What's the Purpose of Lent?

What’s the real connection between the Israelites’ forty years in the desert and the forty days of Lent? Sure, they both involve the number forty-which often represents a time of test and trial in the Bible-but what’s the more important connection? The Israelites’ time in the desert and our forty-day Lenten fast represent God’s invitation for us to trust him completely.
Fr. Mike explains, the Israelites did not believe the Lord could bring them into the Promised Land because it was inhabited by a people much more powerful and larger than Israel-they didn’t trust him even after he delivered them from slavery to the largest civilization on the planet, Egypt. We can be the same way. We think God can’t give us the strength to overcome this or that sin or habit. But Lent is a time for us to trust God completely so we can see that he is all we need.
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[@jilliansafa9791]

Who else is here Lent 2024? 🙏🏼✝️

[@sihlesihle6838]

Me

[@karenaylward1554]

I am ❤

[@NotBlandBlandina]

Me 😂

[@mommy4jsa468]

Me

[@bryceheath222]

LET’S DO THIS THING! FOR THE GLORY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST!

[@jeanneamato8278]

I’m tired of fighting I’m ready to just give myself over to God.

[@carolynx9126]

Lord Jesus i abandon myself to You ❤ Jesus You take over ...... i have found this prayer very powerful 😁

[@paulkay6017]

That's awesome! The bible says that if you believe in your heart confess with your mouth, you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10) Also read John 3:16. God will reveal Himself to you if you seek him with all your heart. Find a bible preaching church near you to get involved in, that's the only way you'll grow. Be careful there a lot of churches out there preaching the Prosperity Gospel ( Joel Osteen and the others like him). Being a Christian isn't an easy life, it easy to become a Christian but living like Jesus isn't. However you can take comfort in knowing that God loves you and He`s with you. Also Catholicism is not Christianity, it's a religion based on works. The work was done by Jesus when He died on the cross for our sins. It's our sins that keep us from a Holy God. There is nothing we can do to earn God's favor. Salvation is a gift from God, which means we didn't do anything to earn it.

[@funfactaob]

Jeanne 😊😊♥️♥️ welcome home!!! Praise God our Lord!

[@funfactaob]

@@paulkay6017 Paul what a terrible moment for you to push your agenda. I know many Protestants who would take this opportunity to simply congratulate Jeanne. Is this the time to protest Catholicism? Or do you simply welcome Jeanne to accepting God our Lord?

[@paulkay6017]

@@funfactaob The agenda is, that all come to repentance. The apostle Paul (I'm not him nor am I comparing myself to him) told Timothy to study to show himself approved, a workman rightly dividing the word of God. It's an awesome thing that she is at this point in her life, and this is the time that Satan will attack her the hardest. Review the parable Jesus tells of the sower and the seed. If as a Christian we care for people and their their eternal security, they have to know the truth and not be deceived.

[@AlieUnscriptedTV]

This is so good. I grew up Baptist, and now I am non-denominational. I love Jesus and feel led to participate in Lent.

[@nicop5353]

Hey I’m an atheist and today I was walking around campus wondering why there were black splotches on everyone’s forehead haha now I know! Thanks for teaching me father!

[@simsimt.8171]

Nico P lol 😄 may the Lord lighten your way 🙏

[@seattlesix]

Nico P - God is so watching you...keep going!

[@jocelynmelchorb2553]

Atheist are prideful human beings. They refused to believe that there ONE up there in HEAVEN WHO IS ABOVE THEM. THEY ONLY BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES. POOR SOULS

[@tomandrews1429]

@@jocelynmelchorb2553 Why should atheists believe there is one up there in heaven?

[@nenabunena]

@@tomandrews1429 pls look into Thomas Aquinas and the rationality in the belief in God

[@elcompalex31]

I’m going to give these full 40 days to God 🙏🏻✝️💜. Happy Ash Wednesday brothers and sisters!!

[@walterromanoff2953]

What does that mean how do you give 40 days to God I thought you should give your life to Jesus with praise and worship every day read the bible and spread the good news that Jesus died for our sins . What are you going to do for 40days thats different Maybe a fast or pilgrimage?

[@elcompalex31]

Yes a fast I’m giving up things that distracted me from God and things I put above him that I shouldn’t have

[@maximuslittleton148]

I like how you talk about lint

[@isrberlinerin4063]

What about the days after and the rest of the year ?

[@tanwikalson]

same to you . 3 years after

[@CheekyKleurling]

This is my first Lent, please pray for me 🙏😇💓✝️🔥🕊️🇻🇦

[@wairimumukuria959]

I turn 40 years old later this year. This message has made me cry. Thank you Father Mike. I am praying you as well.

[@shaungriffin8109]

Wairimu Mukuria And Jesus said call no man your father for you have only one father which is in heaven. So please people don’t call this man father.

[@nakukohee1858]

@@shaungriffin8109 So I can't call my father father? God appointed peter to lead, be the sheppard and lead the lamb. Like a father figure.

[@affinityxs]

@@shaungriffin8109 do you not know that father also means priest? stop being super critical of everybody!

[@StanleyHuang-e3b]

I have started Lent 2024 this year, i am unsteady, imperfect, but was submitted to it. I need more grace to go through this season

[@thyikmnnnn]

I'm an Anglican christian from UK and your videos are so helpful in understanding my faith . 👍🏼 Thank you, God bless

[@littlebear7440]

We are waiting for you :) I wish one day you can come to our Catholic faith... I wish one day we become One family, his people, as Our Lord wanted us in unity..

[@camirose3802]

I'm also Anglican! God bless

[@phiafacetious]

I'm Anglican too!!

[@radiogoodguy6287]

I'm Roman Catholic and have attended many services and parishes of the Episcopal Church (Anglican) here in the states. And personally know two Episcopalian priests. I've found that Episcopalians are just as serious about Lent as us Catholics. Together we walk the same 40 days of holiness.

[@MJT409]

Alex Brown Me too. Their great.

[@valeriegarcia8794]

Amen!!!! Lets do it! Fight and trust. God is good!!!

[@davidemmanuellim8733]

Another great video. Father Mike please pray for me as i am currently undergoing chemo. God bless.

[@sammyc8217]

David Emmanuel Lim May the healing power of the Holy Spirit heal you, the peace of Christ fill you, and the love of God encourage you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 God Bless! 😇

[@carolynx9126]

God bless you i will keep you in my prayers may Our Lord Jesus Christ heal you and restore you to full health ❤

[@drcardinalli]

Praying for you too! 💘

[@shenanigans8799]

Prayer for God to restore your health and ease your pains . I am a cancer survivor, fight with all you have, stay positive and know you are loved.

[@jimg.708]

St Peregrine Laziosi - pray for us. Pray for David and all who are currently battling cancer- and other life threatening illnesses. Amen.

[@treluvstrees999]

Praying for you Pastor Mike and God bless you all. Lord, I want to be wholly yours

[@katarinaculjak8379]

Who else is fasting from all social medias except for youtube?

[@isaiahsisneros6440]

I am

[@Православл]

Katarina Čuljak if i did then I wouldn’t be able too see what my church does on Facebook lol. I’m going vegan because I’m orthodox.

[@thyikmnnnn]

Yep

[@LacrimarvmValle]

I'm kinda fasting from KZbin too, I'll be on KZbin only for 1h at most in the morning and 1h at night, during the day I'll try not to open the app. Praying for you, your fasting and your intentions!! Please pray for me

[@mainmonk]

I am as well. But only Christian content on youtube :)

[@composmentis3405]

As a Catholic I am so grateful to Fr. Schmitz for his doctrinal teaching. A shepherd of souls in the purest sense of the term!

[@georgeallen369]

I fasted for the first time yesterday... Never felt more humbled than ever. 🤗

[@ashfunmusiclife]

Thank you for the reminder that we have already won the victory if we’d only let go and let the Heavenly Father lead us.

[@mapinoita279]

God bless you Fr. Mike!

[@Scotchism]

I was going to give up KZbin for Lent but cowered out of it this morning (Ash Wednesday). After watching this video, I am going to delete the app off my phone and fast from my phone addiction for the next 40 days. Thank you Fr. Mike for this amazing video and the motivation I needed this Lent. See you Easter Sunday!

[@affinityxs]

how did it go?

[@Birdbike719]

Saving this clip for those days when I need a reminder and a pep talk. Persevere and quit relying on self sufficiency to carry me. I have proven that it doesn't work time and time again. I lean on myself to carry me through life and then question God when I make a mess of things. Thank you for a great reminder on this 1st day of Lent. Amen

[@browngoldthread1239]

Confession: I'm fasting from THINGS: Streaming, Listening to Music while driving, binge watching... 1st - I'm hearing God more! Yay 2nd- I am hearing my family and friends and they're All terrible! Negative, nay sayers, distracted,...after Lent, I gotta work on ELEVATING everyone in my circle!❤❤❤

[@plumayray2656]

Im orthodox christian and our fasting starts from FORGIVEN SUNDAY but man what an incredible, encouraging message from you guys! Thats great! lets fast and praise the Jesus Christ!!!!!!

[@laurensung3196]

Yes father, Let's make choices at crossroads! 💓 Lord have MERCY on us. Amen. Indonesia ready! 🙆

[@shaungriffin8109]

Lauren Sung And Jesus said call no man your father for you have only one father which is in heaven. So please people don’t call this man father.

[@laurensung3196]

@@shaungriffin8109 Lord have mercy on us. Amen.

[@danielh2515]

I'm a Catholic from England,United Kingdom (UK) this channel has helped me understand my faith even more.

[@RDTG3]

@Jeremy D yeah

[@michaelbelfast1]

Thanks Father Mike - I know what I need to do this Lent and whatever it takes I will fight through it with the help of the Lord Jesus Christ, my saviour!

[@nickengineroom]

Thanks Father Mike from Australia. You help many with strength. 🙏

[@littlebear7440]

:) the best fight this lent will be with prayers and action. As Fr. Mike said, fight and trust. Also remember the 3 core things in Lent: fasting, praying and almsgiving. God bless, Greetings from South America.

[@2021-j2d]

Fight & Trust, fight & trust, fight & trust...I’m going to make this my mantra. TY

[@danielanthony256]

Padre pio has a great one. "Pray hope and don't worry". God bless you

[@2021-j2d]

daniel martinez thank you. I love that.

[@ThatCatholicNurse]

Ok Fr. We can do this people...!!! God Is with us. Let's fight and trust. The power is within through Christ Jesus! Hallelujah

[@silverwolf6516]

Thank You! God bless you! Amen!

[@radiogoodguy6287]

Thanks Fr. Mike! I never looked at Lent as a period of training before. It adds another reason to concentrate on observing and keeping a holy Lent. It's time to clear the personal clutter and aim for greater holiness! Enjoy your thoughts! Always great reflections Mike!

[@gingerkessler618]

Thank you for this message, it really spoke to me and my husband, we both struggled with addiction to drugs, although our Lord and savior Jesus Christ has delivered us from our addiction we have been going through the wilderness. Trust and Faith!!!! The Lord is fighting for us always, thank God for his love for me, even though I don't deserve it!

[@danielsilverman23]

Hallelujah! God bless you, Father Mike!

[@CatholicTruthOfficial]

Great talk, Father Mike! "We can enter the promised land early and soon if we just lean to fight and depend on our Father in everything."

[@medking8624]

Father aye am praying for you, as a broken homeless Catholic.

[@patrickblondin4120]

I will pray for you, Father Mike.

[@caroldonaldson5936]

I love a bit of context - makes Lent so much more significant when you put it like that - bless you Father Mike!🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✝️

[@ramonpalacios407]

Thanks for the reminder, Fr. Mike.

[@matthiasdufour]

I thought for a short moment that Ascension Presents was fasting on sound.

[@susanangel1824]

Ha ha.

[@rosemariekury9186]

I'm only restricting You Tube to religious discussions like this and limiting just religious sites on SM. Gave up FB and Twitter two Lents ago and don't even miss them.

[@richtate9327]

Thank you Father

[@icekool007]

Amen. Happy Ash Wednesday and a happy Lent to my fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Let's do this!

[@paulynerinto1197]

I needed this. thank you...suddenly I can see the path again and my hope is restored.

[@dougladd5500]

I thank you and pray for you Father Mike!

[@gerald4133]

Thanks Father Mike.

[@marynguyen4380]

Wow this was really good. He is a warrior and I can be victorious in this

[@penniesfromheaven9724]

Thank you for your short videos Father Mike. You are a huge blessing to so many people of ALL denominations and all faiths...and probably to people with no faith also!

[@maritzachristina]

Father Mike is amazing ♥️

[@ethiopienqueen]

Père Mike tu es un prêtre fantastique, veillez prier pour le peuple du Québec car ils sont entrain de perdre la foi😔 Que ce carême soit une source de miséricorde pour ces âme et la conversion du coeur pour ce peuple. Father Mike et mes frères et soeurs, bon carême et Union de Prière🙏🏽

[@michaelmcevoy5282]

Great video Thank you. MAY GOD BLESS AND HELP US ALL THIS LENT . 🕇🌹🕇🌼🕇

[@RanMouri82]

Watching this a year later to prepare for Lent in 2020. It's encouraging to remember that God didn't give up on the Israelites, so he won't give up on me.

[@JoseMoreno-tl1rh]

You are awesome Father Mike God be with your spirit always

[@conniemcfeely4115]

I will definitely pray for you this lenten season and thank you for praying for me 🙏🙏🙏

[@kennybegeske8824]

Breaking The Rules Of Lent

[@jayneebrebeyin6066]

Thank you Fr. Mike, God Bless

[@kathleenirish]

Thank you!! Let's fight let's trust

[@jeffmckeough4012]

I definitely will pray for you father please pray for me this lent

[@misfitking_0143]

kNOw Jesus 🔥 kNOw Victory ✌ Amen and Amen 🙏 Glory to God Almighty ✝️

[@nessa747sdc]

Praying for you Father Mike! God be with you. Thank you for these videos. They’ve changed my walk.

[@anailisoscariz6857]

Wow so very True for God's Love is Pure True and Just!

[@redvelvetsprinkles]

“The God who set them free was going to lead them to victory” we must be willing to trust and fight alongside Him! God is our warrior!! 👏👏

[@memebush4502]

I pray for you too, Father Mike. Thank you.

[@firstinlastout]

In the name of Jesus Christ, my KING of Glory, people of the world, come out of her! Do not be deceived by the devil.

[@judygossett6871]

Thank you so much for your videos on Lent. I come from a Baptist background and am in a Gospel teaching, Bible preaching church now. I really had no real understanding of the purpose of Lent until I found your channel. I will keep watching you now to continue learning more about God and my precious Savior. ❤

[@cmariedooley]

"they're big and we are small" this has made me think about the current battle between Ukraine and Russia. We need to remain in faith, trust, and hope for God. He won't let the storm touch our boat. "God is our warrior. He will lead us to victory" He will lead us into peace and love. I know God is with all of us. I know I need to trust. "He will fight with us and He will fight for us" He died on the cross for us! there is no greater love than His.

[@nohildsouza5964]

Thank you father 🔥 Love from England

[@jljuliano1]

First day of fasting, temptation, long hard day of physical work, ate my dinner but…just something to pick me up… way to go God and Fr Mike. Better than a protein bar…timely treat of truth. Breakfast is only 12 hours away. ✝️

[@KeyboardSourceError]

Hello from Lent in 2022!

[@Ramb0ba]

I’m not a religious person but this video has me sobbing right now. A little while ago I was betrayed and I lost my ability to trust. I have nothing and nothing to lose. So I’ll put my trust in God and I’m willing to fight with all my weakness and brokenness and I hope he’ll be there for me.

[@tryingnottobeasmartass757]

I'm sorry you were betrayed.

[@Ramb0ba]

@@tryingnottobeasmartass757 ♥️

[@irisponcedeleon2239]

Hello Father: Just wanted to let you know: your message inspired me. I am fasting for lent this year; I'm hoping to push through at least 20 days. I've thrown myself into prayer per our Heavenly Mothers' request 🙏👼 w/ reciting the Rosary daily and singing the Our Father in Aramaic: How beautiful! I even found a old traditional church. I feel so blessed and prepared this year; I love our sweet Jesus & Mother Mary 😇 I seek them for continued strength & guidance. God Bless 🙏👼😇 and let's stick to our promise to our Heavenly Father, in Jesus name, Amen 😘

[@kelco64]

Fr. Mike- All I can say is WOW! That really hit home! I think I have had a deeper understanding of what Lent is about this year than any year previously. I joined the church almost 26 yrs ago. Your videos are so thought provoking. Thank you, and God Bless!

[@attheseen]

Thank you Father Mike. I always love your messages.

[@georgevirginia3785]

Let's do this!

[@escabrosa1]

Amen brother! ...er Father.

[@helenlopes2262]

Thank you Fr. Mike, you put it so clearly, please pray for me and my family as I will be praying for you.

[@johnpauljeevan5769]

Amen. Thanks Fr.

[@caitlynobrien994]

Oh gosh. I didn't realize how much I needed this video. I've been shutting myself down from everone, even God, and normally God is the one I run to. I've been hiding because I don't feel strong enough to fight, but I forget that he is fighting for me! Thank you for this video, I really needed to hear this!

[@paul-vk8eb]

Thank you thank you Fr. Mike! Praying for you- please pray for me too. God bless!

[@henryfclarkakahankmcnamee7249]

Thank you Fr. Mike, this video beautifully encapsulates everything I've been thinking & feeling lately. Pray, & prepare to fight. For in these turbulent & uncertain times, a great spiritual battle awaits us.

[@joshuakampamba9061]

Amen Amen 🙏🇿🇲 thank you

[@jnyftb]

Just what I needed to hear. Thank you

[@solitary1110]

Thanks for this, Father Mike. Have a blessed Lent.

[@essequamvideri]

told someone earlier that Lent is like hitting the gym with well-defined goals. set your aim, plan your method, and stay the course. If you have the right mindset, tactics, and tools, you WILL see results. God knows me. Jesus loves me. The Holy Spirit can do great work in me. Amen.

[@danielanthony256]

Great analogy.

[@restfulplace3273]

Actually good. Thanks

[@christineokutu5714]

Thanks

[@melaniegodinho3204]

Amazing Fr. Mike. Just what i needed today.. Praying for you too

[@jamiewilliams8107]

Lent is a good time for decluttering people in your life.

[@vickim4399]

Wow! Thank you Father Mike! This message was spot on for me. God knows exactly what we need. Amen.

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Thank u fr. God bless u! May his grace be on you always

[@mikesfilter]

Awesome beginning of lent pep talk. I attended my first (1st) Steubenville on the Bayou conference this year as a chaperone & was privileged to hear you speak. To you and the rest of the crew @ Ascension Presents, please keep up the wonderful work.

[@IrishKamikazeh]

Please pray for me this Lent

[@evanelias9937]

I love this guy

[@shraddhashrestha795]

SHALOM!❤AMEN!❤

[@simsimt.8171]

I am fasting from social media but not this page 🤗 To all, God bless your lent 🙏🙏🙏

[@erickfernandus2345]

Father, please pray for me also for this lent. God bless you and your services. And I pray that all who watch this video can go from slavery to victory in Jesus name. Amen.

[@ryanjacinto1867]

This really hit home for me this Lent in 2020

[@NicOle-hu2km]

Praying for you this lent. so encouraged by this video... to be trained, to fight. To give everything to the Lord jesus .. he is worthy! Bless you so much!

[@rauldias4892]

So happy to hear father Mike's amazing sayings!! God bless you all!

[@micheleinacharles-hazellem1968]

Thank you

[@heart-2-heart-talks-with-tj]

Beautiful advice. Thx Fr Mike. Keeping u n prayer, god bless. May all subscribers grow and become stronger in ur faith during this 40 day journey and receive a victorious breakthrough! 😇🙏🏽💙💪🏽🕯🎚😇

[@thefidleronthecouch]

This just helped me more than you’ll ever know

[@michaelhowley4883]

Great Message Father, Thank you.

[@wellthatsnotenough]

Love this message