"Finish the Race" + 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Fr. Mike's Homily)

[@theresa1953]

This homily came out when I was in the hospital with sudden kidney failure. It was the message I needed to hear. I’m back a year later to listen again and be encouraged by these words. Please pray for me… I still have zero kidney function and 7 young children, but I know God has a plan

[@2011msvideos]

He went through 33 years of addiction. Jesus was 33yrs old when he died. It’s no coincidence. It’s God and His amazing plan. He asked God let him be a martyr if he couldn’t end the addiction. God answered His prayer and this man made a choice to die last so no one in his family would die alone. Jesus died for us so we would never die but have eternal life.

[@Will-tn1kw]

One of the best homilies I’ve ever heard.

[@k10a67]

Such a great homily. My brother passed away recently and we don’t really know for sure what happened, but he was an addict. He also loved Jesus. I pray he’s with Him in heaven now. Your sermon hit home with me today. Eric finished his race. 💜

[@rhwinner]

Jesus, I pray for mercy for all of us, especially for Eric, Lord. Amen.

[@wms72]

Holy Mary prays for sinners at the hour of death, and her prayers are all-powerful.

[@bettymanguriu1712]

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

[@shirleyleger9620]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost both my brothers and I miss them everyday. Keep praying for his soul, God sees what's in our hearts and knows how frail and weak we are as humans. God's time is not like our time.

[@karenfaivre1828]

Bless you and your Brother

[@emilymckellar7443]

"Sometimes God will give us a victory. But more often, He will give us what we need just to finish the race." Perfect timing... per usual with these videos Did the "33 years" thing strike anyone else...?

[@romeofthewing9626]

I hope this isn't too long. - Boston 5K 2017 My Fater was rolling pretty well, and I was very impressed. I’d ask him every other minute if he felt okay, and he responded with a thumbs-up. Well, that is, until his wheels fell off at mile .5. At ½ a mile into the race, pain started hitting his right knee. We stopped for a moment for him to adjust his elastic knee brace. He said it was alright and continued on. But it kept bothering him and he readjusted at the ¾ mile mark. When we reached the one mile marker, he stopped completely to rest. I asked if he could make it. He said, “One step at a time.” “Sure Dad,” I said, and had him put his arm over my shoulder. Going down Commonwealth Avenue, there’s a point where you see the other runners coming back and making their turn to Hereford Street. It would be a perfect time to cut the course and head back. It would be two more blocks for us to get to the CITGO sign for our turnaround. I offered my Dad the opportunity to cut the course. Without hesitation he emphatically proclaimed, “NO!” I’ve always been proud of my Dad. But when he wanted to continue and not take the easy short cut, it galvanized even more my sheer love for him as a man. Inching closer to the CITGO sign and the Kenmore Street turnaround, we had to go under the Massachusetts underpass. I looked over my shoulder and saw a police car. I asked Dad if he could continue and went to talk to the officer. I asked the officer if there was a time limit. He said not really and asked if my Dad wanted help back. I told him Dad wanted to keep going. We rounded Kenmore and headed back to the Commons. At this point, there were almost no other runners on the course - just a blind man with a guide and what appeared to be a person on crutches. We took our right on Hereford and left onto Boylston. On Monday, I would be going down this path for my marathon finish. Struggling but Always Fighting. On Boylston is the Grandstand for Marathon Finishers. Just coming off Hereford, its ¼ mile away but looks more like a hundred miles away. The area was becoming void of runners as tourists started to flood the street. My Dad asked if that would be our finish. I told him, “Unfortunately, we have to go past that finish line and go all the way back to the Commons.” As we got to the 5K finish, people gave us thumbs-ups, yells of encouragement. There I was: a man with his Dad, lifting him through a 5K. We didn’t really talk much during the race. I kept monitoring his status. He was holding up. However, in the back of my mind, I was recalling a time in high school when he lifted me up, when he never gave up on me even though I wanted to give up on life. We went through that tough time together and he never wavered from seeing me graduate. In fact, the moment my graduation ceremony was over, I went against the stream of people to find him, cry on his shoulder, and say, “We Did This!” Today with this little 5K, in the sport I love most, was the same kind of opportunity to show “We’re going to do this!” We passed under the Marathon Finish structure, past the old church, back to the entrance of Boston Common. A policeman gave us a little pathway separating the tourist blocking the street. The stretch to the finish was empty. No one was there except my Mom and Grace. I took Dad’s arm off my shoulder and told him to muster enough to run ahead of me. I watched him cross at 1h04m32s then took my few steps crossing at 1h04m34s. Twenty minutes earlier, my Mom finished at blazing 42m05sec and Grace finished at respectable 46m37sec (both of them PR'd). I was officially beat by my entire family. It was the most rewarding last place in my life.

[@FreedomandBaconHomestead]

Thank you for that terrific homily, Father Mike! God bless everyone reading this.

[@batmanhudson4235]

Father Mike, your sermon is amazing. I have NEVER understood or considered taking my life (suicide) nor had I understood why anyone would ever consider it. In October of 1995, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and given less than three months to live. With 4 boys under the age of 10, and my youngest son 3 crawling onto my lap as I studied my options (strongly against chemotherapy, and desperately needing help to know what to do) he said “Mom, I won’t remember you”. I knew God was telling me to fight for my life. He guided me thru three Phase 1 cancer treatments. Sadly, my tender hearted, genius, amazing son Jacob started a very difficult journey with depression. In high school he started hearing voices telling him he was worthless and he should kill himself. My boys didn’t tell me, they were afraid I would be overwhelmingly upset and succumb to my disease. After much self discipline and faith in God, Jacob a 5’5” young man graduated on the deans list, was on the football team, with a football scholarship ( his coach admired his work ethic and the inspirational tenacity he displayed, despite his size., and in his last game he received the game ball , defensive player of the game! He also worked 20 plus hours a week during school, to help pay for his College expenses. Jacob got his Masters Degree in international business in Spain. Two years later to the day Jacob succumbed to the voices telling him he was worthless and he should kill himself, he did not to want to burden our family ! July 12th, 2019 was the worst day of my life (and that of every member of our family). As I write this now I must admit that I truly am deeply understanding suicide. I love God and Jesus and his holy mother, I don’t understand why I now, find it almost impossible to finish this race. Father Mike, I have learned so much from the way you share your faith, with such passion and kindness, thank you.

[@janicemulry8140]

Your story is so moving. You really have been challenged in the hardest of ways. I pray for you and your family to know peace. May Jacob’s soul be safe in Our Lord’s arms. Amen 🙏

[@TheStevenSinger]

Father you have no idea how much I needed this. Thanks and God bless

[@judithhart5772]

So great! God bless and keep you Fr Mike!! You are always in my prayers!

[@AJay-yk3ef]

You, Fr Mike, are proof of God wanting good for us and loving us. This homily is a beautiful message. Thank you!

[@francescruz6276]

Wow Father Mike that's all I want is to finish the race, finishing the race is more important to me then victory, God bless 🙏 you Father Mike

[@gym_bob]

I use to have an addiction to narcotics (opiates) and I almost died from it but Divine Intervention saved me from myself and my life changed as a result, so I did everything I could to steer clear of drugs and I must say it wasn't easy. Statisticly, only 20% will remain sober for the first year and thats after receiving some sort of treatment such as in or outpatient treatment and/or 12 step meetings. Without help, the chances are less the 1%...........During the darkest parts of my life, strangely, I was not afraid because I knew everything would be alright no matter what happened! Now I have a great life and I have never been happier and I talk to the Holy Spirit every day as soon as I wake up in the morning! I urge everyone else to do the same!.......Thankyou Father and God Bless!

[@alex-sd]

Father Mike, you are definitely heaven-sent to help all of us finish our race. Many blessings to you!

[@johnbernadettelewis8704]

Aug 14 is my wedding anniversary, 48 years ago...I am running that race alone now but I know that my late husband John is still running it with me in spirit...as always an excellent homily

[@karliekrinock6101]

Brought me to tears. I can’t wait to share this with my sons.

[@lauradahlus]

I wondered so long why I am here.. What vocation and state in life I am called to as I feel I have no true calling...But then I had a dream and singing I said "I am here because, I am Loved"...... 🥰

[@dymoure]

One thing I love about Father Mike is how he always incorporates all of the theological virtues in his life... always. My local priest's homily was very lacking in hope and love this past Sunday-it wasn't bad, but I felt it left me with way too much pessimism as I left the Church. I just want to thank you, Father Mike, for giving so many people much needed hope and love, even in a homily that's about failing at victory.

[@markhanfarmerskypee]

Someone needs to hear this Oh Lord! God almighty! I magnify your name! Yaweh I give you all the glory for my life! Forgive my sins and my un confessed sins Lord! Lord I want more of you and less of me! I thank you for your protection! I am truly blessed and highly favored I sit in heavenly places and I am the son of a mighty King!!! I love you Jesus! This is such a great song. I feel so much of the holyspirit in me. God has been so good and I have never had to hold my knowledge back as I always want to impact people and make them rich as I am. I have had lots of my fellow brother and sisters who reach out to me via email and I don’t heststate to help. If you are willing to do the lords work that is a good thing. I have some of my clients who own orphanage homes and charity organisation. I am so delight that there are good people in the world who want to use money for Gods work. Remain blessed everyone. No matter what you go through God loves you.....,

[@rosemariedonovan8499]

Dear Father, I am old now and you hv shown me the way to finish the race. Alleluia!

[@mariamullins1280]

Love this message of Father Mike’s ! It has helped me numerous times, as well as other people I have sent it to.

[@irenegarcia4253]

Father mike this addiction is no joke praise God for mentors like you this is what I needed to hear today being in recovery for 6 years lived it now I share the joy of recovery, Amen

[@dianalozano6130]

Fr. Mike, what an amazing homily. Ur profound words touched me that tears filled my eyes. Simply pure beauty. Thank u so much. May our Precious Lord continue to bless u. ❤️🙏❤️

[@angelaaa7777]

Thank you Fr Mike I really needed hear this today…🙏🏽♥️🌹🫶🏾

[@catherinemckenna6117]

I think I have watched/listened to this episode about 20 times. It makes me cry. It is so meaningful. Thank you Father Mike! Btw…my so was so excited to see you at his retreat a few years back. He still talks about it!

[@tessamadere80]

MOST ENCOURAGING!

[@tessamadere80]

I will pray for ERIC to 🙏 To RIP..ERIC, in German, means 😇 Angel!

[@wms72]

I felt/(imagined?) my departed son standing next to me, worshipping, at holy Mass this morning. This homily made me feel like he was really there

[@philipneri8519]

I would like to recommend you read 'The Holy Mass explained to Catalina by Jesus and Mary'. I think it will help clarify your testimony. God bless :)

[@wms72]

The page shows one reply, but it's invisible. Why is KZbin hiding replies?

[@bobgresko6140]

He was there, worshipping his Lord with you! That's a promise💝

[@normalopez2856]

This Father Mike was for me! Thank you I am going to finish my race!

[@rachelpops9239]

Anyone else cracking up on that thumbnail? Fr. Mike is a cheezeball and I love it!

[@user-pl5ts6uq3y]

Thumbnail?

[@shareenchoudhury-leighton1748]

🩵 😢 Such a heartbreaking & beautiful story 💙

[@R.C.425]

May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Mama, your race is over. I miss you so much.

[@thomaspospiech6764]

Wow! We are not alone!

[@monieppp1431]

💔❤ Dad you finished the race! 💔❤ I would jump down from the bleachers an infinite amount of times for you. I love you. 🙏 Alfredo Perez🙏

[@ElizabethSanchez-of7pr]

A great movie about finishing a race: Cool Runnings from decades ago. PS these homilies bring so much healing. Thank you.

[@boss56679]

The thought that because I still struggle with masturbation I would not be able to be saved, but watching this has made me realize that as long as I keep turning back to the Lord, as long as I keep getting back up, everything will be alright.

[@rhwinner]

God bless you in your struggle. It can be done - I did it.

[@bajone02]

Try Jesus I Trust In You after every failure or thought of the temptation. Don't let the evil one have that victory on your watch!

[@thearubigrant]

God bless and heal you.

[@boss56679]

Thank you all so much!

[@ericcerna4286]

It is possible to break the addiction! But remember we will never be perfect just sinners trying to reach a perfect God! Pray for his mercy and may he grant you grace!

[@michelleperry9603]

Thank you Father for speaking of the Communion of Saints. I am in the hospital and waiting for a steroid injection In my spine tomorrow after being brought here by medics Sunday If that doesn’t work I will need spine surgery This gives me hope Also please pray for me as i am raising 2 grandchildren with there mother and all of them (mom & children) have serious medical issues

[@17CW68fNv]

All the saints are pulling for us to finish with God. We just have to keep working at it, and believing, and striving for the finish line of life, in the Lord. Thank you, Fr Mike, for another inspiring talk to lift us up. God be with you. Claire.

[@sergiomuttio]

Thank you for uploading just the homily. A message from someone who just arrived from mass. God bless.

[@cajunrph]

Another great homily. No matter what is holding us back. We have to finish the race. And the best part, is we won't finish it alone. God will be there by oursides. Cheering us along like the spectators in the race Fr Mike recounted for us. He'll be behind us, along with a host of others, Cheering us to the finish line.

[@lovelast4evergemma508]

THANK YOU FATHER and Ascension ❤️❤️❤️

[@100Denario]

So amazing that they brought that doctor into sainthood…..addiction is a disease…..just like diabetes. My heart goes out to everyone here!!!

[@lauraabrodsky8155]

A. Outstanding explanation of how to finish our race regardless of whether we win or lose. Thank you, Lord, for giving me exactly what I need and God Bless Fr. Mike for being one of my precious witnesses. Praying always for this VFP. 🙏🙏🙏

[@dileakadias3455]

father than ffank you God bless

[@patmedina1894]

¿Como sabes si este hombre es un verdadero ministro de Dios? Mira su alegría y pasión al momento de hablar de Dios. Dios le bendiga.

[@carlabeydler878]

What a great homily…..this has touched me on so many levels…thank you Fr Mike for sharing….praying for you daily

[@peggykopf3732]

thank you father.... what a wonderful homily...

[@caroldye433]

Thank you, Fr Mike!

[@st_xult]

best finish ever...I can hear it in your voice teach! I'm glad you experienced this and shared it in love and truth. 🙏🏻💨❤️💯

[@st_xult]

Love ya teacher Mike! 🙏🏻💨❤️💯

[@CatholicQuiz77]

“The answer is basically ‘Never’ in his life time...and jeremiah said ‘ok, out of Love for you Lord, I Will do it” If God put you there, where is the Victory? - sometimes God gives the victory (often times) - sometimes God just give us what we need to finish the race (more often) You cant quick your job, you have to finish the race ..especially when it looks like you wont be able to finish the race

[@robynbeach3198]

Thank you so much for this! I can't even tell you what this means to me right now in my own little "iron woman" race.

[@martinarmbrust3606]

Thank you Father, for the message. And on an only slightly related note, this may go down as the best thumbnail for an Ascension video to date 😊

[@metildajoseph5265]

Greetings Father Mike, Thanks for the Wonderful Sunday Homily which is refreshing in All aspects. Glory to Lord Jesus Christ. For Kind Attention : Republic of India is largest Democratic Country with Multifaceted Culturally Diversified Multiple Languages Speaking, Strong Ethnical and Native (Tribes)Values with Union of States formed by the 'People' in all aspects. Special Prayers : We celebrate Our Local Parish - Our Lady of Lourdes Anniversary celebration with Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary and India Independence Day with Prayers for Peace and Harmony in every aspects. My Thoughts with Prayers for Rest in Peace for Departed souls. With regards with Prayers for Everyone, RanjithJoseph (R.J)

[@GhostofMrsMuir1443]

Beautiful homily! Thank you, Father. I needed time hear this.

[@trod9524]

HOLY COW!!! Thank you Fr. Mike for bringing it. I praise the Lord for using you as His mouthpiece. Through your homily, the Lord has approved my lesson for my Confirmation class this Thursday.

[@Joe-fe7pc]

I am so alone and deep in the mud. But this homily gives me hope. With God's grace I too will finish my race no matter what. Thank you Fr Mike.

[@rafaeloliva8328]

You got me crying this time father Mike thank Thank you and God bless

[@annchen8919]

Thanks!

[@56Tyskie]

Amen Amen

[@melaniefayeanderson8947]

You have no idea how much I needed this today!!! Thank you!

[@deborahanne9793]

Amen

[@thekhan517]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this. I needed this. Thank you. God bless.

[@HPN2012]

Thank you Fr. For me, this has to be one of your best homilies.

[@michaelc0h3n]

Wonderful homily, father! Thank you

[@lilyfeagin8634]

Thank you Father Mike!

[@angrypotato_fz]

When you mentioned the race, I knew there would be Iron-man story :D But I don't mind, I love it and just tried to recall what happened there. Thank you, Fr. Mike :)

[@sentendo7647]

your homilies are so inspiring to me. Thank you for sharing this.

[@brownbunny2008]

I needed to hear this. Thank you for sharing the word of God with us all through here 💛

[@bubbless.9529]

Thank you. I needed this today🙂

[@johanne_7058]

such a beautiful homily, thank you ❤️

[@Angi425]

Amen!

[@TheFunfolks]

We are not alone !!!!!

[@franciscos.a.l.135]

I've been waiting to hear that name for some while now. Heard his story and I related to it out of context of course. It stayed with me as a heart without a face or a name. Now I know.

[@cigx3171]

My life was just threatened.

[@joolz5747]

I am so glad these can be sent easily and forwarded an email! Father Mike’s homilies are the best I’ve ever heard. This is wonderful. He is already doing a mass which I hear every Sunday and he is on the Hallow app. But this is even better because I can forward it to people and it’s awesome! Thank you!

[@dadthemanthemyththelegend3348]

nice ty

[@jamesleyse4458]

I needed to hear this! Thank you!!

[@carissahanson9887]

Yes my life circumstances don’t always look very Catholic and when I try to receive help for the people in my life that sorely needed it seems very difficult but I know that God will come through in one way or another whatever his will please make me more obedient child and I think Saint Mark GFor his beautiful witness to the love of God thanks for sharing this story it is a story I heard when I was coming back to the church a little over two years ago

[@joespanier4703]

WOW

[@hector334_7]

Thanks 👏🙏❤

[@fram1111]

Great Homily, very motivating

[@paulapasma8004]

I would love to share the story of St. Mark Ji Tianxiang with my nephew who is struggling to overcome his addition to meth. I searched, but only find articles of his amazing life. Does anyone know if a book has been written about him? Thanks for any leads you can provide. What an awe inspiring life!!

[@cathymooney5648]

Thanks so much for all your work 🙏 What time do you start

[@beatricemiller5480]

He starts Mass at 9 am Central time.

[@no_prisoners6474]

🥺🥺🥺

[@ToNoodleOrNotToNoodle711]

How do you love God?

[@rhwinner]

Not a theologian but...first acknowledge Him as God, and your own unworthiness. Be grateful for all his blessings. Promise to obey Him to the utmost of your ability. Love your neighbor. I think that's a start! 🙏❤️🙏

[@angelaaa7777]

😢😢😢😢😢

[@carissahanson9887]

Somewhat dyslexic here can somebody please write down the full name of Mark G because my voice app is not going to put the last part of his name thanks if you could help

[@eduardovallejo4761]

Mark Ji Tianxiang

[@carissahanson9887]

@@eduardovallejo4761 Thank you so much

[@missh7976]

Your thoughts?

[@cigx3171]

God what's trying to kill me?

[@skilletman16]

I wonder why another archdiocese did a race analogy for the homily too, but the gospel was more about Jesus not coming to bring peace and that fathers and sons, mothers and daughters would be against each other.

[@erikamoore7177]

beautiful homily but do they speed up his homily and several times 😢

[@michaelthompson5875]

Are Father Mike's homilies posted somewhere so they can be read? I would really like to be able to go back to some from time to time.

[@rosemariedonovan8499]

Where is the 14th of August mass?

[@VideosGospels]

All veneration, prayer, invocation, praise, and celebration, made for saints, graven images, relics or any entity, constitutes rebellion against God. There are plenty of texts in the bible that condemn this practice. This did not exist in the church left by Christ and his apostles. Idolatry was gradually being instituted by the church of Rome in the time of the emperors. Many want to justify this because of the angels made by God's command to Moses, and later to Solomon. These were not objects of praise, celebration or veneration. They represented creatures that serve God, always close to the throne of the Lord. The mercy seat, which was on top of the ark of the covenant, represented the throne of God. The cherubs served to remind the high priest, as he entered the Holy of Holies, that this room in the tabernacle represented the presence of God. But I would never praise or venerate the cherubs themselves, etc., but that's what happens in Catholic churches. See what the Bible says about it: Exodus 20: 4-5 is written like this: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, nor any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth below, or that is in the water under the earth. Earth. Thou shalt not worship them, nor worship them. The apostle Paul speaks in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

[@cigx3171]

Patricia, what's trying to kill God?

[@cigx3171]

This is not an exorcism.

[@rhwinner]

God bless.❤️🙏❤️

[@msgoody2shoes959]

Ironic

[@cigx3171]

No more talking

[@thenaturalpathofdestiny244]

Why does a Cat have nine lives? Well, let's see, are we talking meow? How about, Cat--tholic? Could it be, the begotten son, is the ninth male decendant of the one who brought religion to these lands? Well, that be Mel Gibson. Has he not solidified more people into the doctrine of Christ, than anyone in the world? He will be the most dedicated to God. He's an active player in, The Game of Life.

[@cigx3171]

We can go over details/information/411 when they're not here