Have You Mastered the Basics of Your Faith?

Fr. Mike makes the case that, before you claim a certain “style” in practicing the faith, you have to master the basics. He tells a story about when he was learning guitar. The teacher told his students to hold their guitar on an angle with their left knee higher than their right. This way they could play all kinds of music. Some of the students decided they wanted to hold the guitar their own way. This limited what they could play. Living the Faith is the same way.
If you’re told to do something and don’t, is it because you can’t do it, or because you won’t? When practicing the Faith, you may say you’re not into prayer, or service, or witnessing about Jesus, but all these things are essential to growing in holiness.
The saints are all different, true. Their fruit was unique, but the soil where they flourished is the same. Every saint started with prayer. They all did service, they all talked about Jesus. Fr. Mike recommends that we take advantage of all the riches our Catholic Faith gives us: the Rosary, Ignatian meditation, Lectio Divina, charismatic prayer, and so on. Let’s not limit our experience of God by saying some tradition is not our style.
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[@menacewithaknife4045]

I'm a new born in my Catholic faith even though I'm in my mid fifties and was raised a Catholic I've just started learning the rosary and have a bunch of holes to work on. Hope I can go to church to talk one on one with a priest and even take classes so I can go to confession. Made first communion don't remember if I was confirmed. I pray that I root in solid ground and become a better Catholic and person. Jesus has carried me my whole life and I hope that I can walk with him before my end.

[@albertsegura6034]

Not even a Catholic but Father Mike is such a blessing with the wisdom God has granted him. Praise God!

[@justinjustinjustin10]

If you have any questions about the Catholic faith let us know

[@chloestheatrevlogs2331]

God bless you!

[@amejaremy]

I wasn't until a couple of years ago too. I'm so glad that I decided to become a member.

[@daveparrott9530]

Please look more closely at us.

[@James-303CO]

@Dominick F. Wilemon Welcome to the faith brother God bless you stay strong.

[@clarekappenman5564]

I agree with other posters. Can you do a couple of videos on like "Level 0 basics" for those not yet Catholic, Level 1 basics for those who are recently Catholic, and level 2 basics for those who are solidly practicing the level 0 and level 1? I think this would be helpful to "tweak" for faith formation priorities as well... So many faith formation programs seem to major in minors or put the cart before the horse, spending time on vocab like "ciborium" without teaching how to have a relationship with the living Jesus, or how to read the Bible, or cultivating devotion to the Eucharist. Many saints have said that devotion to Mary is essential for true devotion to Jesus, but is that a level 0 or a level 2, and does it have to be rosary prayer or could it be briefer for beginners who are intimidated by 20 minutes of repetitious prayer? Etc. Prioritizing all the many, many things that have been called essential or basic over 2,000 years of church history would be helpful for me--5 years a Catholic this year thank God 🙏

[@Sbannmarie]

Clare Kappenman oh yes!

[@miamaguire6404]

Yes please!!

[@mic1231]

Yes please..

[@Shelf_Improvement]

Yes

[@conm4277]

Check out Jeff Cavins' podcast about 'isolating spiritual practises'. This helped a lot for me as my devotions became a box texting exercise throughout the day. It was so stressful and ultimately was leading to the real goal, a relationship with Our Lord

[@BenjaminOwenSlattery]

Can you do some videos on the basics? For example: How do you journal in prayer? How do you pray Lectio Devina? How do you pray Ignatian Spirituality?

[@MMEV2016]

This reminds me of those that tell me "No, I'm just spiritual". Ok...then that's just your "default setting". There's only one way....and HE IS THE WAY**

[@praytherosaryeveryday2709]

@LegioXEuropaea Ha that's true, I'm going to use this next time some one comes out with this deceived statement

[@artist1758]

lol

[@artist1758]

it's unfortunate.ha,ha

[@arineteg9752]

This was me 🤦‍♀️ thank God for his guidance 😅

[@scarlet020100]

Very thought-provoking. Makes me think of St Francis of Assisi. His "style" was his special way with animals, and people like to think of this but tend to forget that he also embraced the crucified Jesus, renounced all material possessions, cared for the poor, and had a singular devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Francis attracts people because of the way he loved animals, and then if we look further into his life, we realize that he loved Christ more than anything else, including animals, and he is an example to us of how to do that.

[@BertoldSzekeres]

Haha, about the rosary being boring: I used to think that as well, now I'm praying it as much as I can. Also the chaplet of Mercy. It's not just that they do miracles, but also if you're persistent it becomes a joy. It really brings you joy you never knew before. Do persevere and you'll see!

[@Zamalandre]

Completely agree with you. And finding new ways to meditate the mysteries, with Scriptures for example, really helped me contemplate Jesus while praying the Rosary.

[@nickbogush9553]

I am learning everyday of how rich our Catholic faith is and sometimes feel like I am overwhelmed with it. I am still learning to pray but I do pray everyday. I pray the rosary everyday and sometimes I am so moved by the message(s) when I reflect on the fruits of the mysteries. I read scripture and again I hear God's specific message to me which fills me. I journal also but not everyday. If someone were to read my journal; they would probably think I was crazy sometimes. I hope that by final day on earth that I have mastered my faith. Thank you Fr Mike and God continue to bless you and your work.

[@luuvvvu4ever692]

Funny you made this video bc I just started reading the diary of Saint Faustina and it made me think of the times when she was afraid to do something the Lord was asking of her for fear of what other people would think but then He would come back and remind her to be obedient to Him. Been trying to work on this myself...

[@bobmcgavin7379]

Father Mike. I just watched your Valentine’s Day what is love (baby don’t hurt me) video. In it you said that many millennials such as myself have this conflict between sharing our faith and keeping it personal. I think that you should do a video on balancing those two ideas. Between going out and sharing the good news and between staying in and praying in private where only the Father can see you. (I forget the verse, but it is the one about the hypocrites praying on the corner of the streets) hope this comment makes it to you! Other millennials and people of other age groups! Help this comment get to the top! God bless!!

[@sophia9720]

I’m glad that he implicitly pointed out: “I don’t want to” does not necessarily equate to pride, or the need to assert one's individuality. In instances of trivial preference (like how someone prays), if you’ve tried something and found it didn’t resonate, then by all means, practice and take hold of what does--these small gems will make all the difference.

[@pleasegivemeacookie]

A lot of the things you’ve mentioned as part of the soil I’ve never heard of before. I’m working towards my confirmation. I’d love to see videos on the soil.

[@Richie016]

Christ sets us free from all worldly desires & passions, through his grace & mercy he opens our way to salvation

[@jonahkane7027]

Thank you father mike for all you have been doing during this period of isolation 🙏✝️

[@AG_KEMPER]

I'm studying soil science, and I love your metaphor! It's truly concerning how much your metaphor could be extended and expanded, so I will refrain from doing so.

[@utamihalliday2995]

Who dislikes this video??? I could not believe it that there are people who don't like your teaching. It is not math or chemistry or physics......

[@flydivajacs]

As always, Fr. Mike your messages are inspirational as they ”make sense”. Thank you for all that you do. May our heavenly Father continue to bless and keep you.

[@veronicaford5737]

Phenomenal! I needed this as just beginning my Catholic journey and priding myself on my own “quirky” individualism. I loved how you explained that you are not taking our individual personalities away, just encouraging us to master the basics before moving on 😋❤️🙏

[@Truthseeker371]

Building a foundation is prerequisite to build a solid house.

[@joyzb8669]

I live in a place where there are many Muslims 😩 I have friends and It's so difficult to open their views to the Truth of who Jesus really is 🙈 please help me pray for non-believers that in time, God will open their hearts that would lead them to understanding and acceptance that Jesus is Our Lord, Saviour to all mankind 🙏

[@davidmorton2620]

God bless you Father Mike. I pray for you always

[@anneturner2759]

Fr. Mike , you are Christ’s most precious son . Praying for you always.

[@karys2005]

From Lithuania With Love !!! One Love !!!

[@kwekwlos]

This helped motivate me to study more about the nature of God (specifically the Five Ways). Thanks, Father Mike.

[@flyesouisi]

I am 62 now but have always found Christian Spirituality extremely simple- Seek the will of the Father; ask the Spirit to reveal it and do it. It is not a style. Its just how love of God drives us.

[@mikkis668]

Ouch, that was tough. And true. (But you see, my uniqueness and style is so... Preciousss 😨😱) Thank You! 👍 Maybe next teaching could be about the Basics of the Soil...

[@ryankay8653]

really good wake up call, thank you. If you see this father Mike can you run through everything that would be considered soil, because i know you mentioned some but i want to make sure i hit everything. thank you and God bless

[@boipelophake7831]

Thank you so much Father Mike for your message, you have made see my faith in a different light. Much appreciated!

[@harmonygordon6901]

Thank you Father. This is excellent. Your such a blessing. I was very averse to praying the rosary. I didn't realize that it was a pride issue, but I now know that it was. Someone convinced me to say a daily rosary. Once I started saying it, I looked into the message from Mother Mary at Fatima. Now I'm sorry I wasn't obedient sooner. I realize that I was never really praying for lost souls much, if at all. With every rosary I say I'm now praying for the lost. I'm grateful to get to do it ! Then it DAWNED on me, people had been praying for me when I was in my prodigal time. I was LOST and now I am found. And I can thank people for saying the rosary for the return of my soul to the Lord. I once thought it was boring because it wasn't ALL ABOUT ME ! Yikes ! Saying the rosary has given me the sense of being connected to the communion of saints! ( not that I am a saint, but I feel tethered to them and to the whole Church! )

[@anujose8493]

Dear Father Mike and Ascention Presents team! Thank you for this and all the wonderful videos. You all inspire me deeply and make me change little things to get close to god. Id like to ask you, if you could do a specific video on the "basics" and how to master it.. because i definitely lack in that department. Thank you very very much, Anu Jose

[@skembow]

Yes! At least a list of the basics! :D

[@st.michaelthearchangel7774]

My two cents: pray every day, overcome sin, go to confession two-three times a month, daily Mass (mass-online.org/daily-holy-mass-live-online/), create and follow a daily schedule, fast once or twice a week, read scripture every day, do a holy hour every day, exercise 3-5 days a week, read the lives of the saints, smile, and follow God's commandments. I am sure the list goes much deeper. Hope it helps. :)

[@Shelf_Improvement]

Yes!

[@flwrsrosey3778]

God*

[@Brockeli]

Thank you father

[@SPEAKEASYAZ4895]

Was raised catholic all my life, right up to catholic high school. After my divorce, stop going to church I am no going to a bible base church, great music and sermons.

[@mariapacheco6436]

Can you please do a video explaining these basics and offering resources or a book list? Or what would be really cool is if Ascension Presents made a 28 day challenge calendar for the faith for beginners, intermediate and/or advance. The calendars could have different topics too. Fitness calendars are super trendy right now. Thank you and God bless! Great video!

[@dranerane4912]

The fruit is different but the soil should be the same. Thank you Fr. Mike! Start in the basic. We are special to God, but we are not that special as individual. Dive back in

[@georgeszweden9497]

Fr Mike is an incredible person

[@me2143658709]

3:30 OH MY GOSH HE'S TALKING ABOUT PROFESSOR JORDAN PETERSON!!!!! I was just thinking of the video in which Professor Peterson told that story too. I love that Father Mike also listens to Jordan Peterson!!! This made my night!

[@chrisg7447]

This was amazing Father, and we must master the basics and be open to the soil of Catholicism in the ways in which it is expressed 100%. However, The soil is so vast and there are countless devotions and spiritualities to choose from. In my opinion it seems that when it comes to the basics, the top 3 would be 1) Mass, 2) Prayer, 3) Sacraments (ie. Confession, Holy Communion,). And Just under those 3, there are a multitude of different expressions. After that there are dozens and dozens of different devotions that the Church offers (The Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Liturgy of the Hours, Novenas, Lectio Divina, Adoration, Praise and Worship etc.). My question is; How does one prioritize? and How does one determine which ones are best for them, and which ones will lead to the fullest expression of ones holiness? I mean for me to try and delve into all kinds of devotions is very time consuming, and most people do not have that kind of time unless you are a religious. I think this topic needs more fleshing out because it is very important, and should be approached considering the various states in life. Thank you Father and God Bless!!

[@conm4277]

Check out Jeff Cavins' podcast about 'isolating spiritual practises'. This helped a lot for me as my devotions became a box texting exercise throughout the day. It was so stressful and ultimately was leading to the real goal, a relationship with Our Lord.

[@almasakic1148]

This is such a great question, and also something is needed to help people who are just starting out feel less intimidated by all these things. There are also things like social class to consider; some people work very long hours and simply don't have the time but still want the fullest possible expression of love for Christ in their lives. The Church really needs to do more on this to make it accessible to more people. There are great sites online that give the homeless or people in jail free rosaries and crosses and things. More things like that need to be done but with the elucidation of how to best go about spiritual life and the soil.

[@francissweeney7318]

The basics of faith: " Fear God and obey His Commandments."

[@mmjanemorgan4252]

Maybe you could play for us sometime! 🙃🙃

[@robertsmith9096]

May God bless him as much as He has blessed us with him!✝️

[@Copolia]

Very profound and thought provoking. Thank you Father Mike. I never thought of looking at the practise of my faith in this way. I love gardening and plants and when you talked about the "soil" I immediately thought of my plants and how I care for them. The soil is key, it's where everything starts. Thank you.

[@almasakic1148]

it's funny you say that, as soon as I finished the video I felt like I saw a beautiful blooming tree in my mind's eye :) Fr. Mike is a blessing

[@angelabrosius2559]

Can’t or won’t we are lazy and choose other things. Try, try, try again and again. Thank you for the reminder

[@naomiartisan]

It’s so comforting to see this video. I felt a call last year, I keep say I can’t. But my heart say do it. This year I finally surrender to it, yes I can’t write well but I will try my best and finally I start writing a little of how my faith leads me to this new journey. Yes, I can’t but at the same time I won’t say I won’t. Then I receive message it gives them hope, strength etc. This fruit is so priceless, the joy become tears of joy.

[@numpty829]

This video was so for me. Thank you Father Mike

[@miiriinada7193]

One of your best videos, in my opinion. Many thanks to you, Father Mike.

[@nurdanjotham896]

Loveeee your videos

[@juliagoodsell342]

Thank you father!!! Three Hail Marys for you!

[@777magdalene]

To keep with the soil and fruit analogy... It's like saying I won't water my plants, but I will only fertilize, and remove weeds... that's my gardening style. Good luck with that ;) Great video!

[@michaeloshea1830]

Amen

[@unassailable6138]

The soil Fr Mike is talking about is, in my opinion, the Divine Office, the prayer the whole Church clergy, monks, nuns, laity, pray and sing to God together including the Saints and Angels. In my life the Divine Office/Breviary takes precedence over all other prayers. It is the deepest way, with the exception of Holy Mass, to attain sanctification, developing intimacy and praising God.

[@amandagray825]

Daniel Jahn the Liturgy of the Hours has absolutely transformed my life 💙

[@donnahalsted7718]

Puzzle pieces, we are, no one piece fits in any other place. Missing, we leave a hole in the whole. We all belong in the same picture - Gods painting!

[@zoraidaiglesias934]

Awesome. Love,love this explanation. So true. God Bless you. I humbly ask for your prayer for my son Michael who suffer from alcoholism and depression. Glory be to God

[@CadeBergmann]

just began my journey in christianity and i'm very grateful for this video haha i've been literally wondering HOW I DO THIS hahaha

[@illonasdollchannel007suita2]

praying aloud is the best way for me to pray to God i think its what you are happier with

[@bradkrekelberg8624]

I was born Catholic and have practiced all my life except for a short period in early adulthood. I am confirmed. I went to Catholic school for 8 years. Most of the things Father mentions as things I should be familiar with, I'm not. I've never heard of most of them. I think I need to go through RCIA. I notice that adult coverts are FAR more pious than those of us born in the Faith. I really wonder where the failure is in that.

[@leoncaruthers]

I suspect it's selection, not catechesis, that makes the difference there. An adult seeking RCIA on their own is already highly motivated, even an adult seeking conversion for the sake of marriage is more motivated and better able to ask questions with a matured mind than a younger person for whom the practice of faith is just cultural.

[@steve.lichtenwald]

The answer is YES. You definitely make sense, succicinctly so.

[@lovelast4evergemma508]

It is a good question to ask ourselves on a daily basis when things come up and to be honest within ourselves is it because I can't do it or I don't want to do it? It is to help me this because to train myself in every little thing to say yes to GOD. I LOVE this Lesson so much - another one of your lessons Father Mike added to my favorites to help me grow to LOVE JESUS more and more Thanks Father Mike and GOD Bless You always and forever Gemma💞💜

[@coralandpuppies1582]

Listening to you while on holiday in the South Pacific. Thank you for your podcasts.

[@christinadelafuente1909]

Thank you so much! My husband, son and I are all in the process of converting. For obvious reasons, we’ve been missing our Catechism classes... what do you think are the basics of Catholicism? What are the things we should be doing during this time of preparation and what can we be implementing into daily life?

[@katey.8719]

Yes! There are so many Catholic KZbin channels telling us what we must do. Father Mike - do you have a guide to the basics?

[@phoebejanemiller1671]

I would recommend checking out bishop Barron’s Word on Fire KZbin channel! He has many videos on the basics of the catholic faith, and he presents them in a beautiful, approachable way. Also, if you go to the Vatican’s website, you can get a free pdf of Pope Francis’s “The Joy of the Gospel” which outlines the central teachings of the church, and some of his other instructions for living a holy life in the day to day. Both of these resources helped me a lot when I was going through Catechism classes. Going to online daily mass will help prepare you to receive the Eucharist, and get familiar with the order of the mass. There are many podcasts and videos online for guided rosary prayers. Praying the rosary together as a family will help draw you near to God as well. Above all, the central teaching of the church is to live in the love of God, accepting it into your heart and soul through prayer and sacraments, and spreading that love to others through works of mercy and compassion. My confirmation saint, Therese, is famous for teaching that one becomes holy through the “littlest way” small works of love for the people around you. God bless you and your family! You will be in my prayers!

[@Magdalena287]

If you dont mind me recommending a book to you, the catechism of saint Pius the X, it is the best version of the catechism in lay terms. You can get it off amazon for under 10 dollars and it will forever have a spot on my bookshelf.

[@manuelzelaya7084]

You could look for either the YouCat or the DoCat! Both are books prepared by the Vatican in order to teach the Catechism and the Social Doctrine of the Church to young people. Very, very good resources! Also, devotion to Mary is a big part of our catholic life! You can find why in those books I cited 😀. God bless you and your family! Really hope God shows you the path He wants in your life and gives you a full, happy life!

[@scarlet020100]

All the suggestions here are good, I will just make one more that is simple to do: Ask the Blessed Mother to help you in all you need and with all you are missing with your conversion. It's the kind of thing she loves to do and she will shower you with graces while she is at it. Ask her and then get ready to receive!!

[@ka-trip574]

I do it because I can. I don't do it because I won't. It makes sense Fr. Mike.

[@mariapilardp5256]

Thank you father! As always, great! 👏👏👏

[@alondra1887]

I hope some of you brothers and sisters read my comment. Please pray to the Lord our God for my healing.

[@angela6405]

The soil is the same, the fruits are unique

[@jfcmanalo]

wow so timely. thank you for this video!

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

That was so well said Father, thank you! God Bless you and your family always. 😌🙏💕

[@glennhendry8600]

Fr. Mike is so right!

[@elavandra_hirmiz]

Fr. Mike you are simply the best. God bless you always🙏

[@Onlinesully]

Love to have this guys lovely and privileged life.

[@superdudejc]

Wow!! This is one of the better videos that I've heard from Fr. Mike! You're usually consistently strong but this one hits it out of the park! So many people discount important elements of the faith with that idea of "it's not my thing" . The truth seems to be just that it makes them uncomfortable. When did Christianity become something that just makes us comfortable??!! Thanks for the encouragement especially at this time of our history.

[@jgrobichaud]

God bless ....

[@AnnHT-b5w]

God Bless you Father! Perfect

[@jordynpiano7171]

I love this

[@sidneycase3886]

Thank you for your wisdom Father

[@jostudio]

Thank you!

[@artorefalnera3055]

Fr. Thank you 😇

[@williamdomey7584]

Thank you Father Mike, This video came at a good time.

[@dianaborlaza88]

Thank you father Mike for guiding us in other ways to strenghten our faith. Please pray for me and and my whole family. God bless you always. :)

[@Rugbylacroose4life]

God bless you Fr! Thank you!

[@mistyviolet3825]

Thank you 🙏🏻 🕯🙏🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🙏🏼

[@amanda7690]

Thank you, Fr. Mike :)

[@garfsimmons8850]

🙏🏿🇬🇧 Thank you

[@jonitagonsalves9177]

Wow.. so beautifully explained. Thank u Father Mike.

[@carlarm2285]

Thank you pater, just what I needed to listen... Nothing is coincidence... God bless

[@royalcrasta8395]

Fr. Im ur greatest fan...from india pallottine bro..

[@AngelaAngel-ee8wn]

Thank You Father

[@chissstardestroyer]

Some of us really can't do the kinds of prayers you're speaking of, Fr. Mike, not only because we can't reliably be taught them, but also because we're *forbidden* to learn how to do them in the first place, by Christ through His agents, the Church.

[@delmar7163]

Thank you Fr. Mike.

[@artist1758]

thank u Father Mike :)

[@anagha216]

Fr. Mike Schmitz talks fast don't understand some words but bless him

[@annasamczuk8655]

hi Fr. Mike thank you for the video.

[@francissai7386]

Thank you for the wisdom, Father Mike. God bless you.

[@joyyoung3319]

Thank You Father Mike, God Bless You!

[@christpilled6369]

This is a godsend 3 Hail Marys for you Father

[@jamiekrista]

Fr Mike, thanks!

[@user-ig7dw2go6k]

Thank you Fr!

[@martyna3200]

That was veeeery helpful, thank you so much

[@kittenmixer812]

Always opens my mind.

[@conniemcfeely4115]

Thanks for your posts 🙏🙏😇🙏

[@tsaehtron]

Thank you, Fr Mike :) God bless

[@wreloise1]

I haven’t been taught...... I’m not disagreeing or reached the point of agreeing .....I’m listening..Why?...it’s personal “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬. Thank you for this topic...well needed 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾