In the grand scheme of things, we don't matter. Nothing we do matters in the grand scheme of things. *BUT WE DO NOT LIVE IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS!* We live here and now, and we value things here snd now. Isn't that enough?
Fr like aren't we a detail that makes up the grand scheme. There's beauty in it regardless. I think it's our own thoughts that attack us with worry about wether we're important enough, wether we matter, wether we are significant
@@Enrique0097 Why would your friends and family not matter to you if God didn't exist? If they only matter to you under that condition then they don't actually matter to you at all
If God doesn't exist, then He's of no importance. If He does, then he's of INFINITE importance. There is no middle ground. Even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Have patience and trust in God, even when you have little more than a mustard seed.
There’s only one TINY little problem with what you wrote above, Sir.☝🏼 There has never been, nor will there ever be, even the SLIGHTEST shred of evidence for the existence of the Godhead, that is, a Supreme Person or Deity.🤓 It is high time for humanity to awaken from all INANE superstitions such as the belief in a Personal God who created the Universe, would you not agree, Slave? 😩
Sometimes I doubt God unfortunately, and that makes me desperate and even crying. Then I remember that's a good thing. If it bothers you that you're doubting God that's precisely why you know God exists. If you stopped believing in God, the thought of no God wouldn't hurt you. Also remember everything He had done for you (Psalm 103) God bless
I doubt His plans for my life but I never truly doubt His existence. Besides I can't be pissed at someone who doesn't exist. I'm speaking to Him again after almost 2 years so that's good 😊
Thank you friend. I had been entertaining this very same thought many times myself. It's nice to see that I'm not crazy to think this way. I appreciate that you shared your thoughts and I feel less alone. God bless you for existing. :)
One of the greatest messages in front of a church I saw many years ago up in Vermont. On our way to Saint Ann’s Island retreat (a stones throw from Canada.) The sign said: “God exists, whether you believe in him, or not” Honestly…. For me, the opposite is also true! “ I believe in God, whether he exists or not!”
So true, my husband likes to tell people, if he’s wrong believing in God, he has nothing to lose following Him, but if they are wrong and God exists, then they have everything to lose by not believing.
If God is real I have everything to gain in eternal life and have lived a life according to His will. If God isn’t real I will have still lived a life forgiving others, treating others how I’d like to be treated & I will never have the gut wrenching feeling of knowing it was all a fantasy because my brain is shut off in the ground. I have real faith God exists but even if i was proven wrong , there will never be any downside for me to experience other than missing out on eternal life I thought I would have, but as I say, because I’m dead I do not actually know I’m missing out on it- it’s just nothingness. Thankfully that won’t happen and I will spend forever in His loving presence with all my brothers and sisters in Christ
Marcus Aurelius said something similar and you've baptized the sentiment well. Here's the quote: "Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones."
@@seleniummat-pd7zhTry reading CS Lewis’ Mere Christianity. I think Lewis is the perfect author for someone coming from a skeptical and agnostic position wishing to best understand the Christian candidacy. Lewis’ work ‘Miracles’ is also a fabulous read for someone struggling with accepting the supernatural. It might be a better starting point and then onto Mere Christianity. Personally, I think Mracles is the best philosophical treatise on the issue and a wonderous read. You won’t be disappointed. Indeed, I try to read Miracles once a year. Lewis asked the very same question you do, having moved from Atheism to Agnosticism to Deism to Theism and finally to Christian apologist. Good luck. It is the ultimate quest you are on.
*Almighty God, when I face challenges and difficulties, grant me the strength to persevere. Help me find courage in times of weakness and the determination to overcome obstacles. I place my trust in you. Amen.*
I needed to hear this. I cried while listening. There is no such thing as unplanned. Psalm 139:14-16: 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be
Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
I really appreciate Father Mike's help in addressing today's issues. He is a gifted speaker who is able to reach people and focus on the subject in a beautiful and understandable way. I believe that Father Mike is a representative of God, and I am grateful to God for sending him to clear up our doubts and worries.
I don't know if u realise but u mean so much to my life Fr Mike. All the way off in Ireland and England where I reside. Thanks be to God 4ur faithful message. 🙏
Today at adoration I started to feel dry and questioning if there is a God. Came home and that depressed thought still lingered. After going to bed I woke up now in the middle of the night and just felt hopeless and dry . I anointed myself with holy oil and I just pray for God’s peace and assurance he’s with me . Then I was scrolling on YT and came across this video. Please pray for me. ❤
Oil of any brand applied topically will never hydrate you. I suggest you try something with electrolytes. I've heard that many of your faith rely on Brawndo.
I understand. I choose to believe because I can't face life without faith in the existence of God. I don"t care if it makes logical sense or not. I need to believe for my own sanity.
Thank you for your message here. I lost my aunt last Thursday (1/11/24) after the nurses stopped the ventilator. Quality of life was terminal. She kept her faith until the end. Family surrounded her. And I'm also looking at my own father's situation, which is another cancer battle that's taking him too. My aunt turned 60 in Nov '23, and my dad might turn 53 if he can make it to his birthday on 2/18. A few days before Christmas he told me the Drs said 2-6 months. Through my deep sorrow, I will still speak of the goodness of God. He gives and takes. He is so very good, and that is all. I said much here so I'll stop. (Ecclesiastes 5:2) Please pray for me.
Will pray for you. I lost my precious mom a few months ago. When I saw you wrote 1/11 I thought of the amount of time she survived off the ventilator. 1 hr 11 mins. Then you said "after the nurses stopped the ventilator" and im thinking okay it was a coincidence. Who knows. God bless 🙏
Praying for your dad. Unite your suffering to Jesus. The Mass is the highest form of prayer there is. Go to your Parish and have Mass offered for him and your Aunt as soon as possible. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for him daily. God knows the outcome and if he’s not healed in this life, he’ll be healed in the next. The prayers and Masses offered will prepare him for the journey and judgment. Most of all…keep trusting God. Hugs
"if there is no God, then you do not matter." Whoa. I think that defines so much of what people are going through. They don't feel like they matter. We don't know who we are. Our identity is found in Our Father. Without us knowing the Father, we don't know who we are. What makes me a son, is the fact that I have a Father. And if I am a son of the Father, that gives me an identity, a purpose, a family and I belong. I am a beloved son of the Father. Outside of that, I have no identity.
Bad human bad using herd mentality and disowning your real identity in favor of following some bs use research and learn that the biblical Yahweh and modern day religion is all historical fiction and modern day propaganda/fairy tale.
I live in a country where almost noone around me believes in a God. I'm interested, do you think we all think we do not matter, or do you suppose that might just be something theists are projecting onto us?
What is your faith in? 🤔 Romans 3 kJV 🩸 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
@AlexanderBrown77 My faith is God, Son, and Holy Spirit. I admire some priests and Popes for their devotion to the Lord and don't care for corrupt Pope Bergoglio. Basically I have no religion, my relationship is with God and follow my 10 commandments.
@@ivonnehernanandez3057 ♥️ Hi ivonne Are you born again? ✝️🩸 1 Peter 1 kJV 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. ✝️ Gospel 🩸 1 Corinthians 15 kJV 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 3 kJV 🩸 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 1 John 5 kJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
You nod quite a lot in your videos Father. You make a good point at the start, which I agree with as a non-theistic Buddhist. The truth of the existence or absence of a God does not affect how I live and I want to continue treating others with respect and kindness regardless.
My question is...in the times when I forget God, hate God, resent God, just don't care and am agnostic or apathetic for long periods....will God forgive me even then? Is God there even then? I always think of Him, even at my most degenerate points, even at my most lazy, hypocritical, callous points. My heart is always thinking of him, if that makes sense. And so I never feel like he is "not there". Only distant. My question is why is God so distant and why does it take so much work to find him?
Yes, He is always there waiting for you to call to him, return to Him and find Him again... He's always there... It is you that pulls away, or are blinded etc... well not "you" but all of us when we sin. God is always there and He always loves you... not matter what. He is that Good and Great and Merciful.
One-time many many years ago, I was lying in bed all of a sudden I got the worst feeling that there was no God. I became very scared and felt so empty. Then I started reasoning with myself and talked myself back into the realization that there is my God. The feeling of Joy overwhelmed me. Was a real epiphany.
So, basically you believe it because you're too afraid not to... The better thing to think on would be whether or not you have the right version. Isn't it a bit convenient that the one that exists just happens to be the one you believe in? You're far more likely to be wrong than right.
@@nomadman5288 She might've already done all that. And whose to say someone would be 'far more likely to be wrong'? If you're so uncertain/doubtful, how can you be certain someone is leading themselves up the garden path and that, according to your authority, it would be 'better' to turn back and reconsider? Regardless, living in doubt/ambivalence is not satisfying long term. Sure, you can be The Great Man of Doubt and Reason, but so long as you remain human, solipsism and/or agnosticism isn't gonna cut the mustard, especially when you get old and death starts texting you: "I'll be there in 5"...
We might not know the meaning in every moment, but we know that every moment has meaning. Thanks Fr. Mike, I needed that. I've been stuck in a rough place for a while.
@@RoninTF2011 no man is an island. Sometimes it takes an outsider to help pull you out of your rut. Only then can you see the moments and the meanings within, that you've been missing.
Glad you brought it to its final conclusion, Father. Thinking that you and all the people you love will eventually not matter has to be the most depressing thing anyone could believe. Just love each other? Get that platitude out of here. Embrace meaning
Actually, if Christianity were true, then *that* would make everything not matter anymore. Taking God out of the equation makes it all infinitely more meaningful.
I know that God is there. I know that the Holy Spirit resides in me. I know Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I totally 100% know this. I fell God's presence in my life. But yet I choked up when Fr. Mike said I matter.
@@druvidefonseka9463♥️ It’s good to know. 1 John 5 kJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 Corinthians 15 kJV ✝️🩸 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 4 kJV ♥️ 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 🤔 Faith in what? Romans 3 kJV 🩸 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Yeah and there are hundreds of millions of people whop say exactly the same, except it's about Allah and Brahma and Buddha, they are just as sure as you...but either they are wrong, or you're wrong, or you're all wrong. Because you can;t all be right.
@@richardgregory3684 ♥️Isaiah 45 kJV 5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. 7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
@@AlexanderBrown77 Oh look, bible quotes, who cares about the bible? Holy book says it;s god is the one and only true god, amazing, who'd hae thought it?
Ephesians 1 kJV ✝️🩸 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 1 Corinthians 15 kJV 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Galatians 1 kJV 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
To summarize, who is this guy or anyone else to tell you whether and why you matter? Grow up, stop looking for someone else to justify you. That argument is classic transference. People want to matter, so tell them that it is religion that makes them matter.
@charlesm7589 it's not a religious statement and isn't specific to Christianity. Its a commentary on the logical conclusions of a materialistic worldview. If you believe that the universe is an eternally existent set of arbitrary physical laws acting without purpose or reason, then any experience of meaning you have is only a delusion created by blind indifferent forces of evolution because the delusion of meaning increases the chances of self replication. To hold a materialistic view, you must admit that meaning is not objectively real but subjectively imagined and ultimately delusional. You don't matter. The universe got by fine without you for billions of years and will get by fine without you when you're gone. You're a meaningless spec of dust. Unless there is a mind behind the universe that created you for a meaningful purpose with intent and forethought. This is an argument for theism and belief in a personal, intentional force behind the universe. But it is not an argument for any specific religion. Rather, it is a point many religions agree on. You're free to disagree. But you might find it curious to wonder why you don't act as though you are meaningless, and whether or not a blind indifferent meaningless universe is really the explanation that best aligns with your personal observation and experience.
I willfully ignored the evil of sin. I told myself it's not that bad. It really doesn't matter. That led to me fully believing that I don't matter. The fact is, animals can mate with whatever they want and kill whatever they want and do whatever they want and it doesn't matter. They are not children of God. We are children of God and are truly worth far more than 1000 stars. Even the hairs on our heads are counted. Every word we speak, every act we do matters a great deal.
Animals cannot do that actually, assuming you mean a social animal like wolves, if they don't behave in their packs, they get expelled or killed. The same applies to us, we are never free, as long as we live in society, which makes sense, and likely from where morality comes.
I needed this video Father Mike. A friend who gave up her Catholic faith way before I knew her just told me today she is now an agnostic. She has been trying to get me to question my faith by sending me videos. I've tried to evangelize, but she gets angry with me. I will continue to pray for her.
Rules , right and wrong made it possible for the tribes of Europe to survive the brutal ice age and aids in dealing with internal conflicts. Early European religions seem to be the collection of stories and rules that aid in survival. Following a hunter god can be as simple as trying to increase your luck on a hunt, A deers antlers offered to a shrine or fire in the hope of a lucky shot or a deer crossing your path. Sending out mulible hunters increases the chance of some finding food and genetics very much effect behavior and what kind of culture will rise even interacting between men and woman to what is to do be done with those who threaten the existence of the tribe or tribes members. Rules seem to evolve around threats and interactions with common benefits spread across the tribe of men and woman. The tears and cries of woman effect men differently, some will come to their defense while other will try to prey upon them, Rules may allow the killing of the predator that strengthens the tribe. Marriage may be limited to 1 man , 1 woman to reduce internal conflicts and violence between males. Predators may be exile to the ice and snow causing them to die reducing the predators effect on the gene pool. Cutting enough evil blood-lines may increase the survival of the tribe in that type of climate. 1 man, 1 woman marriage may also increase survival by reducing incompetent genetics spreading through the tribe causing the tribe to die out and this can also be said of poor parenting.Some parents may attempt to give their children a foot up while others try to give their children the foot down and in the modern age may require the child escaping the parents and needing time to recover and progress and may not have the experience to deal with predators increasing his chances of dying or being maimed.
@@WiggimusThere are many ways God shows us on how to evangelize. I have ordered the Blessed Miraculous Medals to hand out or place in discreet places. Catholics on utube channels, Rumble, or X use their platforms to evangelize.
It’s good to ♥️Know♥️ 1 John 5 kJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 Corinthians 15 kJV ✝️🩸 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 4 kJV 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 🤔 Faith in what? Romans 3 kJV 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Romans 3 kJV 🩸 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
"Let us weigh the gain and the loss in wagering that God is. Let us estimate the two chances. If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager then without hesitation that he is." - Pascal
I think it takes more faith not to believe in in God, this planet sings creation. The student said ' do what you want just love each other' We were made for love ( good title for a book eh Father Mike!) I believe it is the Christian influence that holds back utter carnage in this world. We were made higher than the animals, we are hard wired to love. Why even bother to love if there is no God?
Weird cause for thousands of years before Christ and thousands of other god that people lived under there was never “carnage”. Ironically a lot of carnage has happened cause of Christianity. Now ask why love? Cause it’s a natural thing? Animals love too, dogs love, cats love, donkeys love, birds love, ect. What is love? Well it’s driven by biochemical processes that occurs in our body and mostly our brain. Also to be honest if you need god to be kind, loving and compassionate I’d take a serious look at yourself.
Well, Slave, we all have our own particular BELIEFS, but ultimately, there exists objective truth, which is not subject to our misconceptions and misunderstandings. One who has transcended mundane relative truth is said to be an ENLIGHTENED soul. 😇
Galatians 1 kJV ✝️🩸 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 1 Corinthians 15 kJV 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Saw a bumper sticker that said "America- The Relentless Pursuit of Pleasure and Happiness". That is our problem, pursuing pleasure that never fulfills and causing enormous pain to others as we use them up for pleasure and profit. Outstanding message of hope, Fr. Mike!
"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil-this is the gift of God". - Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Yet the people are not satisfied! They grumble for more, even though they have everything a human needs tenfold. They will pursue till exhaustion and they will collapse and die. The worms will have everything for a day.
Excellent message Father Mike! Thank you for sharing this with us. It came exactly when I needed to hear it. Thank you, Lord Jesus, that I matter, that we all matter.
This is the very question an atheist friend of mine asked me. I chuckled. Then I said, "Well, if there's no God, then I go back and become part of the earth" (ashes to ashes and all), and I will have a lived a good , if imperfect life; my question to you is, 'What if you're wrong?' He looked at me like this never had occurred to him. I pray for him daily.
But what if you're wrong about Allah, Vishnu, Thor, Zeus and all of the rest of the proposed gods and religions? You're in just as much, if not arguably more, existential danger as an atheist if you're wrong as well. Did this thought ever occur to you?
@@tomandrews1429You're an atheist, why do you care? If OP was a pagan who worshipped Thor, would you still have bothered pestering them with your question?
"Without my religion, nothing matters. Join my cult to give your life meaning." All cults operate the same. If they can't get people while they're young and impressionable, they go for those who are hurt and desperate.
You are on point sir. It's an age-old tactic. Add in social stigma and military force to 'convert" nonbelievers and you have the whole story. If you think about it, religion is much like a fascist dictatorship. No opposing opinion allowed. Absolute power yielded by the ruling party. The seeking of ever expanding territory and aggression against other religious states.
I’ve always had the mindset of if He does exist I’m good, and if He doesn’t I’m still good as He comforts me here on earth, and Let’s say He truly doesn’t when I finally go to meet Him I’m the only one it’s affecting.
God is the beginning,the end & what's in beteeen. He Is the love force putting order in everything & everyone. There is too much beauty in the universe & this comes from Him❤
Thank you for being the voice of reason and religious education. We all need to hear this. Your a gift for your ability to explain the unexplained in layman terms 🥰
I just listened to John Maxwell who quoted cs Lewis. “Hunger is absurd if there was no such thing as food, thirst would be absurd if there was no such thing as drink. A longing for God would be absurd if there was no such thing as God. “
And why is a longing for god not absurd? Human beings long for all sorts of ridiculous things. It;s liek saying, a child longing for Santa to drop down the chimney with a piny would be absurd if there was no Santa. Well, of course, Santa is absurd. lol
I think that this is not a very good analogy, because, one could simply say if we are all just space dust and why should I care about "other" space dust that doesn't benefit me directly in anyway. Unless there is truly a purpose (i.e. a creator) @@jimmygrieves2909
This is the first time I've seen (or noticed) a youtube video with zero downvotes. (As of 11:15 AM, 1/20/24) It would be cool if it stayed that way. Also, thank you Fr. Mike, and everyone who helps with this channel. This video reminded me of who I used to be, why I started on this path, and why I still try in spite of constant and sometimes egregious failure. Needed that.
Heavenly Father I pray that you bless me with your love and grace,as I tirelessly care for my children with special needs. As a single mom I’m overwhelmed. Bless me Lord as I constantly struggle to pay rent and as I constantly struggle to buy groceries help me to find peace and give me the resources and support I need to overcome anything life brings against me. I offer this prayer in the Name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior.❤
Thinking of you as a single Mom with two special needs blessings. They are blessings. And some great day, they will be lifted of their handicap! What a day that will be! Until then, God bless you and continue to be the wonderful hardworking Mom that you are. You are capable and you are doing it!
If the only way you can be good is through fear of punishment, then you're not a good person. I'm atheist, i dont fear any punishment. I do good things because i have basic empathy and want to help others. The fear of punishment or reward is not a factor in me doing something good. I don't have a desire to do any crimes, or hurt others, because I'm not evil. I find it surprising that so many christians are so filled with hatred and evil, and think everyone is.
dust in the wind, that really cheapens our whole existence and experience here on earth when I look at the sun and how it supports all life on this planet that's not a chance accident we were meant to be!
There still would be right and wrong even if god didn’t exist. Right and wrong being subjective based on what society dictates for a certain time, which arguably is always the case
For sure. Morality is something built over time, with human beings understanding themselves, understanding interpersonal relationships and understanding the dynamics of the world. The creation of a god was just a way to speed up the process (and even then there were countless fights fought in the name of these gods)
Thank you so much! I just had a religion student ask me this! I gave a brief answer but told her we would revisit this when after I had time to organize my thoughts. This is a perfect addition to my answer and I will be showing this tonight in my classroom. The timing of so much that I hear from you is always so on point that I know that God is constantly intervening for me. Too much to be a happy coincidence. God is so Good!
Thank you Fr Mike 🌟 Happy Feast of St Don Bosco💐 Even though we might not know the meaning of every single moment, We know that there is a meaning in each moment The only reason we choose something because it is true. Everything we do matters to God because we matter to God. We are in God's heart formed by his hands and placed in the world for a purpose🌻
let us immerse ourselves in the word of God, finding guidance, Solace, and inspiration in its pages. let us lean on the holy spirit for discernment and strength, allowing his presence to guide us on the path of righteousness
Atheist and other religion also watched this video based on the comments. I'm so happy they are curious and want answers. Let's start from there. Prayers to all. St. Augustine of Hippo - 'If you understood him, it would not be God.'
I made the biggest mistake of my life I left the church for many years I got baptized in 1979 I was 22 years old. I've been back for 13 months now me and my wife got married in the Catholic Church 2006 I love the Catholic Church father Mike what's the one that got me to come back buy me listening to him on UA-cam took the classes over again
What’s extra cool is that you reading this was one of the few who believe in the exact right religion and the right version of it. What if you had been born in a Hindu family in India. Bad luck!
I know and believe God exists. I know he is Good and True that I can’t stand before Him without guilt and shame for my sins and evil in my heart. I know Scriptures speak all the truth and believe it. Yet I struggle to understand why does he want to do me good and not evil? Why does He still want to care for me and bless me despite my evil and disobedience towards Him. How can he still be generous and loving towards me even when I grieve him and sin? I know God can do anything He wills and I have seen it for others, yet I doubt it’s going to happen for me or anytime in the near future or perhaps one day it could. I just feel so forgotten and left behind in life because of my suffering and circumstances left in stagnation to die.
@@heathervancalcar4446I know God needs no reason to love me, yet I struggle to understand how He can and why despite what I have done and continue to grieve Him. We are commanded to love God, yet I struggle to understand and know his love so I can willingly love him in return. It’s the same problem I have with how do you reconcile disciplining a child with loving the child at the same time like God tells us he does with us. I never experienced the unconditional love from parents either from my father being emotionally absent and at work all the time and my mother being emotionally volatile and only loving me for what I did, achieved, and could do for her. I just withdrew and hid my heart all my years because of all the arguments my parents had all the time about not having enough money, who could get new clothes and when, do we pay this bill or starve the rest of the month, etc. My heart craves love and to be known and loved by someone, especially a future spouse, yet I was afraid the one time I found it and ran away in fear because I didn’t know what I had until I lost it nor fully understood the love I never had.
Right or wrong still doesn't exist if God exists. A thing mattering and having meaning is inherently subjective. Humans are a perfectly valid subject for these purpose. So, things matter to us. Thus, they matter, period. God or no god. The universe does not reflect what i would expect the universe to look like if it was intentionally designed. Thus, I do not believe God exists. Also, I will do what I want. If God tries to stop me, then he is not my friend. I want to be a positive influence on my society. I want to make decisions rationally. I want to enjoy my life and help others do the same.
It's simple to me, if God doesn't exist and I lived a devout life righteously and didn't lose anything. But if God does exist, which he DOES, and I live in service to Him, I gain everything. I'd wish for a devout life regardless, because I will always be serving something grander than the other.
I struggle with this in a different way. I believe in Christ Jesus as true God and true man, however I have a bit of anti social personality and am very bent toward utilitarian thinking. My Faith keeps me on the straight and narrow, but I am still struggling to obey God out of love rather than fear and duty. It has always shocked me how people want God not to be real because the way the world works if that belief would come to be dominate 99% of people’s lives would end up terrible as we returned to empires built upon slavery and subjugation. It seems so natural to follow your desire to do whatever you can get away with once the rules are stripped away and you don’t have to care about anything other than your own self interest that I can’t even fathom the high minded ideas of those who argue for societal morality developing independently.
Of there isn't a god. There is your family, friends, folk around the World, flora and flora ... It matters what I do. I am confident that people don't behave as they do because they want immortality. We do what is right because we love and care for each other.
In liberal democracy folk are entitled to follow what faith they choose and raise their families are they wish@@ReclaimingVigil ... For myself, i know there is no god ... apart from anything else i have read the Bible.
I don't want to be space dust, Father. God exists. I know he exists because I lived through 2 comas, survived, and even though I'm a working disabled person, I couldn't have survived without medical professionals that helped me with their expertise. As for science -- Psychology, Sociology, Theology, Philosophy -- all these subjects in Graduate studies know how to use science in evidence gathering; this sounds like a theorem you're developing. Thanks, Father Mike.
I am motivated everyday to live the best life i know. Why? Because, everyday, my circumstances offer me challenges to hopefully make my life and the lives of others, especially family, more stisfactory, healthier and happier. I value many things and I'm thankful for the time I've had knowing it may come to an end at any time. I'm an atheist.
@@pasalasagaThe hard truth is that you will fall many times, but God’s forgiveness never runs out and He never stops loving you. So even though you fall, always seek God’s forgiveness in confession, He will never turn you away
@@ReclaimingVigil How do I go to confession easily? I'm new into this, since I don't know how to interact with the priest. There is so many people after mass.
@@pasalasaga You can ask the priest any time for a quick confession (though try not to ask them when they are really busy) and the priest would be glad to hear your confession. If there is a designated time that the priest says that they are hearing confessions (such as before or after mass) then that would be the best time and you can wait in line to see the priest. There is no shame waiting in line, don’t worry about people judging you because they won’t, since everyone needs confession every once and a while
Very profound. Also, many (including me) have this feeling of this world not being our actual beginning nor the end. Sort of longing for our true home and family where no suffering nor needs exist
It’s very sad how meaningless you see existence without a god friend stroking your ego. Can you not see the value and joy of making the most of your limited time on earth without thinking it doesn’t matter if not eternal? I have empathy and understand the consequences of my actions. Therefore I’m not simply going to act selfish and do whatever I want just because I don’t believe in an afterlife. When it comes down to it, you can either accept the opinion of modern humans, or accept the primitive fairytale religions of humans. I’ll stick to modern critical thinking, thanks.
Point 1: "If there is no God then there is no wrong or right." This is incorrect! I commend to you Russ Shafer-Landau's book The Fundamentals of Ethics. This line of thinking falls prey to the Euthyphro Dilemma. Point 2: "If there is no God then there is no meaning in life." This is incorrect. Christians tend to forget that humans existed prior to Christianity. Were all those humans living meaningless lives? Should those humans have thrown themselves off cliffs in despair? Of course not. Christians largely live for family, friends, work, hobbies, and exploring what life has to offer. That's why non-Christians live too. To maximize flourishing and minimize suffering is a perfectly good reason to live. Point 3: "Without God, nothing matters." Again, false. We know with certainty that there is a difference between suffering and flourishing. We experience it directly! And so we know with certainty that it makes a difference, a massive difference, in whether we suffer or flourish. These are the real experiences real people really have. You can't say they are not real when we feel the realness of them every day. Point 4: Christians fall in love with various stories and worlds like that of Lord of the Rings or Avatar. Those worlds and stories feel so beautiful and meaningful and yet there is no resurrection in those stories or worlds. So meaning doesn't seem to hinge on whether God incarnates into human form and sacrifices Himself in love to save His creatures, even though that sounds like a beautiful story too. (Confusions about competing theories of the atonement aside.) Point 5: Christians really struggle to know their purpose. Catholics struggle to discern the priesthood. You say if God exists then there is a specific reason for God creating each one of us. How do we access our specific purpose? The Christian would say prayer, but the fact remains that Christians struggle. It would be impressive if Christians knew strongly by a young age exactly what they should be doing in life, as that would show the power of the Holy Spirit, or the power of prayer if Christians knew immediately what their purpose was after praying about it. Yet this is not what we find. Point 6: Note that you are asking whether God exists. You wouldn't ask whether Donald Trump exists because there is no question of the matter. So the fact we are asking this question reveals we lack full confidence in God's existence. Why do we lack that confidence? Videos like these can give off a scent of insecurity. It would be far more impressive were the church able to treat the question as silly, and yet it can't.
God said: "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Therefore I say unto you: because, daily, you live in fear of "good and evil" and believe and expect these more than you believe that God is abundant LIFE and UNCONDITIONAL LOVE within you, supplying you with all things necessary for health and well-being, it is your most feared "good and evil" experiences you attract into your life and body. Your beliefs in "good and evil" obscure-CLOUD OVER-all that God has in store for you if only you will believe in UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! You judge your todays and expect of your tomorrows what you have experienced in the past. Therefore, are the ills of your yesterdays continually repeated in the future. You are enslaved by your memories and your undeviating beliefs that what was past must return again and again to burden and wound you. You do not need to heal your body or try to make your life better, you need to heal your beliefs! Jesus has told you there is nothing solid under the sun. So if you can heal your beliefs, bring your beliefs into line with the true Intention of God for you, the wrong beliefs governing your body and life, will dissolve like mist in the sun. Your every circumstance will immediately come back to the Divine Intention behind all creation. You will find that for every difficulty, for every lack of every kind, there is always a means to end the difficulty, there is always a filling of your basket to meet your need. What did you think happened when the sick came to Jesus and he laid his hands upon them? Was Jesus thinking about the illness? Was Jesus wondering if the person will be healed? Was Jesus afraid God may be sleeping or is so far away he cannot be heard? No! If these were the disbelieving thoughts of Jesus, there will be no healing. When a person approached Jesus for healing, he immediately rejoiced because Jesus knew that the Power which is God is within him, is ready and waiting to heal the moment he asked. Jesus gave thanks because he knew that the Will of God is health, not sickness. Therefore, Jesus prayed that the Will of God be done in the sick person. As Jesus removed the beliefs in sickness from the body of the sick person and KNEW that the Will of God of health is flowing into his system, so does the appearance-the appearance-of sickness change into health and the body is made whole once more. Sickness is nothing more than a lowering of vitality-a reduction of LIFE-within the affected part. Restore Life to the true Intention and Plan of your system and the entire system functions as it should. You have been told that God sends sicknesses, plagues, famines, destruction to nations when they do not keep his laws and that you yourself are punished by the wrath of God for sins you have committed. What is punishment but evil-doing under the guise of goodness? Therefore I say unto you: evil does not come from God. How can God be of two parts-good and evil? It is only in your mind that you conceive good and evil, only in your heart do you think and feel it. These thoughts and feelings have nothing to do with God who is within us, bringing us every good thing if you will but believe this is so. It is your beliefs in good and evil, and the good and evil in your heart, which brings you sicknesses. In reality, we live within the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Kingdom of Heaven is within us, and we are governed by God, but because you believe in the punishments from God, or believe that a blood sacrifice saved you, or believe that you are heir to sickness, poverty and misery or all the above-you create with your mind, the very things you do not want. But be not downcast-rejoice and be glad and know that those who experience lack, far from being "punished" and "abandoned" by God, even though they have "sinned," are truly blessed.
Jesus and many others have reached the level of spiritual consciousness who perceives the universality of the "Father"-"Allah"-Divine Consciousness, and Its abundant love radiated to all and everyone. Such people strive to live within and radiate that love-and will gladly confirm that this is the TRUTH. Jesus and many others experienced the miraculous protection and fulfillment of need and knew they can relax in the "sun" of the "Father"-"Allah"-Divine Consciousness goodwill and love. Divine Consciousness called by many other names-"God," "Jehovah," the "Absolute," "Infinite," "Allah," always remains the universal despite all the differing terminologies used by various nations. Jesus and many others have reached that level of spiritual awareness when they can perceive that behind all colors, languages, beliefs and actions of whatever kind, all people-all creation itself-is one at the grass roots of their being. Man and ant share the same origins within the equilibrium of UNIVERSAL CONSCIOUSNESS. THIS IS TRUE FREEDOM. The only freedom.
Respectfully, I find the argument of "if there is no God then there is no meaning and you are free to do what you want" to be a weak argument. It comes across to atheists as "I am scared of my life being without meaning" in my opinion. In fact, while I believe that religious/spiritual meaning to be highest form of meaning, people do in fact find meaning in other areas such as other religions, their career, hobbies, family, etc. I'll add that there are atheist/non-Christian philosophers from around the world who did not believe in the Christian God yet argued that we should not just do whatever we please. Confucius being one of them. Love the videos and thought I would share my thoughts.
It's not that there isn't any meaning, but there's no inherent meaning and only created meaning. Then you get into the argument of people who create really bad meaning that negatively affects others. Arguing that one type of created meaning is inherently bad and another is inherently good is going against the idea of created meaning as the only type of meaning in the first place.
A mistake implies intent. You were not created. You evolved. If you consider your evolution a mistake, then that's your problem. And yes, you do matter. To yourself, to your friends, family and to anyone you ever interacted with, directly or indirectly. This is true whether or not your god, or any other god, exists.
In the grand scheme of things, we don't matter. Nothing we do matters in the grand scheme of things.
*BUT WE DO NOT LIVE IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS!* We live here and now, and we value things here snd now. Isn't that enough?
Fr like aren't we a detail that makes up the grand scheme. There's beauty in it regardless. I think it's our own thoughts that attack us with worry about wether we're important enough, wether we matter, wether we are significant
@@Enrique0097 Why would your friends and family not matter to you if God didn't exist?
If they only matter to you under that condition then they don't actually matter to you at all
I have this feeling that even the most isolated particle lost in the universe has a meaning in the grand scheme of things
@@Enrique0097 Nah, we're not transcendental. Which is fine, we don't need to be.
@@Hobbiville An unobserved particle can't have meaning because meaning is only given, never intrinsic.
It's okay that things aren't transcendental.
If God doesn't exist, then He's of no importance. If He does, then he's of INFINITE importance. There is no middle ground. Even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Have patience and trust in God, even when you have little more than a mustard seed.
-CS Lewis
There’s only one TINY little problem with what you wrote above, Sir.☝🏼
There has never been, nor will there ever be, even the SLIGHTEST shred of evidence for the existence of the Godhead, that is, a Supreme Person or Deity.🤓
It is high time for humanity to awaken from all INANE superstitions such as the belief in a Personal God who created the Universe, would you not agree, Slave? 😩
Yes!! Don’t forget to cite the source!
@@FilipinaVegana is this satire?
If God doesn’t exist, then neither does the word ‘importance’
Sometimes I doubt God unfortunately, and that makes me desperate and even crying. Then I remember that's a good thing. If it bothers you that you're doubting God that's precisely why you know God exists. If you stopped believing in God, the thought of no God wouldn't hurt you. Also remember everything He had done for you (Psalm 103)
God bless
Wow I always felt guilty doubting sometimes. But you're right if it bothers me so much then deep down I know he exists! Thank u❤
@@michelita2704 you're welcome! The thought of God not existing cuts my breath. That's why I hang on
I doubt His plans for my life but I never truly doubt His existence. Besides I can't be pissed at someone who doesn't exist. I'm speaking to Him again after almost 2 years so that's good 😊
@@destined4purgatory643That is definitely good! Never stop talking to Him, He is always listening.
Thank you friend. I had been entertaining this very same thought many times myself. It's nice to see that I'm not crazy to think this way. I appreciate that you shared your thoughts and I feel less alone. God bless you for existing. :)
One of the greatest messages in front of a church I saw many years ago up in Vermont. On our way to Saint Ann’s Island retreat (a stones throw from Canada.) The sign said: “God exists, whether you believe in him, or not”
Honestly…. For me, the opposite is also true!
“ I believe in God, whether he exists or not!”
So true, my husband likes to tell people, if he’s wrong believing in God, he has nothing to lose following Him, but if they are wrong and God exists, then they have everything to lose by not believing.
If God is real I have everything to gain in eternal life and have lived a life according to His will. If God isn’t real I will have still lived a life forgiving others, treating others how I’d like to be treated & I will never have the gut wrenching feeling of knowing it was all a fantasy because my brain is shut off in the ground. I have real faith God exists but even if i was proven wrong , there will never be any downside for me to experience other than missing out on eternal life I thought I would have, but as I say, because I’m dead I do not actually know I’m missing out on it- it’s just nothingness. Thankfully that won’t happen and I will spend forever in His loving presence with all my brothers and sisters in Christ
Marcus Aurelius said something similar and you've baptized the sentiment well.
Here's the quote: "Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones."
Amen, Amen, Amen!!!
I am an atheist, yet I forgive and treat others the way I would like to be treated.
How would you know which religion's teaching about God to follow?
@@seleniummat-pd7zhTry reading CS Lewis’ Mere Christianity. I think Lewis is the perfect author for someone coming from a skeptical and agnostic position wishing to best understand the Christian candidacy. Lewis’ work ‘Miracles’ is also a fabulous read for someone struggling with accepting the supernatural. It might be a better starting point and then onto Mere Christianity. Personally, I think Mracles is the best philosophical treatise on the issue and a wonderous read. You won’t be disappointed. Indeed, I try to read Miracles once a year. Lewis asked the very same question you do, having moved from Atheism to Agnosticism to Deism to Theism and finally to Christian apologist. Good luck. It is the ultimate quest you are on.
*Almighty God, when I face challenges and difficulties, grant me the strength to persevere. Help me find courage in times of weakness and the determination to overcome obstacles. I place my trust in you. Amen.*
😂 Bahahahahahahaha!
North koreans won't really believe what you just said.
I needed to hear this. I cried while listening. There is no such thing as unplanned.
Psalm 139:14-16:
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be
He knitted me in my mother's womb
Where can I go from your spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
I really appreciate Father Mike's help in addressing today's issues. He is a gifted speaker who is able to reach people and focus on the subject in a beautiful and understandable way. I believe that Father Mike is a representative of God, and I am grateful to God for sending him to clear up our doubts and worries.
I don't know if u realise but u mean so much to my life Fr Mike. All the way off in Ireland and England where I reside. Thanks be to God 4ur faithful message. 🙏
I think that there are a lot of AI comments here.
"Our hearts are restless till they rest in You." St Augustine.
'If you understood him, it would not be God.' - St. Augustine of Hippo
Today at adoration I started to feel dry and questioning if there is a God. Came home and that depressed thought still lingered. After going to bed I woke up now in the middle of the night and just felt hopeless and dry . I anointed myself with holy oil and I just pray for God’s peace and assurance he’s with me . Then I was scrolling on YT and came across this video. Please pray for me. ❤
Oil of any brand applied topically will never hydrate you. I suggest you try something with electrolytes. I've heard that many of your faith rely on Brawndo.
God please, be with us ❤
I understand. I choose to believe because I can't face life without faith in the existence of God. I don"t care if it makes logical sense or not. I need to believe for my own sanity.
I mean scientific evidenced disproves god's existence.
@@ruby07241 So your saying you are coping and not actually facing reality? I mean it makes sense i would do that too
Thank you for your message here. I lost my aunt last Thursday (1/11/24) after the nurses stopped the ventilator. Quality of life was terminal. She kept her faith until the end. Family surrounded her.
And I'm also looking at my own father's situation, which is another cancer battle that's taking him too.
My aunt turned 60 in Nov '23, and my dad might turn 53 if he can make it to his birthday on 2/18.
A few days before Christmas he told me the Drs said 2-6 months.
Through my deep sorrow, I will still speak of the goodness of God. He gives and takes.
He is so very good, and that is all. I said much here so I'll stop. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
Please pray for me.
Will pray for you. I lost my precious mom a few months ago. When I saw you wrote 1/11 I thought of the amount of time she survived off the ventilator. 1 hr 11 mins. Then you said "after the nurses stopped the ventilator" and im thinking okay it was a coincidence. Who knows. God bless 🙏
Prayers up for peace and comfort, and may everyone get closer to God. 🙏💕💜
Praying for you, your aunt and your dad.
Praying for your dad.
Unite your suffering to Jesus.
The Mass is the highest form of prayer there is. Go to your Parish and have Mass offered for him and your Aunt as soon as possible. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for him daily. God knows the outcome and if he’s not healed in this life, he’ll be healed in the next. The prayers and Masses offered will prepare him for the journey and judgment. Most of all…keep trusting God. Hugs
Thank your all loving God for giving your dad cancer!
"if there is no God, then you do not matter." Whoa. I think that defines so much of what people are going through. They don't feel like they matter. We don't know who we are. Our identity is found in Our Father. Without us knowing the Father, we don't know who we are. What makes me a son, is the fact that I have a Father. And if I am a son of the Father, that gives me an identity, a purpose, a family and I belong. I am a beloved son of the Father. Outside of that, I have no identity.
Well said!
@Interactivepage OK. Please do.
@@ROBLANG365 It's a spam bot
Bad human bad using herd mentality and disowning your real identity in favor of following some bs use research and learn that the biblical Yahweh and modern day religion is all historical fiction and modern day propaganda/fairy tale.
I live in a country where almost noone around me believes in a God. I'm interested, do you think we all think we do not matter, or do you suppose that might just be something theists are projecting onto us?
Throughout my dark times, where i was losing hope, God has lifted me up each time stronger. God exists in us, with us, and loves us.
What is your faith in? 🤔
Romans 3 kJV 🩸
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
@AlexanderBrown77 My faith is God, Son, and Holy Spirit. I admire some priests and Popes for their devotion to the Lord and don't care for corrupt Pope Bergoglio. Basically I have no religion, my relationship is with God and follow my 10 commandments.
@@ivonnehernanandez3057 ♥️ Hi ivonne
Are you born again? ✝️🩸
1 Peter 1 kJV
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
✝️ Gospel 🩸
1 Corinthians 15 kJV
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Romans 3 kJV 🩸
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
1 John 5 kJV
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Yeah , spot nonsense, you just needed something to believe in , and God ,word ", just made you feel better, that doesn't prove the existence
I think God is bigger and more awesome than our human minds can comprehend. We see now through a "glass darkly."
I've always thought that
Or he is just a mad scientist who wants to see which of his experiments will do the best in his designed game
You nod quite a lot in your videos Father.
You make a good point at the start, which I agree with as a non-theistic Buddhist. The truth of the existence or absence of a God does not affect how I live and I want to continue treating others with respect and kindness regardless.
My question is...in the times when I forget God, hate God, resent God, just don't care and am agnostic or apathetic for long periods....will God forgive me even then? Is God there even then? I always think of Him, even at my most degenerate points, even at my most lazy, hypocritical, callous points. My heart is always thinking of him, if that makes sense. And so I never feel like he is "not there". Only distant. My question is why is God so distant and why does it take so much work to find him?
Yes, He is always there waiting for you to call to him, return to Him and find Him again... He's always there... It is you that pulls away, or are blinded etc... well not "you" but all of us when we sin.
God is always there and He always loves you... not matter what.
He is that Good and Great and Merciful.
@@thenamelessme thank you friend
God has no gender. It's a being of Olympian light but not photonic light that interacts with atoms but as a light in the use of brightness and power
I believe in the flying spaghetti monster and i experience same things that you just said
(I'm joking)
One-time many many years ago, I was lying in bed all of a sudden I got the worst feeling that there was no God. I became very scared and felt so empty. Then I started reasoning with myself and talked myself back into the realization that there is my God. The feeling of Joy overwhelmed me. Was a real epiphany.
So, basically you believe it because you're too afraid not to...
The better thing to think on would be whether or not you have the right version. Isn't it a bit convenient that the one that exists just happens to be the one you believe in? You're far more likely to be wrong than right.
Our brain play tricks to us all the time in order to survive that is basic biology.
@@nomadman5288 She might've already done all that. And whose to say someone would be 'far more likely to be wrong'? If you're so uncertain/doubtful, how can you be certain someone is leading themselves up the garden path and that, according to your authority, it would be 'better' to turn back and reconsider? Regardless, living in doubt/ambivalence is not satisfying long term. Sure, you can be The Great Man of Doubt and Reason, but so long as you remain human, solipsism and/or agnosticism isn't gonna cut the mustard, especially when you get old and death starts texting you: "I'll be there in 5"...
Yes. It's amazing how we can fool ourselves into believing anything.
God is irrelevant to right or wrong. Its up to us humans to live a life, to decide right or wrong.
We might not know the meaning in every moment, but we know that every moment has meaning.
Thanks Fr. Mike, I needed that. I've been stuck in a rough place for a while.
Why rely on someone else to tell you about your "meaning"?
@@RoninTF2011 no man is an island. Sometimes it takes an outsider to help pull you out of your rut. Only then can you see the moments and the meanings within, that you've been missing.
@@bmusicjr101 Outside perspective is good...outside myth and baseless truthclaims, are not
@@RoninTF2011 don't worry about me and what I believe. You worry about you and what you don't.
@@bmusicjr101 How is that in any way connected to the comments above?
Glad you brought it to its final conclusion, Father. Thinking that you and all the people you love will eventually not matter has to be the most depressing thing anyone could believe. Just love each other? Get that platitude out of here. Embrace meaning
Actually, if Christianity were true, then *that* would make everything not matter anymore. Taking God out of the equation makes it all infinitely more meaningful.
I know that God is there. I know that the Holy Spirit resides in me. I know Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I totally 100% know this. I fell God's presence in my life. But yet I choked up when Fr. Mike said I matter.
Knowing that Jesus died on the cross for you, is tryuly hvaing his presence in you. Hallelujah!
@@druvidefonseka9463♥️ It’s good to know.
1 John 5 kJV
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 Corinthians 15 kJV ✝️🩸
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Romans 4 kJV ♥️
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
🤔 Faith in what?
Romans 3 kJV 🩸
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Yeah and there are hundreds of millions of people whop say exactly the same, except it's about Allah and Brahma and Buddha, they are just as sure as you...but either they are wrong, or you're wrong, or you're all wrong. Because you can;t all be right.
@@richardgregory3684 ♥️Isaiah 45 kJV
5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
@@AlexanderBrown77 Oh look, bible quotes, who cares about the bible? Holy book says it;s god is the one and only true god, amazing, who'd hae thought it?
Thank you father Mike Schmidt for teaching and preaching the truth!
Ephesians 1 kJV ✝️🩸
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
1 Corinthians 15 kJV
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Galatians 1 kJV
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
To summarize:
If you're just matter, you don't matter, but if you're more than matter, you matter.
😅Great synopsis...
Love it.
That's a great post. I agree whole-heartedly. Im going to copy it and save it to look at periodically. Thank you!
To summarize, who is this guy or anyone else to tell you whether and why you matter? Grow up, stop looking for someone else to justify you.
That argument is classic transference. People want to matter, so tell them that it is religion that makes them matter.
@charlesm7589 it's not a religious statement and isn't specific to Christianity.
Its a commentary on the logical conclusions of a materialistic worldview. If you believe that the universe is an eternally existent set of arbitrary physical laws acting without purpose or reason, then any experience of meaning you have is only a delusion created by blind indifferent forces of evolution because the delusion of meaning increases the chances of self replication.
To hold a materialistic view, you must admit that meaning is not objectively real but subjectively imagined and ultimately delusional. You don't matter. The universe got by fine without you for billions of years and will get by fine without you when you're gone. You're a meaningless spec of dust.
Unless there is a mind behind the universe that created you for a meaningful purpose with intent and forethought.
This is an argument for theism and belief in a personal, intentional force behind the universe. But it is not an argument for any specific religion. Rather, it is a point many religions agree on.
You're free to disagree. But you might find it curious to wonder why you don't act as though you are meaningless, and whether or not a blind indifferent meaningless universe is really the explanation that best aligns with your personal observation and experience.
How silly and illogical. Things don't matter or not because of what they are, but because of what they do and what they mean to us.
I willfully ignored the evil of sin. I told myself it's not that bad. It really doesn't matter.
That led to me fully believing that I don't matter.
The fact is, animals can mate with whatever they want and kill whatever they want and do whatever they want and it doesn't matter. They are not children of God.
We are children of God and are truly worth far more than 1000 stars. Even the hairs on our heads are counted. Every word we speak, every act we do matters a great deal.
Animals cannot do that actually, assuming you mean a social animal like wolves, if they don't behave in their packs, they get expelled or killed.
The same applies to us, we are never free, as long as we live in society, which makes sense, and likely from where morality comes.
Amen really powerful thanks God bless you
I needed this video Father Mike. A friend who gave up her Catholic faith way before I knew her just told me today she is now an agnostic. She has been trying to get me to question my faith by sending me videos. I've tried to evangelize, but she gets angry with me. I will continue to pray for her.
Rules , right and wrong made it possible for the tribes of Europe to survive the brutal ice age and aids in dealing with internal conflicts. Early European religions seem to be the collection of stories and rules that aid in survival. Following a hunter god can be as simple as trying to increase your luck on a hunt, A deers antlers offered to a shrine or fire in the hope of a lucky shot or a deer crossing your path. Sending out mulible hunters increases the chance of some finding food and genetics very much effect behavior and what kind of culture will rise even interacting between men and woman to what is to do be done with those who threaten the existence of the tribe or tribes members. Rules seem to evolve around threats and interactions with common benefits spread across the tribe of men and woman. The tears and cries of woman effect men differently, some will come to their defense while other will try to prey upon them, Rules may allow the killing of the predator that strengthens the tribe. Marriage may be limited to 1 man , 1 woman to reduce internal conflicts and violence between males. Predators may be exile to the ice and snow causing them to die reducing the predators effect on the gene pool. Cutting enough evil blood-lines may increase the survival of the tribe in that type of climate. 1 man, 1 woman marriage may also increase survival by reducing incompetent genetics spreading through the tribe causing the tribe to die out and this can also be said of poor parenting.Some parents may attempt to give their children a foot up while others try to give their children the foot down and in the modern age may require the child escaping the parents and needing time to recover and progress and may not have the experience to deal with predators increasing his chances of dying or being maimed.
@@masterlee982288ú
Have you considered that she might be right? Think about if you have more reason to believe in Jesus than other gods like Allah.
Don't evangelize to people. It's never a good thing to do.
@@WiggimusThere are many ways God shows us on how to evangelize. I have ordered the Blessed Miraculous Medals to hand out or place in discreet places. Catholics on utube channels, Rumble, or X use their platforms to evangelize.
I go back and forth. But this man is a good speaker. I'm getting old and too tired to go back and forth :)
I should set a decision date :)
And you already know what that date should be. 😄
Amen. Bless you Father Mike, and everyone watching this. ❤
Thank you. I’ve known and felt this for a long time but needed to hear this today. God bless you, Father.
It’s good to ♥️Know♥️
1 John 5 kJV
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 Corinthians 15 kJV ✝️🩸
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Romans 4 kJV
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
🤔 Faith in what?
Romans 3 kJV
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
What a wonderful and realistic take on this topic, Fr. Mike! Thank you for always letting God direct and teach you HIS truths
Romans 3 kJV 🩸
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
"Let us weigh the gain and the loss in wagering that God is. Let us estimate the two chances. If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager then without hesitation that he is." - Pascal
I think it takes more faith not to believe in in God, this planet sings creation. The student said ' do what you want just love each other' We were made for love ( good title for a book eh Father Mike!) I believe it is the Christian influence that holds back utter carnage in this world. We were made higher than the animals, we are hard wired to love. Why even bother to love if there is no God?
Weird cause for thousands of years before Christ and thousands of other god that people lived under there was never “carnage”. Ironically a lot of carnage has happened cause of Christianity. Now ask why love? Cause it’s a natural thing? Animals love too, dogs love, cats love, donkeys love, birds love, ect. What is love? Well it’s driven by biochemical processes that occurs in our body and mostly our brain. Also to be honest if you need god to be kind, loving and compassionate I’d take a serious look at yourself.
Thank you, Fr Mike. A good reminder for us. I believe there is most definitely a God. I have felt His love. Pray. God Bless. Claire.
Well, Slave, we all have our own particular BELIEFS, but ultimately, there exists objective truth, which is not subject to our misconceptions and misunderstandings.
One who has transcended mundane relative truth is said to be an ENLIGHTENED soul. 😇
Thank you!
Thank you Fr Mike! 🙏🏻🕊️🙏🏻
Thanks again, Fr. Mike. Your videos mean a lot to us. Every day.
Galatians 1 kJV ✝️🩸
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
1 Corinthians 15 kJV
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Saw a bumper sticker that said "America- The Relentless Pursuit of Pleasure and Happiness". That is our problem, pursuing pleasure that never fulfills and causing enormous pain to others as we use them up for pleasure and profit. Outstanding message of hope, Fr. Mike!
Amen.
"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil-this is the gift of God". - Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Yet the people are not satisfied! They grumble for more, even though they have everything a human needs tenfold. They will pursue till exhaustion and they will collapse and die. The worms will have everything for a day.
The difference between happiness and joy. That’s where much of humanity goes wrong.
Excellent message Father Mike! Thank you for sharing this with us. It came exactly when I needed to hear it. Thank you, Lord Jesus, that I matter, that we all matter.
This is the very question an atheist friend of mine asked me. I chuckled. Then I said, "Well, if there's no God, then I go back and become part of the earth" (ashes to ashes and all), and I will have a lived a good , if imperfect life; my question to you is, 'What if you're wrong?' He looked at me like this never had occurred to him. I pray for him daily.
Take it a step further and apply it to yourself: What if you're wrong about which God? Has that ever occured to you?
But what if you're wrong about Allah, Vishnu, Thor, Zeus and all of the rest of the proposed gods and religions? You're in just as much, if not arguably more, existential danger as an atheist if you're wrong as well. Did this thought ever occur to you?
@@tomandrews1429You're an atheist, why do you care? If OP was a pagan who worshipped Thor, would you still have bothered pestering them with your question?
@@nomadman5288I already answered that in my post.
@@tomandrews1429I already answered that. Then I just become part of the earth.
without God nothing can exist, and nothing can be made without someone making existence.
God existed before time began and he made us with a purpose.
We don't need God to know when we are doing something wrong.
"Without my religion, nothing matters. Join my cult to give your life meaning."
All cults operate the same. If they can't get people while they're young and impressionable, they go for those who are hurt and desperate.
💯
Couldn't agree more!
You are on point sir. It's an age-old tactic. Add in social stigma and military force to 'convert" nonbelievers and you have the whole story.
If you think about it, religion is much like a fascist dictatorship. No opposing opinion allowed. Absolute power yielded by the ruling party. The seeking of ever expanding territory and aggression against other religious states.
So true
Why is life meaningless
Without God our whole being and this physical reality would dis-integrate. The integrity of what keeps us together would literally fall apart
The only way to know God exits is by God’s Grace of revealing himself. When Moses said, we are lost without God. He didn’t lie
I’ve always had the mindset of if He does exist I’m good, and if He doesn’t I’m still good as He comforts me here on earth, and Let’s say He truly doesn’t when I finally go to meet Him I’m the only one it’s affecting.
God is the beginning,the end & what's in beteeen. He Is the love force putting order in everything & everyone. There is too much beauty in the universe & this comes from Him❤
And all the horror and suffering also comes from Him, right?
@@Steelmage99 They r the product of the evil prince of this world...
Thank you for being the voice of reason and religious education. We all need to hear this. Your a gift for your ability to explain the unexplained in layman terms 🥰
I just listened to John Maxwell who quoted cs Lewis. “Hunger is absurd if there was no such thing as food, thirst would be absurd if there was no such thing as drink. A longing for God would be absurd if there was no such thing as God. “
And why is a longing for god not absurd? Human beings long for all sorts of ridiculous things. It;s liek saying, a child longing for Santa to drop down the chimney with a piny would be absurd if there was no Santa. Well, of course, Santa is absurd. lol
I think that this is not a very good analogy, because, one could simply say if we are all just space dust and why should I care about "other" space dust that doesn't benefit me directly in anyway. Unless there is truly a purpose (i.e. a creator) @@jimmygrieves2909
God bless Father Mike. May Our Lady bless you with all the graces necessary for you to fulfill your life's mission.
This is the first time I've seen (or noticed) a youtube video with zero downvotes. (As of 11:15 AM, 1/20/24) It would be cool if it stayed that way.
Also, thank you Fr. Mike, and everyone who helps with this channel. This video reminded me of who I used to be, why I started on this path, and why I still try in spite of constant and sometimes egregious failure. Needed that.
Heavenly Father I pray that you bless me with your love and grace,as I tirelessly care for my children with special needs. As a single mom I’m overwhelmed. Bless me Lord as I constantly struggle to pay rent and as I constantly struggle to buy groceries help me to find peace and give me the resources and support I need to overcome anything life brings against me. I offer this prayer in the Name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior.❤
Thinking of you as a single Mom with two special needs blessings. They are blessings. And some great day, they will be lifted of their handicap! What a day that will be! Until then, God bless you and continue to be the wonderful hardworking Mom that you are. You are capable and you are doing it!
🙏💜💕
If the only way you can be good is through fear of punishment, then you're not a good person.
I'm atheist, i dont fear any punishment. I do good things because i have basic empathy and want to help others. The fear of punishment or reward is not a factor in me doing something good.
I don't have a desire to do any crimes, or hurt others, because I'm not evil. I find it surprising that so many christians are so filled with hatred and evil, and think everyone is.
dust in the wind, that really cheapens our whole existence and experience here on earth when I look at the sun and how it supports all life on this planet that's not a chance accident we were meant to be!
There still would be right and wrong even if god didn’t exist. Right and wrong being subjective based on what society dictates for a certain time, which arguably is always the case
For sure. Morality is something built over time, with human beings understanding themselves, understanding interpersonal relationships and understanding the dynamics of the world. The creation of a god was just a way to speed up the process (and even then there were countless fights fought in the name of these gods)
Thank you so much! I just had a religion student ask me this! I gave a brief answer but told her we would revisit this when after I had time to organize my thoughts. This is a perfect addition to my answer and I will be showing this tonight in my classroom. The timing of so much that I hear from you is always so on point that I know that God is constantly intervening for me. Too much to be a happy coincidence. God is so Good!
Thank you Fr Mike 🌟
Happy Feast of St Don Bosco💐
Even though we might not know the meaning of every single moment,
We know that there is a meaning in each moment
The only reason we choose something because it is true.
Everything we do matters to God because we matter to God.
We are in God's heart formed by his hands and placed in the world for a purpose🌻
Thanks for sharing this ~
Very Good. Very Good. May God bless Fr Mike.
No God no people no drama😊
Thank you, Father Mike.
I have yet to meet an honest religious apologist.
This video didn't change that.
Oh, you too?
It's so strange.
There is no such thing as an honest apologist.
let us immerse ourselves in the word of God, finding guidance, Solace, and inspiration in its pages. let us lean on the holy spirit for discernment and strength, allowing his presence to guide us on the path of righteousness
The guy in this video has it reversed:
If the Christian god were shown to be real, then my life would instantly become meaningless.
This is so timely for me, thank you Fr. Mike!
The GOAT!
Thanks!
We are so grateful for your support!
very comforting. I want to believe so badly but is so hard to. it is very lonely
God bless you Fr Mike
Atheist and other religion also watched this video based on the comments. I'm so happy they are curious and want answers. Let's start from there. Prayers to all.
St. Augustine of Hippo - 'If you understood him, it would not be God.'
I made the biggest mistake of my life I left the church for many years I got baptized in 1979 I was 22 years old. I've been back for 13 months now me and my wife got married in the Catholic Church 2006 I love the Catholic Church father Mike what's the one that got me to come back buy me listening to him on UA-cam took the classes over again
What’s extra cool is that you reading this was one of the few who believe in the exact right religion and the right version of it. What if you had been born in a Hindu family in India. Bad luck!
God bless Father Mike Schmitz!
I know and believe God exists. I know he is Good and True that I can’t stand before Him without guilt and shame for my sins and evil in my heart. I know Scriptures speak all the truth and believe it. Yet I struggle to understand why does he want to do me good and not evil? Why does He still want to care for me and bless me despite my evil and disobedience towards Him. How can he still be generous and loving towards me even when I grieve him and sin? I know God can do anything He wills and I have seen it for others, yet I doubt it’s going to happen for me or anytime in the near future or perhaps one day it could. I just feel so forgotten and left behind in life because of my suffering and circumstances left in stagnation to die.
Does a Father need a reason to Love their Child?
@@heathervancalcar4446I know God needs no reason to love me, yet I struggle to understand how He can and why despite what I have done and continue to grieve Him. We are commanded to love God, yet I struggle to understand and know his love so I can willingly love him in return. It’s the same problem I have with how do you reconcile disciplining a child with loving the child at the same time like God tells us he does with us.
I never experienced the unconditional love from parents either from my father being emotionally absent and at work all the time and my mother being emotionally volatile and only loving me for what I did, achieved, and could do for her. I just withdrew and hid my heart all my years because of all the arguments my parents had all the time about not having enough money, who could get new clothes and when, do we pay this bill or starve the rest of the month, etc. My heart craves love and to be known and loved by someone, especially a future spouse, yet I was afraid the one time I found it and ran away in fear because I didn’t know what I had until I lost it nor fully understood the love I never had.
Right or wrong still doesn't exist if God exists.
A thing mattering and having meaning is inherently subjective. Humans are a perfectly valid subject for these purpose.
So, things matter to us. Thus, they matter, period. God or no god.
The universe does not reflect what i would expect the universe to look like if it was intentionally designed. Thus, I do not believe God exists.
Also, I will do what I want. If God tries to stop me, then he is not my friend. I want to be a positive influence on my society. I want to make decisions rationally. I want to enjoy my life and help others do the same.
Yes!!! 💙💙💙
We’re not just matter; we matter!
I believe God exists by the essence of nature and relationships and our human function as people.
But we know He exists 🙏
As always, thank you 😊
The whole concept of good and evil proves there is a God. Without God there is no good or evil.
There is no objective good or evil. Only the collective subjective opinions of societal goods and evils.
Love your humor on a serious topic❤
It's simple to me, if God doesn't exist and I lived a devout life righteously and didn't lose anything. But if God does exist, which he DOES, and I live in service to Him, I gain everything. I'd wish for a devout life regardless, because I will always be serving something grander than the other.
I struggle with this in a different way. I believe in Christ Jesus as true God and true man, however I have a bit of anti social personality and am very bent toward utilitarian thinking. My Faith keeps me on the straight and narrow, but I am still struggling to obey God out of love rather than fear and duty. It has always shocked me how people want God not to be real because the way the world works if that belief would come to be dominate 99% of people’s lives would end up terrible as we returned to empires built upon slavery and subjugation. It seems so natural to follow your desire to do whatever you can get away with once the rules are stripped away and you don’t have to care about anything other than your own self interest that I can’t even fathom the high minded ideas of those who argue for societal morality developing independently.
Of there isn't a god. There is your family, friends, folk around the World, flora and flora ... It matters what I do.
I am confident that people don't behave as they do because they want immortality. We do what is right because we love and care for each other.
That’s God’s love shining through, love and care for one another is a gift from God that isn’t found anywhere else in creation
In liberal democracy folk are entitled to follow what faith they choose and raise their families are they wish@@ReclaimingVigil ... For myself, i know there is no god ... apart from anything else i have read the Bible.
I don't want to be space dust, Father. God exists. I know he exists because I lived through 2 comas, survived, and even though I'm a working disabled person, I couldn't have survived without medical professionals that helped me with their expertise. As for science -- Psychology, Sociology, Theology, Philosophy -- all these subjects in Graduate studies know how to use science in evidence gathering; this sounds like a theorem you're developing. Thanks, Father Mike.
Thank you so much. From France 🇫🇷
God is real and I believe thank you Lord
I am motivated everyday to live the best life i know. Why? Because, everyday, my circumstances offer me challenges to hopefully make my life and the lives of others, especially family, more stisfactory, healthier and happier. I value many things and I'm thankful for the time I've had knowing it may come to an end at any time. I'm an atheist.
Of course not every atheist is not like you are. And darn sure every religious person isn't either.
@@theboombody my reply was to point out that a god is not necessary for valuing life.
I've got this right after I've sinned.
You can always get back up again
@@pinkdollangel But how many times will I fall?
@@pasalasagaThe hard truth is that you will fall many times, but God’s forgiveness never runs out and He never stops loving you. So even though you fall, always seek God’s forgiveness in confession, He will never turn you away
@@ReclaimingVigil How do I go to confession easily? I'm new into this, since I don't know how to interact with the priest. There is so many people after mass.
@@pasalasaga You can ask the priest any time for a quick confession (though try not to ask them when they are really busy) and the priest would be glad to hear your confession.
If there is a designated time that the priest says that they are hearing confessions (such as before or after mass) then that would be the best time and you can wait in line to see the priest.
There is no shame waiting in line, don’t worry about people judging you because they won’t, since everyone needs confession every once and a while
Godspeed
Very profound. Also, many (including me) have this feeling of this world not being our actual beginning nor the end. Sort of longing for our true home and family where no suffering nor needs exist
Your feelings don't change the fact that the earth is your beginning and end.
There is no end
Thank you Father
It’s very sad how meaningless you see existence without a god friend stroking your ego.
Can you not see the value and joy of making the most of your limited time on earth without thinking it doesn’t matter if not eternal?
I have empathy and understand the consequences of my actions. Therefore I’m not simply going to act selfish and do whatever I want just because I don’t believe in an afterlife.
When it comes down to it, you can either accept the opinion of modern humans, or accept the primitive fairytale religions of humans.
I’ll stick to modern critical thinking, thanks.
Thank you for that
I just got to day 40 in Catechism in a Year today and you just began providing some explanation for this!
Amen.
Point 1:
"If there is no God then there is no wrong or right."
This is incorrect! I commend to you Russ Shafer-Landau's book The Fundamentals of Ethics. This line of thinking falls prey to the Euthyphro Dilemma.
Point 2:
"If there is no God then there is no meaning in life."
This is incorrect. Christians tend to forget that humans existed prior to Christianity. Were all those humans living meaningless lives? Should those humans have thrown themselves off cliffs in despair? Of course not. Christians largely live for family, friends, work, hobbies, and exploring what life has to offer. That's why non-Christians live too. To maximize flourishing and minimize suffering is a perfectly good reason to live.
Point 3:
"Without God, nothing matters."
Again, false. We know with certainty that there is a difference between suffering and flourishing. We experience it directly! And so we know with certainty that it makes a difference, a massive difference, in whether we suffer or flourish. These are the real experiences real people really have. You can't say they are not real when we feel the realness of them every day.
Point 4:
Christians fall in love with various stories and worlds like that of Lord of the Rings or Avatar. Those worlds and stories feel so beautiful and meaningful and yet there is no resurrection in those stories or worlds. So meaning doesn't seem to hinge on whether God incarnates into human form and sacrifices Himself in love to save His creatures, even though that sounds like a beautiful story too. (Confusions about competing theories of the atonement aside.)
Point 5:
Christians really struggle to know their purpose. Catholics struggle to discern the priesthood. You say if God exists then there is a specific reason for God creating each one of us. How do we access our specific purpose? The Christian would say prayer, but the fact remains that Christians struggle. It would be impressive if Christians knew strongly by a young age exactly what they should be doing in life, as that would show the power of the Holy Spirit, or the power of prayer if Christians knew immediately what their purpose was after praying about it. Yet this is not what we find.
Point 6:
Note that you are asking whether God exists. You wouldn't ask whether Donald Trump exists because there is no question of the matter. So the fact we are asking this question reveals we lack full confidence in God's existence. Why do we lack that confidence? Videos like these can give off a scent of insecurity. It would be far more impressive were the church able to treat the question as silly, and yet it can't.
God said: "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
Therefore I say unto you: because, daily, you live in fear of "good and evil" and believe and expect these more than you believe that God is abundant LIFE and UNCONDITIONAL LOVE within you, supplying you with all things necessary for health and well-being, it is your most feared "good and evil" experiences you attract into your life and body. Your beliefs in "good and evil" obscure-CLOUD OVER-all that God has in store for you if only you will believe in UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!
You judge your todays and expect of your tomorrows what you have experienced in the past. Therefore, are the ills of your yesterdays continually repeated in the future.
You are enslaved by your memories and your undeviating beliefs that what was past must return again and again to burden and wound you.
You do not need to heal your body or try to make your life better, you need to heal your beliefs!
Jesus has told you there is nothing solid under the sun.
So if you can heal your beliefs, bring your beliefs into line with the true Intention of God for you, the wrong beliefs governing your body and life, will dissolve like mist in the sun.
Your every circumstance will immediately come back to the Divine Intention behind all creation.
You will find that for every difficulty, for every lack of every kind, there is always a means to end the difficulty, there is always a filling of your basket to meet your need.
What did you think happened when the sick came to Jesus and he laid his hands upon them?
Was Jesus thinking about the illness? Was Jesus wondering if the person will be healed? Was Jesus afraid God may be sleeping or is so far away he cannot be heard?
No! If these were the disbelieving thoughts of Jesus, there will be no healing.
When a person approached Jesus for healing, he immediately rejoiced because Jesus knew that the Power which is God is within him, is ready and waiting to heal the moment he asked. Jesus gave thanks because he knew that the Will of God is health, not sickness. Therefore, Jesus prayed that the Will of God be done in the sick person. As Jesus removed the beliefs in sickness from the body of the sick person and KNEW that the Will of God of health is flowing into his system, so does the appearance-the appearance-of sickness change into health and the body is made whole once more.
Sickness is nothing more than a lowering of vitality-a reduction of LIFE-within the affected part. Restore Life to the true Intention and Plan of your system and the entire system functions as it should.
You have been told that God sends sicknesses, plagues, famines, destruction to nations when they do not keep his laws and that you yourself are punished by the wrath of God for sins you have committed. What is punishment but evil-doing under the guise of goodness? Therefore I say unto you: evil does not come from God. How can God be of two parts-good and evil?
It is only in your mind that you conceive good and evil, only in your heart do you think and feel it. These thoughts and feelings have nothing to do with God who is within us, bringing us every good thing if you will but believe this is so.
It is your beliefs in good and evil, and the good and evil in your heart, which brings you sicknesses.
In reality, we live within the Kingdom of Heaven, and the Kingdom of Heaven is within us, and we are governed by God, but because you believe in the punishments from God, or believe that a blood sacrifice saved you, or believe that you are heir to sickness, poverty and misery or all the above-you create with your mind, the very things you do not want.
But be not downcast-rejoice and be glad and know that those who experience lack, far from being "punished" and "abandoned" by God, even though they have "sinned," are truly blessed.
@@edgarmorales4476 Op made 6 points, your copy paste nonsense addressed none of them. Do you really expect any results with what you are doing?
Jesus and many others have reached the level of spiritual consciousness who perceives the universality of the "Father"-"Allah"-Divine Consciousness, and Its abundant love radiated to all and everyone. Such people strive to live within and radiate that love-and will gladly confirm that this is the TRUTH. Jesus and many others experienced the miraculous protection and fulfillment of need and knew they can relax in the "sun" of the "Father"-"Allah"-Divine Consciousness goodwill and love.
Divine Consciousness called by many other names-"God," "Jehovah," the "Absolute," "Infinite," "Allah," always remains the universal despite all the differing terminologies used by various nations. Jesus and many others have reached that level of spiritual awareness when they can perceive that behind all colors, languages, beliefs and actions of whatever kind, all people-all creation itself-is one at the grass roots of their being. Man and ant share the same origins within the equilibrium of UNIVERSAL CONSCIOUSNESS.
THIS IS TRUE FREEDOM. The only freedom.
Respectfully, I find the argument of "if there is no God then there is no meaning and you are free to do what you want" to be a weak argument. It comes across to atheists as "I am scared of my life being without meaning" in my opinion. In fact, while I believe that religious/spiritual meaning to be highest form of meaning, people do in fact find meaning in other areas such as other religions, their career, hobbies, family, etc. I'll add that there are atheist/non-Christian philosophers from around the world who did not believe in the Christian God yet argued that we should not just do whatever we please. Confucius being one of them. Love the videos and thought I would share my thoughts.
It's not that there isn't any meaning, but there's no inherent meaning and only created meaning. Then you get into the argument of people who create really bad meaning that negatively affects others. Arguing that one type of created meaning is inherently bad and another is inherently good is going against the idea of created meaning as the only type of meaning in the first place.
@@theboombody None of that proves God.
@@Dexuz It doesn't, but it does slightly imply that things are arbitrary without him, which is the main idea of Ecclesiastes.
God bless you Fr. Mike!😊
Thank You God for Fr. Mike!
Does God have youtube?
God bless you too,@@tsvetanstoychev655!
As a non Catholic I approve this message.
Gracias Father Mike, GOD Bless ya. ✌💯☝💯💯
"you're not a mistake, you matter" REALLY needed to hear that 😭 thank you
You really matter whether there's a god or not
A mistake implies intent. You were not created. You evolved. If you consider your evolution a mistake, then that's your problem.
And yes, you do matter. To yourself, to your friends, family and to anyone you ever interacted with, directly or indirectly. This is true whether or not your god, or any other god, exists.