Wish You Had Spoken Up? 3 Things You Need Next Time

You’re with a group of friends and they start gossiping about another friend; what do you say? You’re with a co-worker and he or she takes the Lord’s name in name and blasphemes the Catholic Church; how do you respond?
Today Fr. Mike challenges us to speak up for the truth and explains how you and I might overcome these spiritual defects: lacking in wisdom, courage, or love.
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[@canisrah]

I was sitting at lunch with two work colleagues yesterday. Hadn't seen them for a while because I've been on long service leave. We arranged this lunch to catch up. I was asked, 'What have you been doing?' And in that moment I thought, 'I have been going to Mass every day, doing spiritual reading, going on a grand adventure to learn more about God, marveling at the joy that I have received from drawing nearer to Our Lady and spending time in front of the Blessed Sacrament - and it's been transformative and wonderful.' But I didn't say any of that... because I was afraid of how they would react. I lacked the courage. Later that night I went before the tabernacle, sat there in the dark, listening to the rain. I told Our Lord I was sorry I didn't say anything, that I was afraid. I asked Him to repair my omission, make good my weakness, and help me to be a better servant.

[@mperez2730]

@Robyn...thank you for telling us that. I'm like that too, always afraid someone will think Im crazy but I vow to be more courageous from now on.

[@az.shelly]

God Bless you 🙏. I lack courage at times too

[@rafaeloliva8328]

I bet I won’t happen to you brother because I just to be like that but now I say it out loud give it some time. Bless you brothers and sisters

[@TeresaAvila1]

Helpful reading this. How many do this, how many times I have. And not speaking makes me feel alienated from others.... 🤔

[@lisac.7423]

it takes a lot of practice.. just see each moment like the one you described as yet another opportunity to become more confident in saying what is in your ❤. you're evangelizing when you do it. just start small with one little thing you want to say and then keep practising each time you get a chance. St. Augustine wrote about our value/ concern about the esteem of others vs. what God thinks. he said that we put more importance in humans' opinions , than God's. persevere and be patient w yourself and pray to God for strength and courage. Jesus said, and as repeated by St JPII: "be not afraid!" 👼🙏

[@aeamissouri8518]

I just tell them I’m catholic, and I don’t tolerate it. I defend my church and my Christ and my Mary..I am courageous when it comes to this.

[@darlenebanks8874]

However, many of the people saying horrible things about the Church and Mary are people who once were Catholics, so we better know our Bible and the teachings of Christ. So, many, that were Catholics ...you have to wonder what happen. We must know our God. Sharing truth about the faith is the best way to help others stop the hate that they spread throughout the world. Shalom

[@mistyviolet3825]

YESSSSSSS YES 🙌🏻 YES 🙌🏻 Amy!🎉

[@leonardstefanyshyn40]

Pray for all the brave priests who had the courage to speak up and didn’t just make excuses to justify. Even if it meant being canceled. Obedience isn’t blind submission when observing heresy and evil.

[@gogogolyra1340]

Have to disagree. For a priest, you cant go wrong with obedience

[@leonardstefanyshyn40]

@@gogogolyra1340 like shutting down churches? Supporting abortion liberals? Supporting same sex marriages? You obviously didn’t think this through.

[@c.Ichthys]

@@gogogolyra1340 I have to disagree with you. When any superior tells a faithful true shepherd of the Church to do, say or act in contradiction to Jesus's teachings, then disobeying their superiors is always the right thing. Jesus first.

[@cheraybisaya]

Thank you Fr. Mike. I know in the past I've been quiet, allow people to mock my faith but now that I am learning a lot from all great priests online, I can't afford to hurt Jesus more. I am trying each day to stand up for my faith, be proud of it & show others the joy it brings! Thanks for everything you do, your sacrifices & all. You are saving a lot of souls, God Bless you more!

[@BigDaddyCatholic]

“Forgive me Lord for what I have done and what I have failed to do”. Beautiful insight and wisdom for when we fail to do what we should, and acknowledge it at our Holy Mass. Thank you Fr.Mike.

[@chomperthefirst533]

Thank you Kevin a prayer I hope and pray our family is praying now.

[@fruitbat7]

I used to get asked questions from my bosses in the office occasionally. When I answered them they would laugh at me and humiliate me. After praying about it I was shown how they were responding in one way but when they went away they really thought about it and quietly considered things in their own hearts. The Gospel is an offence to people and it takes the Holy Spirit to work out salvation on the hearts of mankind. So, no staying upset at responses that seem to be going nowhere.

[@canisrah]

Thank you Patricia.

[@praytherosary7086]

This makes so much sense. I have encountered the same responses from people.

[@joanhaselman444]

God bless your wisdom and your closeness to the Lord.

[@tweetag1392]

The craziest thing just happened. I saw a father mike schmitz video he just posted about speaking up and all. It talks about speaking up for others and the church and all and literally Monday this kid was talking crap about the Catholic Church and confession and I didn’t really know how to respond. Yesterday I looked into more researched and it’s crazy cuz that’s exactly what father mike was talking about in the video. ALSO, he talks about growing in love towards others and going before the Eucharist and asking God to help us love others more… and I did exactly this last Wednesday after school. I was talking with my mom about what I wanted to do in life and how I wanted to help the poor and she said I needed to grow in love. I went to adoration and asked for love in my heart for others. I don’t think I have ever prayed to love others more besides last week at adoration so it’s kinda crazy that he was talking about this like right as I’m experiencing it. Kinda crazy

[@Jack-uo7gz]

Please pray for an increase of wisdom, courage and love in my soul.

[@joanhaselman444]

mine, too

[@kbene23]

1. "i don't know what to say": i need more wisdom 2. "i know what to say, but i'm afraid": i need more courage 3. "i don't care enough": i need more love 4. (special circumstance) wise enough to know this is not the right time to ask for a heart that is strong enough to move, and sensitive enough to be moved

[@Bananappleboy]

This comment right here. True words, spoken by one with a "cat"(holic) profile picture, this summary.

[@cooldev161177]

Pray courage for me father, I have a meeting tomorrow where I am going to graciously hand over responsibilty of a youth club to a volunteer who believes they can do everything better than me (we all know the type) It's a big step for me to let go and the best I can say is that I am grateful that they are taking the task on, that I humbly support them through the various changeover procedures and I forgive any transgression before, during and after, Amen

[@tvintx9741]

Praying for you. That's a tough situation. I've been there. ❤️

[@cooldev161177]

@@tvintx9741 Thank you, it turned out beautifully, a great weight is off my shoulders and I have a new best friend! 👌 Now for bigger things 😆 🤣 😂

[@batglide5484]

I've started the RCIA process and everyone that I have told about it has made fun of me and ridiculed me. I get made fun of every single day.

[@adamtassone8281]

Luke 6: 22-23 - "What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way."

[@lenstrzelecki4942]

Be honored. It's the evil one trying to get to you. Remember, Jesus was ridiculed throughout His passion.

[@cozyhomemakingvibes]

Storing up treasures in heaven. It’s not easy. I did that last year. It’s soo worth it. ❤ pray the rosary. It really helps. Hallow has a beautiful scriptural rosary that has the scriptures read from each mystery. It helped me so so much.

[@batglide5484]

@@adamtassone8281 thank you. I look forward to reading more scripture.

[@batglide5484]

@@lenstrzelecki4942 I expected people to push back, but it's just a lot more than I thought. It's as much anti-catholic ridicule as it is anti-christian.

[@margokupelian344]

Sometimes I let go of a negative comment about God or about my faith in social circles or elsewhere, bc I get so emotional and so upset that I decide to stay silent in case I might ruin it instead of helping and I pray to Jesus for that person to have a change of heart. It’s really a very painful experience, it’s like being stabbed in the heart. 🙏❤️

[@dan-ch8kr]

i am the same way ❤️‍🩹

[@janicebarger887]

The mean insulting things that people have said to me have taken my breath away. When I finally get my breath back, I ask my blessed Mother to allow me to join my suffering with hers.

[@nicolamcostello]

I need all 3, more wisdom, more courage, more love.

[@chris.soonja5879]

Same for me. God bless you.

[@joanhaselman444]

So do I.

[@billoyler8041]

Drives me crazy (to the point where I feel like I’m being physically attacked) when I see or hear some kind of social media or any kind of verbal attack on our Lord or our church. Their have been times where I spoke up and things just seem to get worse. This is where I need wisdom with the main factor being what would God do or want me to do. I struggle and stress with this all the time especially in todays world.

[@Destassan]

It must be hard for you. You can tell yourself that Christ has already conquered the humiliation of the cross and the whole world. He doesn't need our protection. He needs us to protect our brothers and sisters from missing out on His love that He has for them.

[@Myjc33]

So insightful, so kind, so full of love, so timely for me, thank you Father Mike!

[@ian-pv5sv]

You are a blessing father. Thank you!

[@thediazfamily1586]

We need your prayers!! Please pray that the ballot measure Prop. 1 does not pass in California! It would allow late term abortions up until birth and make Californian's pay more for out of staters abortions. There are faithful Catholics and Christians in California, please pray for us! God bless you!

[@MarieLikeTheMiddleName]

I'm sure it passed in California 😔. I know it did in my town. So sad. I'm so sad to see how this country is turning out 😞. it makes me want to cry thinking about it. but God has a plan for us. hopefully we'll turn a good corner and things will get better. please send prayers for me for I have been discouraged in my faith lately. I will be praying for your good health and that all is well. God bless have a nice day ❤

[@tommybootlegger]

I could go into detail here, but after listening to this, I think my details are needed elsewhere. Thank you, Father Mike. This genuinely helped me after a very rough week, and a few slip ups. God bless.

[@MR-sr5gh]

I was thinking about Father Mike’s interview by Megyn Kelly earlier this week. I wouldn’t have known how to handle the issues that were brought up re: marriage/annulment/ confession, but Father Mike took a minute and gave the right balance of reminding her she is loved by God and that there is a way to make things right. Its hard to know where to start learning how to share/have that level of grace, wisdom, and charity. Well this video is a start😁

[@ruportwillis6787]

A lot of people including me need more of all three. Throw humility in there too.

[@joanhaselman444]

Yes, Lord God, please grant me humility and obedience to You, and to everyone whom I am called to obey.

[@cozyhomemakingvibes]

True. All good points. During this I kept thinking of the scarecrow, the cowardly lion, and the tin man.

[@amychase7302]

I am also afraid of what I would say. My son has a record and can’t get a job, I’m afraid ….more trust in Jesus

[@spetticino]

Coincidentally, the 3 virtues mentioned (wisdom, courage, and strength [of heart]) are the 3 values associated with the Triforce from Legend of Zelda series, which has had its share of Christian imagery through the years

[@AprilGracecatholic]

Nerd alert! JK, I'm right there with you, man! Super cool that you drew light to that reference. God is everywhere, isn't He?

[@ninjabutterfly3333]

Father Mike! The way you talk makes me think you’re gunning after sainthood! Thank you for being an example! ❤

[@gogogolyra1340]

I dont have a problem speaking up. My problem is restraining pen and tongue

[@katpellot5898]

Beautifully said Father Mike. Thank you.

[@annedwards5786]

Ugh, courage....I need more courage!!!! I need to pray to the Holy Spirit 🙏

[@joanhaselman444]

So do I.

[@joanhaselman444]

Lord, please increase my wisdom, my courage, and my love. I want to follow you in all things.

[@paulapasma8004]

This is so timely in helping me understand why I feel so alone in standing up against the horrendous proposal on the Michigan ballot that will allow anything in regards to medical decisions regarding sexuality, not just abortion. I really feel alone and am despairing. This helps me understand that I need to pray that others get more courage and love. The time is urgent and I share many points of wisdom, so I was despairing. I will pray that many pro life people speak up in courage and love!

[@joanhaselman444]

That is so hard, and every evil law hurts everyone. I will pray hard for Michigan, and for our whole country. My heart is just broken over everything that is going on in this world. That is why I really need to keep praying for wisdom, courage, and more love. So I won't withdraw, so I will consistently grow in God's Divine Will. Which is impossible for us, but not for God.

[@thesaint8077]

Was waiting in a queue to get in to a popular Chinese joint and was sat next to some Indians. We were very happily chatting about the Upanishads and Rig Veda. As I was talking, I said I love the Upanishads and appreciate reading them as a Christian. Someone else in the queue overheard this and said “who is Christian?” I raised my hand and said I am. He said “Confused!” I said “Not confused.” May not have been a perfect answer but I was clear and didn’t hVe to put anyone down.

[@joanhaselman444]

God Bless you....

[@roseg1333]

My problem is I say to much and end up angry at some people. most of the time I can pull back and reassess but sometimes they push my buttons so bad about the church and I do what they do and I should know better 💔 I have to apologize to God and strive to do better for him ✝️🕊

[@JoyCool1]

You are helping me everyday Father Mike!

[@jmkm333]

I always feel like I could use a little bit more of all! Praying for all of you. Thank you again Fr Mike, your talks are a blessing.

[@carolannnoble3981]

Such a great encouraging teaching! It’s about repentance, making a change. God doesn’t want us to wallow in our sin/shortcomings … He wants us to be restored, changed bit by bit into the person He created us to become. Thank you, Fr Mike, for showing us the differences between needing wisdom, courage, etc. So very helpful!

[@joanhaselman444]

I need this...

[@davidthecollegeguy]

Father Mike, you are an absolute blessing! Thank you for all you do and being such an encouragement to all that view your videos. I definitely see God's love and wisdom work through you!

[@EliB567a]

Gossip ruins lives and prevents the person from getting a fair go

[@rosacascella]

Thank you for always explaining everything so that we can easily understand and in turn, effectively put our faith into action! You are such a huge blessing to the world! ❤

[@MFV77]

The Litany of Humility would be very helpful to pray for courage and discernment.

[@mariannen8266]

I agree 💯! The second line, "From the desire to be loved, deliver me Jesus" has helped me speak up, set boundaries, and overcome my cowardice. Yes, I want everyone to be my friend, but this cannot come at the cost of watching and hearing them nail Jesus to the cross over and over again, while I watch in silence.

[@RocknRoRose]

I also think a lot of times people deal need all three. Need more wisdom more courage and more love.

[@Dr_Analise]

This is a usual for me considering my closest friends are non catholic or atheist. I do argue somedays and sometimes I realise there is no point as they just do it to make fun of my faith and joke with me. It would hurt me alot until I realised it just made me realise how much more faith n patience I have ... I thank the Lord for that and yelling at every Heckler is pointless

[@mariannen8266]

Oh Analise, I will pray for you and your friends! I have been in a similar situation: of having mostly atheist or non-Catholic friends and coworkers. It can be hard to get into arguments, and sometimes, the best course of action when things get heated might be to say, "Alright, we've talked a lot. Can we change the topic?" That being said, in those moments when you are defending Jesus and the Church, He is looking down upon you with Love. Perhaps we can imagine Jesus saying, "What does it matter what they say? Isn't what I think more important?" I used to feel bad when others seem to just joke around, but as I've gotten to know Jesus more through the Gospels, meditating on Christ Crucified, reading Gabrielle Bossis' conversations with God in "He and I" (which I would highly recommend), and sitting in front of the Real Presence of Jesus reposing in the Tabernacle of any Catholic church, I can no longer bear to stay silent when others say such mean and cruel things about my most dearest, sweetest friend -- it is like a knife is being driven into my chest or nails are being driven anew into His hands when they say such things. Take comfort in knowing even if they seem to be laughing at you, more likely than not they are secretly chewing over your thoughts. Ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who converts; we are just His instruments. If they reject what you say, they'll ultimately have to answer to Him. If they don't reject what you say, then you may be a key stepping stone in someone's journey toward God. Oh yes, I have stayed silent before, but when I read "[H]e who denies Me before men shall be denied before the angels of God" (Luke 12:9) -- and similarly Matthew 10:33 -- that really struck a chord with me. So I started speaking up and was astounded at how receptive other people are: many of them do not want to offend, even if they disagree.

[@Psyrus88]

I ran into this situation when I observed a liturgical abuse. I made prayers of reparation, and later on in the day went back to the church to confront my pastor about this. Though zealous, I lacked wisdom and God in His goodness made it such that I wasn't able to speak with our pastor but rather one of our deacons. On the surface, our interaction was fruitless and the deacon's response decidedly not pastoral. However, I was given an interior awareness that I acted justly, though I initially approached the matter with more anger in my heart than was warranted. Sometimes our actions do not seem to be worthwhile, but our Father in Heaven is pleased nonetheless when we do what we do for love of Him and of our neighbor.

[@matteovillella1482]

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

[@michelleferrao8888]

Thank you Fr Mike 🌟 My brothers and sisters, if one of you wander from the truth, you who live by the spirit should restore the person with patience and instruction. Father in Heaven, my strength, and my redeemer, grant me the gift of wisdom and courage that my words be guided by the Holy Spirit. Let my words encourage, bring healing, and give grace to those who hear. Amen🌻

[@biblialogia3544]

Thank you Father, we must encourage each other especially in times where righteous Godly people are being persecuted. Let Christ Jesus Words of His Protection and Love, to not be afraid make us stronger than any weakness, and continually ask God to renew our strength every day! LOVE YOU IN CHRIST JESUS 🙌🏼💕

[@melissadesouza8796]

Thank you for all your videos, all the way from kuala lumpur, Malaysia

[@carolhannah4635]

Thank you Fr Mike. I'm tucking all the boxes but lately it's the first one and I get so upset that I don't know what to say so thank you for opening this out for me and everyone. God bless.

[@hannahm9091]

This came at the most perfect time for me. Thank you!

[@PatMcAnn]

My husband constantly takes the Lord's name in vain ; before I started my journey to converting to Catholicism it just rolled off my back. Now, it definitely bothers me and I cringe and say a prayer every time but I don't ..,have the courage to directly address it? Or maybe think it will have any effect? I'm not sure- it's probably a combination but it's definitely a conundrum.

[@GoldenAeroCreations]

Pray for him and address it nicely. It might not result wonderfully-my parents have a similar issue (my mother started coming back to God, but my father has a similar habit). Gently remind him and be honest that it bothers you. Even if it takes a few years of reminders-it did help my father.

[@SBL19681]

I have the opposite problem, I can’t keep quiet!

[@CKGolfer]

That doesn't sound like a problem. Keep it up.

[@Nobody-j9e]

Jesus I love you. All I have is yours. Yours I am yours I want to be. Do with me whatever you will.

[@theclapaolini4322]

Yes you always make sense Father Mike. Great help.

[@nehyeshua]

Courage and protection for those who face the storm. Remember it gets lonely

[@janetandrews1306]

Makes sense - such wise words Father Mike!!

[@jacobrobinson5606]

I fined it hard when this happens to me at work I want to say something but I dont want to make thing difficult.

[@SKF358]

Very good insight to what's behind failure to do right. AND, this can be an even more difficult situation when you yourself are the one being offended. Speaking up for yourself can be challenged by all 4 of these reasons, but you must do it if you are going to be a healthy and strong person.

[@laflor6854]

I’ve struggled to find the right words to say to my unbelieving friends and sister. I’m worried about my sister living deep in the secular world. I spoke up to our mom about something she has been doing that can mess with her entire life and now she won’t speak to me. I just keep praying for those who I see suffering and those also commit offenses against me. I do need more wisdom and love and courage. So far it works when I’m beyond tired and I am homemaking, I ask the lord to help me and fill me with willingness and strength so I can do and say things with love for my family.

[@joanhaselman444]

Let us all pray for one another... God Bless you, and may the Holy Angels always surround you and keep you safe, help you to grow in courage, love, and wisdom, and I humbly pray the same for myself.

[@FollowerofChrist2002]

Praise be to You Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Holy is Your Name Lord God, please bring us back to You Lord God. May God bless y’all in the comment section, prayers out for y’all. We humbly pray and wish all of this in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior’s Holy Name, Amen.

[@mlp023]

I used to be quiet but I realized staying quiet only supports opposition to God. So instead I say something, with love and kindness.

[@lisac.7423]

yes, do it w patience and charity and ask God to help you

[@GardenMinistry.]

I was afraid to speak up because I felt like correcting people was a sign of pride on my part. Or what if I respond in error, which is a worse sin. I'm currently reading up on apologetics books by Scott Hahn and it's helping with the wisdom part a lot!

[@lulucarvalho2199]

Beautiful you.

[@dan-ch8kr]

the vast majority of my friends are not religious, and i have a lot of love for them. though it can be so hard to navigate when some of them go as far as to say such bad things against God/Christianity/religion as a whole. i get discouraged sometimes in my feelings towards these people who do so. but i know i just have to pray for them and represent to them the love and compassion that the Lord is rooted in

[@JacksonD0716]

Thanks for the video Father, this is an issue I wrestle with a lot!

[@monstersamshero]

Reminds me of “The Wizard of OZ” - Scarecrow needed a brain (WISDOM) Tin Man needed a heart (LOVE) Lion needed COURAGE

[@1penianne]

The circumstances I am dealing with a few people in my life who so entrenched in their own ideas or beliefs to say something (like the church's stance on abortion, sexual/identity preferences, Mary's role, ect.) Leads only to an argument or strife. Having gone there or witnessed in past. They know my stance & how I feel about it. Do I continue to go there again or just say something like, "We will have to agree we don't agree about this matter." Letting it go.

[@creedy8612]

Yep shake the dust from your feet and move on. You have spoken truth and it’s their choice to accept or reject it. If they don’t listen keep moving on

[@kennagel8088]

When someone bashes the church I ask if they are Catholic. If they say no then I tell them what difference does it make to them.

[@christie2352]

This is great Fr. Sometimes it's difficult to know the right time and words to use in certain situations. Sometimes even letting God speak on your behalf at the right time and His own way. He speaks where human words are not possible to express what is within. Thank you for this very important and real life topic.

[@idaliagonzalez7945]

So much to change, God bless

[@AJKPenguin]

I have to realize it's not me speaking, it's the Holy Ghost. He will give the words to be proclaimed, provided we learn and cooperate with Grace, as Father Mike said "At the right time." It's most helpful to get house in order by seeking Penance, practicing Prayer, and. . .for me, the harder things. . .Fasting & Almsgiving.

[@erikalagos9223]

Thank U Fr.Mike ... I Need more Willingness. I Need to Grow in Love. I Need more Courage. I Need more Wisdom. I Need more Discernment.

[@joanhaselman444]

Me, too, and humility.

[@michaelhaywood8262]

I need more courage to speak out when necessary. In January this year I attended a meeting in church. Two people started to make pro-LGBT comments. To my shame, I failed to stand up and speak out. I hope I get more courage if this situation recurs.

[@seriouslymusical]

Thank you for this today 🙂

[@17CW68fNv]

After we wait, after we discern, then we do need to act. I need to learn more about speaking up correctly, and acting. Thank you Fr Mike. God Bless. Claire.

[@toddharker3241]

Brilliant Father Mike. You just provided a theological explanation of the Wizard of Oz. The Scarecrow (a brain/wisdom), the Tin Man (a heart/love) and the Lion (courage).

[@elenag2965]

Wisdom is the most important, to me. I enjoy being around, when topics about the church come up; there’s no stopping me, now. Especially, when all the answers are in the Bible, it’s amazing. Thanks be to God!

[@SilverCottage]

I've lost a lot of friends since becoming Catholic because I DO speak up. I am often confronted by people who claim to be Catholic but who misrepresent the faith to others. The moment I say something, I have to say goodbye to the friend because they get mad. No matter how gently one does this, it never goes over well. THAT is why people don't correct others when they say ugly or incorrect things about Jesus or his Church. But we HAVE to speak up for Jesus, speak up for his Church and speak up for someone who is being gossipped about.

[@relentlessrhythm2774]

I saw this video right after a friend asked me an excellent question I didn't have the answer to. I told him I'd get back to him with an answer. This video came at a good time, God's timing is perfect!

[@janicebarger887]

Has anyone else ever been so insulted or spoken to in such a mean way that they decide to not say anything right away. Then I’m afraid I’m going to forget. I need to hold onto that anger to have the courage to say what needs to be said at a later time.

[@angelavanhorn2325]

Hi Fr. Mike. Keep up great job!👍🙏

[@gracegunlogson]

Yes all the time lately..

[@fatboy2k914]

Thanks Fr Mike for your Good

[@THEsweetlil16]

God bless!

[@ObsidianTeen]

God give me courage.

[@Bigchilezlife]

I’ve been praying to God for holy wisdom and that a woman that I have been praying for everyday “Bernadette “ that we may be in a holy relationship ❤ But to the this topic be quiet is not a option. We must speak the truth at all cost even if it cost us our lives

[@gayemurphy3271]

Wisdom , equally knowing or not knowing enough so lack of confidence maybe I need buckets of desernment can't spell 🙏❣️

[@egg8953]

I’m an Usher at my church and it was Easter Sunday mass and our church was packed so I was really busy organizing seating and packing people in pews like a pack of sardines. I was prioritizing pews that were closest to being filled(keep this in mind) and while I was filling pews around this bald fit man maybe in his late 20s wearing a leather jacket with pentagrams and a pentagram necklace got out of his pew before mass started and said to me “No one wants to sit with the wicked” now I was not only running around trying to seat people, trying to remember what parts of the church is least full but then he said that and I didn’t know what to do I was kind of confused/in shock the day after I really regretted not stopping him or talking to him I even cried while praying for him hoping that God will bring him back to the church so I could apologize next Sunday. I really hope that man is doing well

[@lynncw9202]

Yes, I am not very good at arguing/debating. My mind goes blank. I just can't think of what to say. So I'm a bit scared to give my opinion.

[@sebo3e]

i am very sorry to hear what you face but i belive that you can do it holy spirit can help you because his wisdom will make you more couargefull in Lord s strength to defend truth in the church Amen

[@shaunmiller3110]

Hey Father, thank you for the video, I have another option if you could touch on it. A lot of the time by God's grace I know what to say, I'm courageous enough to say it, I care enough, but I don't know how to charitably say it (unless that's part of what to say.) I used to be very angry and over-corrective of people, especially before my conversion. I started to silence myself and just take insults, but now I know I have to be a witness for Jesus. What should you pray for/do for those moments?

[@joannebywaters4154]

This is so so good, true & yes I learned something new!!!❤️🙏❤️

[@neverquit9599]

This is an excellent way to frame out how to recognize what we need to develop to stand up for the Church, for others, for kindness. Being afraid of the consequences is a big one because, depending on the subject or situation, we may create a significant divide with the people involved. But that is often the cost for defending what is good and true. I expressed a firm opinion about recreational drug use at a company dinner to the senior person who CLEARLY had a different view and a few weeks later was let go for what were vague reasons. I think there is another factor for when and where to speak and that is the Aquinas model which, paraphrasing - is the person in a state of mind to listen and hear, is there a chance to turn them from their position, is it being done out of love and charity. (Anyone out there correct this model if I have any part wrong). SO, with that in mind, my personal experience is that, unless it's really egregious, I virtually NEVER interject in a group of people who have been drinking and/or passions are unusually high because there won't be an intelligent exchange of ideas... it will most likely be a battle.

[@vincefairleigh6899]

We need to ask God to have the Holy Spirit to guide our response to negative statements… we have had a lot of very bad priests when it comes to residential schools in Canada… sadly most priests and nuns were not close to God, although I met one man who was an elder from the west coast in Canada stated that the residential school was a positive experience and he was a strong Catholic, sadly this is the only positive residential school story I have ever heard, most First Nations people who hear this think I’m telling stories, I once told a residential school survivor who was abused sadly that she shouldn’t allow the hypocrites keep her away from eternal salvation… Jesus is not happy with their abuse…

[@AprilGracecatholic]

Honestly, I'm so bad at speaking up now. I just watch the opportunities wander by from inside my head. As a child, I had no problem telling people when I felt hurt or that something was wrong, but too many people said, "You can't tell me what to do" and I lost the confidence. Now I only speak up when I'm really angry and that's a rarity

[@RocknRoRose]

More people tell me something, rather than I have ever seen anything unusual. Older people and even younger people have asked me about the Church and I tell them to speak to their parish priest, I try to speak up for the Lord, but I know the priest would know more than me because of their schooling.

[@angelaosborn6722]

So true Fr. Mike! 🙏🙏

[@brandonhorvat3665]

I wish I had said more when they closed the churches.

[@edwarddeniken1802]

God bless you father everytime I see your videos it makes my whole day much love sent your way be blessed and keep up.the inspiring videos

[@kentd4762]

Thank you, Fr. Mike. I heard some advice not too long ago about saying things to others. It's a bit more general in nature, but I found it helpful. Ask these things in order and then decide whether to say anything or not: 1. Does it need to be said? 2. Does it need to be said by me? 3. Does it need to be said by me right now?

[@campy1526]

I was baptized as a Catholic and I am struggling with this message. As a major institution, the Catholic Church is responsible for the most prolific cover-up of sexual abuse, rape, and child maltreatment in the history of the modern world. This ongoing constellation of sins has yet to be fully accounted for nor have contrition and reconciliation been publicly pursued by the church. It is so very hard to take the church seriously knowing the legacy of cowardice they have continued to harbor. As a leader in the church, I am curious how you perceive the dignity of the church, and further, its tenability as a moral authority as it aligns with this message? Thank you.

[@rcbmmines4579]

These kinds of situations eventually got me into apologetics and stuff. Doesn’t happen a lot IRL now ever since the pandemic but I’ve been making up for it online, like in YT comments and stuff. Maybe too much and too harshly honestly, and it’s true that sometimes speaking up isn’t worth it after all in say, a random KZbin thread that leads to full blown debate. A lot to reflect on.

[@Arcenia13]

So on point! Thanks Padre Mike!!

[@fumievada2341]

Yes that truly wisdom !

[@debaqui5236]

i am thankful for this talk because there have been more than a couple occasions where my walking buddies, a group of retired nurses like me, have made disparaging comments about the Catholic Church. I did speak up at the time and mistakenly believed that they understood and accepted my words. Months later, when we were together again for a hike, one of the women said "I could never be friends with a Catholic".........I said NOTHING! What could I say? I thought we were friends. I'm still walking with this group, but feel now that there is a distance. I do pray that if I am supposed to say something that God will give me the right words at the right time. I just don't know what to say to those who hate the church, don't believe in God, and are angry in their words. This talk was perfect for the situations I just described. Thanks Father Mike. Much needed guidance. God bless you.

[@jocrossan6469]

Thank you for your words of wisdom