The Key to Discernment

Who would have thought algebra and data could be the key to discernment?
Fr. Mike explains that the discernment journey isn’t always about having this epiphany moment where your life’s purpose immediately becomes clear to you.
Figuring out what God’s will is for you sometimes requires a step-by-step process where you gather data, so you can come closer to the answer you’re looking for.
That’s how Fr. Mike found his vocation as a priest.
It required a lot prayer, time in adoration, talking with others, and visits to seminaries. Only once he gathered enough data to be able to “solve for x” was he certain that the priesthood was the right choice.
Check out Fr. Mike’s newest project, Quick Catholic Lessons with Fr. Mike (bit.ly/2PmpYzw), a feature-packed teacher’s guide designed to accompany Fr. Mike’s most popular videos, presented on a convenient DVD. Teachers, catechists, and youth ministers can supplement USCCB curriculum, prompt small-group discussion, and answer students’ questions easily and powerfully with this teacher’s guide and DVD.
Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:
Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (bit.ly/2vQgGRx)
Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (bit.ly/2nCKKLK)
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (bit.ly/2vG9KX2)
YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2raspVB)
Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension:
Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (bit.ly/2sKUnJN)
Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (bit.ly/2sYtQaW).
MORE FROM ASCENSION:
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[@ZachGonringVlogs]

"Going full send into the priesthood" - Fr. Mike Schmitz, 2019

[@Nard88]

You smell your fingers after EVERYTHING

[@eaglesguy6501]

Im not Catholic but I love your videos they give me hope and knowledge.

[@DanielMaloneJr]

Eagles Guy You should come home! I was once not Catholic as well! 😁

[@eaglesguy6501]

Daniel Malone Jr. i am Christian and i feel at home as long as everyone is focused on God that’s what is important.

[@eileen1820]

May I recommend a documentary on Amazon Prime called "Convinced"? It explains Catholicism from the perspective of non-Christians.

[@eaglesguy6501]

Eileen D yes I will look into it im open minded.

[@eileen1820]

@@eaglesguy6501 That's awesome!

[@metalbornmetalbred]

I am 100% certain of my calling to become a Franciscan Brother. I am visiting the Franciscans in Chicago and Milwaukee for the first time in around 2 weeks from now. So excited!

[@theresemartin3075]

metalbornmetalbred I am so very happy for you! I love the Franciscan! I will be remembering you in my prayers!

[@metalbornmetalbred]

@@theresemartin3075 Thank you :-) Off topic, I have a friend named Dave and his mom has the same name as you, lol. Small world.

[@doratheexplorer9375]

God bless!!!

[@Memetchi95]

Glad to hear you are moving a step forward ...but, if you don't have one, don't leave out the help of a good spiritual director ...pray for him. God may bless you in your discernment process.

[@ljt45dend]

I'll say an Ave for you friend!

[@Memetchi95]

I agree with you, Fr. Mike. If you don't get any answers I think there could be two options. The first one is that that's not the pefect God's time; sometimes God makes us waiting in order to prepare us. The second option is a barred Heart; you will be ready to discover your true vocation only when you stop thinking on your own, only when you decide to put truly your Heart in God's hand, without expecting anything. I'm Sorry for my poor English ...greetings from Italy.

[@rjskeptic5273]

Have you thought of a 3rd option?

[@Memetchi95]

Discernment starts with the listening of God's Word and listening of your Heart. Assuming that there's this attempt, if I truly seek God's will in my life and I don't get any answers, what I've experienced (and confirmed by my spiritual director) is that a) that's not the right time to get those answers b) my Heart is barred. Than, if you have had an intuition about what you are calling to do, but you're not willing to follow the calling ...that's a horse of different color (just to clarify what I'm referring to). I've simplified those two options basing on MY experience. I don't know if you've experienced a third one option...then, please, let me know it 😊 Again, greetings from Italy.

[@rjskeptic5273]

@@Memetchi95 how about you ignore anything that is not naturally motivated. Choose instead to trust your instincts and be not afraid to explore many of your natural talents, even though you may think you fail sometimes.

[@Memetchi95]

@@rjskeptic5273 Your answer seems to be so addressed to me! 😨 Once a friar invited me to do exactly what you said. However, I totally agree with you: vocation, but any callings, concerns with our nature, so with our talents and gifts. The more I know myself, the more I can understand the path I'm calling to live. When I say "God makes us waiting in order to prepare us", this sentence can assume a different meaning for each one. I didn't mean "waiting" as a passive behaviour, but as an active one. Certainly prayer is a part of this wait; but in my experience this wait is equal to nurturing and discovering deeply my gifts and how I can offer them for the project of God's Salvation, besides collecting more data. I think, then, vocation becomes more and more clear answering those little callings I receive during my ordinary life. Nothing dealing with supernatural or transcendental as someone could think.

[@Christian_Girl120]

Actually your English is good.

[@Emilycwats4422]

Great video Father. Your videos helped me start the conversion to Catholicism

[@LostArchivist]

Welcome to the family. We have a long trip and a hard one, but we'll be given everything if we just ask, trust and are willing to share.

[@amokay746]

Oh yay! Your comment made my day. It's gonna be hard. But I've discovered the key is just never give up on HIM nor the Eucharist. Trust me. Bless you, and have a nice day.

[@Emilycwats4422]

The Archivist thank you

[@Emilycwats4422]

meep mep thank you

[@theresemartin3075]

Welcome home!! I will pray for your journey!

[@Catholico]

Wow! A video about discernment!?! What a great way to start a year... Besides, Happy 2019 Fr. Mike and Everyone who are reading this! :)

[@mystarrlo120566]

Fr. Mike how about a video on ADHD/ADD. Mental health. Thank you! Blessings.

[@tomandrews1429]

@@mystarrlo120566 I'd be curious about knowing the Catholic perspective on mental health issues as well. Did God create mental health issues, if not where and how did they come about?

[@teamarkota8018]

Happy New Year father God Bless you

[@Catholico]

@@e.lizabeth No. We're a channel from Brazil that translate his videos to Portuguese.

[@ThePlay3000]

I feel I keep getting data and nothing changes

[@Car1Sagan]

I like your "getting more data" analogy to solve the problem of vocation.

[@ryandio8764]

This came at the perfect time, thank you Father Mike

[@Gaming4Ohio]

Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

[@jellojenna6]

This was helpful. Now I don't feel so rushed to find out my vocation and why I haven't figured it out yet. As someone who likes math, I enjoyed the "solving for X" metaphor.

[@jesusworksbro4Life]

Jesus loves you

[@fetchanimations7109]

Happy New Years everyone! God bless us, every one!!!

[@ifeomaoluhara9421]

Really love the use of the analogy with 'algebra'. Finding other variables can lead to the final answer. Thank u so much Fr Mike! U r blessed.

[@tellez21]

Ah such perfect timing!! I’m currently discerning the religious life, was actually looking at different contemplative orders just last night! Thank you Fr. Mike for your advice, i’ll definitely keep this in mind as I journey on:)

[@chibimirmo]

Thank you, my soul was in desperate need for guidance. Pls pray for me 🌹🙏🏻🌹

[@Virginia-er9si]

Thanks Fr. Mike, right now to me your words are pretty providential.

[@josegonzalez-ph3ht]

I think it’s so funny how I can relate to this so much

[@maroxesen1]

This is actually KEY INFORMATION for discernment. Considering translating the video to Polish to send it to some of my friends. Thank you so much for putting it so well :D

[@niceatrya3477]

For the past few years I have been questioning my faith. By questioning my faith, I mean I have not been a regular church goer since my confirmation some 25 years ago. I have recently seen a spark in the distance of my life regarding my faith and wondered what it was. Were my eyes deceiving me in seeing something that was not there? Without prejudice or bias I have started down the path of my own spiritual journey to learn the nature of that spark. I have left out no source in my quest to find this truth. Both plaintiff and defendant have I followed diligently in arguments. I have researched and listened to evidence of scientific, religious, and philosophical nature. The next spark I saw in the distance was much brighter. It provided me with the solid evidence I was looking for that the light I first saw was real, and that I must now learn the nature of this light in all that it means. This spark came in the form of hearing evidence presented from the scientific community that our universe is so finely tuned that for it to exist at all, "dark energy" is calculated down to a zero, followed by 126 decimal places. Even being a few decimal places off, our universe could not exist. When scientists were presented with this data, which implied the existence of intelligent design, they swiftly created a fallacious argument of "moving the goal posts" by stating that our universe must be one of an infinite number of universes, and we just happen to live in it. I am still at the foothills of my journey of a mountain which peaks I cannot see. I worry not about the near endless mountain ahead of me. But rather, I take comfort in the next step before me in learning the truth of God, and all that is holy.

[@luv4da80s]

As a person who loves science, I’ve learned that science has become nothing more than a religion itself. Powerful people are protecting their false worldview by distorting facts, hiding new discoveries, shuttling up real scientists and controlling all mainstream media outlets. So don’t rely on them for any truth on your journey to look for God. Ask Jesus to guide you with the holy spirit. This might be difficult at first as you don’t believe but that’s where a bit of faith comes into play.

[@Joe-fw6du]

Hey bro I used to be catholic, but I picked up the BIBLE and I found out the truth. Start at the Book of John and then you will fill the truth. The DEVIL wants you to feel like this. In the NAME OF JESUS if there is any thing that is holding you back, and not of the HOLY SPIRIT LEAVE NOW. Religion cant help you you have to have a relationship with Jesus, the HOLY SPIRIT will be there for you. Watch this video and get stronger in you faith. Watch "WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT" on KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/omaohqCbnNGGkNE

[@billy1132]

Go back to CHRIST JESUS n find a Bible Based church. Christ-christian

[@billy1132]

Just return to GOD in CHRIST JESUS, keep reading yr bible n allow GOD The Holy Spirit to lead u..........

[@JodianWarrior]

@@Joe-fw6du Or maybe we could stick with the Church that put the Bible together in the first place, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit...

[@stephaniecaranica9360]

Thanks Fr. Mike! I’m one of those stressed out people who emailed you :). This was very helpful. I definitely feel like it takes a lot of pressure off when you look at it as getting more data because that’s more manageable than expecting the whole answer to you life calling in one visit/date/conversation. Thank you.

[@billy1132]

Thank GOD, i read The Holy Bible in 1996 n found GOD's Discernment n left the church of rome n Came Home to JESUS n CHRIST Alone in Protestant churches bringing many many many from the roman church as they stopped their search!

[@Car1Sagan]

I like the beard Father. Its distinguished.

[@mariekevandenhove6055]

wow you gave me an other piece of the puzzle of my vocation!(I'm sorry if my English is bad, I'm from Belgium XD) but I was always thinking that listing to people's vocation stories would bring me nowhere cause every story is unique, but now I understand that I am collecting data :) and actually I know what my vocation is at the moment. I'm not ready for Marriage or being a nun (I'm 17 by the way) but I'm a daughter of the Lord and that's my vocation at the moment: to be and behave as a daughter of the Lord! From Belgium, me and my friends think you're amazing Fr. Mike!!!

[@OurLadyofLourdesDaytona]

Beautifully said!

[@billy1132]

Our Lord GOD JESUS CHRIST did not ask ladies to be nuns! Do read yr bible!

[@daisykart]

Great video Father! See you tomorrow at SEEK!

[@theresemartin3075]

Kayla Gibson I saw a reminder today that I believe it will be live streamed on you tube tomorrow! I didn't know Fr. Mike would be there...

[@daisykart]

@@theresemartin3075 his big talk is being live-streamed on the 7th but he's doing other talks and events during the conference!

[@daisykart]

Ellen C no problem! I am at the conference, and almost got to talk to Father Mike today, but he had somewhere else to go before I got a chance 😭😭 I’ll be praying for you while I’m here 😊

[@Maitimop]

Ironically, this video was the answer I needed because it confirmed exactly what I’ve been feeling and been told about discernment!

[@maggie-youdontneedmylastna1234]

I don’t know what it is. But tonight I went to a talk of his at a teen/adult gathering called XLT and I cried and couldn’t hold it back. He just shares love in every way. I’m crying right now. I’m 13 and I know I want to become a nun. I hope you know father mike I do love you and thank you.

[@juanhaering4399]

Thank you so much!

[@MaryScarpati]

Loving your videos on discernment. This gave me the assurance I needed to know I'm on the right track.

[@colettepimley3227]

Thanks father 🙏

[@jonathangoodwin646]

I'm a practicing Catholic. I recently came back to the Catholic Church, and I did all my confessions. I am going to mass regularly, taking the holy Communion . I learned a hard way. Is my place here with the Catholic church. Father Mike it's a cause Me coming back To cut the Catholic Church Of all the different topics I love Father Mike how he explains everything .

[@Thecat-l6x]

Father, you know this was me all over it. Praise be to the lord Jesus Christ.

[@OurLadyofLourdesDaytona]

"...in the stage of life called discernment..." aka Every Day Life! Yes - discerning a Vocation is - hopefully - a "one and done" process, but discernment happens every day in our lives as followers of Christ. No matter how good or right our choices feel at one moment, the very next day we may find ourselves facing even more complex issues that require working those discernment muscles. Seeking more data and of course guidance from the Lord is a practice we should become comfortable with throughout our lives. It's completely okay to not know the answers. The process of seeking the best answers is what draws us closer to Jesus 💜 Also - the bit about not stalking was epic! 😂 Happy New Year Fr Mike!

[@martanatalia2723]

Greetings From Poland 😊

[@eileen1820]

Hi from California, Marta 👍

[@ty_0001]

Very wise and true

[@moonmaiden1973]

Hello Father! Blessings from Ladysmith BC 🙏🏻

[@1224erday]

Moon Maiden I love ladysmith! Such a beautiful town 😍

[@rc3088]

Thank you

[@PaoloBalioVEVO]

From all the videos I watched for discerning, this video is my brain blast. 💯

[@allyg9037]

Always love listening to your advice... Happy New Year! God Bless You!🙏🏻😇

[@tino94george]

Even the videos u upload ....gives more data to those who are searching for a similar answer...❤️

[@ribbit1964]

Simple, just get more data! Haha!! To recognize that I am going through my discernment has been a true quest. It’s been like having a checklist and knocking things off one by one until I come up with my vocation - thanks Fr Mike, awesome lesson…AGAIN! God bless!!

[@richard4oyeleke]

Thank you for this Father. I'll work on getting more data. It's a deep battle for me here... God bless you Father.....from Nigeria

[@lindahebb4832]

Thank you for your content

[@analvarez878]

This came at the right time. I have just started realising that I am at that point where I need to ask myself, "what is Gods purpose for me?". I have realised I've waisted a good 4-5 yrs. of my life not asking God what he want for me; but also not actively seeking it out. I'm 23 and I might not be old, but time goes by in a snap. I don't want to be on my death bed and realise I never acomplished Gods purpose for me. It's confusing and discouraging, but I have to keep going.

[@user-ji2on8eg3l]

Saint Matthew 6:33-34 But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

[@annasusanthomas1990]

Today morning, in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I begged our Lord Jesus Christ to tell me what to do. I was tired of the inner discernment battle that has been going on for months now. I was not sure if visiting more convents and talking to more people would make sense or if it was "wasteful". And there He sends His beloved Priest, Fr. Mike, with the answer. Thank you so much, dear Fr. Mike! I´ll just keep gathering more data :) Wishing you a blessed and happy new year!

[@TheXone7]

Father THANK YOU!!! This is my case! :-)

[@jwk128]

God love you

[@greyzone1974]

Your sharing of your journey is realistic.. it shows that you are ground to earth.. a lot of people dont realise that the journey is.. human.. we need time to learn discernment.. thru trying and mistakes and turns. God will always lead us to his path and it's the journey that toughens and teaches us. Amen

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Thanks Fr. Mike This wisdom is one of the most important. Most discernments lead do not lead to answers right away but lead to data that'll lead to answers (some do lead to answers right away, a few). It's much clearer now. God bless, Rev. 21:4

[@santiagoruiz6258]

Thanks!

[@Nga3]

An instruction that is easy to follow. Thank you Father Mike

[@thepuppetboyzjr.5589]

Discernment is given by God and is the ability to look straight through people.

[@1penianne]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I am 58 and once again find myself at a crossroad. I live in a city where I don't have any close friends. My daughter has moved away for college. I am driving my son to his new home across country. I am divorced and my ex lives close by, we are amiable but no longer share the same faith. I am in discernment. Where does God want me now? I find this is a process that is repeated in many ways throughout life.

[@roniquebreauxjordan1302]

Data is very important

[@gillianpedersen52]

I am still waiting for His voice

[@eileen1820]

It struck me when I read what you said. Have you ever seen the movie, "Silence" by Martin Scorsese? I think it could inspire you 😊

[@Sophie-y8i]

Amen

[@Christian_Girl120]

I needed this. This makes,alot of sense. When we are willing to investigate to get more information, then we can make the decision. Sometimes God may reveal the answer as we seek information.

[@oboemadness1995]

I LOVE THIS GUY! Thank you, Father.

[@drtonys.6963]

While I am not Catholic, you make some great points on discernment that I am looking for in my life, to that I thank you. 1 Kings 3, I believe that God helps us to see that wisdom and understanding is tied to discernment. I like the aspect of getting more data....fabulous.

[@JayRedding12_12]

Fr. Mike is awesome. I wish I had his videos when I was younger and considering the priesthood.

[@nightfangs2910]

sometimes god only points, you have to pay attention to where he's pointing, can be hard to see the direction :) p.s. everybody smile and have a great 2019

[@FunctionalRevolution]

God bless you too Fr Mike.

[@sofiarose6039]

Wow this is good advice. Love the algebra analogy.

[@cristianoromor583]

God bless

[@BillyWidener]

Thanks, Father. That was very helpful! 🙏🏻

[@ewtam24]

Amen Father!!! I love this message. I loved math in grade school which definitely helped even more! Peace!!!

[@MsMangaholics]

dang that was useful, the number of times i've asked God for an answer and his answer was "WAIT you can't figure it out yet"

[@ajamesbertman]

FULL SEND FATHER MIKE🙏🏼

[@uninaii27]

More data... The Lord led me to hear THIS! thank you father Mike and God bless!

[@doratheexplorer9375]

Thank you, kind father Mike!

[@gerryvyti4256]

Exactly what I needed to hear!

[@claristhomas1018]

Father I really like your talks 👍👌👌could you please do one video on holy mass. Especially about How the bread and wine is converted intoChrist 's body and blood.

[@cultureshock72]

Thank you father. See you at SEEK!

[@web71819]

thanks father mike! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Victoria-rn9yi]

Thank you father Mike!!!!

[@rosemariegrover7392]

Thank you, I been married for three weeks now and I am currently sitting in my car thinking about our marriage relationship and how I can get to X. This video has been helpful in that I am reminded that I dont have to have the answer to how to be the perfect wife or how to make my husband into the perfect man but that we are still getting more data about each other and our relationship. Thank you and Good bless. KEEP DOING WHAT YOUR DOING CAUSE ITS AMAZING.

[@michaelplascencia4492]

How’s your Marriage now. Hope you’re helping him become a saint and he for you.

[@Vincenzo-wn1or]

Fr Ripperger also has some great videos on marriage, and how the devil tries to derail it

[@sallyebrahimi7460]

thank you for your videos.

[@kimberlyhermann401]

Thank you so much for teaching me about discernment my pastor of my church his wife told me to learn about discernment because I wanted to know my gifts what I should do next you are so helpful may God continue to bless you always❤

[@rebeccamort3968]

Gosh thank you Father Mike, so thought provoking and relatable as always. I am in the process of discerning and it has been helpful to see this video, I love the metaphor too. God bless, Rebecca, Wales

[@elcompalex31]

Wow Fr Thank you so much this video tells me that i should really start gathering data now for my future vocation. Thank you so much! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE 2019 God bless

[@leahgemanil697]

Thank you very much Fr. Mike for this!

[@littleeyes540]

Thank you Fr. Mike. I really like that, just get more data. It definitely takes the pressure off.

[@carlosbitencourt6511]

Oh My God

[@DP-ez1ow]

Thank you so much, God bless you.

[@michaelplascencia4492]

Amen 🙏🏼 thank you so much

[@giovanynegromonte6871]

Thanks from Brazil, father. God bless.

[@FreedomandBaconHomestead]

Videos on discernment are always welcome! Thank you and God bless!

[@WolfgangOSS]

Merry Christmas

[@KyzzKyss]

Knowledge. Wisdom. 👌👂👍

[@jolinajade8241]

Your videos really help. Thank you

[@gisole98]

Suuuuch good timing it's amazing! ♥

[@WarriorSheep]

This video was literally an answer to prayer. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

[@artiecullen2511]

Wisdom Gods Gift 🕊🙏

[@judyankuta8016]

Great advice for our young people.

[@sophiachang2649]

감사해요 Thank you^^

[@clairekurdelak2913]

Very nice. People do come to decisions different ways, not everyone has a moment of dawning revelation! Also I suggest that focusing, as one does in Ignatian discernment, on knowing Jesus so as to love and serve him will move a person in the right direction.

[@daisyviluck7932]

I love what you said about needing more data. It’s so tempting to want to fix or figure out a problem right away, but sometimes what we need is to slow down and listen.

[@marthahawkinson-michau9611]

Thank you for making this video Father Mike. I’m currently in a period of discernment right now, and I needed to hear this. I’m not Catholic, but I have felt like God is drawing me to the Catholic Church. Mostly though, what I need discernment about is whether or not I should try to become a veterinarian. I’m just not sure, yet I started feeling this tug on my heart about a month ago. The most logical thing I can think of, is to follow what you said about gathering more data. What that means to me, especially at my age(36), is that I should start by getting a job in a vet’s office. That’s the main way I can think of to get the kind of data that I need.

[@animelover390]

Thank you Father! Discernment seemed like it was this thing that can only be figured out by prayer (which is important); but this video seemed to clarify that there is some action and “data collection” on our part too, to also experience going to different places/talking to different people in different vocations.

[@AMDGAlex]

Yaaaaas I love it!!!

[@Alph1711]

Love these videos. They take major question and present in such a practical and accessible manner. The whole tone is so positive too, Thank you.