5 Steps to Get the Most out of Mass

0:00 Introduction
0:32 Repent
1:51 Prepare
3:25 Participate
4:52 Contemplate
6:12 Discipleship
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[@mark0001]

"Not a prize for the perfect but medicine for the sick." Now that's OUR mass! ✝️🙏

[@nothanks6549]

This is a legit question, not a gotcha, this is coming from someone who doesn't understand who just wants to understand... If that phrase is how we should see the Eucharist, why do you have to go through so much and be in good standing to receive the eucharist? It sorta seems like the most sick are told make themselves better and come back later.

[@thomasbudi2000]

@@nothanks6549 Dear brother in Christ, I will try to answer. For the sinners it is demanded to go through several steps before we can receive the Eucharist because it is also double as a rehab program for us sinners. It is similar to rehab program for alcohol, smoking, and drugs addiction. It will be meaningless if we just receive the Eucharist without changing our lifestyle. Same with rehab, if we just receive the treatment without changing our habit, it won't work. Any addict will tell you that they will have to stay away from their old friends, old hand out places and situation to quit. Otherwise, we just fall back to old habbit. When I need to get back and right my life from my old habit, it is a must to follow all the steps. Otherwise, there will be no change in my life, no changes for the better for me. Jesus want us to be good and live a life of peace, align with Him. The world tried to drift us apart so it is a constant effort to stay with Christ. At least with me I cannot be where I am now if I don't take all the steps to change myself and old lifestyle. By following all the steps to repent and maintain a healthy spiritual life of prayer and receiving the Eucharist in the best condition that I can, so far I am making progress to be a better Catholic. I hope this answer your question. God bless.

[@dansedevie123]

@@nothanks6549 The analogy I was told was that you need to take the medicine properly or it will make you sick! For example some medication needs to be taken on an empty stomach, or full stomach, with food, without food etc. The dosage needs to be correct too. We can never be "worthy" to receive communion, so it is not a prize, but we can certainly prepare ourselves for the great gift that it is or it can also cause us harm-- "For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves." It's Jesus' very self that we offend when we sin, yet He gives us His very self through the Eucharist to heal that sin--- that's how much He loves us. We should not take it for granted, but we should also remember that it is a gift, not something that we deserve.

[@johnflorio3576]

This is a quote - or at least a paraphrase - from Pope Francis.

[@josephcamacholopez]

Thank you Father, it’s my first communion tomorrow June 8 and I definitely needed to hear this. God bless you all!

[@marciocintra2988]

God bless you. The first communion is really special.

[@DarcyTheManstop]

I am protostant but I have really been seeing change Christ has done in me lately. Praise the Lord

[@pixurguy4915]

May the Holy Spirit continue to bless you and guide you in your walk with Christ.

[@causewaybob3651]

Father Casey today I went to confession for the first time in 17 years you had a lot to do with inspiring my faith and bringing me back to Our Lord Jesus Thank you so much

[@CybermanKing]

Welcome back btw!

[@causewaybob3651]

@@CybermanKing Truly good to be back.

[@roxanelvgsch]

Praise God!!!

[@SurrenderNovena]

Omgoodness! This message is so needed! The Mass and the Sacraments are NOT MAGIC! They are supernatural and miraculous, that's true, but they dispense GREAT GRACES only to the extent that the receiver is able to receive those graces. If your HEART is not open the graces can't enter! Thank you, Father Casey!

[@cv5369]

I’m currently in my catechism class and we just finished going over what makes a good confession, this video hits home.

[@Christislord33]

Thank you Father Casey Ave Christus Rex ✝️☦️

[@highground3609]

Everytime I sing at mass, I say a lil prayer in my heart “lemme sing to you as king david did Lord!”

[@alphacause]

While the ritualistic nature of Catholic Mass is beautiful and spiritually edifying, it can also be fertile ground for us to be lulled into a state of complacency. Far too often we, as Catholics, just go through the motions. Due to the rigid structure of the liturgy, we tend to lose sight of how profound and transformational it should be. Thank you, Father Casey, for reminding us to look beyond the familiar patterns of the Mass and to truly think about the spirit that is behind it.

[@philiphumphrey1548]

I think there's also the danger that you can "love" the liturgy so much that it becomes an idol, especially if you start nitpicking that the priest or servers are doing this or that wrong etc. You can end up a connoisseur of masses first and a Christian second.

[@alphacause]

@@philiphumphrey1548 That is a great point, and it was very well stated. I see so many within our Catholic community so enamored with the formula of a Mass, while ignoring the morality preached at Mass and the spirituality of it.

[@colinwithonel]

Sorry but these sentiments are not correct. Liturgy is something prescribed and should be done correctly and obediently, because it is a sacred action of worship. If the priest and servers are actively contradicting what they are supposed to be doing, this is their fault, not the fault of those who do not approve of it. Following correct form does not make the "rigid structure of the liturgy" the problem. The problem is in thinking that doing X Y or Z perfectly is somehow fulfilling our ultimate moral obligations to God and man, which is then making formality itself into a false god, but we should not be saying that formality is somehow a bad thing. The "ritualistic nature" of the Mass is not what causes us to enter into complacency, but our inner attitude towards the Mass as being somehow less than what it actually is, a tedious obligation that needs lightening, an boring monotony that needs entertainment, a community activity that needs our creative improvement, etc. When really its about the Paschal Mystery and our communion with Jesus in his Passion and Resurrection, which is complete in itself. Sure, being overly concerned about form can be the fruit of a false inner intention, and likewise with mindlessly going through the motions, but nonetheless the form of liturgy itself should be kept as the missal prescribes, with due faith and obedience, as is appropriate for good Christians who follow and are in communion with the Church. Changing things that should not be changed is never appropriate, and in fact suggests the person doing these things is not very concerned with obedience to the Church and her teachings, so much as desiring the appearance of transcending them, and even transcending rules in general which is ultimately a habit of pride. Rather, true reverence in liturgy is in obeying the Church and doing what she prescribes we should do, and cultivating prayerful holiness within that humility.

[@isaiahlewis4846]

@@colinwithonelYes but they are not talking about liturgical abuse, they are talking about how we could be become so obsessed with the liturgical rubrics we forget why Mass is being offered in the first place, for God.

[@colinwithonel]

@@isaiahlewis4846 well that is the distinction I am trying to make here. That rubrics and following the rubrics are a good thing. And ignoring the rubrics and even going counter to the rubrics is inappropriate. Too often we see today the approach that says "Forget the Rubrics," as if that is somehow a good thing to make up your own liturgy as you go. And that people who would like to see the rubrics observed are somehow too rigid. On the contrary, rigidity can go both ways, and people can get so fixated on their little personal habits or colloquial way of doing things at this or that parish, that they somehow develop a hatred for the actual liturgy that is prescribed and the people who want to do that. I wouldnt be talking about this if I hadnt seen it for myself at far too many actual parishes, where the Spirit of the 70s is the real idol. Usually the people running those parishes claim they are against rigidity and obsession. But in reality they just dont like rules at all.

[@matthewyoder93]

Going to confession several times month going to mass 4 days week praying my rosary and divine mercy chaplet my Eucharist adoration chaplet daily and the Jesus prayer on rosary! Jesus Christ my savior saved me from mortal sin of lust porn masturbation and homosexuality I’m free . I love my Catholic faith.

[@chaoscontrol2400]

Congrats!

[@uteme]

Fr. Casey, I thank God for you. I also thank your parents!! ♡

[@swagnilla_ice]

Thanks Father Casey, on this Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I needed to hear this before I attend Mass today. It helped me remember that the Mass is for repentant sinners like myself, and a chance to ask God for strength for the upcoming days and trials that are to come.

[@ELIZABETHOkiwelu-fh4qi]

You're so blessed father! May God bless you more. Amen

[@marystenson2852]

Bible in A Year helped me greatly in hearing the Word in mass❤️🙏☘️

[@peytonfamily1198]

"It's important not only to show up on time but to get there early enough to connect with those with whom you'll be worshiping, talking with fellow congregant before mass, as long as it's not in the worship space itself." Thank you for that special side note on talking outside of the church, Father!😅🙏

[@gorcin7075]

I'm an Orthodox Christian, and I am genuinely stunned by the way you just SHINE, and I feel so great listeninf to you! ❤

[@philiphumphrey1548]

I'm a church organist and I am often so concerned with the music and getting that right that I inevitably don't give all my attention to the mass. So if I can, I always try to attend a mass where I don't have to play (or do anything) as well, so I can just concentrate on the mass itself.

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Used to play violin at Spanish Mass and I totally feel you. I was concerned with the playing. Not to make it perfect but to make it cool. Where I REALLY wanted to be was in a band and it never worked out. But you know what? Choosing the music together by reflecting on the readings, being surrounded by people who took the mass seriously, it all rubbed off on me. I'm a better Catholic now because I was in that choir

[@pibly7784]

THANK YOU for your contribution to the mass.

[@raphaelledesma9393]

Maybe in a way, all of us who serve in the Mass (I'm not sure what the right word is since even the congregation who follow the hymns and adore the Eucharist are also serving, no one is ever or should be idle) are sometimes preoccupied by a detail to get it right. The lector may be focusing much on the pronunciation, the choir member at hitting the notes, the altar servers on ensuring their movements are poised and precise, and of course the priest in saying the prayers and following the rubrics. But ultimately, we do it because all together, we become like one organism or body lifting prayers to God. The beauty of the liturgy or public worship is that since it is organized and fixed, we are sure to pray with the mind of the Church, following her lessons, being taught in her faith, and ultimately with full unity and one mind and intent, we lift it all to God.

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

@@raphaelledesma9393 beautiful comment. And boy do we make it hard to comment sometimes. I love the delicacy. I know EXACTLY what you are trying to say but we've made it impossible to use words when talking about the mass. We say can't say "perform" we can't say "audience" we can't use normal human words for normal human things. I actually quit playing in the choir because we lived in an area without a high Hispanic population so there might be 20 people in mass counting the priest and 12 of them were... Oh what's the word we settled on here... "Involved" in the Mass but like you say everyone is too be... Whatever. Whatever word I'm supposed to use. I got the feeling that you know what this mass needs? Butts in pews. We need more people not directly involved in the Mass. The "ratio" seemed of so I stopped playing.

[@RaskalnickoffTube]

I would do the same when I was on sounddesk. Really the only think I stopped and listened to in the first service was the homily. And it's amazing how much it changes the second time you hear the same sermon.

[@rvdb7363]

In my parish we always drink coffee together after mass. We jokingly refer to this as the 8th sacrament. Because taking time to speak with each other, to really get to know the people with whom you are already connected through the Eucharist, is so important. It strengthens our bond as a community.

[@roxanelvgsch]

We do that too! So good!!

[@markelmore66]

Wonderful advice to EVERYONE! We Protestants would do well to heed your advice too! We dare not take The Lord’s Supper lightly!

[@mohmahraz3230]

Thanks for keeping us updated! I feel sympathy and empathy for our country. low income people are suffering to survive, and I appreciate Deborah Lee Clark. You've helped my family with your advice. imagine investing $30,000 and receiving $95,460 after 28 days of trading.

[@user-nr1wz2to7u]

I began investing in stocks and Def earlier this year, and it is the best choice I've ever made. My portfolio is rounding up to almost a million and I have realized that when a stock makes it to the news, chances are you're quite late to the party, the idea is to get in early on blue chips before it becomes public. There are lots of life changing opportunities in the market, and maximize it.

[@Jamescarls819]

What opportunities are there in the market, and how do I profit from it?

[@mohmahraz3230]

You can make a lot of money from the market regardless of whether it strengthens or crashes. The key is to be well positioned.

[@mahmaebahmed2599]

I would really like to know how this actually works.

[@mohmahraz3230]

All you need is a good capital and the service of a professional broker, with those your investment will most certainly produce high yields.

[@set1227]

I don‘t receive communion since I am an orthodox and we do not do the communion together, but I love going to the mass itself. I really enjoy spending time there, singing with the people and listening to the preacher, so I try to go every sunday ❤ (I go to a catholic church, because there are no orthodox ones near and I am only 17, so no car yet).

[@rshier8422]

God Bless you🙏📿✝✝

[@stooch66]

Thanks for starting with repent. I was guilty of showing up at mass thinking it was my right to receive. Once I had a deeper conversion, I don’t receive if I have any concerns of potential mortal sin…but, more importantly, I take the penitential act and the other opportunities in the mass where we pray for forgiveness very seriously. I now say the Jesus prayer intently as I approach. I don’t want the Lord to enter an unclean place. God bless all!

[@kinggus2738]

I've been trying to go 2-3 times a week because I finally acknowledged the eucharist as Jesus Christ himself I was really blind as a young adult and sometimes I can't help but feel at peace Everytime I take in the eucharist like I'm actually walking with Christ im in way perfect and have a long way to go but I love going to church now to kneel before Christ and to actually change

[@dawnelainebowie3943]

And spending time every day - more than once often - to sit quietly and pray, “Quiet my mind and let me know I’m in Your Presence.”

[@gnosticallyspeaking3544]

A wonderful observation. Helping to fulfill the greatest commandment per Mark 12:28. Might add also studying the gospels. Probably the best way to get into Jesus and have Jesus get into oneself. Thus becoming a true disciple per John 8:31. May your walk with God continue to strengthen.

[@BrianTerrill]

I'm Latter-day Saint aka Mormon and I really enjoy these videos. My older brother grew up Catholic, my two brother in laws are priest. There is a lot in common and a lot different but these videos make the learning fun

[@fulgrimthephoenician1022]

I'm glad that I was converted to Catholic 3 months ago. The Holy Spirit just showed me the path.

[@vladlucius6928]

Exactly Mass isn't a social club it's a hospital for sinners for healing repentance remorse and to adore and worship our Lord Jesus ❤❤

[@mditt7]

thank you for your presence on youtube Fr Casey. You have become my great encourager in constantly bringing myself back into focus upon Christ and his precepts.

[@CatholicNonno]

This is a message I truly needed today. Even though I serve as Lector and EMHC, I have been feeling a bit disconnected recently. Thank you for this spiritual 'kick in the pants'.

[@enderxlord9764]

This is helpful not just for Catholics, but for me a seventh day Adventist Christian. Thank you friar Casey!

[@kevinkirby4305]

The TLM helps a lot with this. Firstly since it’s in Latin I have to use the missal and see the translations and I follow along with him. I also get to read the epistles and gospel with him and everything that happens I am able to follow with the missal. I am completely present at that moment

[@elizabethswiezy3587]

Fr Casey your posts are always the highlight of my day! You've strengthened my Catholic faith by leaps and bounds in the past couple of years ☺️✝️ May God bless and keep you always!

[@moonshine1888]

Thank you. ♥️🙏

[@mollymattingly6736]

As a Catholic music director, I wholeheartedly endorse congregational singing and I will disagree if you say you're not good at it. I don't care if you think you're not good at it. Don't let your self-criticism be an excuse not to participate. It's not about being good at it. It's about giving your voice as the Body of Christ, lifting others up and letting them lift you up. Please pick up the hymnal and try.

[@sandygereau635]

Sing! It is a great way to participate. If you can carry a tune, sing out- even if you think you don't sing well, you still have a voice to offer to the Lord.

[@7YearOrthodoxCatechumen-rv2mu]

As somebody who did music ministry for years - I second this!

[@Qrtz51]

Thank you so much for the video. Peace be with you, Fr. Casey!

[@mimimaxxing]

Yes! Going to Mass is one of my favorite parts of the week, I'm glad to hear you share your wisdom

[@plasisdsouza4125]

Thank you for this video father......it was really useful ...to bring me back to the track of faith which I had lost.

[@roxanelvgsch]

Thanks Father!

[@RiderOfBirds]

Fr. Casey Cole, thank you for your videos, as always. I Wanted to leave a suggestion. I would love to see you discuss certain catholic books accessible to laymen, as well as monks/nuns/religious/priests. Here are some books I could see you devoting a video to or at least featuring, to inform your audience of strengthening their faith: 1. 33 Days to Morning Glory(A Book on Marian Devotion): would love to see you do a collab with GabiAfterHours, he's a big proponent on Marian Devotion and the rosary), would love to see you at least mention this is in a video you might make about the rosary. Since you're a friar, you could discuss the Franciscan Crown Rosary, with the 7 joy, sorrows, and glories of Mary, as well as discussing the more well known Dominican rosary every good catholic knows of. 2. Intro to the Devout Life, By St. Francis De Sales: This is a great book specifically for laymen. Please consider doing an overview and review on this book, it would be extremely valuable and valuable to all Catholics if you spoke about it. 3. The Immitation of Christ, by St. Thomas A Kempis: This book needs to shared with every catholic. It's an impactful book that details the suffering of Christ and the reality of the spiritual life. Share this book, Devote a whole Video to it, seriously. It's not Scripture, but it does point you to Christ better than most books. All of these books are free in pdf form from many sources, would be so cool to see you talk about any of these books. Thank you, May God Bless You, and Mary Keep You.

[@GodHelpMeOnline]

Yes, a great reminder. Thank you.

[@waltdisney681]

🤣 "...Go...get out of here and start living!" ***queue - "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" ending ***

[@joncarsello7987]

Thanks for this wonderful video and clarity. You’re the best Father Casey. Going to mass is one of my favorite things to do in life.

[@basicsforbaroqueimprovisation]

Thank you Father Casey for sharing this beautiful message. God Bless You All !!

[@CE24164]

I love this video. Understanding what to do for your spiritual is essential!

[@joyfromillinois1099]

Very good! Thank you.. Please consider adding in a proper Thanksgiving after communion! That helps also...

[@dongrainer6405]

I have a Sunday Missal and will do the readings before going to mass. Once there though it is hard to contemplate or prepare for mass itself because there is so much going on. People talking to one another in the sanctuary, choir practicing, people coming and going for one reason or another. Sometimes I think it would be better to sit in my car and go in at the last minute. Of course I wouldn't be able to sit where I would want probably.

[@rutha1464]

Words of great wisdom (as always) Father Casey. My experience has been like physical exercise, spiritual growth requires discipline, something a worldly sinner such as myself is woefully lacking in. Praying for help with discipline is step number one for me. Keep up the great videos!

[@anthonyw2931]

needed this, Bless you Fr, Casey.

[@bingkaramihan7516]

Thank you Father Casey, for enlightening us on this important matter about mass. I have to admit that I myself have always forgotten what was the last week’s gospel. I am truly sorry and ashamed of myself, I will remember what you have said and apply it. (To read again the gospel after two days) May God bless you always.

[@GhostKoffee]

Amazing analogies! Thank you again, Father Casey Cole!!!

[@suec2297]

Wow! Great message ! Great timing!

[@DenverDias]

Loved this video. Lots of gym metaphors; he spoke to me in words I actually understand.

[@aurelious1376]

AMEN ❤️‍🔥

[@emmitbrown5631]

I do sacramental shots on Saturday, so I can be fully ready to accept the Eucharistic bread on Sunday. It's win, win.

[@dragsterguy21]

I will have this bookmarked for when people try to say that we need more active participation in the mass as if the laity aren't supposed to do anything. Great summary on this issue.

[@closetocanada5604]

Needed to hear this father

[@pedrodimariaajao4849]

Thank you, Fr Casey.

[@stephanelarochelle2484]

Excellent advice! I will implement much of what you said...

[@patrickpala5642]

Thank you Fr . Beautiful

[@openminds8765]

Excellent thought to compare Workout Prep/Care and all the things that should go on for the Mass 🏋‍♀⚪

[@mikeschiesel2852]

A great priest from the Buffalo area always ends mass with "The mass never ends, it must be lived" rather than "The mass is ended". Not sure how legal it is to ad lib, but it is truly a great message.

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

I think it’s a fine sentiment for a homily but not recommended for the dismissal. The mass has in fact ended, but the effects live and grow.

[@susanallen6285]

Father is correct that it is nice for a homily, but it is more than not recommended, it's not allowed. That priest is not following the Churchr's Order of the Mass. Why can't all priests just do what they are supposed to do?

[@CountDain7]

Amen 🙏

[@stevefugatt7075]

A fine message....Thank you!

[@antoniettacorsi7766]

Deo Gratias!

[@louisdelima2340]

The Mass at the Catholic Church has all the ingredients necessary for being a true Christian. Amen!

[@maxheinrichliebow]

Very important and big message. A medicine for the sick! Wow! Thank you Fr Casey!

[@mateuszbugaj799]

Right person in right place

[@joegill4068]

Love it! Thank you...

[@frankperkins8100]

That says it all. Thank you!

[@rosettevillamor9052]

Fr. Casey, thank you. I appreciate your spiritual advice on the Most Holy Eucharist.

[@niva6511]

Thank you Father. God bless you.

[@vesnastihovic7014]

Glorious! ❤

[@Rg-hc6or]

Thank you Father!

[@annagattellari85]

Thankyou father Casey 🙏❤

[@patrickprakash8]

Thank you father.

[@addy5227]

SO WELL SAID🙌👏

[@gabrielle8155]

Fr Casey great talk as usual, I want to be a great speaker and have the same fluency as you have to speak and to teach at the same time God’s word with calmness and assertiveness ❤

[@felixsantamaria2648]

AMEN

[@chuck1728]

Good one!! Truth be told tho' I usually show up 5 minutes late. I am working on that.

[@ChristianChukwuemeka-wr7pt]

Very educating,we must participate profoundly in holy mass and avoid distraction

[@ameerthalgi6390]

Amen ✝️ Amen ✝️

[@pibly7784]

Good point.

[@reviewspiteras]

Excellent video father Casey, it made me appreciate the beautiful celebration that is the mass, it actually is one of the main reason why I stayed catholic while I was struggling with what denomination I wanted to be part of ¡Viva Cristo Rey!

[@rogeriosoares7988]

This is true wisdom.

[@anafletcher7200]

Amen 🙏 ❤

[@No_one5888]

How did you get into what you do? And what arw the best ways to do what you do. Ive been watching you for years during my time without christ and now that im trying to find Him i really wanna do what you do

[@theclapaolini4322]

We need this very important talk About mass. If you are bored you can look at yourself and say. Did i really follow the mass and do the reponses paying attention to the words if so you will never be bored.TRY IT YOU WILL BE VERY HAPPY YOU DID GET SOMETHING OUT OF MASS.

[@tomislavivankovic6971]

Brother you and I will have to meet!

[@scottsanders9090]

Thank you, for the possibility for enlightment. I believe that continually striving to be able to more fully participate in the Representation of Calvary is the magic potion. Besides vastly increasing our knowledge of what is actually transpiring during the Mass and by adhering to your presented steps, our lives will be illuminated as we come closer to our Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God.

[@Harvesdg]

what happens when i accidentally broke the communion apart? i still ate it. What was i supposed to do?

[@user-km4ro7xp2s]

"Go! Get out of here! Live what you've learned!"

[@whenpiratesattack]

Is there somewhere we can sent our questions to you, Fr. Casey?

[@Wgaither1]

Why doesn’t receiving the Eucharist take away all temporal punishment?

[@ZX-zw3ge]

That thing taste very similar to some that look like paper, melts in the mouth and have different colors.

[@toadofsteel]

As a Protestant, I know we have different definitions on what worship actually means or regarding the nature of sacraments, but these same basic steps are still very much applicable for Protestants to follow as well.

[@toyman9642]

Church attendance is dropping "like a stone." Why? People are actually starting to think for themselves and not have their lives controlled like a bunch of mindless sheep.

[@evansworld7316]

Hi

[@VICTORGARCIA-iy4zx]

Father Casey, as much as I agree with all that you said, I deeply believe that the Eucharist has the power to transform you in all that you must be! Of course, that will necessitate you saying yes to God, as many of the saints and our blessed Mother have!

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

What is it that you disagree with then? This video is about the Eucharist's power to transform us... if we're prepared to receive and make the most of it. As powerful as it is, a seed will not grow if it's not planted and watered; the Eucharist will have no magical effect if we don't live holy lives.

[@jamesjc]

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart...

[@michaelmaher225]

Excellent guidelines. I especially appreciate the emphasis on the penitential/ forgiveness aspect of the Eucharist which gets ignored all too often. My one gripe to your message on repentance- we are NOT “absolutely helpless on our own against the temptations of the flesh”. Save that for a 12 Steps meeting. Putting aside actual physical/chemical addiction, we are not “helpless”. That is too robotic and mechanistic and leads to that “the devil made me do it” fallacy. The Sacraments of penance and the Eucharist strengthen us spiritually in our response to temptation; they are not a “magic pill” preventing sin any more than the other pills which do not prevent illness on their own as you so accurately point out at the beginning of the video. God gave us a free will and reason for a reason. We still need to do the heavy lifting

[@BreakingInTheHabit]

Without God (without the grace received in the sacraments) we are helpless. That is the point. And that is what is so important about 12 step programs, so I don't know why we'd want to dismiss them.

[@fortniteflex9471]

People are helpless to avoid mortal sin without grace. This is well known. To say otherwise could veer into a prideful self reliance. Remember we are fallen.

[@michaelmaher225]

@@BreakingInTheHabit To clarify, I was not dismissing 12 Steps. I support the program. But, even there, the reference to "helplessness" (the word is actually "powerless") is only a rhetorical crutch, albeit a necessary one, to get an addict over the excuse that he/she can't change. Ultimately, with the active support of other people in the program, the addict still has to do the hard work of changing. As to Father Casey's statement about helplessness (which is the only one in the video I respectfully disagree with), I do not accept what sounds to me like a theological co-dependency theory that you would hear in a revival tent. My proposed restatement: "With God's grace we are strengthened against temptation, but, with or without it, we are always accountable and never helpless from making a change." Plenty of atheists live without God or the grace of the sacraments. They face and conquer temptations of the flesh every day and live moral lives. Conversely, plenty of Christians have prayed intensely to be able to conquer the temptations of the flesh only to stop, and stay until closing, at the bar on the way home from Mass. I think this concept of "helpless without God's grace" leads to a dangerous excuse for immoral behavior (a form of Flip Wilson's "the devil made me do it") and is a flawed theology. It makes us robotic, mechanistic, controlled creatures and cheapens the reason, conscience, and free will God created in us, if not eliminates it. I am concerned enough as it is about standing in judgment and accounting for my sins, which I will admit I freely committed but asked forgiveness for. I would be less concerned if all I had to do was point the finger back at God and blame him for not giving me the grace I prayed for to avoid sin. Bottom line: I hope Father Casey is right; but I wouldn't make a theological bet on it