Parabellum: An Enemy | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Fr. Mike's Homily)

[@jjjone683]

I’m a survivor of sadistic sexual abuse in the late 70’s . God saved my life so many times. After 40 years of therapy I was healed enough to come to the Catholic Church where I have found amazing healing in the Eucharist. I became Catholic in 2022 and the community that I’ve become a part of is healing. I have no open wounds anymore. Jesus healed me. I found lots of wheat in the Catholic Church!

[@HarleyGirl75]

Amazing testimony!! God Bless You!!

[@mayruthwilfred1323]

God bless you brother 🙏

[@Call_Upon_YAH]

Be it known: Through the Holy Spirit, God has put it on me to preach to those lost in the devil's deceit! Hear me when I say, ye that are Catholic have been deceived and know not God. Ye worship Mary, praying to her; when God tells his to worship none other than him. It is idolatry. Catholicism has its own Bible and teachings, which are blasphemous to the word of God: the Holy Bible. As ye follow the teachings of man and not God; ye hear the pope, but not Jesus, yet ye claim to be his disciples! These are but a few things I named ye dwell within; there are many more. I tell you now to repent of your sins, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you'll receive the gift of the Holy Spirit upon asking the Father! There are *NO* sub-divisions of Christianity. You're either a disciple of Christ or not. A Christian is someone who follows God's word, not a religion. Who obey the Father and follow his will; not man's nor their own heart's. Unless you keep Jesus' commandments, think not the Holy Spirit will dwell within you! They who heed this message and did what was stated with an open heart to God... Read the Holy Bible (KJV) daily and every time before you read, pray to the Father and ask: "Lord I ask that you give me understanding of your word, that I interpret it the way you want me to, and none of my own. I ask you in Jesus' name, amen." Revelation 22:8-9 KJV 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Acts 2:38 KJV 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Luke 11:13 KJV 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? John 14:21-24 KJV 21 *He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.* 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, *If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.* 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and *the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.* 3 John 1:11 KJV 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. *He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.* 1 John 3:6-10 KJV 6 *Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.* 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: *he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.* 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 *Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.* 10 *In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God,* neither he that loveth not his brother.

[@avalon6467]

Wow! Your story is really inspiring for me.

[@Tachlis]

@@Call_Upon_YAHI apologize if you’re my sister in Christ! Also Dave Armstrong’s books are among the best because he only cites Scripture in explaining the doctrines of our church!

[@ChildofGod98765]

Please pray for me. Prayers all I need. My husband passed away years ago. I’m a single mother. This is my testimony of my faith. I praise Jesus no matter what even as I struggle. I believe God is testing me. At times I feel so alone. I have two beautiful sons, both of my sons are autistic. I’m just overwhelmed. Lord please have mercy on me. Since covid I can’t seem to get back on my feet. I was fired from my job for declining the vaccine. I declined due to my lupus and I also have a heart condition. I’m waitressing but not making nearly enough. Every month is a struggle not to end up on the streets with my children. I’m struggling putting groceries in my refrigerator. Struggling to pay rent. But, thankfully God has provided this far. I know and have faith he will continue. Faith over fear. We should praise God even in hard times. I love you Jesus! Thank you Heavenly Father.

[@lucky16ization]

I'm praying for you! 🙏🏻 Hang in there and cling to Jesus!

[@sttoth-dz6bw]

God will bless you do not worry. Keep focused on the good and on the future

[@rosaredondo1598]

Prayers for Gods graces and favors in your home peace and wisdom❤

[@wendys7285]

Praying!!

[@Sea_Spirit_805]

Your family will be our prayers tonight. Keep striving for heaven!

[@margaretwissler4874]

As a victim (?) of the “the scandal” it took me a long time to know that God loves me and I will never leave my Catholic Church

[@Baeprints]

You’re so strong.

[@firangele8094]

Love conquers 🙏😊

[@donnaostojski5478]

May Jesus continue to bless you richly. Your forgiveness shines like a beacon of light. God bless you and your family.

[@simonslater9024]

Please read my comment. God bless.

[@margaretferrara1008]

Blessings

[@milagrosboedo1749]

Your wisdom enlightens my life and my heart every time and every day I listen to you THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Praise and Glory to our Lord for vocations like yours!

[@marilucervantes6225]

Why is it that Homely always touches a part of my life that I am having trouble with? Thank you God for good priests

[@mrss4328]

Because the Holy Spirit knows things that we need to know. It’s still amazing though.

[@aarondaigle8412]

@@mrss4328 100%. God knows what's on our heart. He knows what to tell us and when we are ready to hear it.

[@SnowyNightFlyer]

It’s incredible to hear Fr Mike directly address the abuse scandal and so effectively frame it in the context of the parable. He attempts no rationalizations, no excuses, no attempts to mitigate or minimize. Powerful.

[@reginaclaire4680]

❤

[@Call_Upon_YAH]

They with ears to hear, let them hear: Through the Holy Spirit, God has put it on me to preach to those lost in the devil's deceit! Hear me when I say, ye that are Catholic have been deceived and know not God. Ye worship Mary, praying to her; when God tells his to worship none other than him. It is idolatry. Catholicism has its own Bible and teachings, which are blasphemous to the word of God: the Holy Bible. As ye follow the teachings of man and not God; ye hear the pope, but not Jesus, yet ye claim to be his disciples! These are but a few things I named ye dwell within; there are many more. I tell you now to repent of your sins, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you'll receive the gift of the Holy Spirit upon asking the Father! There are *NO* sub-divisions of Christianity. You're either a disciple of Christ or not. A Christian is someone who follows God's word, not a religion. Who obey the Father and follow his will; not man's nor their own heart's. Unless you keep Jesus' commandments, think not the Holy Spirit will dwell within you! They who heed this message and did what was stated with an open heart to God... Read the Holy Bible (KJV) daily and every time before you read, pray to the Father and ask: "Lord I ask that you give me understanding of your word, that I interpret it the way you want me to, and none of my own. I ask you in Jesus' name, amen." Revelation 22:8-9 KJV 8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Acts 2:38 KJV 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Luke 11:13 KJV 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? John 14:21-24 KJV 21 *He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.* 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, *If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.* 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and *the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.* 3 John 1:11 KJV 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. *He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.* 1 John 3:6-10 KJV 6 *Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.* 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: *he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.* 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 *Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.* 10 *In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God,* neither he that loveth not his brother.

[@KathleenBanfield]

@@Call_Upon_YAH you have been deceived by anti-Catholic misconceptions.

[@bessiewilson1784]

I’m currently attending a Catholic Church I was abused by a preacher from for serval years it formed my life for a long time I finally said I had to quit being a victim for men to abuse I after 3 tries to marry a wonderful man who passed 6 years ago at my age I won’t marry again but God has shown me good things can happen & he is always with me

[@blanasky4385]

I came into the Catholic Church in 2012, not because it was perfect, but because Jesus is here. Thank you Father Mike, God bless and protect you

[@edelmiraespinosa9689]

Thank God, there are plenty of real men, good Catholic priest who teach and guide and respect us...Like Father Mike

[@AlexanderBrown77]

♥️know♥️ 1 John 5 kJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. ♥️ 1 Peter 1 kJV 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. ✝️ Gospel 🩸 1 Corinthians 15 kJV 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ✝️🩸 Romans 3 kJV 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

[@magicalwishes7715]

Father I understand I’m 75 years old we left messages before that sad about what you’re saying about the stand over the church and everything else has been going on but it’s unfortunately bother it’s just the way life is the only perfect person in this world with Jesus other than that man since every single day God bless you father God be with you I pray for you keep the good work up you give me a lot of inspiration for 75 years old trust me believe me God bless you thank you

[@judgedredd31]

@@AlexanderBrown77 THANK YOU! I'm halfway through the video and was craving scripture--Mike gave us none. John 5:24 - “Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who HEARS My word, and BELIEVES Him who sent Me, HAS eternal life, and DOES NOT COME INTO JUDGEMENT, but has passed out of death into life." If you truly believe, then God WILL change you (Phil 1:6) and you really are FORGIVEN. It is finished (Romans 8:29-30; John 19:30)! Soli Deo Gloria.

[@AlexanderBrown77]

@@judgedredd31 hey 👋 judgedredd ♥️ glad I could help. Have a wonderful day.

[@carol9204]

Thank you Holy Spirit for choosing Fr. Mike to speak and show us your love and guidance and thank you Father Mike for saying yes.

[@clivedytor2069]

Thank you Father. I am a Catholic priest and the word” diabolical” is completely right. People who trusted in a pastor and who have been obliterated. I struggle to understand how any “ shepherd” can do this. Fr Clive ( UK).

[@BitsyBee]

I could not believe it at first. I thought it was a lie. Not to dismiss the "cover up," but I believe some priests could not believe this about their brothers and were so shocked they literally did not know what to do.

[@hotwings3]

I remember when it came out. That same Sunday, our priest actually cried trying to get through his homily as he spoke about this. So ashamed. We’re very blessed to have him and now we have a second priest who actually had cancer and he offered all of his suffering for those victims. As a result, he’s talked to so many of them and have been able to help them. There are great priest and we are truly blessed to know them.

[@AnimalAngel]

Thank you, Fr. Mike for humbly and honestly talking about the Priest Abuse in your homily ❤ Not All Priests, Not All people in every Religious Organization are Abusive. There are Honest and Good Priests and Pastors out there. Thank God 🙏

[@Publius-24]

Pray the rosary daily. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.

[@danieldeleon934]

A very powerful homily. Thank you for all you do, not only for the Church, but all who follow. God bless you always. Amen. 🙏❣️✨👑

[@silkydrop3283]

Your Homelies always hit home so wonderfully. I am praying for the priests and you. My uncle was a priest who was accused. He was truly an honest good person to the core. He left the priesthood but continued to go to Mass, he never once lost faith. We can all do the same.

[@aileenwhelan71]

Father Mike you are a gift! Thank you for your incredible work. God bless you!

[@mariellenandrosko3305]

You are not alone. I'm surrounded by this type of opposition and it is costing me everything and everyone. Sometimes I feel choked by it and yet I persist in trying to stand in the gap; to hold the line. I promised you know who I would. This helped me feel less alone today. Thank you Father. "I am praying for you. Please pray for me."

[@avs2966]

Amen

[@sheilahendrix5935]

Peace 💜and 💙Blessings💚 Too 💛My❤️ Brother 💙May 💚God 💛Bless 💜You💙 Always💚 May 💛God 💜Bless 💙You 💚Richly💛 with💛 Everything 💙You💚 need💛 Always ❤️Much💙 Love💚 Blessings 💜Always ☺️ 🎇 🌈 🌐 💯💯💖💛💙💜💜💙💙💚💚✌️❤️💜💜

[@nellennatea]

Thank you Father Mike. If you lived in my nation and in my town I would be coming to you to confess absolutely everything.

[@maricorsalvador2410]

Thank you Rev. Fr. Mike for this very reflective homily. It led me to be faithful to GOD...be a genuine Catholic in words and deeds, and live a Sacramental life...GOD BLESS YOU

[@stacyjohnson5747]

Thank you Father Mike may God always bless you and keep you safe

[@heathermikaelian2514]

Thank you Father for genuinely addressing this issue. Remember, God is still in control.

[@sandramaldonado1918]

Lord I thank you for good holy priest. There are some wolfs in sheep's clothing but there are also very good shepherds. Heavenly Father protect your good and holy priest, and bring to the foot of the cross on their knees those that have fallen away or just infiltrated our church. Thank you Fr. Mike many blessings 🙏

[@carolhannah4635]

Thank you Fr Mike. Your analogies are brilliant to put the message across. I pray for more wheat 🙏🙏

[@jamesm.9285]

This scandal is why I cannot convince my own father to come to Mass, back to the Church, back to God's Heavenly Kingdom on Earth... May God have Mercy and send more spiritual more truly righteous harvesters - labourers of God, for the harvest of souls needing saving, forgiveness, love... It's greater than it has ever been. Thank you for giving a powerful homily on this, Fr. Mike.

[@jessicastoke777]

So glad the movie was finally released, the government did everything they could to keep the movie from the box office. Knowledge is power people. Keep your eyes and ears open when you are out in public because those are the trenches, that is where we can put our personal boots on the ground. Praying for the souls and repentance of the abusers and praying for every child in the industry to be brought to safety. God bless, love and prayers. ❤

[@jamessavage9453]

If you only watch 1 Fr. Mike video in your entire lifetime, make sure its this one.

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

@james Heh. I don't know what it is. But he always surprises. I have never listened to someone as much or as long, and he always surprises. 😁

[@amandacaron8828]

To say yes to everything in my life that brings life and no to everything that brings death. Noted If you want peace , if you want to win, prepare for war. Noted . The enemy doesn’t want to win , he just wants you to lose . Noted . I love you Father …. Thank you !!!!!

[@All.For.You.Lord.]

Thank you Fr. Mike for all that you do. I've recently come across your content and I'm hooked. You make it all make sense ❤ God bless you and everyone at AP

[@mrs.jesshorst]

What a powerful Mass🤍May God Bless you and have Mercy on all of us. Thanks be to God.

[@DiBella03]

Wow- mic drop Fr. Mike! I thought your Father’s Day sermon was the best yet, but this might be better than that. Thank you for that word and reflection today. “Be the wheat - not the weed”. The world needs more wheat, not weeds. May Jesus grant me the grace to have his love in my heart for His wheat to over take my weeds, because Lord knows I have a lot of them. Thank you for blessing me today Fr. Mike and ascension presents. God bless you guys.

[@arcaylan]

Peace be with you. Prayers for the victims of human trafficking, especially child trafficking. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. Come Holy Spirit, come. Amen.

[@lindaorth9341]

Father Mike, I keep on receiving prompts to go back to my roots to the Catholic Church. I was born Catholic but went my own way as I became an adult. 😢 So I am starting my journey back and need prayer to stay steadfast in Gods prompting 🙏✝️

[@diane4983]

Can't fight evil until we shine a light on it. That's what we all must do

[@maribelfrey9366]

Thank you Fr Mike 🙏 we need more wheat! Changing hearts, healing ❤️‍🩹 hearts. Focus on that vs the weeds to make the change in our church. Jesus to God ✝️ Ready for the battle 📿

[@heloaafcha7914]

What a powerful homily Fr Mike! May God protect your vocation because I’m sure the devil is not happy with it. Praying for you daily and for more vocations like yours

[@guywill7875]

Orchard Lake Saint Mary's Boys Preparatory in Orchard Lake Michigan. 1973. I was 15. I was groomed. Passed around from the seminarians to the priests. They all knew I was not being allowed to go home on weekends and I was alone in the dorm. Looking back I am sickened by the complicity of the church allowing pedophilia to run rampant there. The collar on a Roman Catholic Priest is a reminder of having my faith taken.

[@nucleus3733]

Thank you Father Mike. This is excellent.

[@annemariemcgowan9273]

Thank you Fr Mike ❤xx Its never too late. Your honesty and bravery will help us to keep faith in our Church xx

[@7..171]

Thank you Father. Your strong homily is a blessing. It brought tears. I appreciate your directness and Christ’s direction. It’s very much needed. When completely humbled the only way to go is up.

[@Steven-rp8zo]

I know I may be the only one but I am one. I know I can't do everything but I can do something.

[@Elmaestrope]

Thank you Fr. Mike. God loved His Church. He is always there to protect. God bless and I'm always praying for you🙏🙏🙏

[@dorothyschreiner6052]

Those gives me hope again. Instead of surrendering and overwhelmed to all that is bad in the world , my job is to start with weeding out the bad in my own heart. There is hope in what Father said, "It's not we have to less of the bad but more of the good."

[@beckyholbrook1602]

Thank you Fr Mike. It’s so heartbreaking to hear you talk about the “scandal “. Just recently when messaged a family member about the child sex trafficking and how horrible the media is not reporting on this, he brought up the “scandal “, ugh! I tried to inform him, and sent him this video, they just won’t let this rest and believe we have addressed this and on guard now.

[@coreybaumy23]

This is one of the best homilies I have heard in a long time. Keep it up! I also share your annoyance with people who just want me to lose in games. It just doesn't make sense to me that someone would want to get under someone else's skin for fun.

[@therese_paula]

Oh Lord, free me from the claws of the weeds that is preventing me from nurturing a good relationship with my family, friends, and colleagues. 🕊️🙏 Our Lady, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. 📿

[@segolene001]

All it takes is one person… 🙏🏻

[@saradejesus9869]

Thank you for your values and your insight. I hope every word you have spoken is accepted as a prayer to heaven for all of us.

[@loisaumann7200]

St Michael the archangel….pray for us and defend us🙏🏼✝️🙏🏼

[@annemcgoff8495]

Thank you for speaking and talking about hard topics. We all need to strive to be wheat! 🙏

[@RGGC24]

Read your Bible but really read it, stay in community, visit your parish bookstore, live the gospel in communion, pray earnestly, attend mass more than once a week. God is alive and the more time you spend in his house and in tending to his things the more aware you become of this truth. The tools have been given to us. The blueprints are there, it started with the apostles. It’s up to us now to do our part. It’s our time to work. To continue what Jesus Christ started. We have the sword.

[@R_Thomp]

Thank you Father

[@georgeholder7533]

Thank you, Fr. Mike!

[@msantos7755]

I can relate to not liking to play boardgames. I don't mind solitaire, where there are no enemies.😅 "Your wounds are not arbitrary." That is beautiful...God also heals us so compassionately considering our past.❤

[@dmcPerks7787]

Father Mike, you’re so great at leading us to a better understanding of the word of God. Thank you Father for helping me become a better catholic and a better person who chooses to get closer to our God. May God bless you always Father.

[@judeyyudkin3183]

Thank you for highlighting your homily’s!!! I go to mass on Sunday for the Eucharist. I love that I can also come home and listen to a great homily that truly speaks to me and have a better understanding of the readings. Thank you

[@amakawemambu7690]

I thank God for His patience with me, because sometimes I am a wheat and sometimes a weed

[@lindaorth9341]

Thank you Father......🙏✝️

[@bernadettemchugh4861]

Amen Thank you Father Mike powerful message have Faith ❤❤🙏🙏 God is good all the time Amen thank you Lord Jesus Amen all the time God is good Lord hear my prayers ❤ 🎉 🙏🙏

[@doloreswisecarver1784]

Father Mike… You are so gifted in taking our faith & morals and relative to today’s world. Thank you.

[@raulbarriga7416]

When father said that Sister Miriam had said “your wounds are not arbitrary”, I could immediately imagine her saying further, “I refuse to believe my wounds are arbitrary”, because of our dignity in relation to the love of God and his sacrifice that cost his own body and blood. This makes so much sense, especially with someone like Sister Miriam conveying the message.

[@everythingiswhat]

The war is here. Let us fight with the strength of the Lord such that we continually win battle after battle. Let us never relinquish. Let us never stagger. Let us never give up or give in. In the end, God will judge us by how hard and how well we fought.

[@HarleyGirl75]

Powerful Message, Fr. Mike! 🔥. Thank you!

[@kathleenmcdonald6960]

AMEN, Fr. Mike. The weeds within myself and in our church brings me to a greater humility and gratitude for the Grace of God. I am proud to be Catholic and to to continue my conversion with others seeking to rid ourselves and church of weeds! 🙏

[@zachmcelfresh]

Yeah I can honestly say the main reason I haven't become catholic yet is because of all the negative news from Rome, the Vatican, the scandals and abuses. But I do think the church service is very holy and I really enjoy your messages but still trying to see if the Catholic church is right for me. God bless you Fr Mike you're awesome.

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

@zachmcelfresh Well, almost 10% of the original 12 was corrupt. So nothing new there. Someone once mentioned in the comments that they would love to see Fr Mike become a bishop. That is the last thing I would want for him! There is nothing new in the corruption that is part of the life of the Church. When Henry VIII broke with Rome over the question of his divorce? Only one bishop remained faithful. John Fisher. One prominent layman. Tomas More. So even then most bishops fell by the wayside. If you ever get your hands on "A Man for All Seasons" (1966) about Tomas More, played by Paul Schofield, I would highly recommend it. Often it comes down to just one man. But as Bishop Fulton Sheen said in the '70s? These are times that test us. Trying times. But these are marvelous times to be alive. Times of true witness. In a previous age, Fr Mike would have had no issue becoming a priest. He had to overcome the very same issues that bother you. He knows - as he said - when he walks through an airport what people think when they see him. And it is not the respect that would have been due in a previous age.

[@Davidjune1970]

One thing to remember is no one person is all wheat or all weed. A person is complex and are both wheat and weed. The goal for us is to try and be more wheat like than weed like. And sinful things you do can cause others to sin … spreading your weed to others. And even the biggest and worst sinner has a chance to turn from being mostly weed to a massive crop of wheat. The smallest seed that turns into the biggest tree.

[@bernadettelopes1512]

Thank you Fr. Mike. Please pray for my family, friends, enemies and the world. May the Lord help us to grow more good wheat and stifle out the weeds in our hearts. In Jesus Name Amen.❤

[@anneturner2759]

Mic drop, “prepare for war”. God bless all of you !

[@sefiaibezimako8960]

God bless you fr Mike

[@rubivalera3263]

You are right Father Mike we have to prepare for the war against the weed cause there’s so many are growing trying to destroy the wheat humanity. Please teach us how Father , you are very effective in converting and convincing humanity how to become a sturdy grown wheat.

[@shannonengelken4629]

Really needed to hear this explanation! Thank you so much😇

[@anamia70m80]

Courage father! Thank you for raising your voice, blessed are the persecuted in my name, here in Colombia we see it and we love it very much ❤. Thank you for being light in so much darkness.

[@peggybruening4415]

A beautiful sermon, Fr. Mike, thank you, and God bless!

[@joolz5747]

Glad you mentioned Tim Ballard. I guess a lot of people listening to this don’t know? It’s all over the place and it’s been all over the place for a while and everybody needs to go and be aware of it. See it learn about it. Jim Caviezel is the actor and Tim Ballard was the real guy. And there’s plenty behind-the-scenes amazing people. And list yourself and knowing about what’s going on in the world everybody. I bet you all know anyway.

[@nellennatea]

I hate board games too. My brother though used to make me play because he knew I didn't like them. He wanted me to like them. & my son does not like them because he used to burst into tears and run away of he lost. & then he told my brother he wont play ever again. & we don't play them. BUT WE DO LOVE SCRABBLE. Definitely love Scrabble. And if my son loses at that he wants to play again. TO WIN.

[@lanu72]

Thank you Fr. Mike. This helped me get things into perspective.

[@dorotagarnham6314]

Thank you, Fr. Mike. Holy Spirit is with you, and we are so blessed. Thank you for such deeply spiritual homily. When I listen to you, there is always something that touches my heart. Thank you for the hope and faith that we are not completely lost. 🙏 As for the "sound of freedom " film. I can't wait to see it. However, I live in the UK 🇬🇧 and I don't know if ever this great film will rea h our cinemas. I pray that it will.

[@susannebrule3160]

Good message Father.

[@marybeth8028]

Powerful Fr. Mike Thank you

[@jacquelinezr]

If only every single priest would talk about the sex abuse scandal the way Father Mike does... That would truly signal to the world how seriously the Church takes protecting children and abolishing the sick men who would hurt a child. This was a great sermon on many levels.

[@I-am-CC]

You are absolutely amazing Father Mike. You are a true Soldier of God. I appreciate you. May God Bless you Greatly.

[@I-am-CC]

@@jamesmcgrath3841 Gosh, so true haha I'll change that to "I appreciate you" 😁

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

@@I-am-CC Deleting my comment now.... 😁😇

[@I-am-CC]

@@jamesmcgrath3841 😁🙏

[@lynnjackson5077]

This brought me to my knees. Shaking

[@acftmxman]

Fr. Mike, I hope you read this. Thank you for addressing the elephant in the room (the scandal). You’ve touched upon a subject that makes me quick to anger. That makes me forget about the teachings and want to inflict unholy, unnatural, medieval pain to those that commit it. I’m catholic, but not considered practicing at the moment. I’m a fallen lamb. My wife who isn’t catholic, but is learning and considering it because of your good work on the Bible in a year and the catechism in a year, didn’t know just how deep the rabbit hole goes and that it is still happening in today’s church. I explained to her that the church herself is made of broken people. That we shouldn’t let the bad actions of a few get in the way of Christ’s teachings and God’s words. Thank you so much for bringing it up with deft and sincerity.

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

@acftmxman You and I are in the same place right now. Fr Mike is the one little thread keeping me in touch with the Church for the past number of years. Blessings to you!

[@jimamos8681]

Thank you Father Mike! Your Homily was was inciting and inspirational. I pray for God's Guidance in planting the wheat and recognizing the weeds! God Bless!

[@KnottsoRude]

Thank you sir you made bible studies seriously fun

[@MsMissy-o5i]

Well said

[@mariace4848]

Am I the only one that this is making me want to listen to Metallicas Don’t Tread on Me?

[@therese_paula]

We have to be sensitive in detecting the weeds inside us and around us, detecting what is moral and immoral. That includes lukewarmness. Part of our 'preparation for war' is taking efforts to have a well-formed conscience.

[@kevinhodges867]

Glory to God

[@dadthemanthemyththelegend3348]

Amen.

[@thatmikeallanning]

Thank you Father Mike for the clarity and honesty that you share. I can see how the Lord is blessing you and Ascension for your obedience to what God gives you all and how you present it. I am a pastor in a evangelical denominational church, and God helps me hear the beauty of of His goodness and grace in such people and places like you and right here. Thank you all, and praise be to the Lord for you all. God bless!

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

@j.mike God bless you too, Pastor. This is a beautiful message. 😇

[@MaryDenny-l6u]

Thank you, Father Mike that was an absolute wonderful homily🙏🙏

[@EmmaClark-ut8jk]

What a blessing to the Catholic Church and the world Fr. Mike is, I loved his own version of homily for this particular gospel. God bless him and all priests all over world.🙏🙏🙏

[@juliel0721]

Fr Mike I totally get you- I am the same way as you.... Don't like games, same experience as you growing up and also in my adult life. Thank you for sharing!❤

[@rosemarieobrien4800]

You are so right! Play to win NOT to stop someone else! That type of thinking is off base! Why play? Makes no sense to me and is that their approach to life?! umm. Some thing is missing:) God bless you! Rosemarie❤❤❤

[@juliealbright5191]

thank you for talking about this..I have been struggling to come to terms with that. Just the fact that it went on in the Church...And I have kind of lost faith because of it, and I felt like every time I went to church and put my envelope in the basket, it was to pay off an abuse victim...not that they shouldn't be paid. also the last time I went to mass (I did my 5 first Saturdays,) at the 9am Mass homily the priest Quoted Mao of all people, like Mao was some philosopher who didn't kill millions of people.. I was like that's it. so I listen to your masses and homilies. and that's when I am at.

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

@juliealbright I fully get why you would be reluctant to put your envelope in the basket for that reason. I also get your attending the Front Pew because of the nonsense you hear at your own church. I do the same thing. It is one thing for Fr Mike to say we commit mortal sin by not attending Mass in person. But it is another to be in the church, boiling at the very nonsense the priest is spouting. I have often felt like standing up in the seat and screaming my head off!! We can only be where we are at. God speaks to us where we are at. 😁

[@juliealbright5191]

@@jamesmcgrath3841 I thank that is true. And every single time I went to the prayer room, which goes along with the 35 first Saturdays, where you say the rosary, and meditate on the mysteries for 15 minutes, people came into that room, and it was like a party. So odd. That being written, I don't know if you have checked out videos on the real 3rd secret of Fatima, but it's interesting

[@tomlabooks3263]

I asked AI to write lyrics for a song about Fr. Mike in the style of Eminem. Here it is: Verse 1: Yo, they call me Father Mike, I'm a man of the cloth Serving my flock though it's often exhausting Dealing with sins, people's troubles and losses Tryin' to guide them through life's crosses Keepin' faith when it seems no one's listening Spreading the gospel though crowds ain't gatherin' Searching for meaning when meaning feels lackin' But I know the Lord has my back and He gon' give me the strength to react and Keep on the path He has set me upon Though the path feels lonely and victory's far gone I put my trust in the Holy Spirit, carry on Chorus: So I get up every day, put a smile on my face Brush off the tiredness, walk with grace Lead the Mass, hear confessions, offer counsel and guidance Do my duties, fulfill my calling, in spite of challenges and crisis Verse 2: Now Sally came to me, her marriage fallen apart All I could do was pray and speak words from my heart Tried to remind her that wounds can heal With faith and time, scars start to seal Then Jimmy came in, addicted to crack I told him with God, you can get your life back Though he laughed in my face, told me I'm just a joke I said, son, through darkness, light can shine and hope So I plant the seeds though harvest is slim Keep fighting the good fight, though chances seem grim I put on my robes and collar, do it all again Step into the confessional, forgive sins after sins The work is inglorious, progress slow But serving the Lord, this is the life that I chose Chorus

[@secretway9940]

Amen...❤

[@orreymodo5860]

Powerful