Avoiding Impurity

Did you know we have the ability to write our own stories? So often we consider ourselves victims of our own passions, constantly giving in to them while thinking they’re too strong. In this video, Fr. Mike empowers us to live out the vow we make in our Act of Contrition to “avoid the near occasions of sin.” Who knows where the path of life may lead if we simply choose a path other than the one upon which we know temptation lurks?
Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:
Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (bit.ly/2rdOFy7)
Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (bit.ly/2r32vUK)
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (bit.ly/2rIYjfE)
YOU: Life, Love and the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2nKLug5)
Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension:
Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (bit.ly/2sKUnJN)
Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (bit.ly/2sYtQaW).
MORE FROM ASCENSION:
Ascension Press main website: ascensionpress.com
Ascension Presents website: ascensionpresen...
The Great Adventure Blog: biblestudyforca...
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: / ascensionpress
Twitter: / ascensionpress
LinkedIn: / ascension-press
Instagram: / ascensionpress
Subscribe: / ascensionpresents

[@johnmichaeladelman]

"Please don't claim powerless when you're not actually powerless." - Fr. Boss Mike Schmitz

[@paulmartin8983]

And ... "Please don't claim to be a victim when you're not actually a victim"

[@Th3lite]

Amen.

[@sweettoothmarie7304]

That part...

[@MariaHeaven]

Thank you Father

[@gvh4168]

I like that, Fr. ‘Boss’ Mike Schmitz!

[@danielfaria6304]

This priest helps me in two different ways, I am learning English and more about religion at the same time. Thank you so much, God bless you.

[@judeobiejogo5863]

Daniel Faria wonderful

[@MegaCadette55]

Talk about killing two birds with one stone

[@emanuelapisani7640]

I feel the same way!

[@juliavieirasantarittagusma1902]

@Daniel Faria brasileiro tbm? Hahah

[@jula5417]

😄😄😄 Me too Greetings from Poland 😊

[@katkat2340]

For the newly to be married , advice from an old woman. Wait ! You have all of your life to carry on. This time is special- it’s a time to adore and be treated like a lady. Guys you are the knight in shining armor. Your values and respect will only make her heart trust you and together you will grow fonder. You will never regret waiting and true love but if you don’t wait it robs you of a very special time you never get back. God Bless - be strong - have faith in your selves and in God and each other .

[@edwardsankar5845]

Ihoiy rosary.

[@sme7385]

Jesus is my one and only, so I dont have to struggle with impurity, thoughts, yes, but with God I can overcome them.

[@marcondespaulo]

That is important. I see so many fiancèes getting pregnant just months prior to marriage. Chill out people.

[@icu1777]

God Bless you, my mother taught me the same way.

[@dragonfire9722]

You are genuinely braindead

[@andrewvallot9337]

Haven't even watched the video yet, because I like to close my eyes and really listen to it but anyway! I go to a completely secular public university in southern Louisiana. As I was sitting with about 10 or 15 other people waiting for the professor to come and for class to start, the silence breaks with, " Hi my name is Father Mike Schmitz and this is Ascension Presents!" I was so moved and excited to realize that someone else watches these videos and other works by Father Mike! I think that is a good indication of his effectiveness! Thank you Father!!

[@GregAitchison]

That is so stinkin' cool! Ha!

[@Alicia_Kanis]

Andrew Vallot- A girl at Belmont Abbey College with me watches Fr. Mike, too! 😄

[@MatandEst]

haha that's awesome!

[@CCGR-2024]

It is nice to know that other people are watching Fr. Mike right around you, find out who it is, if you haven't already and you might someone to share your struggles with! Wouldn't that be cool!

[@andrewvallot9337]

youtubeaccount ah thank you I appreciate the information but I actually go to McNeese in Lake Charles! I am from Lafayette though, so my brother and girlfriend go to UL so I am very aware of Our Lady of Wisdom! I sometimes go to mass there!

[@glknott2001]

Also, offer up the Rosary and pray for the grace to avoid acts of impurity and for deliverance from temptation.

[@angelamwatts]

Amen. I struggled with issues of chastity all of my life. I had decided to get closer to God and began praying the rosary 2x daily. I realized that it isn't in God's plan for me to find a husband because I haven't met any man who wants to wait for marriage. I am at a better place spiritually and no longer have the desire.

[@brenosantana1458]

If you pray to Mary, she don't hear. God, the father, can hear.

[@brenosantana1458]

@Thomas Breen There is no information that she ascended to heaven in acts. It would be very important If It happened.

[@rhwinner]

@@brenosantana1458 No problem. We love you anyway! Bless you and your family. 💗💗💗

[@MarlomRV]

Thank you so much Fr. Mike. Say a prayer for me Fr.... I've returned to the Church :)

[@oliviarapavi1177]

Marlom Ruivo God bless you! Congrats!!!

[@luzclara3855]

Marlom Ruivo Welcome back!!! :)))) God bless you!

[@GregAitchison]

Welcome home, Marlom!

[@angiejd13]

Marlom Ruivo Yay!!

[@erwinsmithes1655]

Welcome Home!!

[@LuhRen]

I searched for this topic because i struggle with my lust and temptation. Even now as im writting but hearing these words are helping me choose a different path. Im not perfect and its a struggle but I can be better.

[@littlewayseeker]

@Renzo Benz God bless you ♥️

[@marcondespaulo]

Brother, this is something that men struggle since time immemorial. St. Jerome, St Augustine, St Anthony and several others had struggled with that. Pray for their intersection and the Holy Mother. This was very good for me. Be not afraid. Hope and persevere.

[@bonniearonson6786]

Temptation from

[@bonniearonson6786]

Temptation from what?

[@oneman4412]

The Rosary was key to overcoming temptation in my life. Praying each day consistently to Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph for purity in conjunction with the Rosary is key. I’ve learned from experience.

[@user-cl6uj5bn2f]

"Rewrite the script, become free" YASS Fr. Mike 🙌

[@realgianellacerriteno6671]

Love this video!! As a young woman in my 20's this is a perfect reminder that saying no, is being courageous :)

[@natvize7201]

“Give the easy no.” Thank you Father.

[@josephbreeden4912]

I do wish to avoid impurity, RN, I'm in a state of mortal sin, and I was unable to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, but for the first time, I actually cried soon after. I then reflected on myself and my sins, and yesterday I gave the lord permission to release me from my sins and wipe them away, and I felt relief, and a wave of calm and comfort washed over me afterwards. I plan to go to confession soon. (To those who are reading this, please 1. Take my advice, and 2. Pray that we all may avoid impurity and continue to walk with the Lord)

[@billybob-bj3nw]

This is what many Catholics need to hear - thank you so much, Father Mike

[@RaySmithWeb]

The reason we're not free from sin is...we don't want to be. That's the reality, Fr. Mike. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@diogodasilva6474]

I find this extremely helpful, yet I've been an atheist my entire life. This is solid advice though

[@ir1744]

Glad you liked it bro. There is a reason the words Fr Mike are helpful and seem to be true. Because they are true and because they are inspired by the God of truth! Praying that you accept God into your life brother, take care!

[@Apanblod]

@@ir1744 Or good advice can just be good advice, doesn't mean it's somehow 'divine'.

[@GoopyProduction]

Join us! Join us! Join us!

[@guadalupelaudanno4229]

Happy to know that you have an open heart to Catholicism. It's wonderful. I'm sorry that you're an atheist. Everyone needs Faith, Pray, & Believe.

[@gollum19671967]

Thx for you're appreciation of our faith. God bless you and your family during these confusing times.

[@sonofphilip8229]

I quit pornography over a year ago and I did it by circumventing my decision to "turn on my left blinker". Went into my wifi router settings and set up keyword blockers for as many roads I could think of and by doing that I got in my own way just enough to allow me to make the right decisions. Sometimes getting in front of your decisions is a very strong way to stop the impulse.

[@BELLAGENEVIEVE-i3b]

"Just because you can't do everything dosen't mean you can't do anything. " Whoa...🤯

[@nineball5058]

That's right, avoid tempting situations. Avoid being in compromising situations and stop tempting fate. This good advice

[@Titadj]

This 👆🏼. Don’t put yourself in those situations.

[@ruffpop5886]

Perfect timing! I was about to fall right back into the cycle but this video notification saved me! Thanks for the tips and I hope to break the addiction for good!

[@GregAitchison]

You can do it, Ruff Pop! Praying for you...

[@Yram0018]

How are you now?

[@nobertpaul4102]

If you can make these become your daily prayer: Three Hail Mary devotion, Our Lady of Sorrow devotion, Rosary, Holy Water. And if you have time, pray 7 Sorrow and Joy of Blessed St Joseph. I hope these will help. Just try for a month and you will see the difference. God Bless.

[@jellylabatete2681]

Nobert Paul I'm a student from a catholic school and they taught us to pray 3 Hail Mary's every night and do examination of conscience . This prayer helped so much to avoid sins against purity and avoid also being the occasions of sins.

[@michellemiller425]

He said "you can do it" there at the end and instantly: tears.

[@feliciagallo9832]

I pray for courage all the time in the areas of my weakness. Thanks Fr. Mike.🙏🏼✝️

[@erinreilly33]

Father Mike! Amen! This is my issue in dating. Even with the last two men I've dated that are practicing Catholics. I just think everyone in their twenties is so wounded by this culture. I am seldom the initiator and I'm getting better at saying no. Modesty is something I'm working on too. The devil tells you, oh a simple kiss is just fine! Sometimes it's easier not to even kiss. The solution for us all is we need to get married but everyone is so fearful in my generation.

[@tinjustusmartin3520]

Salvation Today google it, take your chance.

[@kimfleury]

I'm a grandma who grew up in the beginning of the Sexual Revolution, when chastity and modesty were seen as evils (but so was promiscuity in women). One of the excuses touted was that people were pressured to get married just so they wouldn't have to deal with the pressure of practicing self-control. They were right to reject the pressure to "marry rather than burn." That's not a reason to marry -- ultimately, it's just using one another to satisfy physical lusts. Neither is there reason to fear marrying, if that's what you're being called to, but you have to be able to stand on your principles before marrying, otherwise, you'll end up with a creep (unless you get lucky, but don't count on luck). I mean, if a guy doesn't take your input into consideration, but pushes his own agenda, he's being a creep. If he doesn't take you seriously, and just rides over your objections, he's being a creep. You don't have to have his approval. It's ok if he doesn't like you. You're in more control than you think -- as Venerable Fulton J. Sheen said, "Civilizations rise and fall by the virtue of their women." Men are wired to aspire to women of status. A woman of status knows her worth. A woman who doesn't stand on principle is "easy," and "easy" is unattractive to men in the long run. Men are natural hunters, and even in committed relationships, they have a need to pursue the woman's love and respect. Don't give it too easily -- encourage him to earn it. Ignore or reject his undesirable behaviors, give him approval for his desirable behaviors. Yes, it's work, but everything is work -- there's no lazy way around it. And if you need motivation, consider the words of Jesus to St. Faustina: He endured the scourging at the pillar for your sins of the flesh. You can console Him in that moment by thinking of Him suffering the lashings and offer your abstention from physical pleasure as a sacrifice so that He doesn't have to suffer for your iniquity. If your lust seems overpowering even then, think of how sadistic it is to have pleasure at someone else's expense, especially His -- He was free of sin but He bore the suffering for your sins; He loves you so much that He took that on for you. There is a real connection, it's not imaginary -- supernatural, but it's real. I'm not trying to guilt-trip you, just showing you a way to make a connection to Jesus when you most need it.

[@santinasongbird8551]

Salvation Today✳ *👩💭" You mean YOU AREN'T".*

[@lucybrown4200]

Salvation Today ...But Catholics are Christian, and you are WRONG.

[@mcp0y3]

Salvation Today better question is what does it mean to you to be a Christian? Because the one thing all Christians agree on is Jesus is our savior and God is Jesus the son/God the Father/and God the holy spirit...we believe in the holy trinity....so if that's not Christian enlighten me...

[@eaumartineau7890]

I'm so glad I'm not young anymore. I went through so much sin and Mortal sins sins of immorality. God gave me another chance. Thank God I didn't die in those sins praise the Lord. God have mercy on all of you trying and struggling your best. Sometimes it's just best off to be completely single and celibate. That's what I'm doing these days.

[@michellehyde1473]

I’m right there with you!

[@jimmcintyre4390]

Very well said Fr. Mike. Ladies may benefit from refraining from dating during fertile days of the feminine cycle. Hormones are powerful. Gentlemen need to hold your date to a higher standard. You must protect her chastity at all cost and if can not do that you are not mature enough to date.

[@foxx441]

Well, that is partly correct. Don’t forget young men have powerful hormones to contend with, too. And they are there a lot more often than the “fertile days”. Having been through it myself, I can assure you that a young man does not have an easier time than women in keeping true to a higher standard. No excuses, though, both sexes struggle equally, in different ways.

[@jimmcintyre4390]

I don't disagree. It is just a given that young men are in that mode, which is made worse by pheromones given off from fertile women. Add that to the woman's weakened resolve and you have a recipe for trouble.

[@foxx441]

Exactly. So basically we agree that the man has twice as much to look out for....trying to control his urges and that of the fertile woman. Someone needs to remind the feminists just how much of the burden men are actually carrying....not a 50/50split by my reckoning.

[@detteb5540]

It is self-discipline and true-love-wait in both parties to make the script of the relationship Right. That is why the first and best thing to do is pray before going out- to-a-date to keep both in line! 😇👌. It is the best gift, precious than the engagement ring you will have,,,: it's a chastity ring.💍❤⛪💒😇

[@rockymachado4006]

From the bottom of my soul thank you! I thank God for leading me to find your channel.

[@AscensionPresents]

Whoo hooo! So glad you like! Make sure to check out the Ascension Presents channel homepage for all sorts of content!

[@tehitza]

So true! I've been there, I've tried to make myself an exception, and I suffered through the inevitable failure of that divided heart. I couldn't imagine how much better it was to say no earlier, how much more free you feel when that allows you to say yes to your most noble desires. Thanks, Fr. Mike!

[@hittingthewall]

Thank you for reminding us that God's grace is always there to help us in times of trial and temptation. 😊

[@ppoisonous]

This is so good Father Mike! You are right... I can do more to avoid sin.

[@WoodenToy-tq8we]

Exactly what I needed to hear, and God placed this video right at the very top. Literal answer to the questions I was asking in prayer barely seconds before grabbing my tablet to open KZbin. God bless you, Fr Mike.

[@Neil-y3l]

As always Father, thank you. I pray to say the easy 'no' without excuses, Amen.

[@clarissadominguez2012]

Thank You. Father Mike. As always your advice is there when I need it the most.

[@ralphandrewdsouza]

love you fr.Mike

[@JoeyC0914]

God Bless Fr. Mike!! Pls say a prayer for me

[@MarieKyrielle]

Thank you Father! What a GIFT you are to the Church! May God bless you. Please let's pray for our priests

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Right on, choose wisely. Much easier to say that in my mid 50’s...than it was in my 20’s and early thirties. Thanks Father of the Mikes. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@blisterybrush86yomomma22]

I think I made the right decision. A girl I was texting me and moving way to fast. She was also way to young for me. I broke it off. I’m actually happier now

[@patriceforde5654]

You, Fr. Mike, are such an inspiration! May God continue to bless you and your ministry!

[@jamesmaholm432]

Your Words are gonna change my life. i’m rewriting the script today! and forever!!! i’m done with impurity. Come Holy Spirit God is Good!

[@jeremymiller8932]

The greatest thing about these videos is father mike always tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. I needed this wake-up call, thank you.

[@ludovisian5063]

Many thanks Father Mike, inspiring as ever. I love your passion.

[@GenXer82]

Very true. That's why it's important for people to avoid the "near occasion of sin".

[@drock167]

Thank you Fr. Mike, ___ "Don't claim powerlessness when you're not; We just don't want to be free from sin as much as we think; Just because we can't do everything doesn't mean we can't do something." Great truth, wisdom, and insight... I really wish it wasn't true but it is. "...and the truth will set you free." --- John 8:32 "Lord have mercy on me a sinner." Amen (Psalm 51)

[@mario5139]

God bless you fr. Mike, your words always guide and comfort me. I am endlessly grateful for your videos

[@Life-er6mq]

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

[@aerg1853]

The best sermon that I've ever heard in my life

[@Bananaguy7]

Something I needed to hear. God bless, Father

[@kaytlinrainemusic]

I'm here as a mother of a 16 month old daughter and I am committing myself to celibacy. For God, my daughter, my family. In my experience, I believe my openness and vulnerability attracts the wrong kind of man, over and over again. My body is simply a vessel for what really makes me ME. I want to move through the world with intention, confidence, discipline, and purity within myself. I know that's not quite what this video addresses, but it's in a similar vein and I appreciate you Fr. Mike for speaking on this topic 🙏🏻 I am not powerless.

[@SS-Bismarck]

One of my happiest moments is probably when I actually listened to the spirit of God in the heat of the moment. It was proof that I can do all things through Christ

[@jeffseng6385]

This was excellent! Thank you Father Mike.

[@tatehamilton758]

Many blessings from an Anglican

[@khoanguyendang1726]

Thanks!

[@simonsen7621]

Brazil loves you!

[@floridagurl1991]

Fr. Mike- Great advice for teens today! My only sex ed. as a young Catholic girl came from Planned Parenthood when I was in public high school. I remember going there to get the pill after without my parents permission. I didn't have anyone else to talk to about it and felt powerless.

[@mariahthomas1584]

Fr. Mike keeps things REAL to the core!!😄😄😄 Makes me feel normal hahaha thanks Fr. 🙏 The struggle is real.

[@MDkid1]

Its true, we dont want to be and we just enjoy those kinds of sins. It feels good, its exciting and we want to continue on that path. Sad but true.

[@michellemailloux3592]

This is solid and truthful teaching. Truth hurts sometimes....but there can be no love without it! Loved it.

[@ZCutiezz]

Thank you Father Mike, this is what I needed to hear in order to get over this barrier of lust

[@villiamkarl-gustavlundberg5422]

''It's not a lack of grace; it's just you.''

[@maryliddell6173]

Well said Fr. Mike...'we have the power to rewrite the script, if we choose'. Thank you so much for all sharing and teachings. Much Blessings.

[@martellitunes]

Meditating on the 7 sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary every morning asking her to protect me from all impurities In thought , word and deed throughout the day has protected me for almost 20 years. She will certainly help you.

[@msantos545]

Please pray for me, Fr. Mike. Thank you for this!

[@oliverlister1029]

May THE LORD Bless every single of you and Father Mike and Ascension and all Missionaries around the world

[@oliverlister1029]

Another great video by Fr. Mike

[@Hnchmchl85]

Thank you, Father. It's a good thing that I really hate the sin of impurity...in all of its forms! I wish all people would do the same.

[@CapCaffeine]

Thank you so much for always giving us the Truth in a way we can understand and bring in our lives; God bless!

[@sprezzatura8740]

Thank you for your insights, Fr. Mike! I'm dealing with this problem right now in that I keep having difficulty accepting correction, especially at home. Every little blunder or sin is a serious temptation for me to loose my temper and push my family away. I feel so hopeless most of the time, like you said, I feel like if I can't do that thing, I can't do anything else either. Sometimes I struggle to believe God can even love me anymore. What you said about learning to say the easy no was really good - you gave me some hope back that I can figure out how to overcome my issues. Please pray for me to be discerning and courageous!

[@Crystal-nw1zn]

God bless you Father Mike, thank you so much ❤🥹🙏

[@cindylombard4176]

Thanks Fr. Mike. I am encouraged and inspired. Bless your soul.

[@adinamanolache51]

You speak the truth father Mike, thank you. I start rewriting the script today.

[@gregorydamon8569]

Fr., your smile always encourages me and I adore your sense of humor

[@lizzieorlowski3152]

I've been struggling to being up the discussion of boundaries and chastity with my boyfriend for awhile and unsure of how to resolve the problem. Suddenly this video popped up in my feed! Thank you for the advice and the courage 🥰

[@sumibear]

Fr Mike, thank-you! I LOVE listening to your videos! I listen to the you, to the priests of Sensus Fidelium, and to Archbishop Sheen... lo, we are famished for this. God bless you!

[@leamarie6039]

Whenever I'm in the crossroads of faith and doubt, I find answers to all my random thoughts in this video. Thank you Fr Mike and the rest if Ascension Presents...you are all a gift and grace from God. Stay blessed❣

[@rheincain4633]

Fr. Mike, you moved me to be free with this addiction. God bless you❤

[@AdamSmith-rp9ej]

What A fantastic way to make me think about this. "God will provide a way out.... and its way before the temptation" Epic Father Mike!!

[@n3dilan]

Thanks for keeping it real, Father Mike!

[@ecv03]

Thank you Fr. Mike for posting this video. So meny people I know fall because of this temptation. I'm dealing with the aftermath right now. God Bless.

[@JoeHinkle11]

Very good video! Thank you, Fr. Mike.

[@marionoyahr6077]

Thanks Father. This accurately describes my situation. Now I know what I'm supposed to do.

[@curtisbird9479]

I’ve watched many of your posts and I have to say thank you.Jesus rocks and He is truly in your heart. Thanks, man!

[@MariaPerez-dd8bn]

Man I needed this, it came up on my feed and it fit so well to what I needed to hear, God bless you Fr. Mike 🙏

[@theclapaolini4322]

More on this is always helpful for this generation that thinks oh everything is okay and normal.this virtue to be practiced needs help and it cannot be spoken about enough.thank you Father Mike.

[@thelmamusara2038]

I really love this message! Rewrite the script!!!🙌🏾

[@simplylyzzie4210]

Thank you for this...I was struggling and this came at just the appointed time. Thank you 😊

[@ilkanaz576]

I wish we had more priests like you father Mike. You are just so honest and so nice at the same time .

[@Sohlah24]

Be the person God wants you to be and if you're a couple then be the couple God wants you to be. Thank you Fr Mile ❤

[@phdstudio102]

May God grant us strength, mercy and grace. 🙏

[@lindaperez6095]

Your transparency, yet clearness in our Catholic teaching is a blessing to many. I love how you are up to date with humanity needs. I teach a biweekly Christian class at my county's Juvenile Detention Center and are excited to discuss this topic. Any resources for Youth Ministry would be greatly appreciated. ¡Gracias, Fr. Mike! La Santísima Trinidad en y con usted.

[@hughthompson2963]

Thank you Fr. Mike I needed to hear your words of encouragement because I thought I was a lost cause with no where else to go, but I would choose to say the easy no so I would not fall in my addictive habit. Thanks you all for your words of comfort and support please pray for me as I for you God bless

[@elizabethfuentes1866]

You’re a very great Father. ☺️❤️

[@bejoyabraham4468]

Yea i think thats right. We don't want to be free in some way. Thank you for the advice Fr. Mike

[@nithin4900]

With the grace of Jesus christ, we can do it 💪

[@CaptainIvanDanko]

God bless you Fr. Mike

[@attheseen]

One of the best priest out there. Keep up the good work father Mike.

[@Lavender-Waterfall]

Thank you so much for this, Fr. Mike!

[@matijustus4774]

it is wonderful advice for me too as a Religious brother may God bless you fr

[@billbraxton7192]

Self awareness and taking responsibility. Fr. Mike thanks again. Jacko Willink, extreme ownership. The devil might temp, but we do the action. Own it. God Bless Fr. Mike!

[@garyklein2645]

Thank you Fr. Mike! Grace more powerful than our excuses!

[@R_Thomp]

Father you're a Godsend, thank you!

[@aci.]

Thank you for giving us this hard truth. You are a true prophet of God.

[@cyphus5]

Thank you, Fr. Mike.