"A Thorn in the Side" | 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Fr. Mike's Homily)

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God can be glorified through our wounds, not merely in spite of them.
We all experience brokenness. We all experience God's love through a broken lens. And yet we do encounter them in this way.
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[@Lo0320]

My family and I prayed and prayed day after day for my baby brother would be well after a drunker driver struck the vehicle of my parents and brother were in. My dear father passed away instantly, my mother heard his last breath 😢 and my brother was unconscious. It was dark in the countryside. My mother had to be brave enough with the shock and agony to get out of the wreckage and out of the ditch to wave drivers down to call 911. Long story short my brother was in the hospital for 3 months from the injuries from the vehicle accident to then be a subject to medical negligence to finally his death. Meanwhile thru the heartbreaking we all had, the emotional and physical pain of my dear mother, thru my dad’s funeral/rosaries the holidays (Christmas at the hospital) with our brother in the hospital bedside we all felt Jesus Christ. We did have wonder if our prayers would be heard. Ultimately, my brother passed and we mourned our brother and dad, my mom mourned her husband and son. But we never denounced Jesus Christ. And I feel thru our heartbreaks we continue to glorify our wonderful God.

[@marygorman6222]

Thank you for sharing such a traffic story.

[@suleiman1520]

God bless you and your mom

[@AndrewKendall71]

How very holy... and I use that word very sparingly in my experience. But... how truly holy is this story and example.

[@wms72]

May God bless and comfort you, and hold your dear family, living here and hereafter, close to His Sacred Heart. REQUIESCANT IN PACE. IN NOMINE PATRIS ET FILII ET SPIRITUS SANCTI. +AMEN

[@estherkoh960]

😢 feel your pain, dear.

[@madams.5976]

Please pray for my husband who is suffering and his suffering is mine. I hate to see him in distress. I know there isn’t anything I can do but pray and trust in God’s devine plan.

[@kelkabot]

"You don't have to wait to be healed to be holy." Wow. Thank you, Father.

[@kelkabot]

"The whole point of life is to give off the light of Jesus." Praise God! Thank you, Father.

[@debineverman8173]

Father Mike. God and your message today was perfect. The thorn in my side is grief/loss of my husband of 50 years. I don’t know who I am now but God does! Power is perfect in my weakness and His grace is sufficient !!! Amen Thank you ❤🙏

[@goskaku7291]

Dear Lord, please protect father Mike from all evil and all temptation. Thank you for his vocation, thank you for the words that you speak to us through his priesthood. Amen.

[@josh39684]

Pray for my sister. She has OCD and anorexia and scrupulosity. The protestant pastor at her church is saying she's in sin because of her OCD and anorexia. It's taking a toll of her mental health

[@cyberceltic]

This does remind me of the scene between Jesus and Little James in season 3 of The Chosen. Him asking why Jesus didn’t heal him; glorifying God in spite of weakness

[@karenlink4227]

I was remembering that too.

[@1Cor1614]

My exact thoughts too!!

[@marypeters2208]

Thank you, Father Mike. You are spot on! It is easy to glorify God when He does as I want. Much harder to do and trust Him when He does not. Jesus, I trust in You! Help me to trust You more, especially when it is hard to do. God bless you.

[@bobthetruckerguy5770]

@@marypeters2208 I've found in my own life, I often want the easy way out, the quick fix, not seeing how much I can learn, and grow closer to God, in my struggles, and relying on Him for the grace, not on myself

[@marijo.4694]

All Glory to God! I feel seen today, Fr. Mike. I have suffered from back pain for 15 years. Most recently, I've been offering up my suffering to Jesus and the cross. And for others. Lord Jesus, please look down on the suffering and for those who care for them. May they use their brokenness for your Glory. ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏📿📿📿

[@anagonzalez413]

Thank you, Fr Mike. All I can think of after listening to this homily is that all we need to do is be willing to be used by God to give off Christ's light, trusting that He glorifies Himself in our weakness, whatever that weakness may be. We're being called to humility, let go and let God do with us what He wills.

[@annacisneros9434]

So timely. God is always on time. I’m sure there are many people, including myself, that needed to hear this message. We have to remain faithful, like Job. Our resting place is in heaven. Until then, we have to fight the good fight.

[@charlenewallmark1187]

This could not have come at a better time in my journey in knowing Christ. I am broken. I am working at getting whole. I have never thought God would evade me until I am “healed”. He and I are partnered in my healing, how ever long it takes. 🙏🏻

[@dorothymecham7079]

I made promises to God when I was in excruciating pain, was healed, but realize I haven't kept my promise I'm working on it..

[@leviknight21]

God I love this man, I feel weak spiritually but this, I didnt know I needed to hear this so bad. Thank you father. Pray for me and blessing to everyone who read this happy Sunday.

[@blessediam4341]

Same here. We’re very blessed with such a wonderful pastor 🙏🏽

[@LoveeeeelyM]

I love him too. Thank you for your prayers. Praying for you too 🙏🏻♥️

[@missysamson6655]

Beautiful homily, thank you Father Mike ! You are truly a bright light God blessed us with 🙏❤️❤️❤️🙏

[@tamarisktreee]

Father Mike, I want to tell you. Thank you for these.. I have multiple sclerosis, I'm unable to drive or get around very well at all, so your Sundays Are Special to me🙏🙏📖📖

[@margaretbray1794]

I did feel close to the Lord but when our daughter died 8 yrs ago on July 13, I could not think of how much closer I could be to God..every day I know I can get even more closer to God through Daily Mass, Receiving the Eucharist Daily and To Pray Daily..and I will never Stop. I miss my daughter everyday but I Also know God Loves me and will be my side every moment of my life❤

[@Lottieloves287]

Oh I’m so sorry for your loss 💔😞 May God bless you and comfort you, especially on those days that feel heavy. 🙏🏼🫶🏼

[@kellendriscoll460]

Thank you you spoke to me so much My legs are giving out on me forcing me to use a wheelchair but through that I still love Jesus we are human praise god🙏

[@susansks1106]

Thank you Father Mike! Yes we glorify God no matter. I have wrestled with this and I want to glorify God no matter what. Thank you for reminding me. I love the daily Bible reading in a year. I’ve been blessed every day and start my day and listen many times during the day! Thank you!

[@valeriocritelli6714]

A great sermon. God can do great things through broken people.

[@juliel0721]

Father Mike- Thank YOU for your beautiful Homily today- it was much needed and a light for me, that God has worked through you to come to me this day! God Bless You ❤🙏🏻🌈

[@ChildofGod98765]

God you are all I need as a single mom and Lord only you are perfectly able to help carry my burdens! I ask Heavenly Father that you provide me with the wisdom to make the right decisions for my children, and the courage to face each day with optimism. Lord because I continue to struggle with providing for my boys both have special needs. Heavenly Father as I struggle to buy groceries and as I struggle to pay rent grant me strength. ❤️

[@michaelcallisto]

I couldn't go to mass today due to being in the hospital (with a ton of back pain actually), so thank you for this!

[@marijo.4694]

Praying for you!!

[@gracechiedza]

May God touch you and heal you in a special way. Isaiah 53 vs 5

[@maggiefelix9955]

🙏🙏🙏

[@jacquelinecrout2008]

Thank you Fr Mike for bringing this beautiful gospel of Paul down to my life struggles and a thorn that doesn’t go away I am going to look for what is Jesus asking me to do with this struggle and do what He who is Greater says to do For His Glory Thanks again ❤

[@ruthortega5822]

As usual, Father Mike, your sermon is awesome. I positively love them. They inspire me to no end. I am not physically ill, but emotionally I am a wreck. Help me Lord Jesus to always glorify you regardless of how I feel. Help me to give my suffering to you and know, that in your timing, you will take care of everything. Jesus I trust and glorify you.

[@gailschuldner2974]

Offer your sufferings for the souls in Purgatory!🙏🏻

[@ruthortega5822]

Thank you. I will do that.

[@carolinelandein246]

So so good! Thank you so much for all your work and words, Father Mike! Jesus‘ light shines through you! Not for the first time you make me smile in tears. I‘‘m ill right now and I can still glorify the Lord and (try to) be holy! No need to wait for healing or the perfect/better phase in life! Thank you. You really lead people to God! 🕊️✝️❤️

[@FaithForward-h4n]

Beautifully said! God’s glory shines through our wounds, not despite them.

[@cherylawitherell1800]

Thank you, Father Mike. You have changed my life. I pray for you every day.❤

[@sylivia256]

As I’m waiting for my PR decision, I put my trust in Jesus Christ 🙏🏾

[@MALLY79]

Thankyou Fr Mike for this inspiring message🙏🏼

[@Jassie.a]

Thank you Fr. Mike. I really needed to hear this today

[@1234Brian.Street]

Holy Almighty God, hear the supplications of Your people. We lay before You our greatest concerns, our innermost thoughts, and the whole of our hopes and fears. And when You hear us, forgive us for any doubt, any reluctance, and any failure to believe that You will answer. Silence, then, all voices of evil. May the words in our heads and our hearts be praising you. We who speak for a living, who have devoted our lives to fixing what is broken, and stepping into the light of your Word, please give us guidance. So then when You do speak, when You make clear the direction You would have us go, the work You have called us to do, the lives You have designed us to live, may we be open to receive Your divine direction. With ears to hear from even the most unlikely source, and eyes to see what You reveal from the viewpoint of Your throne, and with the hearts open to the stirrings of Your Holy Spirit, may we prove worthy of Your attention and faithful in our response this day. In Your sovereign and most gracious name we pray. Amen.

[@b8akaratn]

i❤this 😊 thank you for writing it!!

[@jong3404]

"The whole point of life is to give off the light of Jesus."

[@Mushus_dad]

One of the best homilies I have attended. Amen. ❤

[@evelynsintimappiah1888]

Thank you Father Mike Schmitz, God bless you 🙏

[@PEFitness]

Father Mike, your message combined with your passion, delivery and relatability are so amazing and helpful and truly resonate so much!

[@NoyPi6step]

These homilies have been one of the highlights of my weeks, thank you 🙏

[@blessediam4341]

Oh Father Mike, may Our Lord bless you abundantly. last night, I went to bed with some anxious thoughts…because of a “thorn” that I’ve been begging the Lord for. I felt so guilty about not being able to discipline myself…this homily made my day. Thank you Father for reminding me that God loves me anyway. He is my strength when I feel weak. Glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

[@SamanthaSandoval-rc7nh]

That is precisely what I in weakness...needed to here..tho my spirit shines bright..iy always has ! Thru God's glory ..Allowing me a chance to turn and smile directly into johns eyes...for moment our heart beats as one...

[@margaretfroen777]

Thank you so much for this teaching. It made me cry. Tears of relief that God can be glorified through my weakness. That I do not have to be strong and healthy first. I love God and Jesus and the precious Holy Spirit. But I have felt so bad that I couldn’t serve him better, because of chronic fatigue and weakness due to Lymes disease, mental illness and a difficult marriage. However, I have experienced so much love from God and grace from God through these trials, but hoping I would be healed. The marriage has been healed, but I had started thinking the other things could be a thorn in the flesh, because they have not gone away for over 50 years. And now you confirmed it in such a beautiful way. Thank you so much! I love your ministry and discovering the pearls in the Catholic Church. I have been a protestant, my whole life, Lutheran. I just happened to see your videos on KZbin and started listening to them. So glad for that! Many blessings come upon you and the ministry! 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@barbaradelpino4020]

This message... I'm stunned, needed to hear this so badly ❤

[@gailschuldner2974]

Thanks, Fr. Mike! God bless you!

[@ifeomaoluhara9421]

This is such a beautiful homily. Thank you Fr Mike.

[@amytovar344]

God Bless you father Mike !! I love this message it’s 💯 percent truth . The point of my life is to Glorify God !! In my weakness I’m strong in Christ !! Thank you Jesus ❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@MichaelJames346]

Hallelujah!!! I’m blessed and favored with $60,000 every week! Now I can afford anything and support the work of God and the church. For Your glory, LORD! HALLELUJAH!

[@BrianEdwardandDog]

Oh really? Tell me more! Always interested in hearing stories of successes.

[@MichaelJames346]

This is what Ana Graciela Blackwelder does, she has changed my life.

[@MichaelJames346]

After raising up to 60k trading with her, I bought a new house and car here in the US and also paid for my son’s (Oscar) surgery. Glory to God.shalom.

[@EricJenkins-90]

I know Ana Graciela Blackwelder, and I have also had success...

[@EricJenkins-90]

Absolutely! I have heard stories of people who started with little or no knowledge but managed to emerge victorious thanks to Ana Graciela Blackwelder.

[@ThinkTwice2222]

My problem is when I think of everything I have I feel Too blessed... Comes with guilt, fear, and the occasional hubris [at times wish I joined the priesthood]. I am a sinner and don't deserve his grace, yet he gives it freely out of love. I want to share but I know there blessings won't last forever. So... I pray in deep appreciation.

[@dreamsofouterspace]

I always listen to your homilies when I arrive home from church. Since grade school, I wanted to be a sister. I was diagnosed with low grade cancer back in fifth grade and still have it bc of where the tumor is (surgery can't be performed). Because of this, I can’t be a sister and that really confused me. Why would the Lord not want me to help His church? But hearing your homily made me cry - in a good way. I'm just very emotional. I really would love to be a FOCUS missionary like the ones at my Newman Center. Because of them, I truly have a family on campus! It was also when I met the team that I started thinking about my discernment. I am thankful for the thorn in my side.

[@DescriptionofHeaven-uf7hl]

Wishing everyone who reads this comment divine blessings of wealth, health, and happiness. May your life be filled with abundance.

[@KolokaiKalai]

Thankyou Fr.Mike...Amazing homily. You are the best.

[@user-gl5dp3jp6z]

Thanks Father Mike. Your words are so meaningful. You are an awesome and amazing Priest ❤😊.

[@jenniferarmstrong386]

Once again, this was exactly what I needed to hear! Thanks again and God bless! I'm praying for Ascension and Fr. Mike. Please keep doing what you're doing, it's so desperately needed and greatly appreciated.

[@thestuffofnerdz446]

Excellent, homily Father Mike! Really hit home for me. Thank you!

[@isabelharden7304]

exactly what i needed.

[@scoutxyz2828]

I enjoyed the Homily Father, thank you for sharing.

[@MajorTom546]

This is one of your bests Fr Mike. Praying for you. Hello from Sydney 🇦🇺

[@lindaharper2870]

Glory to God! Thank you Fr. Mike ☺️

[@diannegazzola1957]

Father Mike have a Blessed week ahead ❤ 1:08

[@thatright4985]

Thank you father!

[@omegainspiration]

Whouah thank you father for this beautiful homely 🙏🙏🙏

[@tomburke7941]

Thank you Father Mike.

[@chinonsoblessing4258]

God bless you all

[@jean6460]

Wow! This might my favorite homily ever!!❤️🙏🏼♥️

[@Morales-PolonyiCounseling]

Such a passionate and encouraging homily. Thank you.

[@carolosborn4435]

All glory to God! Thank you Father Mike.

[@elib3elib3]

God can be glorified in my thorn. Keeping this and using it. ❤

[@gracechiedza]

Beautiful homily. Gods grace is sufficient for us

[@britaahonen1489]

I became top thing when I met Mark, if your friend lives with an enemy it makes you starve yourself.

[@JoJoVigil]

Thank you God! Thank you Father Mike. So good. 🙏🏽

[@kenshinjd]

I have lost a relationship. The person I was with will not forgive me or speak with me. I have been praying then giving up and back to praying again because all my human means to reconcile have completely failed. I feel that I don't want to give up praying even if im feeling discouraged like I have been lately. Prayer has always helped me, it might not pull through this time but I cannot stop praying. Its my lifeline. I was touched by this homily and felt like sharing my light. If anyone could just say one Hail Mary for Beverley it will come a long way. Thank you and glad I watched this

[@mirtaharamina3015]

Thank you!

[@elisanbgeladuarte6996]

Thank Peace ❤❤❤

[@anneturner2759]

Wonderful sermon , easier said than done… 😮

[@HJSHDL]

Needed this today. Thank you, Fr. Mike ❤

[@clarissaviens5778]

Oof. I heard this epistle reading a few days ago and knew I needed more mediation upon it. Someone sent me this link and now I'm crying. We buried a baby last year, got pregnant again, and turns out our rainbow baby has special needs. I'm so mad at God. I don't even want His grace. Perhaps some grace is trickling through anyway and we'll be okay.

[@ferdytolentino7064]

Amen 🙏

[@carolhaddock5702]

Wow, Fr. Mike. Just wow.

[@ess7544]

My thorn is a lifetime of feeling that God hasn’t been there for me at all, especially my darkest moments.Even now I cry out, only to receive silence every time. I hurt deeply, always and I cry out and silence is always the answer. I feel I am insignificant. I feel like, what’s the point. No comfort, drying of tears or even understanding of what is happening. I really don’t want to live like this anymore..who can I turn to if not God!? I am not sure why I keep turning to God and the saints, I suppose because there is nothing else. I am desperate, confused and feel helpless. I don’t know what to do.

[@rhwinner]

Have you spoken to a priest? They are our elders in the faith. Are you a member of a parish? Have you unburdened to a member of your your parish? Do tou have faithful friends or family? What is your support network like ?

[@ess7544]

@@rhwinner I have. He didn’t know the reason for the perpetual silence, only suggested that it might just be how things are for me.

[@jolantajanowski6642]

God bless Fr. Mike for the beautiful homily.

[@michaelalmonte8871]

Thank you, Father Mike, for the great homily ❤❤❤

[@lawrencegatti8283]

Beautiful homily.

[@tomstewart2426]

What a beautiful message! Praise be to God ✝️🙏✝️

[@tedhong9730]

Reminds of the hymn, Nearer My God To Thee: The lyric goes, " So by my woes shall be...Nearer my God to thee..."

[@Gods_Word_Today_]

Amen I trust you with faith amen

[@kathleenlaird2662]

Thank you

[@theloverofwisdom66]

Father, tell your spiritual director, "Hello," for me. Even though you did not give his name, I knew about whom you were speaking as soon as you mentioned him. I, too, had him as a spiritual director when I was at St. Thomas from 1974 to 1978. When Jesus carries him home, I will be glad to assist you in having him canonized as a saint.

[@ginalafond1814]

Awesome, as usual. Just what I needed!

[@CandyJune123]

Glory to god 🙏✝️

[@benjieansah4431]

Thanks!

[@reginasmith3149]

Amen!

[@ruethy2566]

Am single n 30...this was for me

[@janefosha7847]

Thank you for this excellent homily! "The whole point of life is to give off the light of Jesus; to glorify God." Thank you!

[@AZ1306AZ]

Thank you, Fr Mike. I have been sick for years and I'm so tired. That was a huge help.

[@anamariaapoltan6621]

God bless you Fr Mike!Thank you for everything you do

[@desireejones-sy9eb]

Thank you Father Mike this is exactly what I needed today I feel broken ..I said to myself over and over again the lord loves my husband just as much as he loves me ..do I benefit in complaining..of no use st Elizabeth keeps coming back to me that we celebrated last week blessing and peace

[@shannonabeywardena7323]

Thank you, Father Mike!!!

[@madams.5976]

I don’t know why if Katherine of Siena if indeed she had an eating disorder, would be a big deal. Many, many a saint including the apostles had flaws or weaknesses. God is good. We are never disqualified. Praise to you always Jesus.

[@BitsyBee]

True, there were a few addicts and alcoholics who became saints! The priest in the story did say, no big deal, greater glory to God that a person had a great mission despite a great weakness. Btw, I wish the saint had spelled her name the way I spell mine (Katherine), but it's Catherine.

[@tubo1639]

This is how I have been feeling all week.. God bless you Father mike!! 🙏🙏

[@joktanephraim]

Beautiful Father! Lo so... ;)

[@mayruthwilfred1323]

Awesome, power full, super stunning homily. God bless u Fr Mike fur this anointed homily.. much needed for us all