Christmas, Blindness, and Poverty w/ Fr Spitzer | The Lila Rose Podcast E174

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

Father Robert Spitzer may be blind but I think he sees better than most! He may be physically blind but I'm grateful for his help to be less metaphysically blind, and I think, as a result, better seeing physically being able to interpret facts better! I appreciate him bringing the facts/history! Happy December 24th Day of Advent, the final day of Advent. I prayed for everyone here in my Rosary! Merry Christmas Eve! And after seeing you put this up yesterday, Lila, I prayed to our Lord Jesus to help Father Spitzer and all the blind through the intercession of Saint Lucy (patron saint of those with eye-trouble and the blind). I'm sorry! I keep forgetting to bring Father Spitzer up as one of my favorite returning guests! I think I previously wrote him but then forgot to keep writing! He's one of my favorites besides Father Ambrose, Michael Gasparro, Dr. Anthony Jay, and Dr. Lauren Rubal.

[@meenubennet8052]

I felt happy when you talked about the unborn children. I am 35 Weeks pregnant with my 2nd and everyday I feel the grace and love of God through my baby. It’s beautiful how you advocate for unborn children . Somehow with each pregnancy I am becoming more of myself. Thank you ❤

[@mariac4602]

"Father Spitzer's wrong prayer". Oh how many times have I made those prayers myself! So hard to submit and see the goodness in hard things. He is inspiring.

[@janicefortunomarston1186]

Happy birthday Jesus 😊❤

[@bobandkelly]

A very beautiful interview, thank you both! And Lila you are as father spitzer said, absolutely sharp as a tack ❤️💚❤️💚

[@Charity-vm4bt]

And sweet and gentle and mentor and friend to many!🎉

[@MichelleH1791]

All of what Father Spitzer says is beautiful and I always come away blessed by his words. Something he said today will stay with me forever. When he was speaking to Jesus' guardian angel looking into the Heavenly Father's eyes. What must be happening in a clinic office of an abortion clinic that the human eyes cannot see, of a pre-born child's guardian angel looking into the Heavenly Father's eyes as this loved child's life is snuffed out before their eyes. The secular world loves to believe in angels and especially guardian angels. I wonder when they think an angel becomes a guardian and how they may respond to that.

[@Charity-vm4bt]

There is a prayer process used on Catholic retreats in which a woman or couple can prayerfully acknowledge they are parents, claim the spirit of the aborted child as their child, embrace it and give it a name and ask its forgiveness. The child is probably already in Heaven but that prayer also supposedly releases it fully from any parental ties so it can fully enjoy Heaven. This is a belief some people have. It might not be true. I was taught in Catholic school that guardian angels are assigned at conception. I do not know if that is "doctrine," but why not accept it as true. Or else, simply pray to the Holy Spirit on behalf of the children.

[@spinstercatlady]

Fascinating what Fr Spitzer mentioned about spiritual foreboding. I often get such a heavy cloud of gloom and doom over me when something bad is coming down the pipe, and it's kinda scared me to get these feelings. Glad to hear Fr say that it's something that happens to him too, and to just pray it away! Would love to hear him speak more on things of this nature.

[@blaiseaimee7098]

It happens to me too. Some people are more sensitive and intuitive than others. We can pray for peace and courage from our Lord but the events are going to happen. Book of Revelation is real and probably closer than we think.

[@gguer]

This was pure ❤‍🔥Merry Christmas!

[@shepherddog1199]

Merry Christmas, Lila, and to you, Fr. Spitzer. I hope we as a Church can come together in reunion on this day.

[@aleksandrablaszczyk5971]

Thank you both for a lovely interview. Yes our strength is made perfect in weakness. Merry Merry Christmas!! ❤️🙏

[@tojesusthroughmary8932]

Such an inspiration to hear this 🙏

[@lorettagallagher9577]

Awesome and inspiring. God bless you both.

[@blaiseaimee7098]

Thank you Jesus for all of my suffering because it made me give my entire life to you. You are My Rock, Refuge, Savior, Bridegroom, Alpha and Omega.

[@reploidphoenix]

I did the opposite and turned away from God because of my suffering. I wish I had someone to converse with on the issues. I just go along life doing the best I can for myself and others

[@KristinaCawley-n1f]

Merry Christmas, Lila! And thank you so much for this conversation. ^.^

[@Truthseekingcatholic]

What a wise priest.

[@rgvonsanktpauli6250]

Great stuff, guys -- fantastic exchange of wisdom and sanity. Thanks a bunch -- and a merry Chistmas to you both!

[@theartsynurse]

Wow excellent interview 👏 few moments there got me emotional

[@nathanngumi8467]

A great episode!

[@canmcneely]

Ok, regarding comment at time stamp 19:36…. Something similar happened to me this year. I turned 52 and I got shaken, somehow, with the certainty that no Harm will come to me if I choose the CORRECT path. Overcoming Fear through Christ. Is this just me? Or my age? Or is this happening to many?

[@canisrah]

God, have mercy on me.

[@thebetterayesha7345]

I was mind blown by the waking up at 3 am bit. My husband and I have three times that we feel is god waking us up, 3, 330, and 333. And for some reason when we hear something that feels like it's from God it's whatever:33. Is that a legit thing? I thought that was just something my husband and I thought

[@blaiseaimee7098]

It's a thing!!! God speaking to us and keeping us connected to him. For me too it is anything related to "3" - could be 3:33, or 1:11, etc. He wants us awake and focused on him always!

[@mohitoautomaciek801]

🤝👍 Bless4allYA 👍🤝

[@anahioliveros2011]

🙏🙏🙏

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

First! I didn't comment but I had the honor of getting to see the original thumbnail before you updated, Lila! I love seeing the podcast thumbnail change ups. The current Santa Nativity one is beautiful. Merry Monday, Light-filled Lila! Happy December 23rd Day of Advent! Prayed for you and your family, and everyone here at Mass yesterday and in my Rosary, and will be praying during Christmas Day Mass! I have a song for you, Lila...Mary had the little Lamb...of God our Lord Jesus Christ! Better Mary Song- Luke 1:46-56 The Canticle of Mary. And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. This comes after one of my favorite Bible verses bringing to mind the dignity of life- When Mother Mary was pregnant with Jesus, she went on an about eighty mile joyous journey to visit her cousin Saint Elizabeth (patron saint of expectant mothers and pregnant women) in her hour of need, Elizabeth said referencing her tiny child in her womb John the Baptist who was conceived when she was in old age: Luke 1:41-45 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Hope you, your family, Father Spitzer, and everyone here is having a week full of comfort and joy!

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

@Charity-vm4bt Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@JurajL-h4y]

Dear Lila, thank you for this great conversation as always. However at 14:56 you made a comment about Mary which is not correct. See Joe Heschmeyer's article or video from catholic answers called No, Mary was not an unwed mother. God bless you!

[@titkosnagyon]

boldog karácsonyt nektek

[@ev_green_]

Why earth ??? Okkkkkkk 🥴

[@nothing_but_bs]

My brother and his long-time boyfriend are getting married tomorrow morning. Christmas is both of their favorite holidays, so it should be really beautiful🎄♥️💍

[@blaiseaimee7098]

Why the love from Lila? Abortion is sinful but gay marriage is good?

[@smartass0124]

All we talk about adoption pre mature survivors Fetuscide survivors telling if don't want the baby give them to some who does. Saying pro lifers only want punish and not care about the kids . And come those who support the current child support system .that makes it impossible for homeless men to support kids after divorce. All based holding men accountable .serms like projection

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

Will be praying for you Lila, your family, and everyone here at Mass tomorrow and have been praying in my daily Rosary, These are some of the prayers I pray daily- Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Jesus Christ is the mediator, and I believe our Blessed Mother Mary can lead us to Him. She prays for us on our way to Him. When I refer to Mary as my mother, please know I am not taking away respect due to my one and only God, Lord Jesus Christ. I believe loving people Jesus loves helps us love Him more, so the more I love Mary, the more I love God, and Jesus gave Mary to us as our mother on the Cross. John 19: 26-27 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. Mother Mary, the first Christian with her choice to say "yes" to my one and only God's will, I believe she is the number 1 model for sainthood for both men and women. She did God's will perfectly in every respect from the moment of her conception, listening to every single one of His commands. Her choice to say "yes" Luke 1:38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. to God's will ushered in salvation for the world, and she did so knowing the sacrifices and sufferings that would result from her decision, but, humbly, accepted the privilege of containing the God of the Universe her womb, and then becoming Jesus' most intimate friend, companion, and greatest consolation while on Earth. She was the devil's ultimate humiliation! I believe God is the King of the universe, having all power of the universe, but God chose Our Lady, a humble lowly woman the privilege of crushing the head of the devil. Mary is not God, but she is a saint, and being that she is with Jesus in Heaven, I ask for her intercession to our Lord (and for sake of brevity, I'll say I "pray to Mary"), similar to how I'd ask people to pray for me (please do! I'm a broken sinner in need of many prayers), but I trust she is a saint in Heaven so I believe it is helpful to ask for her help, especially being so close to her Son. There is only one God. He is the source of all good. He is Goodness. He is Love! Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love entrusts me here,ever this day be at my side,to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. Hope you, your family, and everyone here has a light-filled peaceful joyful blessed Merry Christmas! Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, is the reason for the Season! John 18:37-38 So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 But if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then empty [too] is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. Then we are also false witnesses to God, because we testified against God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. John 14:30-31 I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up, let us go. "To love is to will the good of another." -St. Thomas Aquinas 1 John 4:16 We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. “The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic His giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.” -St. Nicholas of Myra Matthew 20:21 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 17: 20-21 '“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me." Thanks again!

[@blaiseaimee7098]

All Catholics know "Mary is not God"

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

@blaiseaimee7098 Agreed! However, I've gotten a bajillion responses from people that keep saying that we don't. People rudely tell me that I believe things that I don't all the time. Hope you and yours are having a blessed Merry Christmas!

[@blaiseaimee7098]

@@JohnHenrysaysHi Merry Christmas!

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

@blaiseaimee7098 Thank you!

[@agent_k9508]

It hit me today that Mary not only had the *honor* of raising Jesus, she also had the great *terror* of sinning against God, Himself, in the flesh. Any time she lost her temper, was selfish, impatient, unkind. Anytime she may have disrespected Joseph. Anytime/if she ever lusted. If she ever smacked Jesus without needing to. Anytime she smacked His siblings without needing to. Anytime she could have restricted her giving out of greed. Anytime she could have become bitter against God. All of these things in daily life could have hit her like the weight of a millstone when she looked in His eyes.

[@CarnivoreHeals2]

Mary is the new Eve. She was born without sin but unlike Eve she never sinned. No other human creature was ever as completely surrendered to God as Mary was. She had to be to be the Mother of God. And if she was sinful, the devil wouldn’t be threatened by her. That’s why he is. She would have been the most attacked of all creatures by the devil if she was just like you and me, a sinner.

[@spinstercatlady]

My understanding is that Mary was full of grace, aka the Holy Spirit so she wouldn't have experienced the same temptation of sin as we do. Basically, she was being constantly guided by the Spirit of God.

[@lorraineherzberg7795]

Mary bore no other children, only Jesus.

[@Charity-vm4bt]

​@@CarnivoreHeals2Yes, that is our Catholic doctrinal belief, carefully taught in parochial schools.

[@Charity-vm4bt]

​@spinstercatlady Yes, that is Catholic doctrine.