"Because He Asked Me To" | 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Fr. Mike's Homily)

The freedom to love when you no longer feel like it.
The precondition for love is freedom. Both the freedom to say no and the freedom to say yes, regardless of passing moods or circumstances. Tough love is willing to choose the good because God asked us to and because we said we would.
If you would like to support Ascension Presents, send us a Super Chat / Super Sticker in the chatbox or send us a financial gift ( tinyurl.com/2m... ). Your support helps us provide you with the Catholic faith formation media you know and love. Thank you!
If you would also like to make a donation to the Newman Catholic Campus Ministries at the University of Minnesota Duluth, you can donate here: bulldogcatholi...
Finally, we also ask you to continue supporting your local parishes. Thank you and God bless you!
- MORE FROM ASCENSION -
🔸Ascension’s main website: tinyurl.com/2m...
🔸Ascension Media: tinyurl.com/2j...
🔸The Great Adventure Bible: tinyurl.com/2g...
🔸 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition: tinyurl.com/25...
- SOCIAL MEDIA -
🔸Facebook: / ascensionpress
🔸Twitter: / ascensionpress
🔸LinkedIn: / ascension-press
🔸Instagram: / catholicfaithformation
🔸Subscribe: / ascensionpresents
- BULLDOG CATHOLIC -
🔸KZbin: / @bulldogcatholic
🔸iTunes: podcasts.apple...)

[@legendsparrow5992]

He is amazing!! He speaks the way I can actually understand. Thank you Father. ❤

[@siddharthabanerjee6155]

This man is a walking saint.

[@Carolem494]

Yes, isn’t he?

[@ifeomaoluhara9421]

You can say that again. You can see that he wants us to know the Truth, speak the Truth and Live the Truth. God has blessed us with Fr. Mike. I pray that the Holy spirit continues to sustain each and everyone of us in our pilgrim's journey and keep us ever close to His heart as we say Yes to doing God's will. Amen🙏🙏

[@andykemper5609]

My Goodness, this was a Life Changing homily for me. It was my first time ever listening to Fr. Mike. He gave me a unique perspective I have never had in 43 years about Love and Christ.

[@cathyhannahperez]

Heehee. Fr Mike mentioned Yoda. 👊🏽😁

[@EliB567a]

this is great advice, thankyou.

[@ChildofGod98765]

Jesus, hear my prayers because I am weak. As a single parent things are hard on me both of my sons are autistic and my hours to work are limited because I’m now homeschooling them. I’m constantly struggling to provide the basic necessities for them I’m so ashamed. I suffered an heart attack and I’m battling lupus I’m overwhelmed. Father God hear my prayers. I constantly struggle to pay my bills and struggle to provide groceries. BUT I KEEP FAITH. Even though I want to give up. Jesus please take the fear from my heart. Father God it is you that gives me the strength to keep going. I praise you Father even as I fear homelessness please continue to give me strength.

[@mariay-h3911]

😢 Sending prayers and hugs your way. Please also remember me in your prayers too. ❤🙏

[@thomasb6836]

Sending my prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ximenaseaborn8108]

Dear friend, you are practicing what Fr. Mike is suggesting. Your love for your sons is keeping you going. We will pray for you to continue with such a difficult task. All our love is with you, we are sending our guardian angels to help you right now, thank you for sharing. Give your kids a hug for us.

[@judihouchens4056]

St. Raphel the arc angel intercede for her. Mentally and physically

[@MsO347]

May our God give you the grace you need to get through this. May he send angels to help you with the physical needs of you and your children. Amen

[@CaseyJo-g6z]

❤❤

[@Clouds0227]

This is Beautiful! Thank you God for Father Mike and for this teaching he’s giving us. Guide and protect him always! 🙏🏽

[@walkwagrepeat]

❤

[@ivonnemedrano8937]

God bless you Father Mike for being obedient to God regardless of others opinions may God continue to guide you every day.

[@jcattnc]

Well. This was what God has been trying to show me. Thank you for being a vessel for Him to reach me. I need this prayer desperately. Thank you Father Mike

[@bihenda]

May the Lord grant me the Grace to love even when it is tough...Amen 🙏🏾

[@LukedanielMcCarthy]

Special air special ability special love a service

[@dominicflamiano452]

tough love is 'the ability to love even when I don't want to'. Fr. Mike. powerful homily.

[@lucykimethe3397]

God will meet you where you are .His mercies are endless. You will do this by His grace 🙏🙏

[@LCccce6]

This homily is so good. “Do it because He asked me too and because I said I would.” ❤️

[@bihenda]

I choose to love regardless.

[@ceciliacastelino1250]

O glorious THRONE of GRACE, IMMACULATE HEART of MARY, JOY of the EUCHARISTIC HEART of JESUS, TRIUMPH & REIGN in ALL hearts.

[@LukedanielMcCarthy]

I believe I must love even the enemy because they have their demons,trauma . Blessing

[@chavelasalas9151]

Thank you Father Mike prayers . Thanks be to God Amen 🙏

[@ritalobo7005]

Ava Maria 🌹🌹🌹❤

[@michaeljustin9722]

Unreal

[@simonecarr-williams2257]

To take joy in the opportunity to love. I am not doing this because I said I would. I am doing this because I said I would ❤

[@BobkidMcconville]

Mother Teresa said, Love grows by loving.

[@chantalsmalley400]

So grateful 🙏 for you, Father Mike. May God continue to bless you until He comes again, and then some 🥰

[@lindab3293]

Thank you Father Mike! 🥰🙏🏼

[@maryabigaba]

Because he asked me to, and I said yes ❤

[@wreloise1]

“The earth, O Lord, is full of thy steadfast love; teach me thy statutes!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭64‬ ‭

[@RO-nk9cr]

This can be a hard thing sometimes with adult children. I try to do what God wants me to. I pray that I am. I’m only doing this because He asked me to. And I’ll continue to do it.

[@nancyroach3902]

🕯💞💖✨️🙏

[@lyneae3786]

We love because we have the ability. We have the ability because of God’s graces. We have and maintain and live in those graces by loving God. We are inspired to love God by His graces and example of God the Son on the Cross. We love because God loved us first. Our joy is in the opportunity to know, to love and to serve God, and to seek His will in all occasions. Freedom is opposed to license. Freedom is the ability to choose the highest God, and is unlocked by the grace of God.

[@lyneae3786]

True charity/love begins in willing the highest good for others because of God’s grace and example.

[@mandericom]

Dear God please help me keep the promises I made to myself🙏 in Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.

[@shareenchoudhury-leighton1748]

💙 Tough call 💙 With the grace of God., we can get there

[@Ang..B.]

I was greatly encouraged by this homily. I appreciate the simplicity of the answer to the question of obedience when others may not understand our reason. " I am here because He asked me to, and because I said I would ".

[@LukedanielMcCarthy]

A tour of service is a duty

[@earthprincess]

This homily brings me back to Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s book - The World’s First Love. Thank you for putting it in this context

[@AldoSarracini]

Thank you Father Mike, for your honesty and determination to help us understand “because he asked me too and I said I would” Help me Lord truly live this message!!

[@Call_Upon_YAH]

*These words are not mine.* These are the words the Ruach HaKodesh (YAHUAH's Set-Apart Spirit) uttered through me when I prayed to YAHUAH; asking him what *he wants* me to say, knowing the truth: "Know that YAHUAH is the name of the Most High and YAHUsha is the name of The Son. Come out of her, my people, who have fallen to the deceit of Constantine. Who know not my name and say they love me. I have made myself known. I have heard you and I am here. There are many who are yours to be saved. I am he who knows all that you are. Come to me, here are they who are mine. Make haste to come, here are we. Give in to them who speak of me, they are yours. I am here for you. Know that all is for them, here are we. Give not to them that are against me. I am he who sees all you do. Come to me out of her, all are here for me. Do what I say. Out of her, come. All are here." Exodus 3:13-15 KJV 13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. John 5:43 KJV 43 *I am come in my Father's name,* and ye receive me not: *if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.* 2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and *touch not the unclean thing;* *and I will receive you.* Isaiah 52:6-7 KJV 6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I. 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 KJV 1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Romans 10:1-3 KJV 1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 10:13-17 KJV 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 *How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?* 15 *And how shall they preach, except they be sent?* as it is written, *How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!* 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. *For Esaias saith,* Lord, *who hath believed our report?* 17 *So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.* Nahum 1:7 KJV 7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and *he knoweth them that trust in him.* Hebrews 3:15 KJV 15 *While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.* Isaiah 52:11 KJV 11 *Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing;* go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. John 14:15 KJV 15 *If ye love me, keep my commandments.*

[@drabbman7865]

Well said Fr. MIke...great homily!!!

[@madzkhi5525]

Thank you Fr. Mike ❤

[@MaureenDiOrio]

Amazing, Fr. Mike. Perfect timing. EXACTLY what I needed to hear! I do think when it comes to addiction and alcoholism it is not quite as simple. Al-Anon and or CODA are essential for the spouse who is married to the alcoholic or addict.

[@samanthaortiz6595]

Jesus Christ of Nazareth thy will be done ✝️❣️🔥🔥🔥📖📿🙌🏼🙏🏽🙏🏼💝🌹💞❤️🌷💚😇🕯️🕊️💯 Alleluia Alleluia

[@monicapopovici4660]

With addictions, alcoholism it's kind of tricky. Each situation is different to know what to do so you can help someone who is struggling with this. I am not sure how much experience has Fr. Mike with this but if your loved one is an alcoholic I would suggest for you to attend an Al-Anon group. That's how you can wish/do the good for them.

[@monicapopovici4660]

I just watched the movie mentioned "When a man loves a woman". Having someone I loved struggling with addictions and having extended family and friends in the same boat I can tell you Fr. Mike that you can't go by how Hollywood is presenting.

[@laurieaoife]

Yes Al-anon and God helped me. When it comes to alcoholism or other addictions you cannot look to Hollywood, I totally agree. I’m married to an alcoholic and have been through a nightmare that no one understands except the people in alanon. He drank so much he now lives in a nursing home at the age of 48. I still love him and pray for him daily but our relationship became extremely unhealthy. This really hurts but I realize no one knows what goes on in another’s life only God knows. I kept my promises. I never gave up, but I also love myself and I know God loves me and now I will focus on myself. I’m still married although separated and I visit occasionally and I pray for my husband. I ask for prayers for all addicted people but especially their families.

[@monicapopovici4660]

@lauriewebb I am not sure what Fr. Mike tried to say with that story about his friend who went through this stuff with her spouse

[@justinbowman5643]

I will do literally ANYTHING father Mike wants "because he asked me to". Uuuuugghhh😍😍😍

[@ebrush4669]

When I was in elementary Catholic school, we had been graded on our obedience: Willing Obedience and Prompt Obedience, just like today's parable.

[@kilroy4103]

Beautiful, simply beautiful. Thank you Fr. Mike for this beautiful and very emotional homily you hit all points head on. I'm going to remember this one for a very long time.

[@basyoutubefavorites5722]

Thanks!

[@derekstevens96]

Don't know If it's just because everyone has struggles but this one seems to hit home

[@mandericom]

"I am here because you asked me too and because I said I would. To do what I said I would do."

[@annemcgoff8495]

Wow! This has so much truth. Thank you, Fr Mike

[@msgoody2shoes959]

Good God,... asked and I received. Thank you Lord. 1. I’m not to have favorites... but I do, for this, I am sorry. 2.) I am not allowed to interfere with my brothers’ choices.3.) if this is the case, what then of the original fraternal responsibility? Well, I guess that whatever choice a brother makes about me, he remembers his brothers too, and we can work together-him in the light and me in his shadow, in various ways, regardless of what happens to us. The will of the Father is concern for the brothers in this family. This is my original yes. Agape.

[@suenelson6864]

Again it feels like you are talking directly to me Fr Mike. Thank you for your wisdom and love. Praying for you too.

[@lindafolks]

Thank you Father Mike! Heartfelt Obedience is everything!! There are many blessings and beautiful surprises when you realize this! Ask God for directions and he will lead the way!🙏❤️🕊💞

[@franciscos.a.l.135]

You know what the beautiful thing about this is, you can do it with your eyes open or your eyes closed. I think the son that said yes had his eyes wide open, yet consciously decided otherwise. The good thing is that there is always the one and he in him who never fails us.

[@theresabrown6857]

Thus is just amazing! It speaks directly to something I’ve been struggling with for years. How do I love God and why don’t I feel anything? Going to pray with this. Thank you Fr. Mike.

[@greypilgrim9967]

Thank you Father Mike. I am going through the worst time in my life so far and I can't tell you how much I needed to hear these words today. It's not an easy answer. If I understand it well It's one I don't want to be...so I think I'll still to struggle with it but this helps me get closer. So thank you

[@MaureenDiOrio]

YES. I, too, am going through the worst time of my life thus far. I hear you. Fr. Mike ALWAYS helps me. We each have our own little steps during excruciating times. I believe that even just saying, “Jesus, I love you, please help me” is a step when we are in the desert. God meets us where we are & gives us grace as long as we don’t turn away from him every day without apologizing & pleading for another chance. He knows our hearts. Much love, prayers & support to you.

[@simonecarr-williams2257]

"Where there's no love; .put love and you will find love " 💟 "When fulfilling your duty; put your heart and love into it "💞 "Love is the ability to say no and the power to say yes " 🙏 Awesome Homily Fr. Mike

[@britaahonen1489]

If an illness present themselves to me, that's my boat, Forget Noah,

[@seans.131]

Did you ever see the movie 'Yes Man' with Jim Carrey? 😀 “Where there is no love, put love and you will find love.” ~St. John of the Cross God bless. Fr. Mike☦😀

[@britaahonen1489]

We have an argument of importance,

[@britaahonen1489]

You can't sway angels. Your hilarious, your reflections of love,

[@JoeSmith-gb4ng]

Father Mike, yes we can put love where we choose to but in a marriage both parties need to have that willingness to do so because when both parties don't have that willingness to do so the relationship isn't good. Kids learn what Love is and that's mostly from their parents and if the parent's relationship is a strained Love the kids pick that up and have a hard time in relationships themselves. You can choose to Love someone but that doesn't mean it's a great idea to stay in a marriage where Love isn't freely flowing, it's an effort. That affects all parties in the end and not necessarily in a good way. God Bless and prayers to all.

[@elizabethl6187]

I want to congratulate you for another bullseye, but first I have to take this sharp thing out of my sternum. Well done, though.

[@britaahonen1489]

Ok I'm just going to say yes to this dream, and hastily make sacrifices for the wrong reason, your vision is bad,

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Oh yeah I've seen that one but I Mandela affected the lead to Ben Stiller. For some reason I misremember that as a Ben stiller movie.

[@mammam4827]

We are nt supposed to love half heartedly.if we truly love someone we accept that person even if he is a bundle of nuorosis nd an alcoholic. We bcum his de addiction counselor instead of leaving him.....i mean the true lovers nd if someone cud nt do it last time ,know that there wasn't any love nd the things were pretty aweful nd complicated.

[@FaithfulMel]

Well, how do you know if it’s God’s Will?

[@britaahonen1489]

Show him how illnesses present themselves everyday, he'd be exhausted,

[@bridgetiliohan8053]

I Bridget iliohan vote no no no at the synod can you please give this to the pope for me thank you Christ Jesus holy name amen

[@chissstardestroyer]

*That* fear, even so-called "holy fear of the lord" is really sinful in and of itself: it produces actual *hatred of God* due to even awe of Him and the mere teaching of His power in and of itself, Father Mike.

[@britaahonen1489]

So, your vineyard is more important, sure,

[@britaahonen1489]

Did he ask you to favour illness rather than Noah,

[@Gothicforever1790]

That’s tough to stay with someone who is abusive. That poor lady who stayed with her alcoholic husband. I find it difficult to believe a loving father would ask their child to die for him. Allow yourself to be beaten and killed for me. Hmmm. That’s tough to accept.

[@spidermiddleagedman]

My take is: Thats what it takes to fight the devil. We have to fight the evil besides our father and it is not going to be easy, but when we as sons and daughters of God and God himself together have defeated the devil it will be worth it. Like St. Therese from Avila has said: Every bad life will Look like a bad night in a bad Motel, when we reach heaven. ... This is my take. I am not 100% sure.

[@britaahonen1489]

I've already done 'your sacrifice of things' I've been to these places what the - is wrong with your mind, grow up,

[@didiertshibuabua]

Thank you Fr. Mike!