Love, Same-Sex Attraction, and the Catholic Church: An Interview with Fr. Mike Schmitz

[@jeanmarie4183]

Fr. Mike Schmitz has an amazing way to relate the Truth to everyone. I would love to read his book and I believe that his way of treating this issue is much better than the way some others have gone about it - I know it is a difficult thing to bring up and is a very touchy subject for people but he is very good at this. God Bless him for talking about this issue - it is very much needed in today's society. Thank you Fr. Mike!!

[@gpfeia]

Thank you for working on this Fr. Mike. As a youth minister you have a unique opportunity to help teens spiritually and help their families not reject them because of their sexuality and prevent homelessness.

[@erickmartinez312]

Comments and anyone reading this ! Just love one another! God bless you all and hope you all have a great day 🙏🏽❤️😊!

[@arb16035]

I think George Carlin said it best in that movie "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." "Be excellent to each other."

[@jeanlanz2344]

Thank you, Brandon, for great questions and your evaluations on books on this subject. Thank you, Father Mike Schmitz, for evangelizing the truth with love on this very sensitive topic. God bless you both.

[@kimberlyzachary620]

Thank you Brandon for such an awesome loving interview with the amazing Fr. Mike! I personally, appreciate you both and all the energy you both put forth in sharing with the world the TRUTHS of the beautiful Catholic faith! May G*d continue to bless you both and keep you strong.

[@gillianrichards2081]

Kimberly mmmmmmm.mm Zachary

[@deatralocklear3281]

WOW. Brandon made a comment some time ago that he didn’t care what the Bible said. I would be happy to share it with you. He has a form of religion.

[@tessysingh1327]

Thanks Brandon and Fr. Mike for a great interview on a sensitive subject. I'm glad Fr. Mike treats the subject of SSA and the Catholic Church in a loving way while at the same time not Building a Bridge to hell like Fr. James Martin and his cohort are doing. The Catholic Church is clear on her teaching that the procreative and unitive aspects of sex cannot be separated in the conjugal act which is only licit between a man and a woman, within a faithful, fruitful and indissoluble marriage.

[@arnelnacino6754]

Then the Catholic Church is not for everyone. It's definitely not for me. I haven't attended Mass or partaken of any of the sacraments in years, and I intend to keep it that way.

[@heatherhron7042]

Father Mike! Brandon! HI! I just wanted to say THANK YOU for teaching about the sin of gluttony in your previous video Father Mike. I just realized I needed to confess this particular sin. You have defined it so well and I thank you for that and it taught me so much. God bless you and God bless you Brandon as well!

[@vincent1464]

Excellent conversation, gentlemen! Much appreciated.

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Yes I found it hard to be a Catholic as obviously I loved my partner and I did not want to feel that i was betraying him or denying him. But of course I could not deny Jesus either. But I realised that my love for him does not stop just because i love Our Lord with all my heart and soul and that Our Lord loves my partner too. It was made even harder when I lost my partner and the loyalty to him was full of vigour and I was also scared that others would think I no longer cared about him as I was now a Catholic. But it does not have to be either or.

[@sofiabarbosa6208]

Thank you for this podcast and for having father on the show it has been a great blessing to me

[@iamnaomi8326]

He's probably more popular among 35-50 year old women. :-) no elaboration needed, i'm sure. You are amazing Fr Mike. Wouldve been awesome to have your duplicate in South Africa. but I am prepared to travel to the US to meet you. Keep on sharing the amazingly good news of Jesus.

[@kccox8516]

God's Holy Word will Stand, forever. Fr. Mike reasoning doesn't square with God's Written Word, and Sin of any kind that is twisted, deceptive and manipulative is personal. Everyone, will stand before God, not the Pope, or anyone from the Church. We turn away from sin, not (we) the sinner's. With a sincere heart, push in on God and seek his face. May his face shine on you and me. Thanks be to God🙏

[@larkbird9247]

Let us all remember that EVERYONE who is not married in a Sacramental marriage in the Holy Mother Church is called to be celibate. The Church does not pick on homosexual people in particular - all this controversy is from those who want to be allowed to sin because they're 'different'. Single straight people have sexual urges, too. This is a cross we ALL must carry. No one escapes - even sacramentally married couples must practice chastity in their marriages.

[@frumaatholoid]

There is a total double standard. If you're gay, you have to be celibate, that's it. Straight people have more options--they're all not all called to celibacy. Gay people don't have that luxury.

[@larkbird9247]

If you think a Sacramental Marriage for life with whatever number of children is a luxury, then you need to rethink your perceptions. If you think ANY life, lived by the will of God, is a luxury, rethink. YOUR Lord has given you this particular cross to bear. You are to embrace this trial with love and humility whilst living your life according to the will of God. If this is a 'double standard' , then so be it. LIFE isn't fair. It's up to you to bloom where you're planted - It's not up to you or I to turn our noses up at what God has planned for our lives. Being a Catholic is hard: REALLY hard and was never intended to be easy. We are to be persistent in obeying our Lord and God.

[@deborahanne9793]

Everyone of us has a path and I really do not think that anyone will say that their path is an easy one when following God's will. It can be beautiful, this does not mean that it is always easy. Being a divorced woman , who was married for 25 years, and now has health struggles, I am called to live a celibate life. I have the call to celibacy even though I am a heterosexual woman.

[@roychefets2905]

Lark Bird ...that's why so many American Catholics ignore so much of the church's teachings. They know BS when they hear it.

[@larkbird9247]

Roy Chefets: American (or any Catholic) disobey our Lord at their own peril. Being so arrogant in thinking you know better than God is truly amazing. Since the Lord gave us free will in that we can choose to submit or not there is nothing to be done except pray that those who are 'cafeteria' Catholics see the light.

[@billeileenhughes4614]

As we are all children of God, we should and must treat others as God wants us to do.

[@scottforesman7968]

We are not all children of God. See John 1:12

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Fr Michael helped me understand the Eucharistic True presence.

[@barbaramazzocca4605]

Great answer about identity. When I think of my own identity, my sexuality is way down on the list, if it is there at all.

[@joyyoung3319]

Excellent! Father Mike brings this subject to light in the right way according to the Catholic Church!

[@TeamOvercomer]

JESUS did not die for you to practice a "religion", HE died for you to know HIM personally and to escape hellfire...Find out about the catholic church here -->>kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJyZmISegMZsj7M

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Yes what we don't know - is the human heart. E Michael Jones needs to hear this...

[@HiFlyNhamsterman]

I have for a long time appreciated Fr Mike on many subjects, especially doctrine and his eloquent delivery of Catholic topics for new believers. But, this bumbling and short sighted conversation on behalf of Vogt and Fr mike has me scratching my head at the complexity of sexual identity, and the church’s approach in reaching those who identify in ways that do not fit into the mold of ‘normalcy’ for the flock. I love the Church, but i love the people as much. And i think the inability to reach to the margins and use language that speaks to the extent of complexities of identity, will continue to leave ‘us’ on the outside without a voice for evangelization. let’s keep the convo going!

[@remmymills3453]

1 Cor.6:2 a Christian must judge the sinfulness of an ACT. but a Christian must not judge the person in the sense of condemning him Romans 2:1. Only God can determine ones final judgement

[@JamesWSmith-sj2zg]

Mat 10:14 And if anyone does not welcome you or listen to what you have to say, shake the dust from your feet (in other words, move along).

[@johnmark150]

We run a very dangerous risk when we seek to judge others but fail to judge ourselves. It is always must easier to avoid our own sins by pointing the finger at others. The Bible also warns against judging other people. God said “Judge not, that you not be judged.” Matthew 7:1-5 and Luke 6:37 and James 4:11-12 and Romans 2:1-3. The first and most important role for any Christian is to show love towards other people. Don't fall into the trap of judgment. Leave the judging to God. Jesus said: By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35). The Bible states: Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar (1John 4:20).

[@P4hs]

What kind of Fundamental Option lunacy is this? YOU'D BETTER JUDGE THEM!...Spare the rod, spoil the child...EXCOMMUNICATE THEM, at least from your family!... Or you'll soon find yourself a party to their sin, approving them & their poisonous, seductive reasoning.

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Wow Fr Schmidt is so good at communicating this.

[@blodgettshouseofinsanity]

But it is your identity! It’s part of who you are. You can’t deny that

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Yes it is important and precious. So difficult to share.

[@spunkyssportscardsspunky6478]

love the sinner hate the sin jesus christ said we must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven

[@johnmark150]

Yes, but born again means baptized. Our biological birth is our first birth and our spiritual birth (baptism) is when we are born again.

[@8543960]

I was listening to a program on the Catholic Channel on SiruisXM today. I can't remember the name but there was a priest and lay person hosting. It was light-hearted show, not deep conversation about doctrine. Anyway, the layperson spent about 15 minutes talking about about a pilgrimage to Ireland he is going to make with his wife and all the non religious activies they are going to do as well and how much fun he's going to have with his wife etc etc etc and honestly, thinking about it made me furious. This is perfectly acceptable for him in he church (and rightfully so, they're a couple) yet someone who is gay is expected to be solitary and chaste. Let's face it, a sexless romantic relationship between two lay men or women (something which I think actually would be consistent with Catholic teaching) is just not realistic. There is going to be physical intimacy somewhere along the way even if it's just a kiss. I'm sure the man in question is going to at least kiss his wife at some point along the journey. Now, I understand priests and religious take a vow of chastity but that's also a choice and the religious have a whole community. There is no doubt in my mind that there is very deep intimacy in a convent or monestary of a nonsexual nature among those who live there. How could there not be unless they just ignore each other all day? I even understand the sacrement of marriage. I don't thing a gay marriage would or should be the same in a religious context. How can God and the Church expect gay laity who do not feel the call to the religious life to live such lonely lives. Now, I know I'm going to get all sorts of intellectual responses about why I'm wrong and I'm being too emotional etc. I can quote the usual scriptures as well as anybody. I mean, I AM posting on a Catholic channel but I just can't wrap my brain around it

[@jackieann5494]

Lots of people for lots of reasons live life without a mate . It's not a tragedy . It's simply a fact of life.

[@deborahanne9793]

I hear huge amounts of talk about how the Church is working on their message getting to same sex attracted people in order to evangelize, my concern is that there is equally, if not even more people who have left the Church as a result of becoming divorced and feeling they have no place in the Church.

[@splinterbyrd]

A lovely couple ❤

[@marcosvillalba4655]

Beautiful! I am looking forward to reading your book Father Mike!

[@dan69052]

The truth If you are gay or know someone who is, this is important information! Sexual orientation is determined in the womb during fetus development. Various hormones are introduced at specific times to accomplish this .The fetus plays no part in this process. A person is, therefore, born with a predetermined attraction. It is, therefore, not a choice & consequently not a sin & not immoral. It is a natural expression of mammals & found commonplace in nature. Intelligent research in this area clearly explains this process. If you are truly interested in truth, based on knowledge, the book Gay, Straight & the Reason Why by Dr. Simon Levay shows this with numerous research articles. If you want to understand the truth & have respect for yourself & others this book will help. It also has, unlike the bible written over 2000 years ago by goat herders, an extensive bibliography. I strongly recommend the book. Don’t let the religious pull you down to their level of ignorance. Peace

[@marcosvillalba4655]

@@dan69052 thank you so much for the book recommendation! I will check it out. Father Mike Schmitz's book is beautiful because it affirms what the Catholic Church teachers about people who experience same-sex attraction are loved and "they must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity" (CCC2358). Regarding people being born with a predetermined attraction the Catholic Church does not claim that the cause or causes of same-sex attraction have been established. The Catechism states: "Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained" (CCC 2357). The Bible may have been written over 2000 years ago but it still "speaks the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) which is why I love reading God's love letter to us. May God bless!

[@jaydavies-burrell5952]

Well I was ignored and cast away by my local catholic church due to my sexual orientation. I wanted to become Catholic but I was ignored and left alone after I confessed that I was a gay man. Where is the acceptance of the Catholic Church and where is the love. I am sure that if Jesus was here now, he would welcome me with open arms and would accept me for the man that I want to be. I want to convert to become a Cathoic but I feel that the homophobia and predudice of the church prevents me from becomiing part of the true church of god on the earth

[@anneturner2759]

I’m sorry for this shameful situation that you have experienced for there are many gay priests all over the world , go past these men and go straight to Christ , he loves you , he made you . The hypocrisy is a shame. Go right to JC. ❤

[@briandelaney9710]

That euphemism of “same sex attraction “ You can acknowledge the word gay. Of course , it is not all of one’s identity but it is definitely a part of one’s identity. It is disingenuous to deny it as some sort of “avoiding labeling “. Father has to do lots of mental gymnastics on this to remain “orthodox “ and to be accepting. Lord , I remember doing this

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Yes approaching the Lord as me not as you I think God wants me to be. Accepting that story and repenting.

[@mpshields]

Dear Fr. Homosexuality is a poor excuse to become a preist. "Methinks thou dost pretest too much."🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

For me it was thinking that I was just one of many millions on the planet and so I did not think my story was any different so when the culture gave me this answer to my feeling different as homosexual I was like - okay I see - so that must be it. And just went along with it in a humble way. So it was the opposite of Pride for me. But then later I became aware that there was more to it then that and that it was important to follow the natural law. However sexual urges can ruin the decision making process at times and so it is a long journey to Damascus as your body becomes used to one way of being.

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Catholicism - the mystical body of Christ - and so many people hate it. Since I was 18 nearly every non-Catholic I have met has hated the Church and been quite upfront and self righteous about it. And abortion and homosexuality were two of the main areas of contention.

[@annaelizabeth5471]

Awesome interview! I am going to order this book.

[@gm8072]

Mike WHY have you made your acceptance so much more important than being & doing the right thing be for GOD??!

[@ruthmendez6410]

Only Jesus Christ is the way to heaven for eternal life ..

[@thischarminglovehound2376]

Nobody here is saying otherwise....

[@cainarcher8475]

The problem I have with traditional christians isn't that they consider the act of homosexuality a sin but that they focus on this issue a lot when in reality, being a gay christian is no different than being any other christian cause all ppl have their imperfections and so that's how I view it so the right attitude would be to take the person as a whole instead of dwelling over particulars here and there.

[@jenisebrooks4308]

Correct someone who gossips is sinful and does more damage.

[@passionforyarn1990]

We are definitely living the last days. Wow !!!

[@KeaneLuvr]

Yes we are. People trying to hold on to their sin too! Let it go...

[@mpshields]

Dear Fr. Homosexuality is a poor excuse to become a preist. "Methinks thou dost pretest too much."🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@donnanelson9181]

Why would the Catholic Church, which is anti-gay regardless of how you want to phrase it, accept an openly gay couple who make no effort to be anything other than an openly gay couple, who hold themselves out to be married, and who live and do everything a heterosexual couple do? It seems the church is talking out of both sides of their mouth. “We are against same sex couples, but come on in and it’s ok for you to act like a regular couple.” I’ve never understood this.

[@nalandatendar4212]

It does not mind that gay people leave the church or 'following the Lord'. Life is meaningful for everyone on this planet, religious or not, if you live your life in ethics and have love and care for others. Jesus was a Buddhist, talking about only by Jesus one will be saved, comes from the tradition of guru devotion like they have in for example Tibetan Buddhism. Keep an open mind. I was gay, live a life as Buddhist monk, a good hearted person and maybe I am closer to Jesus than those talking about 'following the Lord'. Family is not defined by same dogmas, I feel very related to some of my Catholic monastic brothers. Build bridges in your heart!

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Yeah it was strange on Good Morning Britain when Holly said that Philip didn't have to deny who he was - but surely being gay isn't who he is.

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Sometimes you share and then you become more concerned about them then yourself. My sister suggested my Dad throw me out.

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

What is the heart of this rather than the thinking of the Church but the heart of the Church.

[@dianemcnutt9017]

This must be so painful… you are loved 🙏

[@domenicamossa3462]

If they LIVE A CHASTE LIFE IS GREAT!!!! THEY WILL BE BLESSED BY GOD AND WILL ENTER HEAVEN. IT'S A SACRIFICE.

[@ellenkeith1285]

I was raised in the Catholic Church, and I am a bisexual woman. I currently have a girlfriend and we are very much in love. There is nothing dirty or wrong with our relationship. Honestly it’s much better than every heterosexual relationship I’ve ever been in. Father mike says that all gay people within the church must be called to chastity.... if I want to get married and share my life with a loving person, why is it okay if it’s with a man and not a woman? I respect a lot of the church’s teachings but not it’s stance on homosexuality. Y’all need to wake up.

[@stevenpatrickstone766]

Unless you're gay yourself Fr Schmitz, you should back off because you're extremely confusing. The only priests who are qualified to talk about the experience of being gay are priests who are gay themselves. Many priests are coming out so it won't be hard to find this. I think it's time we stop listening to straight people trying to tell gay people how they should feel. Let's leave this subject to gay people...period.

[@josephchapman9575]

Logic doesn't require experience. It doesn't take one to know one. I assume you can preach the Ten Commandments without breaking them? He is qualified because he is anointed with the same spirit as the Apostles, a succession instituted by Christ. Praise God for His Church, Amen. You also can take up topics that you have no experience in- because I can already tell by your comment that you care enough to do research.

[@noradsouza3673]

Are you coming to Canada at any time? You have a good heart!

[@deborahanne9793]

More confusion? How can there not be a sense of urgency in talking with someone when someone is acting out sexual intimacy outside of a heterosexual marriage and this is a mortal sin which leads to hell as taught by the Catholic Church? This is referring to heterosexual or homosexual people.

[@everevelyn1094]

Deborah Anne, he’s saying being gay in itself isn’t a sin, acting out on it, is. Meaning being gay is okay, having “gay sex” is not. But just as we sin and ask for forgiveness, so can they, so no one has to be lost. We all can fall for the devil’s temptations at some times, but because of, and with Jesus, we can have the grace to stand back up. God Bless.

[@deborahanne9793]

Hi, Yes, I understand what Fr. Mike is saying in regard to the sin is acting out on the physical sexual intimacy not in being homosexual. I did not explain myself well, I am concerned that the Church is placing so much emphasis on same sex attraction and there are millions of heterosexual people living together and acting in a married physical state that are not being spoken to or reached. God Bless

[@littlelulu5675]

i believe the Orthodox church may be close to canonizing Seraphim Rose he was a monk in the united states and came out of such a background

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Made for love - made to love God.

[@setapart3452]

The problem is that, when we dont want to submit ourselves to the word of God, we devise all kind of lust in our head and expect God to accept our uncleanness. Man was not made for man and woman was not made for woman. Man was made for woman and so it will always be. Man needs to repent and turn from their lust and uncleanness and turn to the Lord with all their heart. This man needs to repent and stop behaving as if he is right. God is not happy with this kind of stuff.

[@csnzoto1639]

Very good 😇😇😇

[@imalive4u169]

A person can't help whom they are attracted towards for instance a heterosexual man finding women with blue eyes and blond hair more attractive to them over women with brown eyes and bronte hair. Therefore attraction can never be a sin even if it's towards people of the same gender. What the Catholic Church is unfairly criticized about is what is taught about marriage being between a man and woman as marriage was instituted by God. And it's only within the confines of marriage that God had sanctified sex. Any sex outside of marriage is sinful.

[@rev.sr.mariarenatecssd6901]

Christ never condemned, and yet we have priests doing the opposite, shameful.

[@walterhigo7658]

Exactly what do you mean by 'CONDEMNED'? I'm curious to know....

[@rnwks2008]

Christ said to the woman caught in prostitution, "Go and sin no more."

[@DisabledPsychedelica]

I think he’s missing so much nuance in not being the literal majority. The whole “you’re not defined by your sexuality” thing stems from just being completely used to living in a culture that up until now was only seen as cis and straight. Then there’s also the disconnect of literal 2,000 years of actual complete societal rejection, oppression and violence towards minorities of any type and the association of oppression and violence towards minorities from any type. I think he needs to work with LGBT people and not over them.

[@laurawood7914]

How do you respond when the same sex attracted person (whom you dearly love$ invite you to their wedding? Does Father Mike speak to this question in his book ?

[@deborahanne9793]

This is very confusing as I was taught by the Catholic Church that there are mortal sins, one of them being sex before marriage, and that a mortal sin leads to hell when not confessed, how does that teaching go along with people, including myself if I choose this, living in a state of mortal sin when sleeping with someone and not being married as this not being a huge part of one's identity? Very confusing as I do not understand what the Church is saying on heterosexual people living / sleeping together and same sex attraction people acting on their desires physically? This is a very deep part of one's identity and I thought that this was a mortal sin? From the conversation is sounds like it is being said that there is so much more to someone then their sexual activity, and yet sexual activity is a very large large part of our moral life, as I was taught by the Catholic Church?

[@kimmiethecute]

That is a good question, I was talking to my bishop and my priest this early week. I asked them about suicide now being buried in the catholic cemetery, the same sex relationship. As I was taught when I was young this is a mortal sin. But now, they are teaching with suicide if that we don’t really know what’s going on in their mind in their last minute until they did it. So now we leave it up to our lord our God if they should go to heaven or not. But with being buried in the catholic cemetery it’s just a better way for family to have a better grieving, and still know that god is with them. With same sex relationship, yes we are not okay with it. But we also have to know that in the Bible says we have to respect everyone. But we have to be expecting about people who have same sex relationship. But we can’t allow them to get married into the church.

[@KMF3]

Kimmie Olson yes there is so much confusion going on right now within the church. Unfortunately there are many clerics Cardinals, Bishops and Priests even the pope now that are causing so much confusion amongst the faithful. It's frustrating and frankly angers me. Because ultimately this confusion will cause people to lose their souls. The church teaching husband absolutely clear for the past 2000 years on this topic. Why it is causing such confusion nowadays can only be from the Devil the master of confusion and lies.

[@katdunn7934]

Deborah Anne For homosexuals, or for another term, same-sex-attraction, it has always been a sin to act out on physical attraction. In other words, having physical relations with them. The simple attraction, or excitement they may feel when around them is not a sin in itself. To lust or fantasize about sexually, those are sins. Those desires and thoughts can be controlled and redirected so they are not acted upon. These people can go to confession and also strive never to act on those urges again, if they are in fact tempted to do so. In one aspect, it's almost as if homosexuals are called to God to help evangelize, not procreate, but be in total service to God. We all have our crosses to carry, with theirs being same-sex-attraction. Fr. Mike wasn't condoning being gay and acting on it. He is saying there is room for them in church, as a Catholic. If they choose to act on their urges, then it is between God and that person when they die, if they have not confessed and asked for His forgiveness. They can not receive the Holy Eucharist if they are living in sin. So, until they go to confession and resolve to avoid those occasions of sin, they can come pray, attend Mass and celebrate our Lord Jesus and the Holy Family. So they are not literally cut off from the Catholic Church.

[@LIFEofaREALteenMOM]

why do all of you think you know so much about the Catholic Church??? Catholics do not pick and choose what to practice and what not to! you people are the ones who believe you are the same as God and can judge and condemn all Catholics when you don't know anything about us!!!

[@KMF3]

LIFEofaREALteenMOM I'm sorry who are you referring to?

[@dorothywilson58]

We can't condone sin to appease the sinner. We, the church, are to say what the Bible is saying to us. Its God's Will for our lives.There is one question to answer. Do you love Jesus? Or do you Love your lover more than Jesus? If we truly Love Jesus we surrender all to Him including our relationships and trust Him fix what needs fixing. If the church teaches what the Bible teaches ....its because we Love God and we don't want hell to be the sinner's eternal home. the Sinner knows the church don't hate them...they simp!y want an excuse to sin so they blame the church. We dont run away from Jesus because we are living in sin. we run to Him .At the name of Jesus every knee must bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.Jesus bids us come...."Come unto Me all you who labour and are heavy laden and...I...will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me for My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Jesus died for us, He died for our sins. Talk with Him.Only Jesus is the problem fixer. He is our refuge and strength our very present help in times of trouble.Repent before the Lord give the burden of homosexuality.... fornication whatever it is , to JesusThe day of judgement will come. Our dying day will come and we don't know when. Go to God for ourselves. He wants to hear from us. Pray (talk to God)Do we Love God or not?That's the question.

[@patricpeters7911]

Just say “gay.” Goodness. You guys do a disservice to those LGBT persons as if they just happen to have this “thing” or temptation called “same-sex attraction.”

[@JRobbySh]

The term “gay” was used in the 18th century to describe any person of loose morals.

[@marycahill546]

I am a celibate lesbian. Call me whatever you want -- just don't call me late for dinner!

[@josephchapman9575]

@@marycahill546 God bless, sister

[@seansalluxhavyarimana7128]

how can one order the book?

[@richardferrara3884]

"What are you going to do with it" a question you ask as if being Gay is flawed. Well, it just is not. That double standard question is insulting, irresponsible and could be deeply harmful. The Out, self accepting person is not broken; the basic premise of such a suggestive question is. May you discover loving peace 🙌

[@drjoe53]

I am not a “same sex attracted person”. I am gay. What did I do with my “attraction”? Acting on it was essential for me to become the fully human being that G!d intended me to be: A happy, fulfilled, sexually active and productive gay man who has shared his life with a partner (now husband) for 35 years. Leave it to celibates, adolescent in their own sexual development, to compartmentalize and denigrate sexuality to mere physical attraction - something that can be exorcised, suppressed or, worse, disassociated from the moral or ethical control, natural to most adults, that limits sexual activity to other consenting adults The Church may or may not hate gays. It certainly does hateful things to us - not the least of which is to condemn us to celibacy in the name of the G!d that created us as we are. The hubris of that is stunning, makes as much sense as excluding women from ministry and is equally destructive A cradle Catholic, Jesuit educated, I left the church years ago. I’m closer to G!d for it. Fr Mike is a gifted salesman but is peddling the very twisted, tortured and insidious stuff that drove me, and millions like me, away and that will ultimately destroy the very institution he loves. Am I wrong? Maybe. But Christmas and Easter aside, how is attendance at Sunday mass in your neck of the woods?

[@Fitnessdude2]

Hey Dr. Joe! I hope your Friday is going well so far man! 😄 I’m hearing some really heavy emotions here. I know it has been a couple of years since you posted this, but I’d love to hear more of your thoughts on the topic if you would be open to sharing. :) I hope you have a great weekend!

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Very nice ceiling beams.

[@anesiamoise]

Why is he saying that God made the person with this same sex attraction? Why would a holy God created someone deliberately with a quality that He has expressly stated that is abominable? Is not God holy anymore? This Priest, along with others are preaching and pushing forward their acceptionalistic agenda and making it seem that God now condones it. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, he changes not!

[@LeeHall-n5r]

Dear Father Mike, Wow I have been writing to you several times since I have first found your video on KZbin but I know it was not my doing but The Lord because I am a Christian who has same sex attraction and who is married to a man who is my same sex but I have started attending the Catholic Church for the very first time and the utter destain by all of the congregation has been too much for me to bear with and yet today after recovering from an illness I stumbled upon this video!) I am and I have refrained from any sexual contact with my husband due to his illness over the past few years and after realizing that I was committing a sin I have been feeling pretty poorly about returning to the church! Thank you for your help in this matter and reaffirming my thoughts and prayers!

[@mpshields]

Dear Fr. Homosexuality is a poor excuse to become a preist. "Methinks thou dost pretest too much."🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@KMF3]

I'm not sure that I like a father's response about how do you address somebody who is telling you that they are sinning with a homosexual partner. When my son moved out of the house he moved in with his girlfriend which is a sexual sin as well. Her mother helped them to move in together. I very clearly told my son and his girlfriend that I did not condone their relationship in this manner and that I would do absolutely nothing to help them to commit sin but I still love them and I will still be there for them but I will in no way help them to commit that sin. I also continuously throughout the years invited them 2 come back to the church and to make their situation right by getting married. Eventually they did get married and they did get married in the church came back to church for a while now they've left again. So again I continue to talk to them about the fact that I love them but what they're doing is wrong with not going to mass. And I continually invite them to come back to Mass go to confession so that they'll be able to receive communion. They know exactly where I stand. I didn't mince my words I didn't give them a pass. I continue to hold them accountable and love them at the same time but that means that they know what they're doing wrong.

[@Cor6196]

kari KF I don't think it's my place to offer a suggestion but at the same time I think that it might help, so here goes: would it be possible for you to have a conversation about the way you're handling this ongoing dispute between you and your son and daughter-in-law with a priest, nun, or other Catholic whose discernment you trust? I ask because I feel that your approach may be hurting your cause rather than helping it. St Augustine's mother had a very similar concern about her own son and besieged heaven with her prayers, but I don't think that she besieged St Augustine. And he became a Saint! So did she! It could be that a similar approach might work out well for you too. Remember, Love is often the quietest of Christian virtues, and St Paul writes, in one of the most shocking passages of all his letters that it is more to be cherished than Hope or even Faith itself. Love!

[@coachchris548]

Ed Esso Yes ,St.Augustine mother St.Monica continued to pray for her son but also did not condone his sinful life before his conversion

[@clearjr1]

Why don't you lay off your adult son and his wife? Let them live their own lives in peace. Why do you think your son has to hold the same beliefs you do? He has a brain of his own. Accept them for who they are and enjoy the rest of your life and let them enjoy theirs without you judging them.

[@KMF3]

John because I love my son and care for his eternal soul. That is why. I wish for him to spend the rest of his life in heaven with God not in hell.

[@KMF3]

John I also hope that you have someone in your life that loves you enough to help you get to heaven.

[@marieantoinettescake9513]

Maybe Fr Mike himself is gay, so this book is the ideal outlet to help himself and others. Maybe it is therapeutic for him as well as other gay Catholics. I went to Catholic School and I knew a few GLBT kids. They all turned out to be amazing Catholics. 🙏😇❤️✝️

[@pumpkinarms1]

Kristina Romano It's his brother. He's mentioned it in other talks.

[@heliuscluster2059]

Kristina Romano he's not gay. He mentioned in a talk that he's attracted to women.

[@deliarealtor]

Father needs to address trans gender individuals

[@wilbertcarter7804]

People are born everyday. And people die everyday. You go through life and God puts others in your life to help teach you. God favors those who have told others about the gospel of Jesus Christ. While others who when they do hear about The Lord Jesus Christ they have some type of sins in their lives that they just not ready to let go of. Its like ok I heard what you said but if I give this sim to you Lord Jesus what is left of me? The refusal to allow God to remove sin in your lofe can be a hindrance for coming in God's kingdom. Don't mistake sin in your pockets to think that nobody can see or ev know what os in my pockets. I'll just take it in to God's kingdom. Unbeknownst to you are angels, all your life while you were engaging in homosexual acts everything you do and still do is being recorded. Recorded in books.its these records that have every type of sin whether in word thought or actions are recorded and guess what? They're going to be there when you die and come to be read oit openly before God's judgement seat. But because you decided when you were alive that its fine that it's not even going to be told what you done..A long time ago God decided to fix this sin problem by sending a redeemer, down through the ages he finally came. It was to this redeemer that man has been recued from sins grip. Some people have been so engrossed in sin they themselves don't want to be saved. They think or believe that they're fine. Settling for the gratification of feelings because they consider themselves in love. Love is an attribute of God. Even though God is love he never is involved in anybof mans sinful actoons or thought or talking. People say I love you. But love doesn't condone sin. Satan has for many centuries had time of experience to deceive man. His ways have permeated into mankind so long that he's not in the caring business of your life. His infiltrated idea of putting manbfar from God extended to even the homosexual mindset whether its male or female.even into man having sexual intercourse with an animal. This even is an abomination. People die and depending on what they had done when alive go to either be with Jesus or death and hell awaits that soul. People aren't told about the wrath of God because either they without this information or that they know about it but dismiss it as nothing.

[@setapart3452]

Let us not find excuses to stay in our sins and uncleanness.

[@edmundgronkiewicz9324]

First Canonized gay saint? Try Paul VI or John Cardinal Newman ( buried in the same grave with his “ friend”)leaving aside many not formally canonized

[@josephseguin1903]

The Catholics & Christians do the same, because I have seen it already in Christian churches, so be fake! Tell everyone simply take off the old man and put on the new man. Colossians 3:12-17 New Living Translation (NLT) 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. or Romans 8:5-17 New King James Version (NKJV) 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Sonship Through the Spirit 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors-not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

[@sheezamann2724]

HOW IS loving someone a sin?

[@tlaloc-ll6dp]

Homosexualiry is the feeling of same sex attraction. Homosexuality is not a sin in itself but homosexual acts are. There is a difference

[@patcola7335]

Because man with man is inherently sterile. God wants us to be bountiful. Sodomy is the opposite of life and only brings death. GOD IS LIFE ! JESUS IS THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE ! I know. I'm gay also.

[@UwU-jm4nv]

@@patcola7335 you poor thing you suffer with internalized homophobia and will die alone because of a holy book that was misinterpreted and mistranslated

[@jenisebrooks4308]

So does this mean same gender people can love if not sexually active?? We all know the act itself is only a portion of any relationship. That's the issue people hear homosexuality and automatically think of sodomy sex. Whereas people with those attractions are thinking more. They are thinking about being faithful sharing their life with someone they love.

[@terrorists-are-among-us]

Sex outside of the goal of procreation is lust.

[@KeaneLuvr]

You shouldn't claim the devil's work. Bring all thoughts captive into the obedience of Christ.

[@miliovakasirovoka6806]

MADE FOR LOVE? SAME SEX ATTRACTIONS AND FEELING? THE CATHOLIC CHURCH SHOULD REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE TRUTH OF WHAT IT MEANS TO EMBRACE THE CROSS. YOU TALK TOO MUCH AND YOU ARE REALLY DISTRACTED!

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Yes accepting the opinion of the other - a relationship - not you just telling me how to behave.

[@yv4024]

sorry father I disagree with you, have to love God more than you love your sin otherwise you die in your sins I believe God can transform anyone life, you just have to give up your sin

[@KeaneLuvr]

Amen! You just have to call it what it is. God has more in store..

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Yes I thought I was a mistake and wished I hadn't been born too.

[@paulamarie2056]

going to the comment section was the biggest mistake i've ever made

[@freewoodencrosses]

Gay people were made by God's design, the Catholic church has turned its back on them for centuries. Will it change?

[@gregorycohane2037]

I find it very interesting that Mike seems to always be speaking about someone else’s life experience without mentioning his own personal life struggles. Hmmm...makes one wonder what that’s all about...

[@saichopaotla8162]

He has a video about it. the one on the vocation to be a priest. just Google his name and vocation and you will find it.

[@thomaskrafft9890]

I wonder why target Catholics specifically. Can this be helpful to other Christians?

[@kewpified]

So identity politics is actually the path to be less loving towards our fellow human beings. Put labels aside and just see the person

[@KMF3]

Father Mike I have been having some questions about you and your ability to clearly teach the truth of the faith. I think that some of your personal experiences have clouded your judgement on this topic. You seem to be having great difficulty answering the question clearly and succinctly.

[@johnmark150]

kari KF, he is having difficulty answering the question because it is a very difficult question. After all, Jesus never preached against homosexuality. Sometimes priests have been too quick to give their own personal opinions and failing to show love, compassion and understanding, which is the only way to teach the truth of the faith. That is exactly what Jesus did.

[@KMF3]

John Mark no it's really not all that difficult. And the Bible has quite a lot to say about homosexuality as a matter of fact. Go look it up.

[@johnmark150]

kari KF, thank you but I think it is you who needs to look up the Bible. I know it very well. Jesus Christ said that gay people, known as eunuchs at that time, were born that way from their mother's womb (Matthew 19:12). This explains why Jesus never preached against homosexuality. The word 'homosexual' did not exist in the First Century, so gay people and castrated eunuchs were all grouped together and called eunuchs back then. Jesus loves gay people and affirms that they can be saved, just like anybody else. “I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left.” (Luke 17:34) KJV God bless.

[@KMF3]

John Mark okay first of all you do need to read read your Bible look up those verses that you mentioned again and read them in context and read a couple of different translations. So first of all Matthew 19:12 The New American Bible st. Joseph Edition reads some men are incapable of sexual activity from birth some have been deliberately made so and some there are who have freely renounce sex for the sake of God's Reign let him accept this teaching who can. Does that sound like Jesus is talking about a gay person? Secondly your verse from Luke you have to take in context of the culture at the time. People slept in the same bed all the time but that doesn't indicate sex. There were families that sometimes slept 8 to 10 people in one bed they only had one bed. In terms of condemnation if homosexuality in the Bible I'll give you a couple of references Romans chapter one verse 26 -27, 1st Corinthians 6 talks about sexual immorality in general which would include obviously homosexuality, Ephesians 5 verse 5 also talks about fornication which includes homosexuality, Colossians 3 verse 5, Hebrews chapter 12 verse 16, chapter 13 verse 4, revelation chapter 2 verse 14, chapter 21 verse 8, chapter 22 verse 15. I'm sure there's lots of others. That was just a quick look someones that I could find. And then of course there is the Old Testament Sodom and Gomorrah.

[@johnmark150]

kari KF, you are so wrong, I don't even know where to begin. I don't have time to correct all your errors, so I will just mention the main ones. Firstly, Romans 1:27 is a passage about the consequences of idolatry, and refers to men who were already with women, and ‘turned’ from their women, and went with men. This is talking about adultery, not homosexuality, since it is referring to men who were already with women, and then left their women to go with men. So it is not referring to men going with men, but condemning men who were already in a relationship with women and then left them to go with men. In other words, it is condemning adultery. Secondly, 1Corinthians 6:9-11 might be about sexual immorality in general (as you say) so that means heterosexual relations are sinful. Thirdly, The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is about gang rape by heterosexual men, it has nothing to do with loving and caring homosexual relationships. Gang rape was a method used in many cultures to humiliate an enemy. The raping was always done by straight men. All the young and old men of the city wanted to rape the two visitors, but Lot refused to give them up. Instead he offered his two virgin daughters to be raped by the men (Genesis 19:8) which proves they were not gay. Sodom was a growing and fertile city full of families, fathers and husbands, so it was not possible for Sodom to have been filled entirely with gay men. Further evidence of this can be found in the Book of Judges, where once again, the men of the city wanted to rape the male visitor. The master of the house refused to give up his visitor. Instead he offered his virgin daughter and his concubine (secondary wife) to be raped. So all the men of the city took the concubine and raped her and abused her throughout the whole night. The next morning she was dead (Judges 19:17-30). Gay men do not rape women; only straight men commit these depraved acts of violence against women. Just like wife beaters and rapists.

[@nategraham6946]

But it is all of those things, to say otherwise is lying to yourself.

[@angelfoodcake1979]

I watched the whole interview but the actual position of the catholic church was never clearly described.

[@kewpified]

i really like father mike schmitz but you are correct. he will not speak plainly on this matter and that is a disappointment. right and wrong should not be blurred and as a spiritual leader, he should be courageous and very clear.

[@KeaneLuvr]

@@kewpified I understand what you mean. I think we're going to constantly tip-toe around the subject so as to not lose members of the Church or offend people when the teachings of God on the matter are very clear. You either accept it or you don't. Powdered sugar aside. Some people just can't handle the Truth.

[@arnelnacino6754]

Homosexuality is not wrong, "God don't make junk," is not wrong, CatholicTheology is wrong. And wrong-headed. You cannot take the measly six verses in the Bible having to do with homosexuality out of context, and then declare "God don't make junk," as theologically incorrect. That is being intellectually and spiritually dishonest, not to mention not very Christ-like. Apart from that, I think Father Michael Schmitz is a total hottie.

[@spunkyssportscardsspunky6478]

we can't get to heaven from good works alone we have to be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven

[@clearjr1]

Is the "g" silent?

[@cainarcher8475]

Seeing a person based on identity is wrong but it comes from both sides. It comes from the liberal side where they make it something special to be gay but then it comes from the ultra conservative where it becomes a defining thing that oh he's gay or/and in a gay behavior so that's not good.

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

We will love you but will you continue to love us?

[@tonybousamra3635]

When are priest are apologetic for gay people. Why are the priest watering down The Catholic Church teaching by creating and welcoming books about evil crawing into the church. Is this the new naturalization to accept allow wave of acceptance

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

I think if more gays devote their life to denying themselves and picking up their cross that it will lead many in the world back to Christ.

[@deatralocklear3281]

Jesus told Nicodemus you must be born again. What I see here here is a form of religion.

[@setapart3452]

Man needs to sacrifice their time and seek to know the one true God who is holy, pure and righteous and they will see how much they to turn from this kind of uncleanness. It is nothing but pure lust, which the bible condemns the act but not the soul. He calls the homosexual but when you know him, then you cannot remain the same. This is why we must be born again, and allow our spirit to be transformed by the power of God. Come as you are but you must be changed. Submit to the word of God and be changed. This is only another way of the devil keeping mankind in sin, in order to rob man from life eternal.

[@elpadri3231]

Pitiable attempt logic.

[@remmymills3453]

Jesus did not say Judge Not 1 Corinthians 2:5 St Paul He that is spiritual Judges all things The Lord has empowered us over our own life...☆ If we judge ourselves, we will.not be judged☆ Set no wicked thing before your eyes ...your voice will penetrate this wicked world..Judge it or be convicted

[@vanezcha]

remmy mills Jesus did not say? Matthew 7:1-5, Luke 6:37-42

[@remmymills3453]

vanezcha dont take what Jesus said out of context..read the rest of the chapter and research it to find out what He meant.

[@vanezcha]

remmy mills lol. People always find a way to argue what is written. But it makes me want to read and learn more. I'm going to search and consult. I'm going to visit my pastor. But today we are going to pray for bomb victims: 3 churches have been bombed today in Surabaya (Indonesia). Sorry, my comment has become out of topics. But i hope you'll pray for them.

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

A friend not a gay friend - know you and not characterise you.