Finding God in Darkness

[@carolereynolds-g9r]

I have been in the Dark Night of my Soul for months now. I can see it's value; I am growing spiritually and I hope that I am learning to be more patient. I will be rewatching this lesson again and again to be able to continue to get to the other side of this; it has been a very difficult time. Fr. Schmitz thank you so much for your help.

[@andrewjackson3278]

I wasn’t a Catholic when I first started watching Father Mike, But now I have many books on catholicism and want to know all about it. Even wearing a saint Christopher medal XD thank you Father Mike!

[@donnamaria5588]

this is great for you. I invite to walk in any Catholic Church. You are much welcomed. "Catholic" means universal. All are welcome. Find a good church for you. Have fun and joy. Blessings

[@xPhYsCoBarbie]

Yay! Come home Andrew! Praying for you! :)

[@KevinCoriolan]

You are in my prayers Andrew. 🙏🏽

[@andrewjackson3278]

Kevin Coriolan Thank you brother! As you are in mine!

[@Dan-bc9nx]

Andrew Jackson same! I got a saint christopher medal for my 18th birthday I’m Christian, part of the church of England and i’ve always been curious & intrested about the Catholic faith! So i did some research about it which came up with Pope Francis & Father Mike! I’ve watched their videos and i’m instantly hooked! I love their personalities! So down to earth and kind! I’ve bought my first ever rosary from Notre Dame in Paris, bought my very own ESV bible (we have two old ones from my grandparents) Problem is my parents & brother don’t like me having the idea of being a catholic, ever since Notre Dame... But anyway! Good luck on your journey and teachings Of Catholicism! God Bless!

[@MariaPullatt]

"Choose God for His sake, not for His gifts." OH MY GOSH! Mind = BLOWN. I needed this, I needed to stop treating my poor Lord like my monthly visit to the grocery store. :( *runs off to confession*

[@andrewjackson3278]

Maria Pullatt, Father Mike is one of the wisest men I have ever heard. I would love to see him become pope one day. XD

[@MariaPullatt]

Yeah! That would be awesome! Although right now I'm rooting for Bishop Barron to become Pope. There's a chance for both, sometime in the future, hopefully.

[@andrewjackson3278]

Maria Pullatt I shall certainly do my studies on Bishop Barron lol

[@maryhales2684]

I'm Protestant and I feel like I need to run off to confession after this video from Fr. Mike...

[@andrewjackson3278]

Mary Hales Father Mike is as real as they get. A true friend and spiritual leader. I’m glad to see Father Mike influenced you! Peace and love!

[@angelaseminara2864]

You mentioned depression in this video, and I was just thinking maybe you can do a video on keeping your faith strong through mental illness

[@123marciav]

omg yes! I love that. I hope he can do one soon!

[@fionaosullivan3691]

I would also like a video on mental illness. Father Mike has a video on suicide and his video "Will God Heal My Wounds" both mention mental illness

[@charmendro]

Mental illness should get some light, I know some find this harder because of their mental illness like myself

[@sarahmwendi506]

I have struggled with social anxiety disorder for more than ten years but since I came to learn the biblical aspect of fear (2timothy1:7 ,Isaiah 43:1-3,Philippians 4:6-7 etc) I must say my life is way better ....I'm not 100% cleared of fear and anxiety but I admit God's doing something in my life ....I believe I'm up for a great testimony for God's love and mercy......I encourage you guys to seek Christ Jesus, He's alive and he answers prayers (mathew7:7)......but we must also really be committed to him and not give up (Jeremiah 29:12-14)......I love you all God bless

[@auntytheist9063]

Faith in a religion is a mental illness in itself.

[@5Mariner]

As a historian who studies dark moments in human history and as a Roman Catholic who believes in God and Heaven, I really need to hear these lectures. I am dealing with the passing of my grandfather who was in my life for 27 years. Please pray for me. And please pray for my grandfather.

[@Theworldhatesuspodcast]

Praying 🙏 for you right now 🙏 but can we also get to know you more? We’ve been looking for a historian that is Catholic for our podcast. Please let me know 🙏 regardless we pray for you and hope this comment finds you well. God bless

[@nariko47]

I won't give up

[@Frank-nl8bb]

Amen Halleluijah glory be to God!

[@TechMultiview100]

Never!

[@karenkupczyk7425]

I really love to listen to Father Mike. His wisdom is beyond his years. This message is particularly important to share with so many people today who may be fighting to float their boat. Thank you and God Bless.

[@charmendro]

:) helped me a lot too! I feel like part of the issue lately is I choose God with this thought of Heaven in mind and being with Him, which is something good don’t get me wrong, but choosing Him because of our love for Him because He deserves it , didn’t look at it that way.

[@myratogonon]

Me too!!! In Jesus I find strength

[@LadyLeo8208]

I am pretty sure that KZbin doesn’t have the technology to read my mind Lol. So, I give God all of the glory. It is amazing how you pop up in my suggested videos at the exact perfect time. I am really struggling hard with depression while on a strong journey back to a closer relationship with God. I am in that so-called purgatory wave where I pray and pray, read my Bible and attend Mass while I cannot seem to pull myself out of this pit of despair. I am going to keep on pushing forward. All that to say, Thank you. Really…..thank you so much for your encouragement. God Bless.

[@TheSongNinja]

I am struggling with a deep depression I haven’t felt since postpartum, so I am asking everyone to please pray for me. I am working with my priest and my doctor to try to resolve this as quickly and healthfully as possible. I ask that you pray for me and my daughter. We are safe. We're just going through a rough time. May God bless you all💚

[@acolish]

It's nice to know that if the whole seminary/priest thing hadn't worked out, you totally could have made it as a Backstreet Boy. Great video. When I first encountered God, I began to love him because it felt good. It was really all about me. My growth in the spiritual life has shown me that love really isn't about me at all. Dry periods have helped me focus less on loving God for my sake and more on loving him for his own sake. "Backstreet's back alright!"

[@lauramhess6338]

Dcn Alex Colautti so much truth to that! I also find using my God given strengths for the purpose of glorifying God (big picture purpose of saving souls other then my own), helps me with this periods of dryness. They happen less and less frequency, so I feel I’m heading in the right direction. Plus a weekly dose of my hometown priest Fr Mike doesn’t hurt!

[@heido90]

Well Father Mike did almost make it to the silver screen as Robin in Batman Forever. Not boy band exactly but still, fun fact.

[@acolish]

Steven Heid haha you're right, that is a fun fact! I did not know that!

[@fr.mikeschmitz-mostmesmeri507]

You will make it and as good as good can be. I guess we all go through this desolation once in a while, but now we have father to help us through like he did! You Dcn Alex certainly couldn't ask for a finer spiritual coach than Father Mike, and I'm sure God has a special plan for you too. It's not easy being a priest especially today and in these times. Happy to see another priest around and like you to know that I pray daily for our priests. God bless you too and hope He keeps you stronger with each passing day. Amen!

[@tagabulodchastityobedience7292]

Fr Alex Colautti right?🤣

[@pamelaking7283]

It's so hard to hang on when so much bad happens to you over and over. The depression just drags you down until you don't care about anything.

[@TheSahyoa]

Keep praying dont give up your not alone Jesus tells us that He will always be with us read from the Bible it helps to hear the Word of God, attend Mass or visit the sick in hospitals, the elderly lonely in nursing homes when we realise the people around us and their pain and struggles than we see ourselves in a different way. Remember Jesus is the Way The Truth and The Light. He tells do not be afraid ...trust in Jesus always. Amen

[@flippymom]

Depression is horrible. I've been suffering w it for years and years! But please let me ask you to go talk to someone. It truly does help, even if it feels foolish at first. Hugs!

[@annachrist7088]

learn to lean on God and Him alone and be patient. All the saints made it to the beautiful light, we can all be reassured. God's the closest when you are in spiritual desolation, pray without ceasing and feel that undivided love He has for you🕯🙏💖

[@whoputyouontheplanet3345]

I've struggled with this, and still do. I know exactly what you mean, but trust me when I say, don't give up! Even when you feel nothingness, keep praying. He will show you that He's there. God bless! I pray things get better for you!

[@Medietos]

Pamela King: I know, see what I gave above on Nutrítional Balancing program/ science to help heal. Faith is not enough nowadays, many bad toxins. I understand, am struggling deeply too. And don't really get the support I need from churches/ christians. AA has helped a lot , and other 12- step programs. Even towards becoming christian, fúnny enough! Which also Jordan Peterson has, with his Biblical Lectures on YT.His honesty, opennes and compassion.

[@MikeWhiskey427]

Im not Catholic and wasnt raised around religion, Love these videos! Im older and tho I tried to read the bible when I was young, it might as well been written in a foreign language. I kept trying tho, I was in my 40s before it started to click. Just saying dont quit and not that Im all that. Im nothing, been so hopelessly lost in times of my life. Jesus came and led me back. Im so blessed in God's love. God bless!

[@hunteremery2825]

It is weird, I remember hating this guys videos while watching him in my catholic highschool while I was an atheist but now that I am reevaluating my faith I have found his videos very helpful. I feel like for people to truly find God, they must actively seek him for themselves rather than have others force them into it.

[@LångemansLya]

I relate

[@australianman3486]

@@LångemansLya You where going to a Catholic school

[@LångemansLya]

@@australianman3486 No, more the part of actively seeking god out rather than being forced into it, never really works

[@stephaniepeterson2814]

I agree. I’m learning just how important the grace of faith is. You can give rational, moral, theological and philosophical proofs of God all day but ultimately it comes down to faith and God’s timing. God converts souls not people, people these days need to realize that. Prayer/spiritual exercises are the most important thing in conversion.

[@chrissyn4491]

At a time when I am almost about to give up on God because of the desolation, encountering this video is like getting a clear cut answer that I shouldn't. Thank you Father. You're a blessing.

[@stephaniepeterson2814]

How are you now?

[@martin1b]

Not everyone is chosen to experience the 'dark night of the soul'. However, if you are, He gives you enough grace to not only endure, but to be victorious. The longer it lasts, the more he feels you are capable, and provides the grace needed. Feel blessed that you have been chosen for this special task. Great video Fr Mike!

[@TJMJR1963]

Bill Martin Your lips to God's ears.

[@painlesstragedy]

are you talking about when God tests our faith and soul with the groping of nightshades...? invisible, ice cold but physical spirits? That happened to me b4...I prayed to Jesus and they left immediately after.

[@hugoboss9387]

Crisis Control youre strong mentally to understand that darknknight is a real phantasm and you trust in God to deliver thee from the night shade. God bless!

[@Eowyn3Pride]

That can't be right...I feel like such a reject right now...I suppose I should read Job...

[@katherinebellendir1681]

Loving Jesus even if I never get heaven. Wow, that is really what I needed to hear right now

[@101Checks]

I’m listening to this at a bad time in life. Pray to our lady for me

[@kellyjones71]

Fr. Mike's your talks have been appropriate to everything in my life. As a new convert coming from the New Age movement. Your videos fill me with hope and joy,

[@electrifiedspam]

So happy you got out of that. The newage was pulling me in as well - totally demonic.

[@Medietos]

@@electrifiedspam : What New Age movements/ things did you look into, learn and/or do, please? How do you see the fact that some of them (the individual people in some of the New age fields) are christian or at least believe and reckon with God? And don't you think God and the Christ can live in someone religous whó is not a practising active believer, but a spiritual religious human naturally,anyway? Many astrologers f ex are christian an God-believers. It is hard to live a moral life also even for priests, I understand...

[@electrifiedspam]

@@Medietos To answer the most important question that I think you are asking. This is what God showed me about the sin of witchcraft. You are placing your will above God's will. If God's will was sufficient for your life, then you could just pray about what you wanted. As Christian's our ultimate goal is to unite our wills with Jesus so that they are one. We will want the exact same thing. If we are busy exerting our own will trying to get what we want even though God has not given it to us then we are walking away from that goal and we are also walking away from God. People who do this may call themselves Christian, and may be in fact part of the church, but they are actively walking away from it, and will eventually leave the Church altogether or construct some belief that uses Christian words but is in no way Christian. To say you can practice any sort of occult practice AND be Christian is like saying you can jump out of an airplane without a parachute and live. You can for awhile, until you land. If you are Christian, be Christian. If you want to practice the occult know there is nothing there for you and you are throwing your soul away.

[@Medietos]

@@electrifiedspam I should prefer to read the fundament for your claims. And i was not mentioning or meaning ANY occult practice, whatever you mean by occult, which only means hidden from the visible secular worldly life sort-of, secrets, but secrets that are attainable. So-called christians mostly don't have their terminology right (which half-heathen (not sufficiently taught and saved christians) =christians-light, apatheistic atheists and agnostics don't have either. it is not easy to know everything and be learned for us today, with all the stress and pollution of our bodies, life energy, souls and spirits. But the likes of you (now at least) do Christianity a disservice by making untrue and derogatory claims about others. A "Christian Disciple" I was recommended to seek help to become a real christian was dishonest, didn't let me know he wasn't that up to it and didn't care to read my application/problem description to him properly, but let me wait in severe illness and life-threatening trauma and crisis, instead of telling me, and then shouted and abused me, claiming untrue, bad things about me without any foundation for it,(And it being unsuitable in such a state even if it had been true) tiring me (severely sleepless etc etc) a lot about 2 other cases and of his own bipgraphy, which belonged to a later , live meeting maybe. He didn't check where I am at at all before behaving almost like a crazy addict, and I wasn't even allowed to defend myself and tell how it made me feel and affected my health state( He gave me increased death depression ad suicidal hopeless, weakened.thoughts). Not really healed and mature, even if got christian new beginning. Ppl like that shouldn't pretend to be like Jesus and claim to "heal" ppl in the stressts, one did harm to me, idk how, but I got the disease I falsely aid I had. I had never had it before, and didn't get rid of it unril 4 years(Sinusitis), by tea from Elderflowers and Groblad (= Sw. for"Grow-leaf").He never made amends oir cared for me, just had egoistic interest in healing. I don't think God meant for us to one-sidedly occupy ourselves about Him all day long, but learn and work and love in many ways towards improving the world.Unfortunately, they do harm instead mostly and give C ma bad rep. A few Christians are real and good though, +

[@nawwww]

@@Medietos new age just simply doesn't align with God. I used to follow some of this new age stuff, like law of attraction, manifestation, and even "good witchcraft". But this is no good. New age teaches that you can get whatever you want in this world, and that you yourself are God. But when you are "attracting" and "manifesting", you're calling upon dark forces. You're calling upon the devil. The devil can give you anything material and of this world. And God can give you anything that is not what this world offers, which is ultimately what we spiritually need. New age also makes you believe that you are most important, that you are the center. Which is the opposite of what God teaches

[@calibanxpable]

Praying is a sign of faith. We should practice daily the things that bring us closer to the Lord.

[@iamdissapoint4614]

Yeah I smell Divine Providence in Fr. Mike's work. Like for real, I've been experiencing this kind of both sensory and spiritual desolation for quite some time and then somebody I don't even know tells me what it exactly is. I neglect everything important and neither can I focus on it enough, be it prayer or my everyday duties. I forget stuff, and when I remind myself here come the laziness and procrastination. Time slips through my fingers not even as if it was sand, but bare air. It's like I don't even have much control over that. It happens subconsciously for some part. It's very hard to deal with it and indeed I can feel this desolation so much that I can almost grasp it with my very hands. Yet, God is my only motivation to push through all of this. All my helplessness and suffering I try to offer to Him, hoping someday I will be set free. Thank you Father Mike, God bless you.

[@cavinessde123]

The level that I relate to this entire message is out of the roof. I have felt the same way for so long. I recently came back to the Catholic Church, and I have felt a small connection for a short time, but then I when back into the dry season.

[@graceanderson1490]

Hey I really don’t mean to overstep my bounds, but I went through what sounds like the same thing, and it ended up being depression, not a spiritual darkness. It really does sound so similar, and I don’t know if you’ve ever felt like reaching out for help, but you might want to give it a shot, at least just in case honestly! Kind of like a checkup? I thought it was just a spiritual thing, but not recognizing what was going on made the situation worse. I rationalized how “hard” life felt by saying Saints went through dry spells too, and school is just hard right now. I don’t know how long you mean by “quite some time,” but seriously what I’ve heard is that if anything like that is going on for periods of more than 4 days and it’s a pattern, and like Fr. Mike said it’s affecting more than your prayer life, it really wouldn’t hurt to talk to someone! (Kaiser’s cheap :P) I’m sorry if it really isn’t any of my business!! But wanted to throw that out there :)

[@saraab67856]

IAMDISSAPOINT me tooo! He always has a point for me toca reflect on my life. THANKS to the Holy spirit!

[@wms72]

IAMDISSAPOINT I feel the same.

[@rosem6877]

Okay that makes sense…purposeful dryness…I won’t give up when I can’t feel the Grace, I will remember to keep praying and choosing God. The rewards are worth it.

[@paulsullivan381]

Somehow after my wife's cancer diagnosis, treatment and death I never felt my faith wane but only become stronger. It would have been easy to spiral into a spiritual darkness but somehow my faith became stronger. But then again when she never complained so how could I permit myself to spiral down that path.

[@AscensionPresents]

Your faith is inspiring. Thank you for your witness and living out your vows through the very end. God bless you!

[@paulsullivan381]

I will pray for you friend's wife just I pray for all those you are fighting cancer and as well as their family and friends.

[@richardrodrigues783]

Paul Sullivan It is difficult to lose someone close to you. In December 2017 we lost our Mom and even though we are in our 60's. We still feel this loss acutely.Our Mom was in death a pale shadow of her former self.She never complained even when I knew she was in acute pain before she died. I pray for her and those who have passed away-known and unknown. I hope to see my parents,siblings,relatives and friends who are now with the Lord.I pray He will continue to comfort you and those who were close to your wife with His Peace,Love and Joy.

[@bitty4994]

Thank you for sharing. I pray God gives you and your wife an amazing place in heaven!

[@paulclark7946]

I am going through the darkest time in my life and I know god will help me now I've found his love. I will try to help others through dark times. There is truly evil and good in the world and I believe in the good over the evil. Amen.

[@tedhibbard6320]

Im in deep darkness and this preacher sure is helping me.

[@TJMJR1963]

Thank you. I am in desolation. This gives me hope.

[@ChidleyCoote]

Only till very recently I have come back to God. I went on a journey ( spiritual ) but deluded myself at the end of it saying "there is no god" I felt so empty but a couple of weeks ago I attended my son's confirmation and that's when something changed within me. I'm not a Catholic but my wife and kids are and I must confess, catholisism strikes a chord within me.

[@CaptainIvanDanko]

I was exactly in your shoes back in March. I'm now in RCIA. God bless!

[@emilywest1302]

You have to come back, just do, despite all the garbage in this life.

[@wms72]

Lacrimae Mundi Come home. The Holy Spirit is calling you.

[@jessiereginabright3608]

My relationship with God is at the darkest point it has ever been at. Going to church is a horrible chore, I can hardly stand it. I think often of leaving before it starts or halfway through. I don't feel like this darkness purifies me one bit. It is destroying me. I sin a million times more. Temptations are so strong, I cannot choose God. I know there is Heaven but I feel there is no hope. I despair. Take the dryness on for a few years hard and you won't be so chipper about it. Though I have been depressed, this is not depression because this is just in my relationship with God. This cannot make me love God more. I can hardly believe how close I used to be to God. It used to be so sweet, and I can't hardly remember it. I felt so close to God, I called Him my Bapi.

[@anselmjacobsmith639]

I needed this in my life right now. Thank you so much Father. Jesus and Mary be with you.

[@Marco-qe5zw]

Amen

[@SoulDeepZim]

In a world that is so driven by feelings, thank you for reminding me that my feelings are not necessarily truth. God is sovereign over everything, my feelings included. Shalom. 🙏🏾

[@rose4490]

Keeping a gratitude journal helps! I'm grateful to God that I have a roof over my head, a Siamese cat on my lap, and two elderly parents who are still alive! Not everyone has those things, and I'm grateful to God.

[@AACumberbatch]

I wish there was a love button...this hit the mark and explains exactly what i have been experiencing. God bless you

[@Rase-iwnl-]

Perfect timing for this video I just stopped smoking and using drugs, and im beginning to open my heart out to the lord. Reading the bible praying everyday, following the ten commandments anything for my lord Jesus. Thank for this eye opening video Father I'll remember what you taught me and Ill push on and keep praying!

[@hannahmargaret_]

I've been desolate so many times in my life and I still always choose God. And I feel like this is the reason why, when I come out of It, I can feel Him so fully and completely.

[@dianeuecker5186]

Oh Fr. Mike thank you. You are a "Soul Saver." That is way better than a life savor. God bless you.

[@chrismckay7795]

Thank you for saying all of this Fr. Mike. I've been struggling with several sins recently and felt almost too distant from God and too unworthy to receive his grace, but you have given me the confidence to turn back to his call and respond with more yeses. Please keep continuing to make your videos because they are helping people like me to turn back to God. Thank you, - Chris, UK

[@logannnnnn776]

Amen

[@lachele7099]

I have been struggling as well with repetition of sins that seem to get worse and was feeling the same, repent, confess and go on! I was feeling undeserving of receiving Grace. Now seeing this video I know I need to push through. Your share makes me feel I am not alone in this battle!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@marty22031]

Thank you Father Mike,I have bipolar and I feel all you describe. Please pray for me and all who are going through this.Pleas pray that I will see God’s light. This brought me to tears,this video. Please pray for me to be purified in God’s love now.God bless you.Pleas pray that God will help those who left the Catholic Church to return .And that my granddaughter will get baptized and all those who are not baptized will get baptized.

[@acedelizo6430]

thank you, father mike. apparently, there is a name to what we feel.

[@Javiertorres06]

I love father mike Shmits because he gives the lecture straight to the point it's amazing to always be with you since 2015 ! Love your videos , I always try to not fall into sin!

[@ishmeYZAHMAREE]

This vid was posted a year ago.. and I believe God prepared this video for me to see it today. It's so timely for me.. it spoke right through my heart...thank you Fr. Mike for delivering this very meaningful talk..I can say what I am going through right now is still in accord to God's will for me cause He wants me to be in heaven with Him one day 😇

[@meowymuffins7293]

I was a loving catholic as of 10 years ago until my father passed. Out of anger and spite I kept a dark faith, embracing the enemy. Until one random day out of one random year I heard a song close to my dad and in silence said a prayer, only to have a coworker I barely knew tell me about a dream where God told him to tell me specific things he was not aware of, answer to my prayers. He told me that God wants me back. I accepted. Tonight at 2 am. was my first time back into church and to my knees before the lord I felt at peace. Keep fighting the good fight brother and sister. God is there for you and God remembers all your lamentations but you were never alone.

[@deespence8629]

Very well said! It reminds me of the book of Job- when Job was going thru such awful trials he said “even if He slays me yet will I praise Him”

[@joyce9656]

Thank you for this video. I have been feeling overwhelmed praying for Ukraine and an end to this war. God is good. I need to remember this no matter what I see on the news....God wins!

[@lorenzkarloalfuente8857]

I have always been praying the Rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, part with my personal prayers. But then just one day i felt like nothing's happening and this what exactly how i felt. Spiritual desolation. Before clicking on this video, I ought to watch like some random concert or music video. But something told me to watch a recently uploaded video at Ascension Presents. Thank you, Fr. Mike, for being God's instrument by Him telling me just to keep praying. Beautiful. May Jesus be praised and blessed be our Lady!

[@sheilastevens9869]

I have experienced the spiritual dryness you speak of and through it I remember Christ not only innocent, but also the ultimate acts he performed yet stood bloodied, humiliated, and hated for the redemption of us! That is the ultimate act of love, to give one's holy blood when he didn't have to, but did out of love a heart filled with an endless ocean of mercy which reminds me of St. Faustina and the picture she was instructed by Christ to have done with the words under Jesus, "Jesus, I trust in you." Jesus wants to forgive and envelop us in his love, but we have to soften our hearts more in a hardened world to show our lights in darkness! Father Mike you have great videos and I love Salve Regina in Latin. It is so beautiful to hear Our Lady be glorified for God sent his only beloved son through her to deliver us to God!

[@MrJDadBlack]

Wonderful message, thank you for doing the will of the Lord. I believe this is exactly what I needed to hear right now. The Holy Spirit is at work in my life once again, since I’ve started praying again! Prayer is the first step towards God. Before you know it; you’re walking with Him!!

[@Boobr]

Thank you father for helping me see, that my difficulties have actual meaning behind them. My knowledge is lacking, so I misunderstood the "dark periods" as some kind of punishment or weakness. You have no idea how important and hopeful your message here was to me. Again, thank you and God bless you.

[@lindaacosta2435]

I needed to hear this today! Thank you Lord for sending the Holy Spirit to open my mind to click on this video and to know, and not be afraid of, the different seasons of spirituality I face.

[@mamaedina1]

I stumbled on this because I resolved to only watch catholic content on KZbin vids. Am enjoying the discovery of so much valuable content to the extent that I wonder whether I am making any sacrifice at all..seriously am unsure. But I needed to stop and say that the statement aboyt God wanting us to love Him for Himself alone and not for His gifts has rocked me on my feet. For some reason I want to stand up and dance. I often have felt am at the edge of a cliff and He is saying 'Jump' if I only I can trust. I couldn't even do the exercise of sincerely asking Jesus ' Lord what do You want me to do?'. I am afraid but Fr thank you. Truly I am not worthy but that You love me is a miracle truly.

[@NKernytskyy]

What a profound talk and ... HOW ON TIME to me right now. Thank you from all my heart, Father Mike.

[@KolokaiKalai]

Listening again. Choose God even in times of darkness. Do not give up. 🙏

[@Jeanjellybean13]

This video helped me when I was struggling with a massive depressive episode. God bless you!!

[@samueljames580]

Dude I needed this so bad. Fr. Mike is such a top bloke, I’m not Catholic but at this point I’m not Protestant either, some weird in between place. I pray the Rosary and fully rate the Blessed Mother, but there are still things I simply cannot see eye to eye with concerning the Catholic Church. But guess what? That’s perfectly fine because God loves me as much as them, and as long as we’re all focused on His glory and praising Him and serving each other, I think He’s pretty stoked. I sure bet that Fr. Mike will spend about 0.2 seconds in purgatory for all He has done for the Good Lord though haha! Bless you all my family in Christ 🙏🏼

[@joyyoung3319]

THANK YOU! You have helped so many people to understand what to do in their prayer life at the times when they feel like God has abandoned them, by your explanation. THANK YOU Lord for Father Mike Schmitz, all priests, religious brothers and sisters, deacons, seminarians, our Pope, bishops, cardinals and all those discerning a vocation to and those preparing for the priesthood/religious life.

[@anitalopez6954]

For all that are going through this remember God loves you and is with you...He is always with you.

[@anitapoly9102]

I always end up commenting to Fr.s videos as "Beautiful". I'm so glad God chose me . And that he let me watch this video and know him more . God bless

[@vickylz56]

I been living this darkness in my life for some time now. Thank you Father Mike for helping me understand where I am on my journey back home. I didn’t know why I was going through what I was going through but now I understand. I have continued to move forward towards God but hearing this makes it more rewarding. I’ll make it with God’s help to the end.

[@meganthomas4768]

saw this video straight after I came out of prayer(after feeling very far way from god, not getting anything and just asking him to help my unbelief) Thank you so much, I needed this more than ever! ❤️

[@austinbonde9041]

I cannot explain how badly I needed to see this video... Wow.. Im in tears and cant thank you enough for clarifying this for me.. I have felt SO lost and just hopeless like I will never be with Jesus no matter what I do.. This has brought me so much peace.

[@DaisyV09]

Thank you Fr Schmitz, I really need it to hear those exact words to be able to comprehend my desolation, and keep in the right path to the Holy Father. God bless you.

[@KolokaiKalai]

FR.MIKE...THANKYOU FOR ALL THE HELP....A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS OF ONES FAITH. AMEN 🙏 PTL

[@7SeventhFromAdam]

Thank you for delivering the answer to my prayers, Fr. Mike. I've been going through the dark night of the soul again. One of my best friends is a Carmelite nun. She explained this to me about 20 years ago, when I was going through it for the first time (that I'm aware of). I forgot that I've been asking God to teach me how to love Him the way that pleases Him. Duh. Thanks again.

[@charleneanderson2215]

Every time I listen to Fr Mike talk he makes it easier for me to understand what is happening and not to give up

[@hidura]

Father, that's exactly what happen to me today with some issues and happen to me a lot this year. Thanks for your words.

[@minaparish8665]

This was the best explanation of the Dark Night of the Soul that I have ever encountered. Thank you!

[@mistyviolet3825]

“I’m going to choose YOU OH LORD because YOU ARE GOD and you deserved to BE LOVED!” 💝💙💚💜❤️🤎💛

[@nickcef]

Thanks so much for this lovely commentary, Fr. Mike. I'm presently struggling with spiritual desolation, and when I resist temptation and pray even harder, I can feel the presence of God even more than ever...

[@davidtrujillo993]

Most important message in my life right now. Thank you

[@briankelly85]

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness...

[@melaniexoxo]

This explains this relationship SO MUCH better than Ive heard in the past. I know Jesus never lets go of us, even when I'm not faithful HE is faithful and I can trust Him

[@HalbergAaron]

This message, like most of your messages, really FLOATS MY BOAT, right out into the Illuminative Waters! Thanks Fr. Mike. You're a treasure of the Catholic church. Keep it up and stay humble if you can.

[@janbeck7989]

thank you Father Mike. I choose love, even in the darkness, I choose love.

[@josephinecarrubba2494]

Thank you for the Mike you give us hope🙏❤️

[@Nga3]

I didn't think there was this whole teaching behind how I've been feeling... Thank you Father

[@candygirl171]

I needed to hear this message- I am going through so much in my life right now. I will continue to pray and keep my faith in God and Jesus. I love them so much and was starting to feel like I was losing hope in my situation, but, I know I should continue to push forward and believe in Gods plan. Than you Father Mike!

[@abalceProductions]

This is the kind of message we need during these tough times. Since the pandemic started I've felt spiritually disconnected. This video helped me reawaken my thirst for Christ. Thank you so much for this Fr. Mike. God bless!

[@hihiz27]

Thank you for this video Father Mike,i'm passing for this rigth now.

[@sandrahendricks2020]

I just want to thank you for your podcasts Fr. Mike. I just discovered you this evening, at a time when I needed it most. Your love, and enthusiasm in sharing your love for Jesus, is awe inspiring and contagious! Jesus is the most important person in my life also and I share that with people every day. During my life, I have been blessed with many hours of darkness and suffering. I say blessed because it is during those times that I draw closest to Jesus and He to me. It is then and ONLY THEN that I can find a precious state of love, contentment and perfect peace in this difficult life. And what a lovely gift it is to simply love Him! That is the answer to life's problems. Simply love God and you will find peace. You're exactly right! Listening to you share your love for Jesus this evening compelled me to do the same with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God bless you Father. I will be watching you often now.

[@daisyviluck7932]

I think this is my favorite video. There is so much confusion between the concept of depression and the dark night of the soul...

[@debbie2027]

Dark night of the soul/desolation makes me mindful of St. Teresa of Calcutta ...Also St Therese of Lisieux at the end of her life ...Thank you for making this video

[@majaraskovic1260]

This video has provided me with so many answers, THANK YOU!

[@razorgarcia298]

Wow ,this was a great class Fr Mike 😃👍. I would love to hear you talk more about Depression Vs Spiritual Desolation and also tackle Depression and what we should do as Catholics, besides praying 🙏 of course. Love your mission work Padre !

[@mariotocamusica]

This makes so much sense and it feels like such a mature observation of our walk with God.

[@kaitandlima4608]

O fr, thank you for these gold dust. This is exactly I wanted. Pray for me and my intentions. Pray that I may love God in all phases of my life. May the same Lord our God bless you

[@bellavilla6139]

I really needed to hear this from you Father. I felt lost there for a while, but I feel like if the Lord has spoken to me in this video. God bless you Father Schmitz.

[@doraramos9835]

Life is hard, but prayer gives you hope 🙏🏼

[@MariaRamirez-nx2kc]

I love the way you explain things!! I wish I could have a confession with you!

[@anaherrera5499]

I have seen this video many times. When I go through difficult moments in my life, I come back here and it gives me so much peace!! Thank you Father Mike!!!

[@curtdawg4560]

The darkness before me is temporary and His love eternal

[@mandyg943]

What a wonderful way to start my day. God reminds me, whenever I feel lonely that I am not ALONE. How lucky we are to have His love. 🙏

[@ezbray_9154]

Wow, thanks fr. Mike this was a video i needed to hear.

[@loriwest3714]

A lightbulb went off when Father Mike said to love God as He deserves ti be lived, not just for His gifts. Wow. As in any valued relationship, who wants to be loved just for what you can give someone.

[@Waterlily321]

Father, you are slowly becoming a silver fox. I'm living for it.

[@willowwolf9472]

I thank God every time I listen to your podcasts, Fr. Mike, and now the Bible in a year.. You inspire and encourage me. Besides you’re authenticity and transparency, I find you incredibly relatable. Not just for students and other young adults, but even for this 79 year old grandmother.Thank you for being there every day to encourage us.

[@willowwolf9472]

God richly bless you and your ministry, Fr Mike. And, thank you for your joy and heart for the Lord, and sharing it with us.

[@zuchs1969]

Wow! So needed, I'm watching it again. Thank you!

[@rosem6877]

See why we have to watch these over and over, we get new awarenesses from it!

[@Dennisskater55]

I needed to hear this.

[@Dennisskater55]

I’m still in desolation after 6 years😭 praise be the name of the Lord😢

I love you Fr. Mike. I think you're a great communicator, teacher, and evangelist and the Church is blessed to have you. I also think you're somewhat...quirky. "Quirky" but in a good way. Keep 'em coming and thank you for what you do.

[@christinewalker9115]

I had to restart the video. The first time my mind was wandering and I got lost it what you were saying. But the second time I got it.

[@thomasbrown1655]

Fantastic. People who are looking will find this and people who find this will need to hear this!

[@myralongoria9940]

Thank you ☃️ I love you GOD 👑

[@Aerykian]

I don't believe that God does coincidences. For several days now, I have watched Father Mike's videos and they have all been directly relevant in my life. I think we could all say that some parts of homilies are relevant to our lives to a small degree, but this is the second or third video that Father Mike has touched on everything in my life that I have had questions about. In my first confession in 2019, my priest recommended that I read the dark Knight of the soul. I have struggled with losing my way on my journey but the light of Jesus always brings me back home. This video has put quite a bit into perspective, and I wanted to thank you for your words of wisdom. But most importantly, give thanks to God, our source of true wisdom.