Why Is It So Hard to Forgive Yourself?

As Catholics, we believe in the forgiveness of our sins through the graces of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But often, even though we are absolved but we can struggle to forgive ourselves for our past faults and failings.
Today, Fr. Mike shares the main reason why we struggle to let go of the past and surrender to God who is our loving Father.
What does God want this Advent? Simple. He wants you. He wants a personal encounter with you. This year, journey through Advent with "Rejoice! Finding Your Place in the Advent Story," and learn about the places, people, and events that shaped the story of the very first Advent and shape our own lives today: tinyurl.com/yh2sexdw
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[@kellyac210]

I was at the end of my rope a few years ago with so much guilt over past mistakes I had made. I got the idea that I was supposed to start praying the rosary. I wasn't Catholic or even necessarily religious. But I ordered a rosary and a little rosary booklet online. That night I prayed the rosary for the first time- everything changed for me. When the Holy Mother gets ahold of you, she grabs you with both hands and my life changed. I was in RCIA two months later and I am a grateful Catholic today. Never under estimate the Virgin Mary- she loves you!

[@AbsurdScandal]

Sounds like a wonderful testimony! I hope you don't me asking, but was it a literal supernatural encounter with Our Lady, something vision-like, or was it a less spectacular event? I'm not sure what to make of the wording, such as being directly grabbed etc.

[@kellyac210]

@@AbsurdScandal All darkness fled and I had a sense of an actual Personage who came to me. Not visually but definitely spiritually. I felt surrounded by love and power.

[@AbsurdScandal]

@@kellyac210 Thanks be to God for the grace of conversion!

[@MrsJAZack]

Benny! you made me tearup! I am so happy for you! what a lovely testimony. Awwwww! so wonderful!

[@mrsandmom5947]

❤️✝️🙏

[@chomperthefirst533]

“Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything.” Repeat this 25 times, whenever anxious. From your heart.

[@useryumyumbbbb]

dont need to do it 25 times if u say it once with honesty and meaning

[@kellyac210]

I love this!

[@anixia04]

Thank you for this message.

[@Suzq21678]

Thank you for sharing!

[@marymonroe7042]

❤

[@blujeans9462]

Once a repentant, but distraught, sinner asked St Faustina if her sins had been truly forgiven. Jesus told her "tell her that her disbelief wounds my heart more than the sins she committed." (628). "Sins of distrust wound me most painfully." (1076)

[@ks7343]

Boom!

[@joshuacapstick5322]

Thanks🥰🥰

[@lovelast4evergemma508]

💖💖💖 THANK YOU JESUS!!!

[@sachinthafernando7084]

Thanks u for sharing 😇

[@aireenlaurel5743]

Thank you.

[@thisgirl5933]

The older I get the more I realize how much of a sinner I am. I am soooo disappointed with myself. I need to watch this video.

[@gregkavanagh5735]

“By forgiving yourself you are glorifying God.” Thank you Father Mike.

[@brent6771]

I just wanted to say Father Mike, I have been looking to get back into church (I am 25). I attended Greek Orthodox, but was baptised Methodist. While researching my new church I would attend, it was you and your videos that convinced me to become Catholic not only for myself, but my niece and nephews who I have taken custody of to all become Catholic together. I went today to speak to the church about fully joining and will be attending our first mass this Sunday. Thank you Father Mike, and I love your videos!

[@cj2326]

Godspeed!

[@petergriffiin]

Welcome to the Catholic Community!

[@penguinninja4417]

That's amazing!!! We're so happy to have you here! May God bless you!

[@Alma.-]

God bless you 🙏

[@AJanae.]

Glory to God!!!

[@kathywhipp4669]

“…maybe they don’t see themselves as worth being taken care of”…. wowza!! Bang! Hit home! Working on it with much gratitude, Father!

[@nicholasmargagliano1833]

Fr.Ripperger i heard say it’s prideful to not Forgive yourself. You’re telling God he is not big enough to forgive your sins and that YOU are the better judge. (I’m paraphrasing) So just let it go, you’re not letting yourself off the hook. As Fr.Schmitz said, there’s no glory in beating yourself and Christ died for you. You have to do it. You’re not bigger than God, but you ARE bigger than your faults

[@MrsJAZack]

I've met Fr Ripperger Nicholas.. he is amazing! So tiny like maybe 5ft tall and a huge presence like you can feel the Holy Spirit just ooooz out of him. He took the time to do the Latin Consecration prayers for my scapular. I cherish it to this day. He really changed my life, brought me back to my Catholic roots and beyond!

[@nicholasmargagliano1833]

@@MrsJAZack What an honor! I’m pretty short too lol I’m sure we’d get along. He’s extremely intelligent and wish i could meet him one day. Glad you got to experience that.

[@dl4569]

Thank you for sharing that and I will keep this in my thoughts when I pray the rosary each day. The last few years since my late Grandmother's passing, I have been hard on myself on things. I will do my part to at least move on with things and do better. There is no tomorrow if I keep on clinging on to it.

[@nicholasmargagliano1833]

@@dl4569 absolutely, glad you could take something from it. I’ve struggled with it too. Your grandmother would tell you to not do that if i had to bet (being hard on yourself). Wish you the best as you proceed forward!

[@username1172]

Absolutely love him and his dry sense of humor hahaha. Both of these priests have given me so much

[@celenahoey1532]

God my sin is so big but it’s nothing compared to your love and mercy ❤️

[@bonnie7577]

I know God forgives me but I have a hard time forgetting about my sins. I have a hard time when something triggers a memory of my sin. I agree that I have to surrender and Give it to God.

[@cmcc4556]

When I feel like that. I picture my self kneeling at Jesus feet. The crowd surrounds me ....and I feel like the worst women in the world. who committed many sins. First I feel so alone, and then As my tears fall on to his feet, Jesus touches my hair and tells me that he forgives me. That he loves me and no one is left to condemn me.......and I just can't believe that he loves someone like me... and at that moment I realize that it only matters what God thinks about me, and what and how I choose to live the rest of my life. Strangely enough I continue to have to remind myself what God did for you and for me....Don't give in to the negativity of this world. Remember that only one perfect person ever lived, and his Mother by the grace of God keeps trying to help us find her Son. May the Devine assistance remain always with us through the help of Our Blessed lady.....

[@veenu9413]

I made a mistake and like you said, it's the consequences, the people dear to me seeing me in a different light, things not in my control anymore, is affecting me. I have a tough time forgiving myself mostly because the mistake I made is not something people expected from me nor did I expect myself to do it. Every time I see them, I wished that it didn't happen. I would wished to go back and correct it. I have no idea what I should do. I don't know how to ask for forgiveness, and I don't know how to make them understand how sorry I am. I am trying to surrender everything to God, because I don't know what to do to make it right

[@janea8093]

Rumination does no good. I had a similar experience and I currently live with that consequence of my action, I hate that I did it and wish I could go back. I accepted it, forgave my self prayed to God to forgive me and everyday when the guilt comes in, “I say my name, (my name) you’re forgiven, don’t ponder too much, it’s in the past, worrying won’t change anything” and that helps me. I hope it helps you too.

[@adacathy3018]

i've been struggling with the desire to go back in time and try everything over again, i keep on making the same mistakes, feeling like a failure... i just need to know that it's all God'd will at work

[@keithsrepairinc1608]

"Even when we are broken, we are still good." That helped me. Thank you! Bless you!

[@brandonspratt487]

It's me, standing in the kitchen doing dishes while listening to this, and being hit so hard by the line about loving yourself-realizing how that has been a missing piece for such a long time. It brought me to my knees.

[@evezah6474]

I lost my spouse to suicide, I have lived with the guilt for years, thank you for this Father, I needed to hear it.

[@petergriffiin]

I’m sorry for your loss

[@jonathanstempleton7864]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll include you and your spouse in my prayers 🙏

[@Alma.-]

✨🙏

[@IONov990]

I am sorry for your loss

[@ljtee6055]

Lord, heal her 💔.

[@johnwilkins3995]

I think the most amazing thing, I’ve done some bad things that I regret. And it tears me upside daily. The fact that an entity could show mercy and forgive me, just makes me cry sometimes.

[@annbyrne6012]

There is no such thing as coincidence, I subscribed to this channel this morning and I have just started the novena of surrender. All praise to you God and thank you Father, wow, just wow 🙏🙏🙏

[@mcimc558]

Me too . I've passed this channel many times . This morning I watched and glad I did. We are so lucky to have a forgiving God and a wonderful Priest to impact us like this . God bless and stay healthy . This morning was meant to be as I start my journey of amends 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸

[@mollyspencer5570]

Ann Byrne. I had a friend a month ago direct me to the surrender novena. I just got done on All Souls Day my second time praying it. I say the surrender prayer all day every day except for the following changes...Oh my Jesus I surrender myself to you and all of my loved ones and my concerns. Please take care of everything!

[@annbyrne6012]

@@mollyspencer5570 I like that, thanks Molly 🙏

[@paulettemclachlan2775]

We are all broken people……but we are all Gods children struggling for Him in our own way. He is God. He sees our struggle and knows our hearts

[@lucasmanzo6004]

This is hardest thing I struggle with especially during this time of year. God is amazing having this video come out at this time!! I needed this!

[@buddybrown4691]

So do I.

[@celiamendez8056]

Amen!

[@theclapaolini4322]

This perfect to hear now and then GOOD DEAL.

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

I struggle with this as well. There are memories of things I did or failed to do over the course of my life that leap to the forefront of my mind seemingly out of nowhere. Some are so powerful they cause me to have a physical reaction to them. When that happens I do my best to step back and remind myself that is Satan pushing my buttons, trying his best to put a wedge between me and God. There is a line from the movie "An Interview With God" where God asks the reporter; "What could you possibly do that I couldn't forgive?" It's not an exact quote but the point is we were forgiven before we were born. He did His part, our job is to believe Him. It's an oversimplification but I have to keep it simple or I get overwhelmed. The faith of a child. 🙏

[@TruthGatherer2013]

To let go, is to forgive. To let yourself go, from the harm you've done to others and others to you. Then start to improve yourself according to the golden rule (do not do to others, what you yourself would not want others to do to you)

[@remowilliams7569]

This was a difficult thing to listen to but so needed. Thank you Father Mike for your insight.

[@sandrarutledge7020]

Remo Williams. That's an oldie movie. ☺️

[@BD638]

I forgive myself for the mistakes I made before I found Jesus ♥️🙏

[@suestory3046]

I lay my shame and sins at the foot of the cross ✝️. I thank you, through tears, Fr. Mike for this profound teaching💕

[@fredr7217]

I’m Protestant, but Father’s teaching here is very good. When we confess our sins, God forgives us! As a matter of fact, scripture tells us that (for Christians) ALL sins are forgiven past, present, and future! The book of Romans is a good study along this line.

[@danieltraina6761]

The most amazing thing about being Catholic is it brings out the good and beautiful in everything.

[@donalynette]

Why would not that apply to all Christians, not just Catholics?

[@Earthtime3978]

@@donalynetteAre they getting the full deposit of the faith? No, so.

[@user-hd4fx9vz3k]

Doing my best to love myself. Alot of bad things have happened to me but with God's love things will turn around

[@wreloise1]

Thank you Fr Mike “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭RSV-CI‬‬

[@natashadias7862]

God’s mercy is free but it’s not cheap …this went right into my soul

[@NikkiGRocks4Ever]

Thank you Father Mike. I appreciate this message. I was watching David Jeremiah on TBN. In his message about forgiveness, he said self forgiveness doesn’t exist. He didn’t explain so I can understand. I felt confusion. Confusion is not the spirit of God. Thank you again Father Mike.✝️🦅🙏🕊️

[@pixydncer1]

Thank you for this video. I’ve been struggling with this so hard this year, things I’ve done and failed to do that I think I can no longer do anything about. I can do something. I can give to God and let Him be Lord over those things and ask for the grace to do better going forward. 🕊🙏🏼❤️

[@thecatholicway597]

So true Father, I fell as a Catholic 3 years ago. Grew up as a staunch Catholic all my life. And sinned so bad for 2 months in my life out of revenge. And fell so bad then found God again. Was called to follow God in a continuous dream. Became an Evangelist and Traditional Catholic for almost 3 years. Yet Father, my husband and mother -inlaw forgave me, my kids forgave me yet I cannot forgive myself. Your sermon was so powerful it brought me to tears. Thank u father.

[@kathywhipp4669]

“….because you’ve been made for love…”. Man!! So good! Thank you!

[@lisac.7423]

thanks Fr Mike, never thought of it that way re: "how much does it glorify God when you beat yourself up?" 🙏

[@njaunjeri1712]

I surrender all to you Lord

[@CT-pi2gl]

Vanity also plays a role. I don't want to admit or accept that I am not as good a person as I want to tell myself I am. I have to acknowledge and accept my shortcomings, vices, and character flaws, and trust that His Grace is sufficient.

[@tristangray8046]

in my experience this almost entirely hit home. one of the many things i struggle with is deserving. what have i done to deserve love and forgiveness? when i constantly make mistakes and theres people there i wonder what ive done to deserve them, their forgiveness, but most importantly God's love and forgiveness. and that to me is the hardest thing to get over.

[@adllllla]

Please consider the deliverance prayer. Unbound ministry would really help! I’ve done pretty awful things in my life…Jesus through deliverance prayer set me free

[@AbsurdScandal]

I think it's the difference between deserving and being worth it; before children are conceived, their parents decide to have them and think it'd be wonderful to have them! This expresses the value of children, even though that love is undeserved as the children don't actually exist yet, and so don't strictly merit being born. And when the children exist, they can be given gifts which they also don't merit - yet they are gifted with undeserved goods because they are appreciated and thought worth it! Our value then it seems doesn't depend on our merit, as the basis for undeserved love is thinking the beloved as worth it. Might be a good idea to meditate on this, especially before God in adoration. I myself don't know if this is fully accurate, but it seems closer to the truth than not. What do you think?

[@17CW68fNv]

I struggle with forgiveness of myself even when I have been forgiven.

[@MM22272]

At least you recognise it. It's taken me years to do so.

[@Unclebuns72]

This is pride. Pride keeps us from accepting the idea that someone else paid for something for us

[@MichaelF144]

I went to confession after 32 years. I made my sacrament of reconciliation but the priest traumatized me. This was the greatest experience of my life. I could feel Jesus come into the room and put his hand on my shoulder and told me that everything is going to be okay. That was awesome!

[@carolinetheberge4671]

Michael….so sorry that happened to you when after so many years it would’ve been hard enough! But so happy to hear Jesus stepped in and raised you up, something you’ll never forget!! That priest sounds like he needs healing for whatever reason??, ….but the Lord chose to comfort and strengthen you!

[@MichaelF144]

@@carolinetheberge4671 Thank You Caroline.🥲

[@xqp5503]

I am with you Michael don’t worry… we need also to understand that the Priest are Humans too and they don’t necessary have the “Gift” of the Word and they could be very straight forward… and other times very hard on us that instead of make us close to God keep us miss understanding his Words… I know what you are talking about because I had a similar experience with a very judgmental Priest when I was younger… now I understand that at the end, they are people too, we need to go to church and follow everything that is inside our faith but we always need to see Jesus as an example, not them necessary. Every time you feel low, go to Mass but just read the Gospels, it’s Jesus talking directly to you, and makes you know him better and admire him every time even more. Keep going my brother🙌🏼🙏 PS: Excuse my English I am not a native English Speaker.

[@bobandbarbpavlik8118]

It's wonderful that you have reignited your relationship with Jesus Christ. Don't let the actions of imperfect people (even a priest), break your relationship with him. Be blessed!

[@MaireTreasa]

Father Mike, I've been watching your videos for some time now. In the past few months, I found my way back home to the Holy Catholic Church after being gone for a long time and just 2 weeks ago I made a General Confession after around 30 years of not making a confession. For days I couldn't "feel" my sins being lifted off of me. Some felt so unforgivable to me and I still felt unclean. Finally, I began to accept, as you reiterated, that Jesus Christ DIED for these sins of mine!! That He gave His life so that I could be forgiven and to not accept that I am indeed forgiven started to feel really wrong to me. Instead of continuing to berate myself by feeling that I couldn't possibly be forgiven, I just LET GO to the infinite plan of our Lord and accepted His forgiveness. It's a "night and day" kind of feeling, Father. This video today reconfirmed that I have done the right thing by letting my past sins go, as they ARE forgiven. You have such a way of getting right to the heart of a matter in a realistic way. I can't thank you enough for the time and thought that you put into these videos. May God bless you always, Father Mike.

[@melaniefretz360]

This was just what I needed this evening. I spoke harshly to someone and although I apologized immediately, I couldn't take back the hurt and I was reliving the pain in their eyes. I sort of forgave myself and know intellectually that I am human and a sinner, but I was still beating myself for not holding my tongue. The three WHYs helped me to understand why I hold on to guilt and shame and I now have a path forward. Thank you immensely! God Bless!!!

[@feaokautai7354]

Absolutely our Immaculate Holy Mother Mary helps us tangibly in praying the Rosary daily to this day. Common trust Mother, the Holy Mother of her beloved son JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR .

[@lilyfeagin8634]

Praise God for this video from you, Father Mike. I wrestle with my own "unforgiveness". Your words are a source of hope and trust to place all under the Lordship of Jesus 🙏

[@annasahlstrom6109]

I can never forget anything I've ever done.

[@AbsurdScandal]

Spot on about being worth loving! Forgiveness and mercy aren't deserved as they're not merited; rather, they are gifts! And you give gifts to others because you love them! And you can only love them if you consider them worth loving! We don't deserve forgiveness - far, far from it, it's fully undeserved, especially because of our sins. But we can still be worth forgiving and considered worth it, despite our sins - and it's this which may be the most wonderful aspect of forgiveness; we're called to love others and view them as worth forgiving as well, giving them this great gift. Our undeservingness of forgiveness and our value / being considered worth it are two sides of the same coin here!

[@gabec2024]

Thank you for this. I’m 30, and what I did is making me reminded. And while I believe God and Jesus forgive me for what I did over my life? It’s hard to forgive myself. Even when I try to forgive myself, I’m still reminded. This is a progress I need to go over. Especially when I critique myself constantly. I need to break this mentality, and with help with therapy? I can.

[@oceane.owness]

Thank you father Mike ❤‍🩹

[@yvettelopez9202]

Thanks be to God for Father Mike ! And thanks to you dear Father Mike for helping me to understand this Sacred Truth ! I have been suffering from this horror almost all my life . Now you opened the Gate of Truth , Love and Mercy and Trust , so that I can be set free from this .

[@blackheartgaming6121]

The other year ago I finally forgave someone who seriously hurt me and my family when we were younger and I felt some special kind of heavy weight feeling leave my chest and I’m trying everyday to be better than what I was yesterday thank you

[@bkp409]

Father Mike, I have a wonderful testimony. I have struggled 10 years with a sin I confessed and was absolved from, however I have continued to live with shame and guilt. Those feelings come and go. For the past month, I have been in a valley of darkness begging God to help me forgive myself and searching for research to read on Forgiveness. This morning after listening to a meditation "I Thirst...St Mother Teresa a God thing happened. Without doing a U-Tube search, "Why is it So Hard to Forgive Youself" literally popped up on my computer screen. WOW! I had a BIG smile on my face because I knew without a doubt that God was responsble for this! Father Mike, God used you and your video to talk to me. I am still blown away! I listened to it three times while taking notes. Thank YOU Father Mike for all of your incredible videos that ALWAYS lift my Spirits! GOD is GREAT! I feel FREE!

[@michelleferrao8888]

Thank you Fr Mike 🌟 Forgiveness is the greatest gift we can give others and ourselves 🌻

[@lindaruss3772]

This hit home. My 13 yr old poodle past 9 mos. ago. I was sooo diligent about his meds for months before he died. And still, I felt I should have done more. I know I would never care for myself like that, so much self-loathing for past sins! My fave statement, Fr., was that “it seems TOO simple, to easy, for US to receive Gods mercy and forgiveness, and it is, but NOT for Him!! I’m learning that in Loving myself, others Like me a lot more too! Thx. Fr. Mike.

[@projectdrhati]

4:23 and even when youre broken u still good. uhm, tht one sent straight into my heart

[@isabelanyoka2175]

I am not Catholic. But this is a significant testament to the wholeness of the body of Christ! We pigeon hole our faith a lot. Glory be to God for this amazing amazing truth and brilliance of his love and our faith

[@mikelthehook9884]

I cannot express to you how much I needed this video at this moment. Thank you

[@evadaly-farkas6777]

Thank you Father Mike for explaining it so simply I am my worse enemy I cannot bring back my child The regrets I have collectively does not equal or come near what I harbored as my son no longer takes breath to live among us but in the house of our Father his Kingdom To love my neighbor be the key to self inner true happiness is understood to have the ability to do that releasing what regrets I harbor is my challenge and to say thank you for giving of yourself

[@allenshapi2170]

Thank you so much for this video Fr Mike, the concepts of restitution and surrender really spoke to me. And being reminded that God is not glorified when I beat myself up, is something to keep in mind and spirit.

[@chrisesparza3786]

Thank you father! I needed this right now. As a sufferer of scrupulosity, this helped me a lot!

[@gloriamacias2180]

Clarification by Father Mike Schmitz is a blessing not just to Catholics but for all Christians. Hopefully non-Christians will hear the messages and turn to Jesus.

[@Stardust475]

💯🙏🏻

[@ransomcoates546]

One person made this comment already, but I think it is so good it is worth repeating in the hope of its somehow catching Father’s attention. People suffer greatly because they cannot forget the serious sins they have committed. ‘Accepting Christ’s forgiveness’ is a kind of intentional exercise of will. But you cannot will away the anxiety and depression that always remembering your sins creates for many serious Christians. I wonder what remedy Father would suggest for this fact.

[@Jas-ms4tr]

Need this as well…

[@estellecarvelas5416]

Thank you, Father. I REALLY needed to hear this.

[@roybhasker]

One of the best videos I’ve seen! Made me recall the Lord’s prayer “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”. We need to fully forgive ourselves for our past sins so we can fully forgive others for their sins against us. Thank you Fr. Mike . You are a blessing to us as we are all a blessing to you and each other 🔥🕊️😇🙏❤️

[@kimavant8526]

My rosary popped today and I'm trying to forgive myself for it.

[@judyknapp6176]

Although I am forgiven for the many sins , many times it’s also hard to forget the sin .

[@thediazfamily1586]

Thank you for your heart of compassion Father Mike! "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." -Romans 8..."Jesus I Trust in You!"

[@highxquester]

In Jesus name Amen I need Jesus in every moment🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@stevencalkum9128]

I have always looked at this situation anorher way. I hate/scorn and deny forgiveness to myself. At the same time, I try to treat others reasonably well.

[@Aikicyoaz]

God made you, you have part of God in you, our soul. As a human we aren't worthy, but spiritually we are made worthy through Jesus' sacrifice. We must love ourselves, because we are made by God, for God, and have God within us. If we don't, then we aren't showing love to God for His beautiful creation (you).

[@user-tu5ch4go2z]

This has just changed my life

[@SalveMaria777]

Thank you father

[@Midwestyorkie]

Fr Mike, this video is so helpful. I really appreciate how much thought went into covering all aspects of this problem. Thank you father

[@giorgiaalexanderactingothe1892]

I can't tell you how much I needed to hear these exact words. I love Father Mike so much, I listen to his podcast every day. I am a new christian and I found Jesus a couple years ago. Listening to Father Mike makes me want to become a catholic. He represents the faith really well. I would like the ability to go to confession. I currently go to a presbyterian church. Maybe I will look more into catholicism specifically. I love learning about the Bible through Father Mike. This video today was so needed for me, I had never considered that I can't forgive myself because of the consequences. For me the consequences are that I am just so ashamed I dishonored myself by being with people who treated me not as the child of God that I am. I am saddened they were able to use me. It's something I can not seem to overcome. But I need to, I need to glorify God and I need to accept his mercy. Thank you again Father Mike.

[@MM22272]

Your honesty and story are beautiful. I wish you well in discerning your path into the Catholic Church. Father Mike is a true blessing for everyone.

[@user-sr6vn6ij1d]

I am a Muslim. But I love listening to your channel. I see so many similarities in our religions. And you people convey everything so briefly and clearly. Keep up the good work. The world needs Allah and religion.

[@user-dy5qf8ek2n]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a lot of guilt about so many things in my life that I cannot deal with. It's interesting that you talked about pets and medication because my guilt lies there. I had a Chihuahua who had seizures on a regular basis. Really hard to watch and she took medication for it . But one day I accidentally gave her a half a pill too much and she died. I cannot forgive myself and ask her forgiveness everyday. This happened five years ago and my guilt is as real as the first day it happened.

[@veronicahorn619]

Again, making all things clear. Thank you so much Fr. Mike

[@mazikode]

Wow..thank you Father Mile for breaking down WHY we cant forgive ourselves. For me its the living wuth the consequences of things i have done wrong. I now recognise it and can come to that forgiveness. God bless you.

[@ludovisian5063]

I love you so much. You are a beautiful person.

[@ciaracampbell7925]

woahhhh! you can tell that God is speaking through Fr. Mike for people to hear his voice!

[@kayakutah]

The scene at the end of "Saving Private Ryan" resonates with me. "Be worthy!" It's a continuous task. I know that Jesus sacrificed to wash away my sins. I know that God has forgiven me. But I'm also aware, looking back, at the consequences of all I have done. I can learn from that as well. I think that helps me to remain worthy.

[@shaunaplett6805]

This is so so so good. I have been struggling to forgive myself for something I did to my daughter. I always thought it was because of what I allowed to happen but now I realize it is because of the consequences I have had to face about not seeing her for 17 yrs. I have realized I have to surrender it and this is exactly what my Christian councillor saw in me this week. PRAISE GOD that God has spoke through this podcast.

[@susandubanowich4527]

Thank you, Father. Lately, I’ve been struggling hard with negative self-criticism. Not from what I did in the past (I always go to confession whenever I mess up), but what was done to me. I have this bad tendency to hold onto everything negatively said to me more than the positives. The other day I had an episode and afterwards I felt beat to death like Christ. I really just want to love and to be loved, but it’s hard with trauma. Jesus, I surrender it all to You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Dymphna, pray for us. St. John Paul II, pray for us. Amen

[@dellalobo5032]

Thank u Fr Mike...this is something I was really struggling with....especially knowing the fact that I can't fo anything about the wrong I have done in the past...I used to cry at times n feel suffocated....but today I shall surrender the same to Jesus...n everytime I feel this way I will keep surrendering it to Jesus..

[@forgamztalkzz8472]

This really touched my heart. It really made me feel great. God bless you father and everyone else.

[@GravInducedSleepTrac]

Thanks Fr Mike for this great reminder! Jesus died for our sins & we have to be grateful everyday for that beautiful gift! GOD BLESS :)

[@Constance77127]

Thank you. I have never heard about asking forgiveness and restitution. Makes so much sence for me.

[@majorfrank1167]

I can forgive, I just can't forget, there is the problem.

[@Jas-ms4tr]

Same here…

[@CharlesMartel676]

THANK YOU, FATHER!! I needed this so badly!!!

[@sandyj1561]

Much love my beautiful brother. Its hard to accept forgiveness if you keep stuffing up. I do not deserve everything I have been given. I just pray for my heart to change, I certainly will try to follow your advice.

[@AbsurdScandal]

Don't worry, ask God to help you accept the fact you're loved and considered worthwhile. It may be the case that one is still valuable and worth loving, including worth forgiving, even while one doesn't deserve that - deserving may not be the only form of value for us. I think this might be the truth which harmonises both things, and praying to God to see the truth clearly might also help with us; especially adoration. God bless!

[@sandyj1561]

@@AbsurdScandal thank you. God Bless you. Have a lovely day x

[@AJanae.]

Wow I’ve never had one of these talks hit me over the head like this one! Thank you thank you thank you Lord God

[@williamohara2638]

Father Mike Have followed all of your messages and now share them with a middle school catechism class I'm teaching at my parish. Using many resources from Ascension Press, Encounter with Mark Hart is wonderful. God's love to us comes in many ways and your one of them. We've bought you a coffee cup and we're all going to sign it and send it to you. We are learning the gift of giving with "Box of Joy" through the parish and going to put them together next week as a class. Your helping lead these kids to Jesus and most importantly living their lives through him in this challenging world we live in. God Bless

[@josephlucchetti2769]

Please pray for me I’ve done some things in my life recently that I am not to proud of and need the courage to bring it to the feet of Jesus at the cross through confession.

[@leala5919]

Praying for you

[@benbing3926]

So glad that I saw this video, because I've been dealing with this problem for weeks (at least glad to hear that I'm not the only one). Such a great point: how can we be glorifying God and doing good by hating ourselves? But at the same time, I think it's more about feeling than knowing: I can *know* that I have received forgiveness, but I don't *feel* like it - I'm my harshest critic. Thank you for this video - it's still really tough, but I know that through God anything good is possible. Prayers that I'm able to surrender to God and just trust in His forgiveness.

[@IONov990]

Thank God for this video. I definitely have difficulty dealing with the consequences of my sin. I feel ashamed and people do not trust me. Since last Thursday I have been contemplating suicide because of the consequences, the shame, and regret of previous stupidity and sin. I wish I could redo the last decade of my life. Sometimes I'd rather pay attention to other people's sin instead of my own.

[@emmacoyne3851]

Hey, I know we don't know each other, but I just want to let you know that I'm gonna pray a Rosary for you tonight that our most blessed Mother can console your heart and lead you to the open arms of her son. If you don't mind me asking, what's your name so I can say it in my intentions?

[@Aggie-zs1qi]

I wish I could redo many things myself. But God’s grace has saved me. It doesn’t mean that it makes it easier to not remember or keep falling into the blame /shame game. I’m broken and I’m human. I just pray and bring myself back up again everyday. I’m going to pray for you. Father Mike is right you cannot beat yourself up. Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with all its love, all its sufferings and all its merits. First - To expiate all the sins I have committed this day and during all my life. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Second - To purify the good I have done poorly this day and during all my life. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Third - To supply for the good I ought to have done, and that I have neglected this day and all my life. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. And I also pray the Surrender Novena too. God bless you!

[@IONov990]

@@Aggie-zs1qi I don't want to use the excuse that I was young but I was young. Teenagers often do not make the wisest choices.

[@IONov990]

@@emmacoyne3851 Ife is my name. God bless 💕

[@Aggie-zs1qi]

@@IONov990 I definitely am with you. My late teens and first two years of college - if I could relive those -I definitely would. But hindsight is 20/20. Boy was I stupid. 🤦🏽‍♀️ thank you my Lord and my God for Your mercy. Satan was definitely interfering in my life.

[@edouardmarcelin2374]

What a great timing 🙏🏾!

[@marianpurtscher3131]

We had a young woman who approached our St Paul Street Evangelization table and expressed that she could not believe in confession because it was too easy. Thanks, Fr. Mike, for this video!

[@lizb853]

Marian P Confession easy? I couldn't DISAGREE MORE. I lose a stone in weight whenever I'm due to go to confession. My confessor is a fabulous priest, who invariably gives good advice, and just and applicable penances, but it's the awful feeling of being overwhelmed by my actions and sins, and I literally 60% of the time, dry up completely just before I go into the confessional. That's NEVER stopped me from going to confession, but I still think it's a nerve-wracking experience every time.. To the lady who thinks it's easy or a walk in the park. She should maybe take another serious look at the sacrament of reconciliation again, in a little more detail.

[@fvnt0miix953]

You’re so right, some people consider their pets more important than themselves. I struggled a lot with depression this year and found no purpose in my life. The only “person” who kept me going was my 18 yrs old cat who grew up with me. I figured that my existence is only valuable to her because she depended on me. If I died, no one would be affected but her. So I lived for her, she was my purpose to live. However, a few months ago she passed away suddenly and unexpectedly 😢 I’ve been blaming myself for what happened because I didn’t get her to the vet soon enough. I was away the week she got sick and I feel like I’ve let her down. I’ve had the most surreal visitation dream the 2nd night she passed. A warm and soothing energy wave went from my head to my toes, delivering me 3 messages: “I’m safe, don’t cry too much, don’t blame yourself”. I wasn’t a believer at that time, but this “dream” totally changed me and I’m reading the bible now. However, I still can’t forgive myself even tho my cat told me she’s safe and asked me to not blame myself. I’ll try to surrender because like you said, beat myself up won’t change anything and it only makes things worse.

[@alexandriafranco7421]

Thank you father Mike 🤍

[@onthedottedline1]

Thank you so much for your videos - they are inspiring, thoughtful and truly bring Jesus as the answer to all of our human struggles and worldly ways. He LIVES - and He lives in us. So grateful for His mercy, grace and amazing love. It really hit me that my beating myself up for failures and sins do not glorify God. Thank you for that!

[@michellehickey9017]

Thank you for this Father Mike 🙏

[@msFilomena1]

Thank you Fr. Mike

[@quasariapraos6474]

Thank you!