"Only the Good Things" | 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Fr. Mike's Homily)

Do I love enough to listen? Do I love enough to speak?
In loving the people around us well, one thing we have to contend with is loving them well in our words. We avoid all unnecessary negatives, love enough to listen, and love enough to speak.
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[@idakate7]

I avoid everyone because I think I am doing them a favor because I rend toward negativity.

[@ChildofGod98765]

God please continue to give me strength because I’m losing hope. This prayer is for God. I know as a christian it’s important to trust you Father no matter what we are going through. You are my only strength in this world. Like many other single parents things are tough on me. Both of my sons are special needs. I’m constantly struggling to provide for them and now that I’m home schooling them my hours to work are limited. I’m overwhelmed. Father God hear my prayers. My faith in you is strong! Even as I constantly struggle to pay my rent. And I constantly struggle to provide groceries for my children. I get mocked by others because I cry out to you Lord! But I trust you. I’m keeping faith. Walking with faith is the most important thing us christian’s must do. That’s why love compassion and prayers are all we truly need. Please keep me and my boys in your prayers. Prayers are all I need.

[@NicciEisenhauer]

Prayers for the LORD to keep you strong in faith and in His steadfast love for you. You're doing better than it feels like you are... He sees you. He's your refuge and don't let anyone ridicule you for that. Jesus says rejoice & be glad when people mock you for your faith... it's not under the bushel basket, so your light shines. He sees you. Prayers for your relief in Jesus's name. Amen.

[@adllllla]

We’re praying for everyone that need prayer on the channel Divine Will Era 2. Every day at 5PST/8EST. We could pray for you too !

[@denisederidder688]

God bless you 🙏

[@kevinntiyakunze7720]

May the Lord bless you and your sons

[@suzanmarquart3154]

Prayers for you… God hears them and is with you. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@JacylnFord]

I am new to the Catholic Faith...officially. Thank you for being you and the way you present your homilies. I thank you for your enthusiasm. One thing i love about the Catholic Church. Is because the way the Bible and the Church presents the content of the Bible and the story of Jesus Christ. NOT YELLING AND CONDEMNING the people. The way the Church teaches with civility and explanations. Thank You For Your Presentations.🎉

[@maitata2031]

Wow!!! How profound is this? God bless you Fr Mike

[@jaflatley4631]

Yay for your mom! The time to discipline teens is when they are 3, 4, 5 yrs old.

[@nickrugg]

Fr. Mike… God’s wrestling coach!!! ✝️🙏🏻❤️💪🏻

[@KolokaiKalai]

Amen and Amen 🙏...Thankyou Fr.Mike...Your inspiring sermons help and touch lives across the world 🌎 🙏

[@karenh85]

I did the same thing at 5 years old with a chocolate bar. I made it all the way to the car before my dad noticed. He walked me back to the cashier, I gave the chocolate bar back and apologized for what I did. I'll never forget. That's love, for sure.

[@robertvara2685]

🙏❤️ Sacrificial Love Stonewalling = indifference Saints we’re once sinners.😇

[@NicciEisenhauer]

Perhaps we perceive it as indifference, but maybe the person doesn't have the skills or was never taught effective communication. They may be afraid of our reactions. To take your position one step further, I've seen stonewalling used as a weapon. A punishment. I've been the victim of it, thankfully not in my home. But it DID release me from having unproductive and harmful conversations. In those situations, if positive conversations weren't possible, I have come to see the stonewalling as a gift. Again, not in my home. You're very insightful... "indifference" -- the person doesn't care how it affects us. Opposite of love. Sad, because maybe the consequences are steeper for them. Distance from us, our love, and maybe God, too. How can God work through a "non-relationship"? Blessings to you... and love! And prayers. Thank you for being here & your comment that made me reflect!❤

[@monicareyna85]

​@@NicciEisenhauerThank you for sharing this 🙏 I too have been a victim of stone walling, in a relationship and I like your response. God bless you 🙏 Lord, help us to listen to ourselves more so we can listen to others because we learn to love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19) ❤️

[@AngelRoseAngel1980]

🙏

[@chrisbking7585]

Thank you

[@loricrockett-owens5117]

Thank you father Mike. You know you said earlier. Something needs to be said and I said it. Lol. Have a good one father Mike. God bless

[@josh39684]

Thanks so much for streaming this. I am currently still living with my parents who are anti Catholic (and they don't know that I will convert to catholicism once I move out). So I'm still going to my Protestant church in the meantime. Today they spoke about the Arc, the bread of the presence as well as the the bread from heaven. So the pastor spoke of how it's only a symbol and how Roman Catholics believe in the real presence. Everybody laughed (but me) . On a side note they are allowing a divorced man (who was the abuser in the marriage) get remarried. The whole congregation cheered. I almost can't take it anymore. Too weeks in a row the pastor misrepresented Catholics. Last week spoke of them in same breath as Hindus and Buddhists. On top of that they mocked the church fathers on their views on the arc

[@meihui7767]

Prayers

[@mollyjv1]

Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they’re doing…

[@Seliz463]

You’ll find that priest spend zero time criticizing Protestants in homilies, they have better and more edifying things to teach. Bless the people in that church and pray for them, and then think no more of such things. Focus on state on what is good and beautiful to learn about our Lord

[@johannefoster3480]

Yikesss. Sorry you have to endure that. Come on home Josh! We pray for them 🙏🏾

[@kilroy4103]

Thank you Father Mike for another eye opening sermon. You always know the right things to say about love and Jesus.

[@lindab3293]

Amen Father Mike! 🥰🙏🏼❤️

[@pasalasaga]

Thank you so much. What you do helps a lot of people.

[@cintiadeobber5047]

❤

[@sallybarwin3302]

I also stole at 5. I stole a watercolor paint set to give my friend for her bday. I made it out of the store but before getting into the car mymore noticed & sent me back into the store myself to confess/return. I'll never forget, I was so ashamed & embarrassed.

[@RecoveringLiberal1984]

I have been blessed with Fr. Mike, everyone @Ascension, Bible in a year and catechism in a year 🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@hrabmv]

i practice tough love, and that is why so many think I have little empathy, .....people love sweet lies :) and do not want to say tough truth...because the truth is rarely pretty!

[@R_Thomp]

Thank you Father

[@michelleharkness7549]

R./ Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy

[@lindaharper2870]

This world needs more tough love

[@vtangky]

Thanks Fr Mike for this very enlightening homily. t's very tough to speak out the truth when we know the person is very sensitive and defensive. I pray Lord that you would increase my trust in your strength and power to do what is pleasing to you at all times. AMEN

[@CatholicTruthTeller]

Thanks!

[@shawn6157]

👍👍👍

[@halleylujah247]

God please allow your merciful will to be done in the life of Fr Mike and his mothers life. 🙏

[@meihui7767]

Fr. Mike’s mom passed away this past Feb.

[@StAlphonsusHasAPosse]

May God bless her soul. (Edited for typo)

[@heavenlysemt]

Very good! Thanks for the blessing!

[@StAlphonsusHasAPosse]

Father Mike, thank you for this homily. I pray that I may have enough strength and enough love to speak to people about the right things to do, according to the teaching of Christ.

[@lynval2903]

as a young person it’s so hard for me to speak up & defend my faith in front of others. please pray for me to have courage & strengh & much love to spread the Gospel.🩷

[@britaahonen1489]

Is the love I the moment, worth, dying for?....

[@josephinewalker6181]

Wise words. Sensible words. Thank you Father.

[@DavidSmalley-ru7vd]

About 8 years ago, I gave of anger for Lent. It was very difficult and I failed a few times. But, after Lent I realized how much happier I was during that 40 days. I have implemented that into my daily life since then, and life is so much better. Sure I fail occasionally but I’m cognizant of it , apologize for my behavior, and move forward.

[@basscharenborg6441]

Thank you Fr. Mike. I needed this. Have a blessed day.

[@michelleharkness7549]

R./ Glory and Praise to You, Almighty Lord Jesus Christ

[@user-ui1zv8bd4y]

I still say this I keep praying Jesus changes me and my behaviors enough that others want to follow Jesus Christ. My words would have meaning in this world if I love and live Jesus Himself.

[@SBL19681]

Thank you Fr. Mike! Hope to see you soon!😊May God bless you abundantly always!

[@janmcsween7079]

It’s wonderful to assume that the other has the emotional maturity to handle love. We also have to be prepared to shake dust from our sandals and cut someone off if they are truly ignorant in a toxic manner.

[@catherinespierce]

Amen. 🙏💙

[@ritalobo7005]

Ava Maria 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹❤

[@MariaTorres-i4g]

" to me its Love that PREVENTS you not to Honor& be Thankful is GOD that love, a personality "

[@commandente]

Praise God ❤️‍🔥 Thank you Father Mike

[@Rbeeline]

I was thinking about your story of your Mom's tough-love and realize that because your Mom practiced tough-love, you were put on the path of righteousness. Your path has led you to God and to you 'showing' us God's plan. God in heaven, receive our thanks for sending Fr Mike our way.

[@ferdytolentino7064]

Amen. Thank you Father Mike.

[@lauriesmith7727]

Though love is hard. But necessary. It also can have fall out from others. God is Good

[@VanillaBean15]

Such a POWERFUL message. How much sin do we allow by not caring enough, by not loving enough? We are as responsible for the state of the world right now as non-believers. Even more actually! Because we know what God wants us to do but don't share it with others. We can't fail on our mission as prophets. ❤

[@NancyThiede-qg5pq]

Thank you Father Mike For sharing the story of how your mother disciplined you for taking that toy from the store. I did the same thing to my son when he was about 5 years old. I was ridiculed by friends because it was a piece of bubble gum. That son is 42 years old now and has a wonderful family and life. I was a young mom at that time. I'm grandma today. Thank you for your prayers.🙏

[@leftwrite]

Thank you Father. God Bless.

[@seans.131]

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5: 23-24) “'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.'” (Matthew 18: 21-22) Are you listening to yourself? “For perfect love presupposes that you love all people equally.” ~St. Maximus the Confessor God bless, Fr. Mike. Excellent homily! Peace✝😀☦❤

[@anneturner2759]

Did the same thing at the drugstore after mass … it was a candy bar , a skybar 😂 my mom did the same , I brought back the empty wrapper .love you mom , what a lady !

[@PalaciosWorldwide]

Your homily really hit home. I miss my oldest son too much. Please add Cristian Escobedo to your prayers. I would really love to see him again. ❤

[@barbarawalsh2875]

Hey father, Mike, I am in. I’ll take that challenge for four weeks. Not to complain about anything. I’m certainly will be willing to see how your next four weeks of the program go. Good luck to you. I figured anyone who can clean up my filthy mouth, which you have been a big help in this should be easier we’ll see. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@mercedescastillo4367]

Thank you for those words I have that problem it is hard for me to talk that talk where I don't like confrontation and I let thinks go to far before I say what needs to be said pray for me so God can give me the strength to have those difficult conversations with my love ones! God bless!

[@Hillsong_music_best_playlist]

Father God, thank You for so marvelously using this servant of Yours to keep me hoping in You. Help Him love You more than His ministry daily and keep him from ever swerving to the right or to the left. Bless His family and cause them to know and fear You, his God, in Jesus's Name!

[@miriamgalicia5683]

Father Mike, I really needed to hear this message. May our Father continue to bless you… amen🙏🏼

[@france4me117]

You have given me that sense of love and care for knowing God better … Your way to teaching is simply magnetic xoxo

[@EliB567a]

It’s true, I find most people just talk about u & not to u. 🥲

[@staceyspargo5897]

God bless you Fr. Schmitz. Young people today can relate to what you share. I am grateful for you and your words. God uses you for our youth, please keep speaking. I am praying for you!.

[@veronicamiller3868]

Nobody does it better such a beautiful, lovely song, one of my favorite songs’ nobody does it better like David Cassidy from the Partridge family with those beautiful songs and music and a sense of humor’ nobody does it better makes us smile and laugh and cry at the same time no buddy does it better than you?’ Please send more when you can. Thank you.’❤

[@marysoria5879]

Tough love is the best love! Thank you for the beautiful reminder.

[@lindaorth9341]

Father Mike you are right. Will have to answer for our sins later in life.🙏🥹✝️

[@michaelleach5797]

11:18 I was raised in a very strict Catholic household and spent 12 years in Catholic schools taught by mainly nuns and a few priests. I spent my freshman year of high school in a Catholic seminary because I wanted to be a priest. I stayed that year but changed my mind and attended my remaining high school years in my local Catholic high school. At 22 I married a young lady who was a Baptist and for the first time heard a sermon on salvation through Jesus Christ. We were married and I attended a private Christian university in South Carolina. I never went back to the Catholic Church until my older brother passed away. For a reason I don’t totally understand I decided to receive communion during the Mass. The priest who presided over the Mass followed me back to my pew in the second row and wanted me to give the communion host back to him. I have never been as embarrassed and humiliated in all of my life. Prior to that experience I had seriously considered returning to the Catholic Church but that changed my mind until I began listening to Father Mike’s podcast. If there was a priest like him in my area I really believe I would go back to Mass and the Catholic Church. I truly enjoy listening to his Bible in a Year podcast and even forego my usual bible study from a Protestant minister to listen to Father Mike. Thank you Father Mike. You have changed my view of what all priests are really like.

[@joannereed868]

Dear Father Mike, You never cease to amaze me!

[@bessbiason8873]

I honor you & your faith!!!!!!!!!

[@Msebastian2010]

Dear father Mike! What a fantastic homily is so helpful and eye opening, I appreciate all of your stories thank you, God bless you

[@julialopes5054]

God bless Fr Mike and his family!!!

[@amandacaron8828]

This is the message I was looking for … you made it clearer for me today Father Mike thank you !!!!

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

I can relate to your story Father. When I was 6 years old we were driving back from vacation. We stopped to fill up the car and to use the restroom. There was a ring I wanted displayed on the counter. My dad gave me a dime so I could buy the ring but when I got to the counter the clerk was somewhere else, perhaps in the back. I saw my chance and pocketed the ring. About 20 miles down the road my dad noticed me in the back seat fidgeting with the ring and the dime. He pulled over, turned around and we drove the 20 miles back to that gas station so I could admit to stealing the ring and apologize for my actions. I also had to return the ring and give give the dime to the clerk. I have often wondered how many parents would do that these days.

[@vkmir]

So needed to hear this! Thank you, Fr. Mike! 🙏

[@mcsbikelife3829]

Father Mike is a g !!! Thanks bro I needed to hear this !!!

[@mariac4602]

Thank you!! Your homily more than made up for the one I heard at Sunday Mass where the gist was that Matthew probably put those words into Jesus’ mouth and really Jesus would never want us to show the tough love of calling someone out on their sins. This from an intelligent, elderly priest.

[@jocelyneboutot5722]

Father Mike this was profound

[@AdrianoGiovanni]

💚🙏🤝✅

[@THERESAWIERSZYLO]

This is the first time I heard you spoke and Father Mike you are wonderful. So interesting and down to earth. God Bless You Always.

[@isabelcasillas4856]

Powerful thx💯✌

[@cheryllittlepage2096]

Powerful homily, Fr Mike! Great food for thought-I appreciate you very much. May God continue to bless you in your service to God 🙏🙏

[@madzkhi5525]

Thank you Fr. Mike ❤

[@michelleharkness7549]

In Thanksgiving: ( USA 🇺🇸) :btw: The Presentation:( Awareness- Understanding Theological- information ℹ️ Fabulous) / Eucharistic Celebration ( Catholic) is wonderful: again, wonderful

[@cabellero1120]

" Do you love enough to listen?" To obey.. If We, As Christians, are honest with ourselves, probably not. Many of Us, want to follow after Jesus, but , We also want our own way! We're like petulant children.

[@AileenSerrantes-xg9pj]

Love you.

[@CadeBergmann]

wow. that story at the beginning is SO similar to something I've done, and reminds me of my own version of this

[@ClaireRedman-z3r]

The same thing happened to me AND that lesson Branded me.i never forgot AND admire my mom for what she did. Oh sure I thought i would die,but so Wirth it.

[@michelleharkness7549]

Southeastern Texas: USA 🇺🇸: btw: we pray 🙏 in earnest for missionary priests ( Roman Catholic) who serve in or near County Maverick: bless

[@michelleharkness7549]

R./ By the Divine Grace of Almighty God May the Ever-Enduring Peace of Jesus Christ which surpasses all understanding be with everyone always ( Roman Catholic)

[@matty301]

Thank you, Father Mike. You are a legend bro and I thank you for teaching us the gospel. I'm still learning and I know I need to do better in life. I'm thankful you're showing me that there's still light in this world.

[@marybussey4473]

💙💙💙 Beautiful!!!

[@mariace4848]

Sometimes I have absolutely no idea how to respond so I don’t. I don’t mean to be cold. I’ll work on that.

[@cheekypea33]

Beautiful homily ❤️. Thank you Father Mike.

[@judithdumbutshena5000]

This is definitely one of the best Homilies I have ever listened to. Thank you Fr Mike.

[@staceyspargo5897]

Thank you for sharing the story about your good Mom! I was the bystander sister in a similar story with my brother. My Mama made him take the candy bar back to the store owner and as the sister...I too was supposed to be learning.

[@noracharles9366]

❤❤❤❤❤ Praying

[@kerryfaden94]

Thank you Was feeling hopeless After surgery Will rally

[@willrobinson4089]

Does God love enough to keep His promises?

[@britaahonen1489]

Maybe there's things we don't tell each other. Maybe over the years this builds up in your soul.

[@michelleharkness7549]

Enjoy 😊 your day!!!

[@RO-nk9cr]

This really hits home with me. The way you put it, Fr. Mike, is amazing. Do it with love. It’s so hard for it to come out with love sometimes even though it’s meant that way. Thank you for this homily. I really needed it.

[@hanashahin2594]

Father I have sister she call me just to say everything no good in my brother and sisters and I don’t know if I should say the truth but all was she needs everything her way please keep her in your prayers 🙏🙏🙏

[@doloreswisecarver1784]

Thanks. Pray for my family -fallen away Catholics. When we are together, the topic of Religion is forbidden to speak about. I feel like all of my conversations are censored. Jesus I trust in You.

[@PhilipsSajan]

Amen

[@michelleharkness7549]

Southcentral Texas: USA 🇺🇸: btw: Sincere Thoughts 💭: Greetings 🫂 and as well May Almighty GOD BLess

[@nathanngumi8467]

Amen. 🙏