can't tell you what I had for dinner. It was not vegan. I live on food stamps. And I receive them on the first of the month. Once those food stamps are gone, in about 10 days to be exact, I am hungry. It feels miserable to be without eggs or milk. I miss the protein that chicken contains or my delicious milk shakes with protein powder. February was the best month I had with coping with hunger. I just tried to forget about food altogether. It really does not make up for the nutrition I am missing. On Friday my landlord and the county sheriff will evict me from my home. I did have a miracle on February 28. On that day I was supposed to get evicted. Everyone arrived late and they put it off till Friday. I have been praying as much as I can. And today, I received my ashes. There were not too many people in the church. A mother and her children wanted to get ashes too. She got the priest to come back to the church and we all got our ashes. My heart is breaking to find myself homeless at 63 years of age. Sometimes we have to care about ourselves, too. I am my own greatest champion. I have listened to Joel Osteen for a long time. I try to believe in his words of hope. God loves those who walk by faith.
Wendy Frances Milone
I am so sorry to hear your predicament Wendy. I can't imagine what you must be feeling. I can only say that I will remember you every time I go to mass.
Just keep you trust in God and he will give you the courage you need. Always look to the time when you will be with him in heaven and NO ONE will ever be able to take that away from you. This life is just a drop in an ocean of our existence. My next rosary will be said with you in mind.
Thank you for your kind words. When I was a child, a vision spoke to my heart and told me I would never find happiness on this earth. I guess there is no way out of unhappiness. It seems to find it's way towards me. And this is the great Catholic promise. The promise of heavenly bliss. I have no desire to die right now, though.
I know this post is old but did you know there are many wonderful resources out there. There is no reason for anyone to go hungry. Most churches have a special pantry where they store canned food, beans, rice ect for those in need. You can also go to food banks. Most catholic churches also have christian service program which can provide you with economical help , free clothing, counseling, finding jobs. Many services are provided. I use to volunteer in my church's Christian service program.
Father Mike, I just found you. I have a few questions.
1. Can you explain what the Holy Spirit is? I'm having trouble explaining it to a christian friend.
2. Can you grow out your beard again?
3. Can you fully explain confession? The process, not the why (I get the why). Every time I go I feel like a lost kid. RCIA kind of glossed over it. Can you make a tutorial? Thanks
If you have a question for Fr. Mike, you can use #askfrmike
I'm a random catechumen but I can try to explain for you about how I go through confession. I sit down into the room with the priest and talk to him about my sins then he will tell me what I need for penance or he can and sometimes explains why what I did was wrong. Then I say the act of contrition and leave.
God bless
The Holy Spirit is a gift from the Father that all can receive by calling on Jesus and confessing then repenting of your sinful life. Then if you follow Him or abide in His Word you will be obeying His commands. The holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus in you. With man, he will tell you to do, do, do, do, but with Jesus it's done for you once and for all!
#askmike Okay. What's the deal about fish on Fridays? my late grandma said it had to do with the fishing industry and a Pope. What's the story? can we get a video on this please???
Why do we not eat meat what are we supposed to eat during lent thank you father
I've been fasting ever since I was in elementary school because my family is very traditional. I'm always confused because there's so many variations and some people don't fast until they're 14+ or even 18+ and while I was taught to eat 2 small meals, I see some people eat 3 full meals (no snacks) but also with meat.
As a kid, I was taught that fasting just meant no snacks. (We did abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent.) I started that version of fasting as soon as I understood what that meant, but I learned that wasn't really fasting so much as the easiest way my mother knew how to describe it. It still helped because I used that baseline to grow into proper fasting as I matured in my faith, and the experience helped me to discover that I need to take charge of my spiritual growth instead of simply relying on others for it.
Chapter/verse or else I’m bulking for lent
The Catholic Church used to fast every Wednesday and Friday, as well as all of Great and Holy Lent, and many other times, the same as the Eastern Orthodox Church. Where do you think McDonalds fish Fridays came from? ;)
#askfathermikeI got sick today so I suspended my fast to better fight my cold. Can I get right back on it once I am sufficiently healed?
This is my first Ash Wednesday since my return.
I'm surprised to learn how much one can still eat......
That's sounds almost to easy......... On paper or should I say to easy in comments?
And mean that in the most humble way.
How to prepare for the fulfillment of revelation?
Maria O come out of the Catholic Church, that’s how!
How soon can I remove the ash on my forehead?
Amen.
How long is a fast? 24 hours? If I just don’t eat anything….
Why are folks always trying to get out of it? We're asked to fast two times a year, and ppl want to know how much they can possibly eat and still consider it fasting?
It's not that much to ask.
Reminds me of the ppl who try to figure out at what exact time within the mass they will be receiving the Eucharist, so they don't have to refrain from food for more than an hour.. dude, just fast one hour before mass begins, you'll live.
After ash Wednesday do we fasting on Friday and why we fasting on Friday
jesus christ said don't call anyone farther just god the farther
What if you cheat on ash Wednesday. For example you sacrificed something but did the opposite?
why do more people attend ash wednesday than other holy days of obligation..ash wednesday isnt even an obligation
Julie Nicole Because people can be very superscitious. Even with their own religion.
Lenten resolutions?
Well Mike, its sad that the good news of God's Word especially how we can be saved and know for sure we will end up in the kingdom take a back seat to all our Catholic church rules, but you sure get a lot of praise from your sheep, but there is still time right now to correct these mistakes. Like it or not we are in the last days and God called all to confess, and repent of their wicked ways and follow Him (follow a command to-abide in His Word), and until they understand that message they will not see His kingdom.
So acording to the church on days of fasting you don't actually have to fast at all?? I would never eat the recomended amount on a normal day let alone on a fast day...I would also hardly ever eat meat on a Friday so that's no hassle.
I was not aware you could not eat sweets on Ash Wed n Good Fri. Ive always thought meat was the food you were not allowed to eat. This was on a diff podcast today???
#askfrmike or was it @askfrmike ?
Anyways... I have a question about Adoration. Sometimes I can't make it to adoration or would like to spend more time in Adoration. Is online adoration valid? How should I conduct myself with online adoration? I see online Adoration like having a skype call with Jesus. I want to take up adoration for Lenten..hence the question
Thank you!
have a a blessed Lent!
Oh WOW. Adoration is available 24/7. All Catholic Churches have a special chapel that usually has a key lock that opens the door. You can visit Jesus anytime you wish
2020 Ash Wednesday?
Where is lent in the Bible?
The 40 days of lent take their inspiration from the 40 days of Jesus in the desert.
This video helps a little bit but, I’m trying to understand what is Ash Wednesday and I did not know you guys fast on this day or Good Friday. I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints and I have a new year revaluation to celebrate holiday’s and other faiths meaningful days a bit more fully and/or learn more about it. But for my faith when we fast and if our health allows us too, we fast on the first Sunday of every mouth. For our fast we don’t eat or drink for 2 meals or in a 24 hour time period. We give the money that we would of use for the two meals and give it to our Bishop/Branch President of our ward/branch, so he can forward it to a place so goes towards food for the needy. Their are people who can not fast food wise, due to health reasons, so they fast in a different way. We still love them and don’t judge and sometimes the weather and slightly effect our fasting, depending on where we live and what we are doing. Thank you for your help to understand what is Ash Wednesday a little more. Also, sorry for the little bit of information overload. By celebrated Ash Wednesday and lint, I hope it might help my mom go back to church instead of being inactive because at this point I will even be happy if she be an active Catholic again. At this point, all I can do is love her.
Yes, show your mother love. That is a good thing! We fast on Ash Wed and Good Friday. You can also fast other days, especially during Lent. There was a time when we would fast on all days of Lent. Whew! That is not a discipline anymore, unless you really want to. There is nothing stopping you. 😀💗
Ok quick question from a noob in RCIA. My church offers a Saturday night mass, so could I go to this one if I know I will be absent from Sunday mass like traveling or I'm a teenager who oversleeps on accident from time to time?
Aurora Fenzl In the U.S., there are many Saturday late afternoon/evening masses for that exact reason. Make sure they are a vigil mass and not daily mass. I use to attend many Saturday vigil masses when I was teen and when my children were young. It's nice to have the flexibility.
The Mass on Saturday evening (around 4 p.m. or later) fulfills the Sunday obligation. The Mass on Saturday during the day does NOT fulfill the Sunday obligation.
A schoolmate said he was told he must attend Mass before receiving the ashes. Is this true?
I've been to ash only services, so no.
What? In Poland we can't eat meat every Friday (sometimes the dioecese decides to give a day off like on Christmas day if Chirstmas eve occured on Thursday).
Grzegorz Cichosz
Even though every Wigilia is a meatless meal which is convenient if it falls on a Friday.
Grzegorz Cichosz
Also, cool name. 😁
I just looked it up - you're right, Friday is usually a day of abstinence - but maybe Father Mike meant days of fast AND abstinence?
Actually, Fr. Mike is correct. In the US and other English-speaking countries, Fridays outside of Lent are no longer days of abstinence from meat. Moreover, Fridays during lent (other than Good Friday) require only abstinence, not fasting. He did an earlier video where he explains why.
Really? Fridays are out of abstinence in US, UK and rest? Strange...
Hi Father, what would you recommend for someone who is already vegetarian? Would you recommend additional restrictions on Fridays during Lent? Thank you!
fasting can be sacrifice something else that you love, like example internet or Facebook etc.
What if your work on Sunday's and your job requires you to work during the times of mass. is that still a sin and breaking obedience? Most of us work on weekends especially with retail. I work. I'm the grocery industry. our busiest days are Sunday and Saturday. Father Mike I would love to know what you think.
The Immaculate Heart Of Mary There is daily mass
Joey Herrera-yes but Sunday mass is a holy obligation. we go to daily mass but Sunday Is considered a sin of we don't attend. Our family is also attends a Latin Mass church. is it different because of that fact or is it the same.
There is Saturday mass as well. The question is how hard are you trying to attend your obligation. I think that is what matters. Usually we aren't trying very hard.
Most churches have multiple mass times on Sunday and there's also the option to go to the Saturday Vigil if you can't attend mass on Sunday. If you truly can't make it to any mass to fulfill your obligation then you should tell a priest.
Most retail stores don't have any problem with you blocking out time on Sunday, or all of Sunday for religious observance reasons. From my personal experience working in retail, I worked those days because I was afraid to make my faith known, and I convinced myself they wouldn't hire me or give me the hours I needed if I made the request. These days, it's easy for retailers to find someone who'll work on Sunday's. Also, there are retail locations that aren't even open on Sunday's. We have Hobby Lobby and Fareway locally that aren't open on Sunday's. I'm not trying to suggest that this is the same as your situation or that you have the same options, only sharing my experience to perhaps help encourage you.
Isn't it a mortal sin if you intentionally break the fast?
Father Mike-I'm still a bit confused about fasting. The blood thinner that I take must be taken on a full stomach. If I don't have a full stomach, I get terrible stomach cramps. If I skip my medication, then I lose my balance and fall. I want to God's will. What should I do?
Lisa Herrling There are exceptions for the young, the sick, and the elderly. In your case, since it would be unhealthy for you to fast, you might be exempt. Im not sure so i would clarify with your local priest.
Lisa Herrling
let your fast be a Rosary or if you already say it say an extra one 😇
Lisa Herrling Dont worry. Gods will is most important part is not food but the soul and heart to become humbled and in prayer during this Season. You are a special case so you dont need to giveup food. You may give up certain habits, or material poscessions that keep you distracted from God. :-) I am only proud of you for remembering and wanting to do Gods will. Your faith is strong. :-)
Then, as your fast, just cut out the certain delicacies you enjoy. Like candy. Or try to only eat the three meals, and nothing in between. But if you really can't, then don't worry! God knows, he made you! Just remember to especially pray on those days (more than usual, or deeper than usual, if you can)
How do we know God is asking us to fast and go to mass?
If you read your Bible, it is the custom that when you repent, fasting is usually done, along with praying and almsgiving.
Jesus is even told why His disciples do not fast. Jesus tells them that when He is no longer with them, that they will fast.
So, if Jesus acknowledges this, why would you not do it
What if we don't go to Mass on Sundays, but stay at home and pray and read the Bible? Is that a sin? Is that counted as leasing or displeasing God?
TheLHShowChannel God said keep His Sabbath holy, he never changed the Sabbath to Sunday. The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, what we call Saturday. It is not a sin not to go to church on Sunday. It’s a sin not to keep the Sabbath Holy.