You Can't Take the Cross Out of Your Life
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
- Sometimes when we look at the lives of the Saints we can be tempted to think that God singled them out to suffer more than most. But maybe that suffering is actually a gift..
Today Fr. Mike shares with us how we must orient our lives towards the cross and keep Christ's passion and death always before us so that when we encounter suffering we will have God's strength to sustain us.
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Suffering and pain is inevitable. Plain and simple. It’s how we react and respond to them that can allow us to recognize God’s grace.
Yes. There is suffering -- period. But Christianity offers that suffering doesn't have to be meaningless. +Peace
The fireman compares favorably and the convited felon compares poorly.
And for the system to work; we need to praise the fireman and condemn the felon.
In the grand scheme of things we all compare unfavorably with christ.
We're all in the same boat. We're aall indebted to christ.
Pray for the rapists and the mentally ill and the ones that atheists compare themselves to openly at the forums. Do the opposite, in private prayer.
@@Roman-Labrador I believe you must be suffering very greatly. And to feel you are not important to God and that he is not communicating with you is also a terrible suffering.
Is there any one in your life who has offered you any comfort at all?
@@matthewbateman6487 👍🏼
Also, as we turn toward the Lord, Satan attacks us more. We have to pray more and work more to stay close to the Lord. God Bless. Claire.
Oh wow. Yes, that is an excellent and wise observation. A good reminder to stay close to our guardian angel and St. Michael.
Y7
during my darkest 14 months which I lost my aunt, my dad, my daughter and my grandpa, I can clearly understand the painting "the footprint on the sand". Thank you God for always be there with me.
I'm praying for you and your family 💗🙏 My heart goes out to you & your family 💗 Thank you for sharing 🥰 God Bless you & all who lose loved ones 🕊
🙏🏽🙏🏽
Such a beautiful poem. ❤
"life is pain princess, anyone who tells you differently is selling something".- quote from princess Bride.
My Grandmother and my mother always say “offer your physical pains, and your worries.” And I never understood that until this year. It makes me scared and now I ask God for strength
Recognize and pray to your Guardian Angel. 🌷
That story about St. Teresa has lifted me up through many a difficult time. LOL
Life is so short - if we are going to do something with our lives- let's do something WONDERFUL- and there is nothing more WONDERFUL than living our lives for GOD, our CREATOR...... BELIEVE ME IT WILL BE WORTH IT
Prior to being confirmed as a Catholic, I used to say “I’ve experienced more trauma in five years than most have in 50” because of a childhood & adulthood being marked by various forms of abuse, war, poverty, exposure to satanic rituals and human sacrifices, death, destruction, and so on.
It wasn’t until after my confirmation that I became thankful for all these experiences as they’ve given me the ability to empathize with most anyone in need of a simple hug, a meal, or to be exposed to the great news of a God who loves them.
It’s still hard to overcome many days, but God has blessed me and made sure the rest of my days can be wholly focused on serving Him. I am simply so grateful for the opportunity to do just that now… to serve God.
Sfânta Cruce a Domnului Hristos e puterea noastră și viața noastră..
Some Saints were truly inspired and full of enlightenment by the GRACE OF GOD
and we can unite our suffering to that of Jesus's.
Sometimes after a period of suffering we can thank God for it by learning so much from it - and growing closer to GOD - thank GOD for caring enough to discipline us .
I rejoice in my suffering for ✝️Your sake🛐.
I will take up my cross and follow you everyday. . .
My Father in heaven you are worth it all. . .
recently I just started having ringing in one of my ears completely out of the blue. I nearly had a panic attack because of the fact that it still has not gone away.
I completely believe this is part of my journey in becoming closer to Christ. I have prayed to Him before, surrendering everything to Him; my mind, body, soul, etc. This is just Him listening to my prayers.
It hasn’t been easy. I have been anxious, worrying that the ringing will only get worse. It is so hard to put your trust in God, when you just want the suffering to stop. But, it IS worth it.
Fr. Mike, I seriously thank you for being such a good priest and for setting a good example of how Jesus was like. 🙏🏻
Your Cross (by St Francis de Sales)
The everlasting God has in His wisdom foreseen from eternity the cross that He now presents to you as a gift from His inmost heart. This cross He now sends you He has considered with His all-knowing eyes, understood with His divine mind, tested with His wise justice, warmed with loving arms and weighed with His own hands to see that it be not one inch too large and not one ounce too heavy for you.
He has blessed it with His holy Name, anointed it with His consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and then sent it to you from heaven, a special greeting from God to you, an alms of the all-merciful love of God.
🕊 I think the cross I carry is made up of little crosses that come to me each day. Picking up these little crosses could make my cross a little bit easier to carry during our following of Christ. ❤ 🇵🇭
@@Roman-Labrador Don't forget that I have a big cross also. ❤
@@Roman-Labrador You must be special to God because He chose to treat you so. He did the same to St Teresa of Avila who complained to Him. And He said, "That's how I treat My friends." And St Teresa retorted, "No wonder You have so few." You are not alone. I will include you in my prayers. ❤ 🕊
@@nievaconsing3344 I'd only add that it's not usually God inflicting suffering on us, but allowing it to happen. He himself despised the shame on the Cross, yet went through it to redeem us - same can be said for any suffering we experience; even if we don't get relief, by offering it up we can end up transforming it despite itself. And never forget that your reward will be great in Heaven as well. The Beatitudes are literally about all that, as is Hebrews 10 to 12, and the Book of Job.
@@Roman-Labrador Maybe you should stop complaining. Maybe God wants you to change your perspective. Maybe you haven't accomplished whatever God's wants you to do in His special plan for you. Remember you are unique; there's only one of you in the whole of God's creation. Love
@@Roman-Labrador Sometimes our suffering is brutal and goes on for a lifetime. It’s far easier said than done, but focusing on God is the only thing we can do. I don’t know what your suffering is, but ask yourself this: is my suffering coming from God, or is it coming from sin? Is it coming from people who have committed terrible sins against me? Or perhaps some sins I have committed against myself? Or maybe a mixture of things? I held resentment toward God for years until one day I realized God is on my side. He didn’t send any of my suffering my way. People sinned against me and I took out my anger on God, who never sinned against me. He was on my side the whole time and was in agreement with me that those things shouldn’t have happened to me. And yet I blamed Him for my suffering. On the other hand, if your suffering comes from things out of anybody’s control, then perhaps your suffering does come from God. Jesus’ suffering came from God. As he carried the cross, Mary looked at him with her sweet eyes and felt a terrible terrible sorrow in her soul for seeing her son in that condition. But Jesus looked at her, and as they made eye contact, the both knew that the best thing to do was to accept the Father’s will and trust that it will lead to a greater glory. And indeed it did. Let God use you for His glory. If not rewarded in this life, you will be greatly rewarded in the next. Finding joy in your suffering is a long and gradual process with ups and downs. As St. Faustina taught us: Don’t ask God to get rid of your suffering, but rather for the strength to endure it. I hope that helps. God bless.
3:31
One confessor said "When you have more light (Light of Christ), you see more dirt (sin)."
This came literally an hour or so after contemplating this and I take it as confirmation. He is very very worth it, especially after all he did for me. Thank you ❤️🔥🙏🏻
Father MIKE! I was literally about to turn from your homily podcast to one of your videos, when a notification of this new video popped up ❤!! God bless you! And no worries about not hitting the record button! God is always working in you and maybe even you added something extra in this video that wasn’t in the original video/audio recording. Peace be with you, your parish, students, mom, dad, brothers, sisters and all family 😊 Thank you and Jesus for inspiring me to be One with God ♥️✝️💟🛐
This video has just blown me away because I was on the book of revelation chapter 2 and the 2nd chrch that suffered so much and how the killed the Pastor there and how Jesus stated how the suffering were going to come in seasons and 10 seasons from AD 68 to AD 350
I just love the word of God analysed this way
Let continue to pray the saints currently suffering especially in the East
Accepting God’s will without complaint means taking up the cross with hope of a greater good. God has a plan and knows what He is about.
This is so helpful. I'm married to a non-believer who takes issue with the crucifixes I have in our home. It's the least of my challenges with him, but at least I can give him a more eloquent answer as to why they are important to me.
Same. Same.
I was contemplating St. Francis of Assisi's feast day yesterday...
1 -- Read his story/explanation of "Perfect Joy" -- that'll knock you out.
2 -- While he was dying, he asked his brother monks to disrobe him and lie him naked on the ground, so he could die in absolute poverty... wow... this guy... crazy. But I love him.
The trick is to redeem your suffering. If you are going to suffer make it count for something.
Also when you look at the cross, you often realise whatever we are going through is nothing compared to what Jesus suffered for us. We deserve it and He didn’t deserve it. Thank you for our crosses Jesus - love you so much!!! Your will Lord not mine in everything. ❤😊🙏🏻
The dirty windshield being more visible by the sunlight is a great analogy.
Amen Father Mike!
Y'know the funny thing about following Jesus is that you're going to suffer, but you're going to enjoy it.
Bruh, the definition of suffering is that it's not enjoyable lol. It's not enjoyable, it's bearable as one looks ahead towards something that makes that suffering worth it.
Thank you, Fr. Mike, for reminding us of the redemptive element of our suffering, if we receive it willingly. All you Saints and Angels, pray that we will accept all things with Mary's response: May it be unto me according to your will. God help us, truly, to be saints. ❤
"As the World Spins, the Cross Stands Firm."---St Bruno, Priest
Sometimes when people talk about converting, they make it sound like their lives are nearly perfect now. Sure, our lives are better with Christ and in His Church, but the transition isn't quick and easy. It’s worth it though. We won't be free of all difficulties till we hopefully get to Heaven.
Amen!fr. Mike.
I just finished reading the diary of Saint Faustina (a must read for those that strive for Sainthood),. Your video topic spoke straight to my heart. Doing God's will is not easy but He will give us His Grace as we need it, all for our own good and the good of souls that need it the most. Thank you for addressing this very important topic. ❤️
Thanks!
I needed this so badly. Literally just asked God to help me to suffer better. For others…. For their salvation. I feel He is answering and yes, it’s tough. Just trust the divine physician. He loves us. Thank you Father Mike
Now I know! Fr. Michael reminds me of Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs."
I've been thinking a cross that's fairly unique to our society is the temptation of comfort and abundance. Our average citizen is far richer then the rich men Jesus spoke of. So it's incredibly tempting to think what do we need God for, we have built up ourselves. Even in a dismissive and lazy way that is the effect. But we must say no to the world, even in these days when the whole world itself is tangibly available to us. Lord Jesus help us in this trial and have mercy on us.
Thank you Fr Mike 🌟
In the cross is Salvation
In the cross is Life
In the cross is protection against evil
In the cross is infusion of Heavenly sweetness
In the cross is Strength of mind
In the cross is Joy of spirit
In the cross is excellence of Virtue
In the cross is perfection of Holiness
In the cross is hope of Eternal Life ✝️
Thank you Father Mike
You have been such a blessing to myself and all those in my RCIA class and last year with Catechist kids.
Thank you Lord for placing Fr. Mike into our lives 🙏🏻
Well Fr your suffering of having to repeat what you were sharing was very worthwhile always great to hear from you and to learn more 🙏🙂
The beauty of the Catholicism is precisely this idea of suffering. Beautiful Father Mike!
At the same time that we carry our cross/Christ's Cross, we also feel that one day in the courts of the Lord is better than a thousand years in the tents of the wicked.
I have had health problems a lot lately. I am starting to loose my eyesight as well. I started my journey as a 3rd order fransican in 2021. This March I will make my profession. I am at a stage in my life now that I accept my health problems as my cross. I am also in a state of peace more so than I can ever recall.
Blessings to you for the simplicity, beauty and grace of this message. It is so simple in its lucidity. 🙏🛐✝️🙏
December 10, 2022
Happy birthday John Paul Mireles!
Jesus loves you
I think walking towards Jesus is rocky, but our pain in the next life will be much less. I think union with Christ is the easiest way as He removes many obstacles and stumbling blocks.
The thing that separates us from non-believers, is that when we are tossed about by circumstances, we know the one source of stability, the rock, which is His love.
Keanu sat next to my 85 year old.mother on a plane. She said he was such a "nice chap"❤
Certainly trying to do the will of God is going to be difficult, BUT being away from God and his will it's even worst 😢, the path away from him doesn't go anywhere, but the suffering for God has a Goal a meaning.
My suffering hurts the people around me, how can God do this to them? My children and my husband suffer because my debilitating pain and weakness limits me from doing simple activities and daily living responsibilities they need from me. I can't carry my baby without pain, I can't go out and perform simple tasks for an extended time without agony... Sure I offer it up but nothing changes, I fight through it, but sometimes can't hide the tears even from my children, they need me and I need to function for them. I'll gladly suffer something that won't affect them, but why hurt the family by my illness, how can this be from God? They did not choose this, they don't deserve to suffer because of my illness....
When you pursue or servo the Lord, people see it, and the non-believers hate it, and so hate YOU.
As an athlete, you suffer from sore muscles, but you know you'll have joy when you win the game, or the race.
This is an amazing one FATHER MIKE SCHMIDT! Already saved for the near futures…. In times of DOUBT & desolation & that feeling of hopelessness in our society today, in this culture war…. 😢💔💔💔💔
(I played this video about 5x to really get the true message….. and SAVED!) this video really hit the nail on the head with my spiritual life and circumstances in life….💔
I hear you. My fear is that there is such persecution (which appears to be spreading as evil engulfs the earth)…
DEFINITELY working on anger that I used to view as righteous & now see that it prevents me from being Christlike.
Same. The impatience turned anger is a cross for me.
I’m currently single man that’s in a lot of student debt in a field I just I don’t like anymore. I’m suffering but not for Christ it seems like. Just suffering. Whatever this though I give it to Christ so He can redeem it.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME LAUGH WITH THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OF YOUR VIDEO!!!
ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS BRING ME JOY!
GOD LOVE YOU AND BLESS YOU ALWAYS!!!
💕🕊💕✝️🛐💟
Wow. This message is powerful. Thank you, Fr. Mike
Thank you for the encouragement, Fr Mike. God Bless.
Love is the cure all.
I feel like I have suffered a lot in my life but to others, I'm sure it's been a walk in the park. Suffering is highly subjective. It has helped a little bit for me to think of what God has planned for me and re-frame the emotional pain as such. Sometimes I'm able to elevate my perspective so the daily things are less significant but it's hard for things that have to do with my kids.
Thanks Father Mike
I was in need of a video like this. Thank you father Mike 👏🙌
Saint Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
Fr, sometimes life is difficult for me. This video gives me hope that its not just me but Gods plan. Bless those involved in the "Apostalate of Suffering" "Whoever does not take up his cross is not worthy of me."
Pain and suffering is always inevitable for a broad consciousness and a deep heart. Truly great men, I think, must feel great sorrow in this world.
- Fyodor Dostoevsky
My cross is full body osteoarthritis. I smile through the pain. ❤
God Bless. But through all my suffering with an incurable rare painful disease I still long to go home and be done. Also lots of mental anguish from family. I still.pray through it all. 🙏 for you.
@@jackiemack8653 thank you Jackie. I completely understand. Sometimes o do too. It’s hard to stay positive. I’ll pray for you too.
Suffering purifies. Better to suffer now and enjoy everlasting life with God than indulge in pleasures only to end up in the eternal fire
I am currently in severe withdrawal from an antidepressant, and so scared of how long this suffering will last and if I will ever heal because the fear of it causes dark thoughts and guilt. I pray for the gift of fortitude. Am I supposed to be able to will my heart to be brave? Is suicidal ideation a demonic oppression?? I don't want to be a coward, but I'm paralyzed with fear and overwhelm. Lord have mercy!
Father Mike, do you realize that the malfunction of the camera was a suffering? You could of said "oh, forget it" but because you preserved your suffering brought us closer to God with this information?
how wonderfully you spoke dear smiling FATHER. i never heard any priest preacher speaking like you didmost grateful. deeply appreciate
Beautiful reflection Father Mike! Thank you! 🙏❤️
My hope is that the more the suffering, the more I can be transformed through it. Because man have I suffered a lot.
Me too. God Bless.
I suffer with not wanting to be a part of this world and I often get really sad about all the evils going on.
Counting everything as a blessing is difficult. I lost my job, I cannot pay my mortgage, and both of my vehicles are broken down. Our trials are blessings, but while in the midst of them, it is nearly impossible to recognize them as such. I am trying with great difficulty to understand what God wants for my family and me. It seems like whatever He's telling me is right in front of me and I am too wrapped up in the desire for self-preservation (maintain our lifestyle) to hear the still small voice.
You have a family, part of the price of that is worrying about providing, but even that is a blessing so many people go a lifetime wanting a family. My colleague got laid off a couple of months before I did. His wife and kids came to pick him up with his sad personal effects boxes. When it was my turn I had to take my sad boxes to my car alone and there was no one waiting for me at home. It’s been many years but I still clearly remember feeling how lucky he was despite his added worry of having to provide for others. I hope your fortunes turn around soon.
Father Mike you are simply the best. My life is richer in spirit and my understanding of life and my walk with God has been simplified because of your teachings. Sending only love and blessings your way. Thank- you❤
Give up your suffering, as a powerful pray to God.
Amen god bless everyone
I am so grateful for Father Mike, Father Aaron and Father Dennis, they always seem to know what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. Thank you Father. God has truly blessed you.
Great message!
Awesome once again Fr Mike!! We can also offer our suffering in reparation for our sins and those of the whole world. Goodness me, we sure need an army of people offering their all to God. Jesus is definitely worth everything we go through. AMDG - Viva Cristo Rey!!!
🙏🏽🙏🏽
So beautifully said Fr. Mike! Your words were incredibly moving! 😭🙏🏻💗 Our Lord is worth any suffering!
🙏
I'm really glad i watch this video.God bless u
Grace and Love we receive from God the Father over all suffering that we go through. Have Faith in God the Father. He never gives us more than we can handle because we are his child. Father knows his child best.
Yes! That's what I was waiting for Fr. to say. If we day yes to suffering for and with Christ, He will give us the grace to bear our cross!
There are days, I tell God I will share HIS sufferings but when it's tough, I tend to ask Him to get rid of it & help me.
And I felt bad & ask our Dear Lord to help me carry my cross,endure & embrace the pain.
Anyways, our Dear God is so merciful & never leave us as we suffer!
Remind me of the famous song" footprints in the sand"!
~ Thanks Fr. Mike, praying for you & all the priests worldwide~
Amen 🙏
Thank you Father Mike, I'm just going through this now. Definitely perfect timing.
It is a privilege to suffer with Jesus. So yes, on Earth and probably less in Purgatory.
We love uuuuuuuuuuuuu god bless u
I wish u come Michigan one day
Father Mike Thank you awesome video and God Bless you for being our Good Shepard whom God’s children need now more then ever😇☦️💞
Thank you for sharing your wisdom about suffering with us, Father Mike.
Amen ❤️ 🙏 Father Mike
Thanks Father Mike. Your upbeat personality is an amazing quality with your pure joy with preaching. I do feel like the closer we start getting to Christ in the beginning at least there’s a lot of spiritual warefare
God bless you Father Mike.
The closer we get to the "Light of the World", the more that things that were there all along will "come to light."
nice. There is suffering, but, when the destination is reached, there's a realisation that Jesus is worthy. Thank you Jesus.
I’ve been tempted so many times with mine sinful past and the devil is laughing at me :( and I have been praying everyday for a holy woman that I want to be a relationship with “ Bernadette” and my friends encouraged me not to give up and to keep going ❣️
I’m beating my cross but I fall many times 😔 I need you me guys prayers! And love you Fr.Mike!!! Ascension changed my life
His strength is made perfect in our weakness. I'm praying for you right now, that your relationships glorify God through the power of The Spirit by the blood of The Son, and that those fruits help you overcome, for His glory and in His name. What the devil intends for evil God will use for the good, so any laughter you hear will, in the end, only work towards His purpose. The satan is a liar. Fear not.
@@stetsonscott8209 amen! Thank you brother pray that I have a holy woman in my life her name is “Bernadette” ❣️
if you want to become no 1 tennis player in the world? are you going to suffer? YES, the same is true with becoming a saint. This means perfecting yourself to be able to see God all eternity.
Thank you, Father Schmitz!
Fr Mike the suffering is worth the love but it is not for everyone. I do believe in predestination
Yes He is worth it 100%❤🙏
Good morning Father Mike. I want to be a Saint! I've made too many mistakes tho. I've continued to make mistakes. I'm in constant pain. Physically and Mentally.
I'm tired. My husband is tired. We live a poor life. 😔 I know being poor isn't always a bad thing. But we suffer from it. Our 5 kiddos suffer but is taken care of from people God sends our way. We live in a 1996 Maybe 97 mobile home ...not sure...but it was built in the 90s. It was a blessing to my family from my husband's dad. Now it's falling apart. All we want is to give our children the best. So hard to get ahead. I lost my job at a family clinic. I was there for 2 months. My children kept getting sick. My family stayed sick for almost 3 months! Covid, strep, mono, RSV and then a stomach bug that caused several of my kids to puke and constantly use the bathroom. I was like "WHY Lord?" They never been so sick like this. Every time I tried to work a job something always happend to force me to stay home. I love being a stay at home mom but my husband needed help. We are suffering with money issues and physical issues. My husband is unhealthy. He needs to see the doctor. My kids worry me and stress me out. We have no friends or family to help us and when we do need help, we are denied from those closes to us.
We have our catholic family! We have been catholic converts for 3 years now. We have nothing in common with protestant families. Everyone is always against us. I'm 31 Years old and I feel like a constant failure. I'm always irritable and short with my kids and husband and I don't know how to stop.
My husband and I have alot going on. Everything is falling apart on us. Even Our appliances. Currently I have a washer and dryer that isn't working properly. Can't catch a break.
We have kids with different needs at their school. Always asking for money for something. They send us text messages all the time and its overwhelming. Definitely different from when i was in school. Umm. I was homeschooling then my husband needed me to work. So I put them in public school.
I always try to do the right thing but it never seems to be the right thing. For example, I applied for college but when my kids got sick, I lost my job and got behind on college. I'm dropping out because it's just too much and I've missed too many days online. They'll kick me out.
The issue I have that bothers me is, through the midst of this storm my attitude isn't what I want it to be. How can I be patient, kind, loving and less irritable with all the restless nights and pain I endure. I tell my kids I love them all the time but my actions are so short. I hate being like this. I understand that God uses the poor in mighty ways and I understand that there are people with less than I have and more than I have. I am grateful for just having shelter. It is hard when I go visit my oldest brother. He has a great career. His wife is a nurse. Nice big home. They have 2 kids. They play sports and go on trips. And I'm the poor sister. I chose to have kids before having a career. My husband was in the military but he hurt his leg so he had to get out. He wants to be a deacon tho. My husband needs prayers. He needs to know what God wants of him. He's cried out to God for a long time. I've prayed for him. Sometimes we feel hopeless. We feel we will never get anywhere in life because bad things keep happening. Please pray for my family. I don't know if you'll read this. If you do, could you give me advice. I've been following you for a few years now. My name is Kristina Lumpkin. My husband is Kyle. We are from New Albany Mississippi. Thank you allowing God to use you.
Prayers for you and your husband. Don't give up. One day at a time. Remember the sparrows.
Praying for you and your family this advent season. He is walking with you. He is not far away. It will get better.