Picking a Thing For Lent

Fr. Mike knows the tricks we can play on ourselves when it comes to picking something for Lent. So he gives a straightforward guideline: Don’t pick something that’s arbitrary. Pick something that is necessary.
In other words, don’t say you’re giving up watermelon when you know you will hardly eat watermelon anyway; and don’t give up hot showers if you know cold showers actually won’t help you grow in holiness.
We can easily fool ourselves into thinking strictness equates to holiness. Likewise, we can fall into the trap of thinking that the easiest thing will be the most helpful.
What do I really need to do or give up for Lent? If I take an honest look inside myself, it may be something difficult, but I will know.
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[@TheDeanMachineTV]

Something I learned as a Protestant is that if you’re going to give up something bad, you must replace it with something good. For example, I made the decision to leave Protestantism last summer, but it was in order to truly follow Jesus in the Catholic Church. If I’d just left Protestantism and not joined the Catholic Church, I’d be no better off than I was before. So when giving something up for Lent, make sure you have something to replace it. If you’re giving up junk food, that doesn’t mean to eat less. It means to eat healthy. If you’re giving up social media, it doesn’t mean not to be social. It means to actually communicate and spend time with friends. If you’re giving up profanity, it doesn’t mean not to talk. It means to speak with kindness.

[@susanoneal2]

Excellent point!

[@rachelleaouad692]

Dean Barker waw very nice point 😍

[@identidadfalsjajaja]

I think you´ve just completed Fr. Mike´s advice. Thank you. Oh and thanks for sharing your conversion testimony, encouraging :)

[@CristianaCatólica]

GREAT COMMENT MY FRIEND!!!.. AND WELCOME HOME!! :D TO THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE CHURCH OF JESUSCHRIST.. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH!!! BLESSINGS ALL THE WAY FROM MONTERREY MÉXICO

[@euge.sosa.b]

woah they're still our brothers in Christ, so you can tone down your parenthesis. Christ ain't in that.

[@elsbethsutherland624]

In the old Catholic Church we were told that Lent was a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Three things. That means that you do something that is good for your soul, something that is good for your body and something that is good for your neighbour.

[@helena_augusta]

This year I'm going to read Exodus (40 chapters, read one chapter per day omit Sundays), give up all processed carbohydrates and refined sugars, and make a donation of some sort.

[@natarindayoo]

Elsbeth Sutherland That's a good way of doing it too, especially when you can't pick just one thing!! Thank you for sharing.

[@bruceterhune3400]

Does the Bible tell you that??

[@elsbethsutherland624]

Bruce Terhune Does the Bible tell me that? Absolutely! Prayer - absolutely, in both the Old Testament and the new - and in Church tradition- Fasting - absolutely in both the Old Testament and the New - and in Church tradition Almsgiving - absolutely in both the Old Testament and in the New - and in Church tradition. For forty days - absolutely in both the Old Testament and in the New - and in Church tradition. Check it out!

[@carissstewart3211]

@@bruceterhune3400 "Prayer is good when accompanied by fasting, almsgiving, and righteousness..." Tobit 12:8

[@bethhoward1982]

Looking at going to adoration for Lent and learning the Nicene creed. ( New Catholic here!)

[@nyashathandi]

Beth Howard welcome home! Here’s wishing you a great lengthen period ❤️🥰 I hope you grow spiritually stronger this lent

[@nars.y]

Welcome home

[@myriamc.]

Welcome!!!

[@joestim8707]

Beth Howard Cool!

[@fr.larryrichards9785]

Bless you my beloved. I don't know you in person but God knows you very well . The moment i went through the comments here, God ministered to me in a vision about you i saw a revelation concerned you, your family and things around you . Chid of God ,i saw God's favor, success,joy and breakthrough. Behind that i saw more spiritual attacks from the enemies, working and holding such blessings, causing your set back, but you are lifted above any spiritual tower. So the Lord is instructing you to sow a seed of faith into a motherless babies home,(orphanage) this is going to be a convenant seed between you and God . The Lord asked me to tell you before two days you should try as much as possible to sow a seed into GODSTIME ORPHANAGE MOTHERLESS babies home (orphanage) located in Nigeria to bring spiritual and devine breakthrough in your life and that of your family because there's power in sowing of seed . Contact the orphanage MD(Managing Director) on WhatsApp through this number [phone]. if you are done with this,let me know so I give you guidelines on how you should pray . God bless you.....

[@mariamthomas3201]

I am 18 years old and I'm from India...But I do imagine those days when I will also say "From all of here at ascension presents..this is mariam...god bless"

[@nyashathandi]

Mariam Thomas we cant wait! 🥰

[@Alisha-us3tt]

I am sure you are a fellow Malayali!! Karthavinu sthuthi!

[@elizabethmonica2307]

Mariam Thomas sending you prayers , love and light

[@mariamthomas3201]

@@Alisha-us3tt Hey!..Yes. from cochin..and you?...

[@mariamthomas3201]

@@nyashathandi May lord bless you soo much.

[@pandafam0416]

We should give up things that bring us farther from God, and work better on things that bring us closer to God.

[@paulmiller3469]

Exactly, Panda

[@miguelperea5378]

AMÉN!

[@therryt3902]

Simple and straight forward

[@GregAitchison]

I'm giving up KZbin for Lent... except for on Wednesdays around 2:30 pm Central Time when Fr. Mike drops more wise and inspiring videos! ;D

[@michaelv8609]

Greg Aitchison wow that would be quite the undertaking for me

[@dustydamsel6314]

Wow. I realized during this video that I probably need to give up KZbin for Lent. Then I scrolled down and the first comment was this one!! If that's not a sign, I don't know what is = )) Thanks for commenting that!! It's going to be really hard for for me. But I will also make an exception for Fr. Mike's videos =)

[@barbarasusej]

I did it a few years ago :) It was really a challenge, but I think it helped strengthen my relationship with God. Maybe I should do it again because I'm spending way to much time again in this site.

[@godshrgirl5470]

Spend time praying for others instead of watching KZbin videos 😇

[@TiffTheTyrant]

I’m also giving up KZbin. I feel like it’s going to be a snarling addiction dragon already just thinking about it. Pray for me?

[@elvismawhinney2494]

I'm quitting smoking. Pray for me. Loving the new word I learned today, cheers mate 😊 I feel giving up smoking isn't what you were describing, although I need to do it and I'm going to need help from God to give me the will power. It's not really a sacrifice on my behalf, but a way to really test my faith I guess.

[@kellyleesisneros7068]

The Holy Spirit will help you only if you have a teachable and surrendered heart .

[@rachelslifnom]

Hey how did it go?

[@elvismawhinney2494]

@@rachelslifnom stopped for nearly a year but have the odd one now and again. Thank you for commenting tho, it's a sign to stop again for good. Thank you thank you. Peace from Ireland ✌🏼💚🇮🇪

[@kellyleesisneros7068]

My father has been delivered from smoking and drinking when he encountered the love of God for 5 years in prison.

[@catsandalcohol99]

I did the same thing as you. Wish me luck. I don't need it in my life. I'm glad to hear from your update that you're doing pretty well. Greetings from both México and the United States 🇺🇲🇲🇽👌🏻

[@Chevaposaurus]

I only wish, that I could have the absolute ferver for christ that Fr. Mike has. Seeing his glory and heart felt love for God, makes me understand how luke warm I am. God bless you Fr Mike. May the Lord and Our Lady bless you.

[@donnaploof5252]

Ask Jesus and ask your Guardian Angel to help you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@marystenson2852]

Do not be afraid- you are on the right path, lean in more to your faith, ask God to guide you, seek support from local parish as we are not alone❤️🙏☘️

[@Midwest_Paint]

I only recently joined the church as an adult. I still have lots of doubts, but I am comforted when my priest tells me that doubt is a necessary and important component of faith.

[@ArizonaWillful]

I am going to give up buying anything that is not a necessity. This will be quite a challenge for me. I am the kind of person who buys tons of Catholic books and then puts them on the shelf to read "some day". No more! Time to read the books I already have. Making myself sit down and READ for a few hours each day will be quite a discipline.

[@spideymann2258]

I can relate. I used to do that as well. My former formator called it spiritual gluttony. I hoarded books for spiritual reading yet ended up shelved, unread, covered with dusts.

[@weallhaveanopinion]

Oh this might be mine too! I buy Catholic books like mad and although I believe I will read them someday I don't read them now and that is gluttony and coveting.

[@ArizonaWillful]

@@weallhaveanopinion Wow. I had no idea others were like me. Yes, it is a form of greed and gluttony. But I do know of a spiritual lending library where I can take some of them so they will do some good for others.

[@ArizonaWillful]

@@spideymann2258 How about buying spiritual statues and icons? I do that too. I surround myself with sacred statues of Jesus, the saints and Mary. At least their only purpose is to turn my secular home into a sacred space. Nonetheless, I have a ton of them. Perhaps this is gluttony also but I just want to be surrounded with reminders of my faith.

[@spideymann2258]

@ArizonaWillful hehe that rings a bell! my altar in my room was crowded before with holy images and statues of Jesus , our dear saints and our Lady not to mention tons of candles also. But then again I was reminded of St. Therese of Lisieux's edifying possessions in her cell a crucifix , pen and a writing pad. Her spiritual readings are mainly the holy Scripture and the Imitation of Christ. How reduced was she yet advanced a great saint and doctor of our Church. So I decided to share those to others. Less is more they say. I kept a few however- image of the twin hearts( Sacred heart of Jesus & Immaculate heart of Mary) and a Crucifix). The books-quite a few also. You know in these times of great attacks in our Church, I was reminded from our unguarded gestures (spiritual gluttony as they call it) of how well we love our faith and how deep it has rooted for it may seem aweful but grace abounds for our sole desire is to advance in holiness. This coming lent should be our oasis where we draw more strength from our fellow faithful to be steadfast in our faith,never to falter, never be scandalized and never to give up prayer and never lose fervor. Our holy mother the church, her priests and bishops need our prayer but they (evil ones) could never ever destroy what Christ Himself has instituted.

[@jasonwilliamson8027]

Please pray for me and for all of my family and friends...for conversion and holiness and healing...

[@amberblackstock]

done :)

[@nars.y]

I'll pray for you

[@bmoraga01]

You got it, bro'!

[@martmalazarte8483]

You and your family will be in our prayers.

[@imommtube]

I'm going to stop criticizing and complaining about everything

[@poetlover30]

Appreciate things & people more for what they do & how they do things :) What a good start! :)

[@martmalazarte8483]

You are perfectly on-target.

[@moonkraab]

Me too. Right speech not just blabbing. And practice of giving thanks for clean water, fresh air, food, shelter, love :)

[@joestim8707]

Ossi imomm very smart- Coming is my worse sin- it's what I am G up for Lent- leaving bad att. at work behind- have a Blest day!

[@joestim8707]

Ossi imomm sorry- meant to say complaining- give that up for Lent-!

[@jeanneamato8278]

I’m giving up sugar and swearing and being lazy about the right things to do regarding being a catholic. Whew! Feels good. Peace to all

[@kieronluke4657]

I just got what im giving up for lent due to the fact i use alot of sugar and i swear alot and i mean ALOT...thank you for the comment

[@martmalazarte8483]

Right-on!

[@kimfleury]

May it lead you closer to Christ! Re: "...being lazy about the right things to do regarding being a Catholic" -- I'm just getting used to the idea that this includes everything, including doing dishes! I knew it has to carry into our entire lives, but at the same time, I just thought of "being Catholic" as meaning prayers and devotions and going to Mass. But I'm beginning to understand that my entire life is service to God, even if it isn't in a religious setting. Like St. Teresa of Kolkata said, "Do not wash the dish because it is dirty. Wash the dish because you love the person who will use it next."

[@martmalazarte8483]

@@kimfleury The insight of which St. Teresa of Kolkata is giving us is so basic and so elementary; a common sense that is within us, that Our Maker has equipped each and everyone of us, if only we have the intellect to use them.There is always that subconscious mind which dictates us the right thing to do and being opposed by another negative one, injected by the devil himself.

[@joestim8707]

Jeanne Amato right thing s regarding being Cath.- how cool. is that!

[@lem4100]

I used to give up some food but after this video, I have no idea what I will do. I came from RI 11 years ago. We had a priest who decided one year instead of giving something up, we will give something to the needy. Every Sunday, we would bring bags of supplies for places like the homeless shelters, street people, schools etc. If felt very good doing this instead of just giving up some food. I think more churches should do it. I do enjoy your videos.

[@Eliza-cn5ii]

Been thinking and praying on lent. I was leaning toward 'strict' penance but your video gave me more clarity. Thanks for being a servant of God, Fr. Mike. Praised be Jesus forever!

[@davidcole333]

My wife and I are going to create a bible study for the two of us, 1/2 hour daily. I'm also going to give up coffee as I have become caffeine addicted. Peace be with you Father Mike.

[@cynthiacertain5211]

Thank you Fr. Mike. I listen to you everyday in Bible in a Year and this was exactly what I needed to help guide me in making this Lent much deeper. I will keep praying for you too!

[@jessicagrogan7834]

Could you please do a follow along video on how to pray the Rosary?

[@burningroses2399]

Some information for the meantime, www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/rosary/how_to.htm.

[@shannw0129]

Jessica- Look up "rosary" on KZbin. They have great videos you can follow along with as well as watch. Its great.

[@kathycorkery9670]

Burning Roses Kate n Mike!

[@kitcathsmarties]

You could download the app called ‘Laudate’! It has a section about the Rosary :)

[@laurism12]

if you have instagram follow @manyhailmarysatatime

[@CatholicEvangelism]

I went to Confession today before the start of Lent and it is so powerful. Thank you Jesus for all the Blessings in my Life. Please Jesus continue to guide me through out my life. Thank you Jesus, praise you Jesus. 🙏 ❤️

[@sandrad5000]

Yes! I have chosen my thing for Lent! Watching Fr. Mike videos for 40 days to aid in my distractions and keep me focused on my relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ and His will for me.

[@fr.larryrichards9785]

Bless you my beloved. I don't know you in person but God knows you very well . The moment i went through the comments here, God ministered to me in a vision about you i saw a revelation concerned you, your family and things around you . Chid of God ,i saw God's favor, success,joy and breakthrough. Behind that i saw more spiritual attacks from the enemies, working and holding such blessings, causing your set back, but you are lifted above any spiritual tower. So the Lord is instructing you to sow a seed of faith into a motherless babies home,(orphanage) this is going to be a convenant seed between you and God . The Lord asked me to tell you before two days you should try as much as possible to sow a seed into GODSTIME ORPHANAGE MOTHERLESS babies home (orphanage) located in Nigeria to bring spiritual and devine breakthrough in your life and that of your family because there's power in sowing of seed . Contact the orphanage MD(Managing Director) on WhatsApp through this number [phone]. if you are done with this,let me know so I give you guidelines on how you should pray . God bless you....

[@lawrencekeenan9234]

I’ve seen every Father Mike video at least once , and it just dawned on me that the only thing that can make it better is to start with a prayer or end with his blessing 👼🏻

[@elib3elib3]

Well. This definitely sealed it for me. It hit me over the head the distraction that has control over me ( and my time)…. Thanks Fr Mike for another helpful video.

[@topher5017]

I have agree I’ve been pretty distracted by social media recently especially when I’m supposed to be doing school. So I think I’m gonna give up social media with until I’m done with my school.

[@robertarobertson238]

Think positively - Setting yourself a schedule and time-limit is a good idea - use an alarm if necessary. Some Social Media / KZbin can be useful and quite enlightening and spiritual.. Find something which will inspire you to Pray, Fast and Do Good Works.

[@kaci9939]

Thats a good idea! I'm gonna try that this year :)

[@shannw0129]

Was thinking about going to daily mass and adoration more for Lent

[@joekaminski9263]

Go for it! A couple of years ago I started going to daily Mass for Lent, now I go to Mass everyday throughout the year (except Mondays when there is no Mass at my parish).

[@mb3164]

I was thinking about daily mass as well. But I think it would be helpful if we would tie this in with our lent intentions instead of making it just a checklist of things to do. I need to think about mine some more but father mike has been very helpful in giving food for thought.

[@alyssamanalac2000]

That’s what we’re going to do this year for lent as a family. But we still go to daily mass even though.

[@KrustyKrabbz2]

Daily Mass will change your life.

[@marielacolon7510]

Shannon Wandtke fabulous idea! Go for it!

[@popsiclestand1718]

Amen! Thanks for the message Father Mike!! ❤

[@followerofchrist9731]

Putting down the phone and picking up my bible. I need to focus my life towards God as he has always been there for me. He is the one and only way!

[@moonkraab]

That's beautiful :) So many humans so distracted by their screens...

[@ryanm3045]

Thank you Father. You spoke to my heart, and I realized that I need to finally take Lent seriously. God bless.

[@DylanGemelliBiohacking]

Thank you Father Mike and this makes perfect sense. I am giving up a vice and I know it will help bring me closer to Jesus 🙏🙏🙏

[@bradleyjameshayes]

Mike Rowe and John Cena fused and became the most engaging pastor on KZbin. Love how you start out playful and surface level then go deep in your videos. Thanks Mike.

[@thecalderasiblings7198]

I Can't wait to see you, Pastor Mike, on March 21, 2019, in the Anaheim convention center, can't! wait to see what you have in store for us God bless!

[@niceatrya3477]

Having recently come back to my Catholic faith like gasoline on a bonfire; After 26+ years of questioning the world and the existence of God from my early teens on, I have a comment/question regarding Lent. I have meditated and prayed asking for wisdom of what the true purpose of "giving something up" for Lent meant. Through reflecting on the stories of others, and truly listening in my own meditation I "feel" the season of Lent to be more about giving up something we have been in some way shape or form idolizing in our lives. Something we have put before God; Which we all have. Something that is getting in the way of our relationship with God the Father, and the Son. Not about penance per se, as if to punish ourselves: As if punishing ourselves would make up for these transgression, but rather to truly recognize the things in our lives that are separating us from God, and remove it and to ask God's forgiveness as we seek to know and love him more. Fr. Mike recently talked about temperance. If we can't find moderation in that thing we enjoy, lest it become our idol, should we not remove it altogether from our lives regardless of Lent?

[@katherinebarrett3882]

I think that your exactly right with your interpretation. Giving up things for Lent isn't supposed to be a punishment. It's supposed to allow us to reflect on our relationship with God and like you said, remove or re-prioritize things that have become more important than Him. It's just as valid to add a Lenten discipline to help you grow closer to God. It's all about relationship. You're also right that these reflections and changes don't have to and shouldn't be limited to Lent. We are always called to grow in holiness. The church gives us the liturgical season of Lent as a time to really focus on this side of our relationship with God, in case we haven't for a while.

[@joestim8707]

Nicea Trya welcome back to the CC! I like your thought on idols- anything can be one& it is an awesome start to give those things for Lent-( up) !

[@Cristell150]

Literally was looking at your other videos for Lent then got this notification! Thank you!

[@identidadfalsjajaja]

I really feel like God just answers me or talks to me like this :)

[@MargaretQ]

I’m giving up a few things and adding a few things. I spend more time than I care to admit and perhaps more money too shopping for pleasure. I know with this time I could grow in my faith, study scripture, attend mass, pray the rosary, in fact even do some religious art (which I’ve been meaning to do.) Bu shopping I am trying fill the place of God. I also want to give of some of the money I’m not spending towards charity. I am also going to take fasting more seriously I want to make sure I am careful to avoid meat on Friday (I’ve been horrible with this in the past) and during week days I plan to fast t/o Lent -1 meal - 2 small snacks not equal to a meal. I am finally starting to realize the importance of this season and I want to really pursue God and understand the sacrifices of Christ.

[@fr.larryrichards9785]

Bless you my beloved. I don't know you in person but God knows you very well . The moment i went through the comments here, God ministered to me in a vision about you i saw a revelation concerned you, your family and things around you . Chid of God ,i saw God's favor, success,joy and breakthrough. Behind that i saw more spiritual attacks from the enemies, working and holding such blessings, causing your set back, but you are lifted above any spiritual tower. So the Lord is instructing you to sow a seed of faith into a motherless babies home,(orphanage) this is going to be a convenant seed between you and God . The Lord asked me to tell you before two days you should try as much as possible to sow a seed into GODSTIME ORPHANAGE MOTHERLESS babies home (orphanage) located in Nigeria to bring spiritual and devine breakthrough in your life and that of your family because there's power in sowing of seed . Contact the orphanage MD(Managing Director) on WhatsApp through this number [phone]. if you are done with this,let me know so I give you guidelines on how you should pray . God bless you......

[@maryanne8395]

Thank you for this, I've been struggling with the distraction of FB and praying for a way to deal with it. This is the answer I was looking for! Lent is the perfect time to take my social media time and give it BACK to God, Jesus and Mother Mary. I've also been wanting to return to journal-ling to capture all the ways Jesus has led me back to my Catholic faith. My own little miracles that continue to show up everyday and the wonderful closeness I feel when speaking with Mary. I can't wait for Lent to start!

[@moonkraab]

FB is such a distraction. I quit 5 years ago and haven't looked back. I'm much less judgmental as a result, not comparing myself to others. Blessings!

[@nancyaustin4091]

@@moonkraab I, too, decided to give up FB because it was stealing time out of my life. I actually feel relieved that I have given it up. I hope I dont go back to it.

[@jessiereginabright3608]

Bread and water fasting every Wednesday and Friday, meditation, 30 minutes of reading scripture daily...

[@jonnysetzler5859]

This is my first Lent back in the Church (working on my confirmation :D) in like ten-ish years, so I decided that I'm gonna add a weekly Bible study to my life, to build on what I learn in my RCIA classes. For the fasting, I want to try and give up bad language (swearing, etc) because I've noticed over the last few months I get really frustrated & angry really quickly, and then I lash out at others and curse up a storm, so for the next 40 days, God willing, I'm gonna try and learn to keep myself calm in tough situations and not lash out when things don't go the way I was expecting

[@chime720]

I needed this because I have been thinking about what to give up and have been going back and forth with a couple of things...thank you so much! It makes more sense to me now! "Pick something that is necessary rather than arbitrary."

[@fr.larryrichards9785]

Bless you my beloved. I don't know you in person but God knows you very well . The moment i went through the comments here, God ministered to me in a vision about you i saw a revelation concerned you, your family and things around you . Chid of God ,i saw God's favor, success,joy and breakthrough. Behind that i saw more spiritual attacks from the enemies, working and holding such blessings, causing your set back, but you are lifted above any spiritual tower. So the Lord is instructing you to sow a seed of faith into a motherless babies home,(orphanage) this is going to be a convenant seed between you and God . The Lord asked me to tell you before two days you should try as much as possible to sow a seed into GODSTIME ORPHANAGE MOTHERLESS babies home (orphanage) located in Nigeria to bring spiritual and devine breakthrough in your life and that of your family because there's power in sowing of seed . Contact the orphanage MD(Managing Director) on WhatsApp through this number [phone]. if you are done with this,let me know so I give you guidelines on how you should pray . God bless you....

[@scarlet020100]

One year I did Daily Mass every day in Lent, only missed 2 days due to weather. It was wonderful. Another year my family only watched EWTN or the Weather Channel (and they didn't have the shows they have now, just weather news), or we only watched religious movies like Ben Hur, The Robe, the Ten Commandments, King of Kings, etc. Very meaningful Lent. This year I'm giving up playing video games - was getting hooked on solitaire - and I am also going to watch all my religious movies again. Also doing Stations of the Cross chaplet along with my daily rosary and Divine Mercy chaplets. Just some ideas. It's really nice to do special things for Lent and like Fr Mike says, just give up the stuff we know we should give up (like me and solitaire!) God Bless all.

[@jeannine9066]

Thank you, Father Mike. You just confirmed what God was asking of me. There goes all my excuses! This will be hard, but will make for a great Lent, so I am have an awesome Easter! God bless you!

[@fr.larryrichards9785]

Bless you my beloved. I don't know you in person but God knows you very well . The moment i went through the comments here, God ministered to me in a vision about you i saw a revelation concerned you, your family and things around you . Chid of God ,i saw God's favor, success,joy and breakthrough. Behind that i saw more spiritual attacks from the enemies, working and holding such blessings, causing your set back, but you are lifted above any spiritual tower. So the Lord is instructing you to sow a seed of faith into a motherless babies home,(orphanage) this is going to be a convenant seed between you and God . The Lord asked me to tell you before two days you should try as much as possible to sow a seed into GODSTIME ORPHANAGE MOTHERLESS babies home (orphanage) located in Nigeria to bring spiritual and devine breakthrough in your life and that of your family because there's power in sowing of seed . Contact the orphanage MD(Managing Director) on WhatsApp through this number [phone]. if you are done with this,let me know so I give you guidelines on how you should pray . God bless you....

[@jatonneelamin9685]

Thank you for this talk Fr Mike. No wonder giving up coffee wasn’t getting me anywhere. This really helps my perspective on giving up something for Lent. It also makes me reconsider how to pray about it. Instead of “what shall I give up or take on?” I can try, “please reveal what is distracting me from you,” “what is getting in the way of a closer relationship with you.” Not only are you teaching me to have a more meaningful Lent, I got a lesson on more intentional prayer. You’re awesome Fr. Mike! We are so blessed!

[@zvonimirzulj723]

So glad you mentioned Exitus 90 programme, fr. Mike! I'm currently doing that asceticism programme, it's pretty radical and demanding, but it's main purpose is FREEDOM. To everyone reading this: please pray for me and my fellow Exitus brothers! God bless you!

[@elcompalex31]

Im leaving social media and video games behind , they have been more than enough a distraction for me and my relationship with the lord I’m so hyped for this sacrifice and with the help of the Lord I’ll make this Lent one of the best of my life ✝️ Happy Lent and Ash Wednesday brothers and sisters!! (:

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHPcqp2inKuqp9E

[@marvinmansueto6081]

Picking up my cell phone to check notifications many several times daily and scrolling through whats new...many times its jargon stuff. For Lent I am leaving my Bible close to my phone and each time I feel the inkling to check what's new I open the Bible and read a few verses. After 40 days Lent I am sure to have absorbed a lot more. God help me.

[@1224erday]

Marvin Mansueto that’s what I’m planning on doing. Limit scrolling on social media to one or two times a day. I thought about eliminating it completely, but I have friends and family who keep in contact with me through that way. So I’ll just limit the excess.

[@Virginia-er9si]

Thanks Fr. Mike. Your words are able to make many things clearer. Please keep on publishing more videos, as young students we need to give practical answers to many theological questions. In the part of Europe where I live sometimes I feel like this fresh, concrete and brilliant viewpoint is totally getting lost.

[@ruthortega5822]

I will try my best to accept the Lord's will for my life and remember always that His will be done on his timing, not mine. I want to trust the Lord Jesus more this lenten season and strive to be a better Christian.

[@funnynickline]

#"I am ready for the Lent Priest,,,, visiting churches again so holy and spiritually uplifting, peacefulness and happiness that is really incomparable with Christ Jesus amen and amen" I always questioned my heart honestly am I really happy without C J, no I am not he is my fullness of my life so we may all have a blessed lenten season to come all around the world of this religion#✝🌏⛪.

[@mapinoita279]

God bless you, Fr. Mike!

[@phoebekelsoe3868]

Fr. Mike made so much sense. Instantly, I knew what I was giving up. Thank you Fr. Mike.

[@frankdelldeanofsatireandmi5791]

Loving my growth in Exodus 90! God bless you Father Mike!

[@MsMaria68]

God Bless You Father Mike.

[@hianna4503]

Since I've been praying the Rosary everyday for the past weeks I decided to add fasting every friday for Lent (I'm going to enojoy bread, water, eventually coffe only). Praying and asking God for my familys health and His guidance over us.

[@mommyadventures]

I loooove watching Father Mike's videos. They are relevant and so very much needed. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

[@truegirl2anna]

I was going to quit talking to my husband for lent until I saw this video! Fr. Mike comin’ through yet again!!!! 👍👍👍😂😂😁

[@fr.larryrichards9785]

Bless you my beloved. I don't know you in person but God knows you very well . The moment i went through the comments here, God ministered to me in a vision about you i saw a revelation concerned you, your family and things around you . Chid of God ,i saw God's favor, success,joy and breakthrough. Behind that i saw more spiritual attacks from the enemies, working and holding such blessings, causing your set back, but you are lifted above any spiritual tower. So the Lord is instructing you to sow a seed of faith into a motherless babies home,(orphanage) this is going to be a convenant seed between you and God . The Lord asked me to tell you before two days you should try as much as possible to sow a seed into GODSTIME ORPHANAGE MOTHERLESS babies home (orphanage) located in Nigeria to bring spiritual and devine breakthrough in your life and that of your family because there's power in sowing of seed . Contact the orphanage MD(Managing Director) on WhatsApp through this number [phone]. if you are done with this,let me know so I give you guidelines on how you should pray . God bless you.....

[@connormouser4827]

Thank you Father Mike!! This was very helpful. I have been very confused about what I should give up. This will be my first Lent that I have ever done! I am excited! Your video helped me to know what I should do...ask God what gets between me and Him. Thank you! May God’s abundant blessings be upon you. Thank you for speaking truth and being an encouragement! Christ’s light is definitely in you!

[@joannferraiuolo6491]

Thank you. Last few years signed off Facebook (can’t take credit, a friends example). Amazing how much more time for Prayer. ❌⭕️🙏

[@becky4321]

Thanks for the specific examples! It's so helpful to me when someone explains the teaching of the church with specific examples and not just vague explanations or recommendations. Keep em coming!

[@ashleymccall7246]

In the past I always gave up food or certain things.. but didn’t really help me spiritually. So I add in something extra for God, like going to an extra daily mass or spend more time volunteering my time for others.

[@rebeccapachuau8583]

Thank you Fr.Mike I should start Lent with'The Angelus' every morning..hopefully i should be able to continue....pray for me brothers and sisters, I'll do the same🙇

[@emilylloyd1684]

As an Orthodox Christian my fasting is prescribed to me and expected. I imagine it would take a lot of spiritual maturity to have to decide on what they are giving up for Lent. God bless

[@cvb79]

Father Mike, I love your videos so much, they are so interesting to watch and I always enjoy them. I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate and value them, they really help me. PLEASE never stop making videos!

[@agaveparryi6280]

Thank you for a most enlightening talk on how to best approach Lent this year and onwards! Very timely and inspiring! God Bless you Father Mike!

[@notsoserious0944]

Try the 1962 rules for Lent. It really makes you look forward to Sunday and especially Easter Sunday. It adds meaning because it is real and immediate and always reminding you what you are--a Christian. Warning: the beginning is easier but it starts to grind by week four. God Bless!

[@MsAudrey7]

Thank you Father Mike. In 3 days we're celenrating the ash wednesday in 2020. This video helped me alot.

[@rachela.5311]

My smartphone. Without a doubt. I catch myself mindlessly browsing on my phone when I should be doing other things. I'm getting a basic flip phone in order to make calls and an occasional text, but no smart phone. I'm going to be more focused on my kids. I still have my lap top but I'm restricting access to only certain hours and I'm putting my Bible on top of it to remind myself to spend time with God.

[@moonkraab]

Good choice. All power to you :) Blessings!

[@elizabethbrink476]

Eeeek! The KZbin has become such a wasteful distraction! I scroll through without even thinking and before I know it an hr has passed me by. Except for your videos of course Ft. Mike! 😄

[@juliamorton3438]

Thank you. I feel like for many years I could not find the right thing to give up. I even had a friend say she gave up can't for lent because she wanted to fit into her bridesmaid dress in the spring. This helped me to look inward to myself and my relationship with Christ go find what matters for me. I was also worried about giving up too much as my birthday is often during lent. I don't want to go crazy but I still want cake on my birthday. I think this year I am going to give up social media. Especially with reels and shorts I find myself mindlessly scrolling. I want to focus more time on prayer, on my friendships, and being intentional about what media I consume, like a book, or a show with my husband rather than mindless scrolling.

[@monikaswiniarska2263]

Thank you very much!!! That was extremely helpful and important. It shed a new light on Lent for me. Thank you, Father Mike! 😊

[@fr.larryrichards9785]

Bless you my beloved. I don't know you in person but God knows you very well . The moment i went through the comments here, God ministered to me in a vision about you i saw a revelation concerned you, your family and things around you . Chid of God ,i saw God's favor, success,joy and breakthrough. Behind that i saw more spiritual attacks from the enemies, working and holding such blessings, causing your set back, but you are lifted above any spiritual tower. So the Lord is instructing you to sow a seed of faith into a motherless babies home,(orphanage) this is going to be a convenant seed between you and God . The Lord asked me to tell you before two days you should try as much as possible to sow a seed into GODSTIME ORPHANAGE MOTHERLESS babies home (orphanage) located in Nigeria to bring spiritual and devine breakthrough in your life and that of your family because there's power in sowing of seed . Contact the orphanage MD(Managing Director) on WhatsApp through this number [phone]. if you are done with this,let me know so I give you guidelines on how you should pray . God bless you..

[@karenmorales6766]

Thank you Fr. Mike, your video clear up any doubts I had concerning a strict yet necessary lenten sacrifice.

[@Nibster213]

Thanks as always. I had pretty much decided to give up Facebook and Instagram and use social medial for absolutely necessary reasons. They are most people’s major distraction from their actual lives and a relationship with God. Wish me luck !!

[@moonkraab]

So true.

[@ronpereira6548]

Exodus 90 changed my life! So glad you’re talking about this, Father. Suffer well, brother. Suffer well.

[@fr.larryrichards9785]

Bless you my beloved. I don't know you in person but God knows you very well . The moment i went through the comments here, God ministered to me in a vision about you i saw a revelation concerned you, your family and things around you . Chid of God ,i saw God's favor, success,joy and breakthrough. Behind that i saw more spiritual attacks from the enemies, working and holding such blessings, causing your set back, but you are lifted above any spiritual tower. So the Lord is instructing you to sow a seed of faith into a motherless babies home,(orphanage) this is going to be a convenant seed between you and God . The Lord asked me to tell you before two days you should try as much as possible to sow a seed into GODSTIME ORPHANAGE MOTHERLESS babies home (orphanage) located in Nigeria to bring spiritual and devine breakthrough in your life and that of your family because there's power in sowing of seed . Contact the orphanage MD(Managing Director) on WhatsApp through this number [phone]. if you are done with this,let me know so I give you guidelines on how you should pray . God bless you..

[@R_Thomp]

Thank you Father

[@yeremiasmangu9432]

Thank you Father Mark 😇👍😇

[@anastasiawasylinko5482]

This is so true, and so helpful! Thanks, Fr. Mike!

[@libbylynch5554]

Im going to need to listen to this a few times this Lent!! Excellent!!

[@backtobasics3244]

I am not even Catholic and this was helpful when it comes to fasting. Thank you.

[@seanp777]

Trying to improve my body and spirit this year. Goal is to exercise every day - Body. Read scripture every day - Spirit

[@solitary1110]

Wait, Father Mike, the human squirrel, gets distracted? 😉 In all seriousness, this was my thought process this year as well. Dont want to be wimpy, but also dont want to overburden myself! So I'm giving up all sugars, natural and artificial, and caffeine. I know these things are killing me, and I need to break the chains. Pray for me!

[@lebenergy247]

busted! gets us thinking. I am not Catholic, but I respect this time of year for those that practice

[@johnmclaughlin945]

I drink and smoke too much, so I’m giving up both for Lent. They are definitely my biggest vices. Please pray for me! God be with all of you & may He lead you to Him this Lent.

[@paulast2033]

Super useful video. It made me think... I’m gonna choose two things: I will attend mass everyday and I will pray the rosary everyday. I hope 🤞🏻 temptation won’t make me quit and I will make it through the whole lent... and hopefully after lent I will be already into it to keep going that way

[@imalive4u169]

I already abstain from eating meat on Fridays. Most Catholics don't even know that every Friday throughout the year is a day of penance in relation to our Lord's Passion.

[@gabrielle8155]

ImAlive 4U I do fast on Tuesdays and Fridays I will try to fast on social media this lent 🥺 Have a good lent 🌸

[@poetlover30]

I'm so going to fast from social media & pray & read more books.

[@galadethlaernis6266]

That is how I was raised... Abstain from meat on Fridays and everyone at our church knows that also. ... it's on our calendar too. God bless...

[@marycamerota3455]

Every Catholic knows Friday is fish day.

[@marycamerota3455]

Please do not clump everyone in to one category, we are all different in some way. Thx.

[@dalelobo6948]

Thank you so much Fr. Mike🙏

[@orbeuniversity]

I clicked on this searching for something to give up and it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. The example of: "While preparing a meal.... I check out some KZbin/streaming entertainment...." That is exactly my problem. Thank you for this video.

[@CristianaCatólica]

GOD BLESS HIS ONE AND ONLY CATHOLIC CHURCH

[@notsosilentmajority1]

We were always taught to give up something that we really enjoy. It may not seem like a sacrifice to others but if you really enjoy something and you give it up for the forty days, then it is a sacrifice for you. Of course giving and sharing and doing good are the things we should be doing throughout the entire year anyway.

[@jeffsteadman3899]

I judge and curse too much… replacing it with more kindness!

[@thomsonlillie2237]

Thank you Fr. Mike

[@lrboyden]

Thank you. Very helpful in understanding this exercise in my commitment to following Jesus

[@salmavillagomez242]

Thanks Father I never thought of it in this way. I’m sure God will show me what’s necessary for me to do or not to do this Lenten

[@trecec3541]

YEP.... That’s me! 😞 I can definitely relate to inviting so many distractions and noise into my life! Thanks for helping me realize that very clearly... I have spiritual work to do.😘

[@paulhill7726]

Thank you Fr Mike!

[@katherineneville5304]

Thanks for articulating what I've been wrestling with in advance of this Lent. You've helped me not only choose a discipline, but to approach it in a spirit of penitance.

[@RealJudyi]

When lent comes it's always exciting. When I was young I gave up chocolate, I gave up coffee and snacks...some I gave up on and some I learned a lot about. As I grew I started to give up other things....I set Goals up to do during this time...not swearing.....reading a book and giving my mind something to do. When I swore I would pray a prayer and then meditate about the situation. I would ask myself was that worth it? Did I gain anything? Was my anger worthy of who I am trying to be? In that moment I would grow more mature....I'm not saying I don't swear but now I understand when I do and I have stopped my excessive swearing. When I would read I would meditate on the subject if it was a medical or book about human relationship I would really put myself in that situation of empathy. My goals would help me combat my sloth and my denying foods would teach me about self restraint and I would learn more about healthier foods. Lent is about self reflection and seeing our shortcomings while challenging us to really really look at ourselves and understand where we are lacking. I want to grow as a person and as a community. Maybe this year I will tackle community service or something like that.

[@lilyharrison2360]

I was going to give up soda, nail picking, and social media, but this talk completely changed my mind. I just realized that what he said applies to me, I found myself looking at KZbin when I have other things to do.I also get so obsessive over what I’m going to do for lent. Thank you!!

[@CynthiaBoener]

Such a great message - I added some prayers one year for Lent, and they are still a part of my daily routine - really needed to spend more time in prayer and it is a continued blessing all year :)

[@marianalanz5650]

Your video is a God answers to a prayer before I even said it. Thank you so very much! God bless you! BTW, I'm enjoy every single day of your podcast 'the Bible in ba year'.

[@jocrossan6469]

Thank you for helping us thru this Lenten season

[@mattduin7144]

I was thinking of what to give up for Lent just a few hours ago. I needed this video thanks Fr. Mike!

[@rickbruno3975]

Thank you, Father!

[@jeffmckeough4012]

Thank you father mike I’m going to when I pray not to use my phone and focus on why I’m praying for and listen to God

[@weirdhybrid]

Looks like I'm giving up the United Methodist Church for Lent...

[@3amigosgaming66]

weirdhybrid 😂😂😂 you’re hilarious

[@burningroses2399]

Are you converting?

[@ayla__veronica]

Welcome home

[@dustydamsel6314]

lol

[@sharilloyd5678]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼