When Is Our Time to Die?

[@ClaudiaHunt]

I had tears on this one Fr Mike. Thank you. I am 55 years old and have in mid-September this year found out I have terminal cancer. The entire experience is overwhelming. I had no idea I suffered from anything. Suddenly I am given weeks to live and not months. However, I have now lived three months since. I am feeling much better and whenever I am asked my life I shall surrender it in the spirit of obedience to God knowing that my life is his. He giveth and He can taketh away. I am grateful for the entirety of my own life. Like most people was not prepared for the difficult moment of my diagnose. But I am grateful for all moments of my life. And so I pray for more. If there's no more, I shall travel to God soon. And continue to pray for us all! Whilst I am still here, I ask you my brothers and sisters in Christ...to continue to pray for me. Thank you all, in special Fr. Mike and all the Ascension Presents team.

[@TrishaEvergreen]

Understood ❤ 6:35

[@michaelparsons6578]

Sending prayers your way. May the Lord bless and keep you.

[@HobbesnCalvin124]

🙏🙏🙏

[@annekekok2331]

I will pray for you Claudia ❤

[@jackiecorrado5884]

Claudia I am praying for you!

[@Mamioftreasures81116]

I had a patient that had cancer. He was 3 years old. I became very close to his parents. They were not married but lived together and had many children. Though the heartbreaking journey of this child's illness, I spoke with them about faith, God, catholicism, life, death, souls, spiritually...... the family returned to weekly mass and right before he died~ the parents for married in the church. 3 years old and his work on earth was more powerful than so many "powerful " people on earth. Praise be to God for his beautiful will and mission for each one of us in this life. Our soul is at peace when it's resting in the glory of God's desires ❤

[@er7586]

My son is premed at Notre Dame. His goal is to be a Holy Doctor. Caring for his patients physically and spiritually. He's on the right path. He's known he wanted to be a doctor since he was 4.5 years old. Your beautiful comment reminded me of him. God bless.

[@carlosgarza1962]

That's awesome what you did for the little child and the family, God bless you and that family

[@sunflowermarcia7277]

Praise God!!

[@jennifersides9116]

I had a nephew 2 years and 2 months old that passed away from congenital heart disease. I loved my nephew, and I love my sister, so it was very extremely hard to watch my nephew slowly go, to sit all day with my sister and stare into painful eyes. Not long before my nephew passed away, I started screaming at this God who let's little children and babies die. I told my fiance, now husband, to pray God would let him live, and my husband said, it doesn't work that way. So I screamed at my husband. I offered up my arms to let Jaeson, my nephew, live, and that was my prayer the whole time. Until the day Jaeson was put to rest, I couldn't stop crying at the service, I couldn't stop crying at the burial. I made it to the wake and sat in a chair by myself, and at some point then, it felt as though someone kind and concerned had wrapped a warm blanket around me. That day, I asked for forgiveness of my sins and acknowledged Jesus as my savior. I did that in front of my sister, who, 3 hours earlier, had said goodbye for many years to her son. My daughter is a Christian, so is my son, and so am I. I can't imagine what our lives would have been without my little nephew to bring me to Jesus.

[@Gospel4087]

Thank you for sharing this heartfelt story. It truly exemplifies Father Mike Schmitz's message that every life, no matter how short, holds immense value and purpose in God's eyes. Your patient's legacy and his family's return to faith highlight the profound impact of simply existing and trusting in God's plan. May their souls rest in peace, and may their story inspire others to find meaning and purpose in every moment.

[@nickyravens-ernstzen5022]

I needed to hear that my stillborn baby Shavonne and late miscarriage baby Chelsea existed for a reason. Thank you.

[@thisgirl5933]

Lord, I feel lifeless, dead inside. I want to love, but my heart is cold, my mind broken. Heal me heal me heal me MY GOD. Breathe life into me. Amen.

[@geraldb8856]

If you don't mind, I'd like to pray my daily rosary for you. I know where you're coming from, I've been there before. Sometimes, God places us in the desert so he can have you all to himself.

[@SherryBowie-j4m]

May God bless you and give you strength, his mercy, comfort, and love. He's always beside you to lean on. 🙏

[@sharona.obrien3406]

Thanks for sharing. Been there. I discovered Hesus was with me and Jesus is with you. Just the other day, a friend shared that her spiritual director who is also an exorcist suggested she say 10x in a row: Jesus. I trust in you. I've done it for 3 days now and I do feel Jesus's love and presence. If you choose to talk with Jesus, may you know he cares...as do so many others. I pray you choose life every moment. Problems are temporary, this too shall pass.

[@jacquelinelarsen6159]

You were fearfully and wonderfully made❤

[@gripplehound]

Lord God I pray you breathe life into @thisgirl5933 and bless her with your love and mercy. Amen

[@annlongchamps7956]

My mom died of pancreatic cancer too..i told her God has jobs for her in heaven

[@mariechong9109]

When my work here is done - I pray to be with God in Heaven 🙏

[@SherryBowie-j4m]

Amen❤

[@GluteusMaximus21]

My father is recovering from pancreatic cancer surgery as we speak and we pray they got it all.

[@DALDO135]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@TheMrsBond]

God is not an opinion. He is truth. He is fact. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TrishaEvergreen]

❤🙌✨😊 8:33 8:33

[@WeeJimmy82]

In your opinion! 😂

[@trollsneedhugs]

​@WeeJimmy82 no, literally. As in, God is literally The Truth.

[@WeeJimmy82]

@ again that’s your opinion tho. Can you demonstrate this??

[@mR-dc4oq]

Yes He is.

[@GracePeace-t8w]

No matter when our time comes, let’s live each day as a blessing, walking in faith and sharing God's love with others. 💖🙏

[@TrishaEvergreen]

Yes darling 💓😘 6:58

[@luiscalcorzi4034]

I’m 57 and have non curable cancer. On year 4 and sometimes I tell the lord I’m ready . Dealing with this at times is very difficult.

[@sharonfallon]

Take care and God's blessings to you 🙏

[@rhondalovett7797]

@@luiscalcorzi4034 hang in there, my friend, as Father said God has a plan for all of us and we don’t know when our time will come, but we have to believe that we will close our eyes here on earth and open them up to see the sweet face of Jesus

[@eileenwilkerson7273]

@@luiscalcorzi4034 Luis, prayers on the way. You are greatly loved, especially at this difficult time! ❤️🙏

[@men.276]

😢

[@LeslieSunshine17]

🙏🙏🙏

[@andreaandyoaklee]

My husband passed Dec 3rd 2024. God grace is so great- he returned to the Church a few months before his death. I know for a fact that God worked in our lives ro bring this about. I miss him deeply and his funeral is in 2 days, 1/10/25, but I know as I watched the Lord work to bring him back to HIM. We thought we were working towards getting our marriage blessed, but I know now God was preparing his way home.

[@johnf1121]

they say we "all" pray in the end !!

[@EC-yd9yv]

My condolences.. God Bless you 🕊️🙏🌸✨

[@andreaandyoaklee]

​@johnf1121 he didn't know it was nearing the end. He returned and we were getting ready to have our marriage blessed. But God knew.

[@johnf1121]

@@andreaandyoaklee Santa or the Easter bunny could have done the same thing for him, but why was he kept on ice for 5 weeks? Jeez, we all pray in the end!!

[@andreaandyoaklee]

@johnf1121 i strongly disagree- no one but God could. He wasn't kept on ice for 5 weeks have no idea what you're referring to

[@danielmaclellan2117]

Father - my baby sister died young at 29, 10 years after God took my father in his early 50s. On her deathbed, she told my mom that she was not afraid as Dad was holding her hand. She was happy despite leaving a wonderful husband and a 4-year-old daughter. Praise be Jesus Christ.

[@VeronicasVeil333]

❤

[@luciamixon4156]

🙏 thank you. Our loved ones are waiting for us.

[@annwilson3838]

Thank you Father Mike. I gave birth to a fullterm stillborn son. He died about a week before due date . They weren't doing regular ultrasounds in 1978-1979 so we had no idea of his anencephaly until an xray showed the not-compatible-with life deformities. After I processed thru the shock of a birth, a death and a funeral I realized his life had meaning. I believe he went straight from the womb into the arms of Jesus. I was able to use the experience to help others. Over the years, people have asked me "if you had known you were carrying a baby that was doomed would you have you gotten an abortion?" my answer has remained the same no I would not. My little Gabe was/is precious to God, and I will see him healthy and restored when I go home to heaven.

[@strangerthingsaresaid7655]

I can't believe someone would ask such a stupid question. My son was stillborn 4 days before his due date. After giving birth to him and getting pathology done to find the cause of death, they couldn't find a cause. I always asked why God couldn't have just let me miscarry in the first trimester instead of giving birth, just to bury them. It's not fair and cruel for a mom to carry her baby until birth and die on the same day.

[@annwilson3838]

@strangerthingsaresaid7655 My mother's heart aches for you. I also have no answer why I did not miscarry that first critical month when the neural tube in my son did not close properly. People did say the stupidest things to me. My ex mother in law was particularly cruel. It would have been better to say nothing at all, moron. I was very angry at God, crazed with grief and despair. I would stand in my living room, shouting at the ceiling and shaking my fist at the injustice of it all. It took a long time to heal mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I became pregnant again 11 months later. Realized I needed to focus positively on this new life, even though I would always miss my son. Amniocentisis and ultrasound at 16 weeks revealed that I was carrying a normal baby girl. She is 44 now and has given me nothing but joy. (And 4 grandkids). I've come to realize over the years that we all have our time here on Earth, maybe short, maybe long. I'm seventy one now, and was diagnosed with leukemia a year and a half ago. It's been quite a journey for sure. I certainly wouldn't have chosen this, but here I am. I still choose life with chemo because it is a sweet life in spite of everything. I have a wonderful second marriage to a husband that loves me dearly. I would like to stay as long as possible. I am mindful of Jesus, particularly during this season. How He came to earth with a specific mission. Every day I pray for healing, to use the brain the good Lord gave me well, and walk in faith on the water with Jesus. Wishing you all Goodness and Light.

[@johnf1121]

@@strangerthingsaresaid7655 mother nature can be very cruel, religion has nothing to do with it

[@donaldewert2332]

​@@johnf1121Religious people can be cruel!!!

[@ladonnabarker2983]

It is hard to understand how God can create a precious baby and then take them away. I believe their birth has a purpose. You may not understand until later in your life. God does not want us to live in the darkness but rather in the light. I’m happy you are living in the light now. My granddaughter was born 2 months ago with a heart defect. She had heart surgery at just 36 hours old. She is doing remarkably well, Praise God! Many prayers have been answered.

[@Ke-qv3md]

I was so relieved when God took my Mom on Monday morning. She was suffer for so long. She is now at peace. God knew it was her time. Thank you God for taking Mom home

[@houstonka]

May your mom rest in eternal peace. My condolences and hugs to you.

[@marystenson2852]

May she rest in peace, and may God give you courage and consolation❤️🙏☘️

[@sebastiennudo7792]

My condolences for your loss, truly 🙏

[@margokupelian344]

And your moms sufferings were for a reason too. Maybe God wanted to purify her so she would not spend time in purgatory, or she suffered for the salvation of certain people. God knows what other reasons there might be, but He has a plan for each one of us. Praise be to Jesus!

[@AvaCherry189]

God bless you in your loss.

[@elenalucebelo]

I love this priest! His eyes are shining with God's light❤

[@pivana]

Absolutely! 🙏

[@funnywoman3857]

Just what I was thinking!

[@olivialunsford9167]

❤

[@NestortheArgonaught]

He just told us at SEEK that going to Mass on Sunday and praying the rosary occasionally is the same as drifting away from God helplessly. He believes you’re only saved if you’re making disciples and working like a Palagian. Please pray that God lets me die today.

[@michaellefort6128]

God takes us when he wants us back. His time, not ours. Every moment we exist is a Glory to God.

[@johnf1121]

tell that to the millions of children suffering from starvation, while the filthy rich sleep on satin pillows...

[@mariasanabriarubio4184]

When I was young, I volunteered in the youth group. I always talked about how God has a plan for us. This came to mind when my oldest son passed away, I told my husband that I didn’t understand what was my sons purpose/mission in this world, he had passed and I didn’t know what was his mission. That same day, one of his friends came to give our family to give his condolences, he then said “I know he had a mission in this world, I was able to see it. You can’t see all the post his friends have shared, but I can and he touched every one of his friends life by being who he has. He was a best friend to everyone.” I was speechless, I knew God was answering to what I had said to my husband earlier.

[@NestortheArgonaught]

Sorry for your loss. God’s plan for my life was to die at 3 years old of an allergy attack. Unfortunately modern medicine foiled his plan. Now I am a 34 year old unlovable loser. Everything I try to do gets taken by someone else because God forgot to finish the job. Please pray that God remembers me and takes my life today.

[@SaraBarker-e5q]

God is love, and yes he bring us, and takes us at his will.

[@DKEK4]

God is good. I am blessed. I had a sudden cardiac arrest this past August 2024. I was clinically dead for 15 minutes. The Drs that evening in the ER and in the ICU the following days said how lucky I was and that it must not have been my time. 10% of the people who go into cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive. I am one of those people and I know it’s because of God that I am still here.

[@barbarastrzykalski7070]

Wow! I recently lost a very good friend from cancer when she was 70 and just a wonderful human being and she so loved God! Then I lost my younger brother who was 57 from a horrific car accident this Feb 2024. I have thought this question many times since then. I needed to hear this message! ❤❤❤❤

[@afm1410]

Thank you, Father Mike. I also lost my mother to cancer this year in May this year. So many other things have gone wrong in my life as well. My sister, Dad and me feel like there's nothing to live for anymore and we are just existing and drifting by day after day, month after month. This will be a sad Christmas and New Year without her. I hope 2025 will bring some happiness. I pray for all those who have lost your loved ones and especially this year. May the souls of your loved ones Rest in Peace in Jesus's arms. I pray for Jesus, Mary and Joseph to give you strength, comfort and peace. God bless you all.

[@audgester]

Hello, I lost my beloved dad in May of this year and you describe exactly how things have been going and how I feel as well. Advent and the Christmas season has been very helpful to remind me of several wonderful things to be grateful for, but this being the first Christmas without Dad it is hard in that way. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone and that I am praying for you and your family that the season brings you some relief during the grief process. All the best and God bless.

[@afm1410]

@audgester Thank you. You too are not alone and I will definitely pray for you your Dad and your family. Try to spend Christmas and New Year's with your closest family or friends and not alone. This world is not our home and your Father has gone to his eternal home with Jesus. Let us keep praying for our parents and offer Masses for their souls and all souls in Purgatory and they will pray for us too. We all have to strive to get to Heaven and reunite with Jesus and our loved ones. Trust in Jesus. He will wipe away all our tears in the end - Revelation 21:4. Have a Blessed Christmas and New Year and God bless you and your family.

[@audgester]

@@afm1410 Thank you my friend. I will, and you too.

[@annar4955]

I lost my grandma who raised me and my mom is still mourning her mom and I feel for her so it’s hard. I try to stay strong for my mom and this year in Christmas will be hard because she no longer is with us but I try finding comfort knowing she is in a way better place then us and I try reminding my mom of that but it breaks my heart for her. I pray you find comfort as well knowing she is closer to God than we are. ❤

[@marystenson2852]

I’m sure you are all in the shock of grief but life Must go on. Pray for the repose of your dear mother, pray for courage from Our Lady who stood at the foot of the Cross. Share memories and honour your mother by uniting together day by day and living as best you all can- get any support you can as others will only be glad to help or professional help as needed. God bless and keep you all❤️🙏☘️

[@doloreswisecarver1784]

Whether we live only in the womb, 1 year, 15, 25 50, 75 or 100 years, it is but a mere dot on the timeline of eternity. When I was volunteering in the Pediatric Intensive care Unit, there was a 15-year girl who had been in a motor vehicle accident. She was in a coma but seemed to be stable. I sat near her bed and prayed for God’s healing graces to come over this young girl. Within minutes she went into cardiac arrest. I just started screaming (in my head), “No God. No.” Then I could hear God speak to my heart, “It’s better if I take her home now than for her not to make it home at all.” From that day forward, I don’t know for sure, but I believe God takes us at the optimum time of our soul.

[@eastulip]

WOW, WHAT A POWERFUL, AMAZING STORY

[@annarebecca3384]

But why would she "not make it home at all"? Would she not still go to Heaven if she died in another 50 years? I'm confused... I guess it's possible she would have rebelled against God as an adult and then she would have been condemned.

[@doloreswisecarver1784]

@ yes.

[@jinwei996]

Thank you Father Mike. Sometimes I feel lost wondering what is the purpose of my life. I cried when I heard you say that simply existing serves God. Simply existing is work. Such beautiful and insightful words. Thank you and God bless you!

[@annsaunders5768]

😮

[@boardtodeath46]

God knew and knows the exact moment of our birth and death. This is not the issue. It’s if we are prepared to meet him on a daily basis. This is where I struggle. I sin daily and sometimes I procrastinate my repentance. I’ll get better.

[@LilKittyKatt]

We’ll get better. ☺️

[@annmarie3573]

This is our first Christmas without my beloved niece and goddaughter Naomi, who passed last February suddenly at 8 years old. I thank God for her life. For her love, joy, creativity, and innocence. She died 1 week after making her first reconciliation. I believe she flew into the arms of Our Blessed Lord and intercedes for us all there. Please pray for my little sister, Tricia, her mother, and her father Alex and her little brother Nick. The most difficult thing is seeing how much they suffer with her early loss! 💔

[@user-qi5jw2hg1c]

God bless you and your family this Christmas

[@LianneWharton-lp5jy]

Naomi is restored in heaven, praying God wraps his loving arms around you and your family.

[@BronxCat]

Suddenly 😢

[@sandrafagan8693]

8 years very 😢sad for her family rest in the wonderful arms of the father

[@ShironRenaghan]

Thank you father 31years ago I had. Still born baby. Your words bring so much comfort. A week ago I lost my dad, at his bedside I constantly prayed over him and told him how much I loved him. God bless you x

[@luminussekat9030]

I pray I'll overcome all temptations in Jesus Christ name❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🕊

[@nickschroeder8496]

My aunt has just been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. Please pray for her recovery. I have actually thought about this a lot. I have a little brother who was born prematurely and passed away about 5 hours later. Todays medicine would have kept him alive. I often wonder about his purpose could have been in his incredibly short life. I believe you gave me a really good idea of how to think about it. I also wonder and worry if I will fulfill my purpose in Him. I also pray that when I do wind up passing away, it is quick, PAINLESS, and I get one last opportunity to pray. I also ask that for everyone else.

[@Glp1011]

GOD IS GOOD !! 🤍 I SEE HIS LIGHT IN YOU FR. MIKE. I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU 🤍

[@lisa-eg8nx]

That was so lovely. I was diagnosed in 2020 with stage four breast cancer… It changed my life forever I really am very thankful for it. It is really made me closer to Jesus and understanding why he suffered so much and so badly for us❤ thank you so much for this enlightening video… I know God has a plan for me and this is part of it even though I’m sad at times I’m very grateful that I got to live 50 years of good health and raising my children and being a grandparent, I couldn’t ask for anything more from him at this point… I am now 55 so far my disease is pretty stable. I’m on my first line of medication. God definitely has a plan for me and I will do whatever I can to make him happy through this experience… To all those out there with cancer, please trust in God and find peace and give your anxiety and fears to him. It makes a world of a difference experiencing this life with illness❤❤❤❤

[@lorettagallagher9577]

Some things we will never know this side of heaven. Amen and thank you Fr Mike.

[@habtamuayele8580]

I needed to hear this. I lost my dad very recently. Good bless you Father

[@amellowman]

My father passed away two weeks ago. While I know he is in a better place, I miss his physical presence. I know that this is selfish. Hearing this helped me become that much more at peace. Just what I needed to hear. God bless you, Father Mike.

[@marystenson2852]

Very natural and not selfish , it’s hard to let go but we must. He was a gift in your life. Thank God for the gift and pray for courage plus the repose of his dear soul ❤️🙏☘️

[@pivana]

My father died recently, and inspite of prayers, holy masses and rosaries I have not been able to find an explanation for it... I felt God through you Father Mike. Thank you for being you and God bless you 🙏🙏🙏

[@rhondalovett7797]

Thank you, Father. I really needed this at this time in my life. It came at the exact right time. I am battling third stage colon cancer and I think it’s coming back and I’m a little depressed, but trusting God so the things you just said were just spot on for me God bless you always

[@rykerolaoghaire8781]

God bless you. I will pray for you 🙏

[@Eztefen]

praying for you

[@afm1410]

St Peregrine the Cancer Saint bless and Heal you in Jesus's name. Amen.

[@papalseamstress]

Praying for you, Friend. 🙏✝️🙏

[@eileenwilkerson7273]

Rhonda, prayers on the way, peace!❤️🙏

[@FlowerxLady]

I am learning to surrender my life to Jesus! It’s such a difficult time but I’m grateful for my sufferings. Dear Jesus, I Surrender myself to you- please take care of everything ✝️🙏

[@caryinfante8013]

Father Mike, God bless you! I am almost 73 years old and a practicing Catholic and I just need to say to you that this reflexion has really changed me in a very good way. We all know our God loves us, however, when you brought it to just focusing on our existence it brought me so much joy that I can’t stop thinking about it and just had to let you know. My thoughts … we all know what an awesome and loving God we have, but simply concentrating on the fact that He wants us to “exist” … this specific word, has changed something in my heart! We all hear the same message differently and at different times, but this time it was certainly to change something in me. I cannot even explain clearly what I’m trying to say. I really am in awe! Thank you, and may our Heavenly Father continue pouring down His blessings upon you, in Jesus Name! ❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@AlexanderBrown77]

1 Corinthians 15 KJV 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

[@amschaper]

May He support us All the day long Till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done… Then in His mercy may He give us safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at the last. …St John Newman

[@christinen1521]

Thank you Fr Mike. Recently I lost someone close to me. He was old( 85yrs), and had been waiting to go be with The LORD for years. He would actually share this on our coffee dates; kinda morbid, but such is life. He passed end of November 2024. I was really sad, but also happy for him. One night I was crying and The LORD convicted me, " Do not mourn like the heathen". At first I laughed when HE said it. But then I thought about it some more. HE is GOD of the living, not the dead. Our loved ones that pass on are only asleep(like Jesus always said).They will all wake up when Our LORD comes back.

[@trust.no_1]

Exactly my question too. Why am I still around! I'm 56 and healthy and live comfortable but very disappointed in today's revelations days 😕 Every minute people die but not me. Exit from lost earth is what I pray for everyday. Why christians want a long earth life baffles me. Heaven is home 🙏

[@jimtownsend7899]

I have a close friend whose great granddaughter was born against all odds, yet all knew her time was to be short. She lived in this world only 31 days, but it was a life well-lived, and a lifetime of service in the Lord. During those 31 days, every member of the entire family, all her relatives got to hold her in their arms. They got to say hello, to know her, and to say goodbye. 31 days of changing the world around her, touching every heart she met and bringing them closer to God. Could any life be a better one than that?

[@franceshnni7380]

I heard this from my gran when I was little that cancer and illnesses is God’s blessing, and I didn’t understand until I realize that those sickness buys people time to turn to God and repent on our sins..

[@eastulip]

❤️

[@b8akaratn19]

Father, i am glad your Mom had such a great relationship with the Lord, even in her final days. May she rest in peace. And the parts about, "it is good you exist" + Cardinal Newman's quotes ...well, I know I'll be reflecting on them, & rewatch this a few more times, too. Really grateful 🙏💙❣️ God bless you & anyone seeing this! 🕊️

[@patsy7101]

Thank You Father for talking about this subject, Thank You for saying "God loves us for himself, for such Great Is His Love that he wants us with Him" So Beautiful 💗...or that Is what I undestood !!👋👋👋😊😊😊😊!!!

[@Veronica-k7c3n]

I lost my beloved Mum just 2 1/2 months ago. I'm grateful Divine Intervention arranged for us to spend summer together before she passed 7 weeks later. Father Mike, I'm so sorry to learn of your beloved Mum's passing. It's a very aggressive disease and she must have been a very tough person to endure 3 years from diagnosis. I, too lost my elder sister and brother-in-law to pancreatic cancer.

[@julieCA58]

Fr. Mike, it is getting very difficult to stay being miserable when you keep posting things like this. But thanks for keeping it honest with "we don't know". So much we do not yet see. God bless.

[@joebobbrackman3152]

Fr Chris Lack always says at the end of life you can still Love

[@suzannemyers7870]

As an elder then pondering all of this. Father Mike this is just what I needed to hear today. It was a comfort and I believe a message from our loving God to settle my heart🙏

[@DadRockProject]

It's not your work, it's the work that God does through you

[@stafanawarner7413]

The best comment…yes!

[@bluewren2]

When I listen to you Fr Mike Schmitz I am sincerely grateful we have Bishop Robert Barron.

[@basichistory]

Thank you Fr Mike. My mother Mary passed away this September. We are still reeling from it. May she and the souls of the most faithfully departed rest in peace. Amen.🙏🙏

[@craigsreallifechangingheal3812]

Great message Father Mike! The Lord is amazing! ❤ Your video came up after my NDE video seeing Jesus. ✝The Lord has saved me over and over. 🙏 I believe so I could keep the promise I made to the Lord. We are truly hear until our purpose is done. I kept that promise. Keep up your great work. God bless you, Father Mike! 🙏🙏

[@kilroy4103]

I lost my Dad this past January and he was 84. He had dementia for the last 3 or 4 years and even though that partially took his life I believe that God was ready for him to come home even though his family wasn't. I'm not mad at God for taking him I'm thanking God for giving him life so he could give me life. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for giving me everything in my life.

[@agucci]

That was truly a humble answer. I do believe that failure is an option, which is why our free will is so important.

[@lguevara586]

Yes. I think the number of lives we unknowingly touch, positively or negatively, within our lifetime greatly exceeds the known number. It's a wonderful life. 🙂

[@mollyadams5281]

Fr Mike, thank you for sharing this segment. My 55 year old sister-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer in November. It has left us all with so many questions. This gives me comfort in reminding me that everything is in God's hands & plans. I will continue to pray for His will to be done no matter how sad the situation becomes. May God continue to bless you and you ministry. My relationship with God has changed drastically and your sermons have had a wonderful impact!

[@dianeo6145]

Father Mike I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved mom, I lost my Mom last June, life is not the same without her, she was my best friend, I miss her so much. I am so grateful that God blest me with such an amazing, loving, kind, woman to be my mom.

[@colleenstivers951]

This question was so deep and interesting and I like the answers you put out. your videos are so stimulating‼️ DON’T STOP YOUR VIDEOS ❗️ I need to hear what you say. I think we all need to hear.❗️🤗 🙏 I will pray for your mother and your whole family. 🙏 ❤

[@emilykateisreading]

Thank you Father Mike for this video.. I lost my dad 17 days ago.. it was sudden.. he thought he was getting on top of the infection.. he is my bestest friend and it is really hard to be apart from him.. not to talk to him and hear his laugh and jokes... hold his hand.. give him a hug and hear his voice.. I trust God all the way with my whole heart and being.. I just wish I knew if dad was okay and safe and that all is well... my heart is broken this Christmas and I miss him soo much.. everyday is a struggle.. please pray for my dad, please pray that he is safely home with Jesus.. thank you for everything, for a wonderful video.. you and your ministry are always in our thoughts and prayers.. God Bless You! 💜💜🙏📿💜

[@marystenson2852]

Trust in God and it’s natural to be in shock and missing your dear Dad- he must have been a mighty man and good example to you. We all have to hand over our nearest and dearest to God as they were a gift to us from God in the first place. It is early days yet so don’t rush through the grief- got all support that you can. We are not meant to be alone despite the loneliness. Go deeper into the faith especially the mass🙏❤️☘️

[@emilykateisreading]

@@marystenson2852 Thanks Mary, your message means a lot. My father was the most precious gift from God, I would have been completely lost without his love and care. He saved me in so many ways, thank you God for blessing me with the most beautiful soul for a Dad. Thank you Mary for your message, it's really touched my heart. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, sending love and prayers 🙏💜

[@CLLB17]

The Great Mystery………this is on my long list of questions when I meet God. Don’t question on earth, just trust and go with it.

[@bradley-224]

I couldn't keep the tears rolling. If It's my time Lord I understand. I lay my head at night to rest and if you take me in my sleep I''ll be with you in heaven. Lord Jesus you are in control. I'll do the best I can alive....But the rest is in your hands. Amen.

[@Heartof_Prayer]

While we can’t predict when our time will come, we can focus on living with love, compassion, and faith, making every moment count. 💖🙏

[@RubyW7944]

And is so hard, at least for me. I try, I do, but sometimes humanity drives me crazy and I have no compassion or love, except for my animal friends:)

[@macpduff2119]

It is peaceful to know that our life's length is in God's hands. He gives life and He brings it back to Him in His own time

[@kelkabot]

Thank you, Father. And happy 50th birthday on the 14th!

[@brianlund1760]

"Being, just existing is the work." Thank you, I needed to hear that.

[@AnnHolloway-i4c]

My husband of 44years had alzheimers. He also had bleeds on hos brain. He was frightened and confused. I asked god to show mercy and take him home. God did! It hurts so much but my husbsnd is whole and happy now and I'll see him again one day.

[@edwardfabela2200]

Awesome message Father Mike, I love the passage you read. I think it's spot on. God's peace and protection for you and yours.

[@sherryharding5792]

Thank you Fr Mike for this enlightening homily....... So we continue to praise Him and trust in God.....Amen 🙏🤍

[@josebastardes]

Such inspiring words, Father. I wanted to share with everybody here what I read in the books of St. Bridget of Sweden regarding our hour of passing. According to her visions, God generally does not interfere much with the physical processes of our bodies in the context of time, aging, etc. However, on some rare occasions, and always according to His justice and mercy, He does. Also, it would seem that God, outside of time, already knows the length of our days; He has already seen it all. That is why when we repent from our sins and receive His forgiveness, especially in the Confessional, I don't think most of us realize what an utterly indescribable fantastic thing this is: that we can repent from our sins and reconcile ourselves with our Father in Heaven, is what differentiates us from the fallen Angels, despite them being infinitely superior to us! God bless everyone here!

[@joshuaminer8332]

I lost my friend almost 3 years ago this my best friend and brother, he was my strongest Christian friend, he’s death to me is still just so hard to grasp. I dont get why it happened the person who always helped keep my path and eyes on the lord. But over these years I’ve learned that i have the strength to look forward and keep my eyes on the LORD without my best friend. I will never understand the plan and I’ve grown to just swallow that pill

[@KristinaCawley-n1f]

This is such a stunningly simple and profound message. Thank you so much. ^_^

[@MarydellG]

Father Mike You are such a Great Lovely Cool Honorable Priest We love ❤ you

[@edortega9634]

Thank you, Fr. Mike. Wonderful explanation. Our purpose is to give glory to God. How we do it, God knows always, and we may know some of the time...maybe. But always Trust God!

[@MichaelWong-kb5ln]

This made me cry. Thank you Fr. Mike for this timely video.

[@tsitsifloramunikwa5468]

Father, I love the bloopers. The fact that you have been doing this for so long and still get those bloopers just makes you so relatable!

[@garycortesi8406]

Wish I could hear homilies like this in church on the weekends. They really try hard but really redundant to what I’ve been hearing for years. One of the best ones ever is too old now to say mass.

[@peeshyholland433]

My Aunt lived til she was 101 and she wondered why she was still around. I came to her at the Nazareth house in San Diego and asked her for marital advice. She was also my Godmother and I had been close to her. She said after our talk that she realized she was still useful because she helped me.

[@user-pi1sl6mi4o]

Our purpose is to be a light to ourselves and others everyday.

[@31Alden]

Thank you, Fr. Mike. I lost my beloved brother, best friend and soulmate on April 26, 2024. We shared an inseparable bond. The grief has been blinding at times leaving me to ask God why He chose to take Jim when He did. Nearly 9 months into this, I have drawn some conclusions as to “why” which has provided comfort and peace to my aching heart. Thank you very much for this discussion.

[@AvaCherry189]

Probably 35 years ago I saw Cardinal Neuman’s meditation in a pro life magazine. I took it out and framed it. It’s been on my ever since. I’ve made copies and given them to friends when they were going through hard times. It will be on my wall until I die. So good.

[@NaoimhBeirne]

For those who have never seen the light of day, I believe that they have a vital reason for being, because the 'were' in the womb and had a mother and a father and perhaps a much bigger family. The fact they don't even make it into the living world has to have an impact/effect on 1. their mother/father; the people who perform the operation/extended family who would give anything to see that child, and many more we can't even comprehend. God has His reason for everythng! He is The Creator, but that's just my own view. Love the Cardinal's prayer! Thanks for that too! Thank you for all the informative vids, Beannaithe Dé

[@tabithahall3816]

Thank you, Fr. Mike, this gives me great comfort. My first child died very early in utero. I was so devastated it took me 7 years to name him. I've wrestled all this time with the question of why. But now he has 5 younger brothers to intercede for, maybe that is his purpose.❤ God bless you.

[@madeleinegauthier]

Thank you Fr. Mike, so much, this inspiration, this message, touched me deeply. I loved the part when you said that God loves us simply for "being". I'm 70 years old, I live alone and I ask myself the same question your dear mother asked. I feel like I no longer have a purpose. May our Lord bless you abundantly. Merry Christmas! 🎄🎀

[@janteynor5524]

That thought is very comforting Father Mike. 😊

[@marianmilne6009]

That was wonderful. Thank you Fr Mike.🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@paulacevedo8814]

Praise to you God and lord Jesus Christ. 😇🙏❤.

[@elizabethhoagland6860]

Please pray for me and my son. My son loves and needs me. Please pray for me.

[@susanascraps]

Thank you for this video. I lost a child before he was born. Hearing the words he may have existed to be in God’s glory makes me glad.

[@johnt6428]

Conchita of Garabandal who spoke with Jesus in a locution one particular time wanted to be with Jesus. She told Him “but I know for that to be I have to die .” Jesus replied: “One never dies.” Thanks Father. Merry Christmas. God Bless!

[@thereselangenkamp331]

This made me tear up. Thank you Father, this was beautiful.

[@chris6245]

I have always believed that God in His mercy takes us who are faithful when we are at our best that we will be. Like a fruit that must be picked before it spoils, even if that ripeness is not visible to others. It’s all part of His divine plan.

[@Lopezflies888]

I made my heart so hard because God is taking my Aunt Hannah to maybe today . She's the only form of love I've ever had from childhood. I'm so angry at God I can't even talk because my aunt suffered so much the last 5 years of her life. This is the first video that made me cry. I understand now why God kept her around the last 5 years. I needed to know I was loved by somebody on this planet.

[@CommonSenseChrist]

God bless you Father and please ask your mom to pray for us up there in heaven.

[@leejones3219]

I’ve been very I’ll. I don’t know if I have long. I wonder why I’m still here but as I walk. I wear my retired a navy hat. When I feel so depressed I hear , Thank you for your service. God is Great.

[@akaroze]

Thank you Fr. mike, this was exactly what I needed today, it was such an immense coincidence. I feel lost in my life right now and don’t know my future, don’t know my purpose. And I feel very comforted by your words. Thank you.

[@dennisliavas4463]

Father Mike Thank you for the perspective and the faith talk

[@oonwing]

That's deep, my own mother passed earlier this year....she died fifteen minutes after i arrived in N. C. from DC, people say she waited for me to be at her side. I believe...

[@kellyklatt3056]

“Do you not suppose that God in His mercy takes us from this Earth when we are best to stand judgement? “ A quote from Everyday Catholic that has lived rent free in my head for 30 years. Love this thought, hopefully it’s true!

[@marylewis-cb9vk]

Such a great message the hardship is why are we left behind-tat is the sadness. Thank you’

[@thatsandgirl3046]

Love this guy! The outtake at the end is hilarious!

[@clementmartinez121]

We go when our heart stops. I'm ready so I hurry up and wait. In your good time Lord... Your humble servant Cam

[@ruthortega5822]

So good to hear your thoughts on this very hard subject. Always enlightened by your words. I believe that God's will be done, on His timing always. I will praise, love and worship while I am still here.