You Can't Take the Cross Out of Your Life

Sometimes when we look at the lives of the Saints we can be tempted to think that God singled them out to suffer more than most. But maybe that suffering is actually a gift..
Today Fr. Mike shares with us how we must orient our lives towards the cross and keep Christ's passion and death always before us so that when we encounter suffering we will have God's strength to sustain us.
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[@17CW68fNv]

Also, as we turn toward the Lord, Satan attacks us more. We have to pray more and work more to stay close to the Lord. God Bless. Claire.

[@lydiabond5393]

Oh wow. Yes, that is an excellent and wise observation. A good reminder to stay close to our guardian angel and St. Michael.

[@bevvannatta2509]

Y7

[@marktapia8327]

Suffering and pain is inevitable. Plain and simple. It’s how we react and respond to them that can allow us to recognize God’s grace.

[@matthewbateman6487]

Yes. There is suffering -- period. But Christianity offers that suffering doesn't have to be meaningless. +Peace

[@villiamkarl-gustavlundberg5422]

The fireman compares favorably and the convited felon compares poorly. And for the system to work; we need to praise the fireman and condemn the felon. In the grand scheme of things we all compare unfavorably with christ. We're all in the same boat. We're aall indebted to christ. Pray for the rapists and the mentally ill and the ones that atheists compare themselves to openly at the forums. Do the opposite, in private prayer.

[@pjsmith4369]

@@Roman-Labrador I believe you must be suffering very greatly. And to feel you are not important to God and that he is not communicating with you is also a terrible suffering. Is there any one in your life who has offered you any comfort at all?

[@learnbibleversethroughpict6027]

@@matthewbateman6487 👍🏼

[@VUTRAN-kw5op]

during my darkest 14 months which I lost my aunt, my dad, my daughter and my grandpa, I can clearly understand the painting "the footprint on the sand". Thank you God for always be there with me.

[@True1-10]

I'm praying for you and your family 💗🙏 My heart goes out to you & your family 💗 Thank you for sharing 🥰 God Bless you & all who lose loved ones 🕊

[@learnbibleversethroughpict6027]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@aenigmatica8]

Such a beautiful poem. ❤

[@constantinnedelea244]

Sfânta Cruce a Domnului Hristos e puterea noastră și viața noastră..

[@noznip2008]

My Grandmother and my mother always say “offer your physical pains, and your worries.” And I never understood that until this year. It makes me scared and now I ask God for strength

[@barbarabain1477]

Recognize and pray to your Guardian Angel. 🌷

[@rodrickstephen8653]

I rejoice in my suffering for ✝️Your sake🛐. I will take up my cross and follow you everyday. . . My Father in heaven you are worth it all. . .

[@MH-tl7gx]

Some Saints were truly inspired and full of enlightenment by the GRACE OF GOD and we can unite our suffering to that of Jesus's. Sometimes after a period of suffering we can thank God for it by learning so much from it - and growing closer to GOD - thank GOD for caring enough to discipline us .

[@MH-tl7gx]

Life is so short - if we are going to do something with our lives- let's do something WONDERFUL- and there is nothing more WONDERFUL than living our lives for GOD, our CREATOR...... BELIEVE ME IT WILL BE WORTH IT

[@michaelnims5218]

Prior to being confirmed as a Catholic, I used to say “I’ve experienced more trauma in five years than most have in 50” because of a childhood & adulthood being marked by various forms of abuse, war, poverty, exposure to satanic rituals and human sacrifices, death, destruction, and so on. It wasn’t until after my confirmation that I became thankful for all these experiences as they’ve given me the ability to empathize with most anyone in need of a simple hug, a meal, or to be exposed to the great news of a God who loves them. It’s still hard to overcome many days, but God has blessed me and made sure the rest of my days can be wholly focused on serving Him. I am simply so grateful for the opportunity to do just that now… to serve God.

[@emilycompost]

recently I just started having ringing in one of my ears completely out of the blue. I nearly had a panic attack because of the fact that it still has not gone away. I completely believe this is part of my journey in becoming closer to Christ. I have prayed to Him before, surrendering everything to Him; my mind, body, soul, etc. This is just Him listening to my prayers. It hasn’t been easy. I have been anxious, worrying that the ringing will only get worse. It is so hard to put your trust in God, when you just want the suffering to stop. But, it IS worth it. Fr. Mike, I seriously thank you for being such a good priest and for setting a good example of how Jesus was like. 🙏🏻

[@christinebravomom5711]

That story about St. Teresa has lifted me up through many a difficult time. LOL

[@nina-x6f]

Your Cross (by St Francis de Sales) The everlasting God has in His wisdom foreseen from eternity the cross that He now presents to you as a gift from His inmost heart. This cross He now sends you He has considered with His all-knowing eyes, understood with His divine mind, tested with His wise justice, warmed with loving arms and weighed with His own hands to see that it be not one inch too large and not one ounce too heavy for you. He has blessed it with His holy Name, anointed it with His consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and then sent it to you from heaven, a special greeting from God to you, an alms of the all-merciful love of God.

[@dayanatobar]

Father MIKE! I was literally about to turn from your homily podcast to one of your videos, when a notification of this new video popped up ❤!! God bless you! And no worries about not hitting the record button! God is always working in you and maybe even you added something extra in this video that wasn’t in the original video/audio recording. Peace be with you, your parish, students, mom, dad, brothers, sisters and all family 😊 Thank you and Jesus for inspiring me to be One with God ♥️✝️💟🛐

[@tiff1622]

This came literally an hour or so after contemplating this and I take it as confirmation. He is very very worth it, especially after all he did for me. Thank you ❤️‍🔥🙏🏻

[@janetandrews1306]

Amen Father Mike!

[@sacredheart414]

Thank you, Fr. Mike, for reminding us of the redemptive element of our suffering, if we receive it willingly. All you Saints and Angels, pray that we will accept all things with Mary's response: May it be unto me according to your will. God help us, truly, to be saints. ❤

[@VincentiusErvinSantoso]

3:31 One confessor said "When you have more light (Light of Christ), you see more dirt (sin)."

[@BlueW2170]

Accepting God’s will without complaint means taking up the cross with hope of a greater good. God has a plan and knows what He is about.

[@theresemeggetto1220]

Also when you look at the cross, you often realise whatever we are going through is nothing compared to what Jesus suffered for us. We deserve it and He didn’t deserve it. Thank you for our crosses Jesus - love you so much!!! Your will Lord not mine in everything. ❤😊🙏🏻

[@mbalingcamu1550]

This video has just blown me away because I was on the book of revelation chapter 2 and the 2nd chrch that suffered so much and how the killed the Pastor there and how Jesus stated how the suffering were going to come in seasons and 10 seasons from AD 68 to AD 350 I just love the word of God analysed this way Let continue to pray the saints currently suffering especially in the East

[@billoberg3272]

"As the World Spins, the Cross Stands Firm."---St Bruno, Priest

[@kwkw5711]

The trick is to redeem your suffering. If you are going to suffer make it count for something.

[@sontan5501]

Amen!fr. Mike.

[@jesusworksbro4Life]

Jesus loves you

[@williamohara2638]

Thank you Father Mike You have been such a blessing to myself and all those in my RCIA class and last year with Catechist kids. Thank you Lord for placing Fr. Mike into our lives 🙏🏻

[@rindasrelics5177]

The dirty windshield being more visible by the sunlight is a great analogy.

[@c.z.8159]

I just finished reading the diary of Saint Faustina (a must read for those that strive for Sainthood),. Your video topic spoke straight to my heart. Doing God's will is not easy but He will give us His Grace as we need it, all for our own good and the good of souls that need it the most. Thank you for addressing this very important topic. ❤️

[@jeanfullerton5382]

Well Fr your suffering of having to repeat what you were sharing was very worthwhile always great to hear from you and to learn more 🙏🙂

[@michelleferrao8888]

Thank you Fr Mike 🌟 In the cross is Salvation In the cross is Life In the cross is protection against evil In the cross is infusion of Heavenly sweetness In the cross is Strength of mind In the cross is Joy of spirit In the cross is excellence of Virtue In the cross is perfection of Holiness In the cross is hope of Eternal Life ✝️

[@ThanksHermione]

Sometimes when people talk about converting, they make it sound like their lives are nearly perfect now. Sure, our lives are better with Christ and in His Church, but the transition isn't quick and easy. It’s worth it though. We won't be free of all difficulties till we hopefully get to Heaven.

[@184cWayne]

Blessings to you for the simplicity, beauty and grace of this message. It is so simple in its lucidity. 🙏🛐✝️🙏

[@wms72]

At the same time that we carry our cross/Christ's Cross, we also feel that one day in the courts of the Lord is better than a thousand years in the tents of the wicked.

[@danielkahoe510]

I've been thinking a cross that's fairly unique to our society is the temptation of comfort and abundance. Our average citizen is far richer then the rich men Jesus spoke of. So it's incredibly tempting to think what do we need God for, we have built up ourselves. Even in a dismissive and lazy way that is the effect. But we must say no to the world, even in these days when the whole world itself is tangibly available to us. Lord Jesus help us in this trial and have mercy on us.

[@petraestorga7800]

Thanks!

[@mistyviolet3825]

This is an amazing one FATHER MIKE SCHMIDT! Already saved for the near futures…. In times of DOUBT & desolation & that feeling of hopelessness in our society today, in this culture war…. 😢💔💔💔💔 (I played this video about 5x to really get the true message….. and SAVED!) this video really hit the nail on the head with my spiritual life and circumstances in life….💔

[@17CW68fNv]

Thank you for the encouragement, Fr Mike. God Bless.

[@dawnmireles2912]

December 10, 2022 Happy birthday John Paul Mireles!

[@learnbibleversethroughpict6027]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@oneman4412]

I think walking towards Jesus is rocky, but our pain in the next life will be much less. I think union with Christ is the easiest way as He removes many obstacles and stumbling blocks. The thing that separates us from non-believers, is that when we are tossed about by circumstances, we know the one source of stability, the rock, which is His love.

[@bruposa]

Certainly trying to do the will of God is going to be difficult, BUT being away from God and his will it's even worst 😢, the path away from him doesn't go anywhere, but the suffering for God has a Goal a meaning.

[@alejandrinahs]

Love is the cure all.

[@lorrainewilson6278]

Wow. This message is powerful. Thank you, Fr. Mike

[@elizabethcronin3074]

Beautiful reflection Father Mike! Thank you! 🙏❤️

[@BM-yi7up]

Now I know! Fr. Michael reminds me of Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs."

[@Lcoreyful]

Fr, sometimes life is difficult for me. This video gives me hope that its not just me but Gods plan. Bless those involved in the "Apostalate of Suffering" "Whoever does not take up his cross is not worthy of me."

[@kjadan101]

DEFINITELY working on anger that I used to view as righteous & now see that it prevents me from being Christlike.

[@gogogolyra1340]

Same. The impatience turned anger is a cross for me.

[@kerrygornick7141]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME LAUGH WITH THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OF YOUR VIDEO!!! ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS BRING ME JOY! GOD LOVE YOU AND BLESS YOU ALWAYS!!! 💕🕊💕✝️🛐💟

[@leonardodasilvagarcia673]

I was in need of a video like this. Thank you father Mike 👏🙌

[@derekluk2246]

Grace and Love we receive from God the Father over all suffering that we go through. Have Faith in God the Father. He never gives us more than we can handle because we are his child. Father knows his child best.

[@veronicafortunato7308]

Yes! That's what I was waiting for Fr. to say. If we day yes to suffering for and with Christ, He will give us the grace to bear our cross!

[@Marshall_1990]

Amen god bless everyone

[@Ricky-es9vg]

Pain and suffering is always inevitable for a broad consciousness and a deep heart. Truly great men, I think, must feel great sorrow in this world. - Fyodor Dostoevsky

[@theresemeggetto1220]

Awesome once again Fr Mike!! We can also offer our suffering in reparation for our sins and those of the whole world. Goodness me, we sure need an army of people offering their all to God. Jesus is definitely worth everything we go through. AMDG - Viva Cristo Rey!!!

[@SK82W]

Keanu sat next to my 85 year old.mother on a plane. She said he was such a "nice chap"❤

[@mrfrains]

Give up your suffering, as a powerful pray to God.

[@edizzle01]

I have had health problems a lot lately. I am starting to loose my eyesight as well. I started my journey as a 3rd order fransican in 2021. This March I will make my profession. I am at a stage in my life now that I accept my health problems as my cross. I am also in a state of peace more so than I can ever recall.

[@davidmorton2620]

I am so grateful for Father Mike, Father Aaron and Father Dennis, they always seem to know what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. Thank you Father. God has truly blessed you.

[@toml.8210]

When you pursue or servo the Lord, people see it, and the non-believers hate it, and so hate YOU. As an athlete, you suffer from sore muscles, but you know you'll have joy when you win the game, or the race.

[@janiceervin428]

I hear you. My fear is that there is such persecution (which appears to be spreading as evil engulfs the earth)…

[@rosacascella]

So beautifully said Fr. Mike! Your words were incredibly moving! 😭🙏🏻💗 Our Lord is worth any suffering!

[@ginaceresoli3776]

Father Mike you are simply the best. My life is richer in spirit and my understanding of life and my walk with God has been simplified because of your teachings. Sending only love and blessings your way. Thank- you❤

[@cadenorris4009]

My hope is that the more the suffering, the more I can be transformed through it. Because man have I suffered a lot.

[@jackiemack8653]

Me too. God Bless.

[@marystacey9962]

My cross is full body osteoarthritis. I smile through the pain. ❤

[@jackiemack8653]

God Bless. But through all my suffering with an incurable rare painful disease I still long to go home and be done. Also lots of mental anguish from family. I still.pray through it all. 🙏 for you.

[@marystacey9962]

@@jackiemack8653 thank you Jackie. I completely understand. Sometimes o do too. It’s hard to stay positive. I’ll pray for you too.

[@marthavazquez6772]

God bless you Father Mike.

[@catherinebosibori5545]

Amen 🙏

[@gogogolyra1340]

Suffering purifies. Better to suffer now and enjoy everlasting life with God than indulge in pleasures only to end up in the eternal fire

[@marksilva2929]

Thank you Father Mike, I'm just going through this now. Definitely perfect timing.

[@mariemurray5281]

Father Mike Thank you awesome video and God Bless you for being our Good Shepard whom God’s children need now more then ever😇☦️💞

[@PolymorphicPenguin]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom about suffering with us, Father Mike.

[@josephineahelle5094]

Yes He is worth it 100%❤🙏

[@a.m9336]

I'm really glad i watch this video.God bless u

[@beyond0077]

It is a privilege to suffer with Jesus. So yes, on Earth and probably less in Purgatory.

[@roshinvarghese6879]

I’m currently single man that’s in a lot of student debt in a field I just I don’t like anymore. I’m suffering but not for Christ it seems like. Just suffering. Whatever this though I give it to Christ so He can redeem it.

[@donciwardell2282]

Amen ❤️ 🙏 Father Mike

[@irishgirlintexas]

The closer we get to the "Light of the World", the more that things that were there all along will "come to light."

[@lukebrown5395]

Thanks Father Mike. Your upbeat personality is an amazing quality with your pure joy with preaching. I do feel like the closer we start getting to Christ in the beginning at least there’s a lot of spiritual warefare

[@evanelias9937]

We love uuuuuuuuuuuuu god bless u I wish u come Michigan one day

[@gregstandeford7008]

Thank you, Father Schmitz!

[@seans.131]

More suffering, more mercy.

[@Bigchilezlife]

I’ve been tempted so many times with mine sinful past and the devil is laughing at me :( and I have been praying everyday for a holy woman that I want to be a relationship with “ Bernadette” and my friends encouraged me not to give up and to keep going ❣️ I’m beating my cross but I fall many times 😔 I need you me guys prayers! And love you Fr.Mike!!! Ascension changed my life

[@stetsonscott8209]

His strength is made perfect in our weakness. I'm praying for you right now, that your relationships glorify God through the power of The Spirit by the blood of The Son, and that those fruits help you overcome, for His glory and in His name. What the devil intends for evil God will use for the good, so any laughter you hear will, in the end, only work towards His purpose. The satan is a liar. Fear not.

[@Bigchilezlife]

@@stetsonscott8209 amen! Thank you brother pray that I have a holy woman in my life her name is “Bernadette” ❣️

[@tunariencompriscarorosuard6443]

THANK YOU Fr. Mike ....

[@TnOrchidguy]

Thank you, Father, thank you.

[@nehyeshua]

nice. There is suffering, but, when the destination is reached, there's a realisation that Jesus is worthy. Thank you Jesus.

[@denverrandy7143]

Thank you Father,Amen!

[@thesaint8077]

This was so good! Thank you, Father Mike.

[@FunnyandCuteArt]

My suffering hurts the people around me, how can God do this to them? My children and my husband suffer because my debilitating pain and weakness limits me from doing simple activities and daily living responsibilities they need from me. I can't carry my baby without pain, I can't go out and perform simple tasks for an extended time without agony... Sure I offer it up but nothing changes, I fight through it, but sometimes can't hide the tears even from my children, they need me and I need to function for them. I'll gladly suffer something that won't affect them, but why hurt the family by my illness, how can this be from God? They did not choose this, they don't deserve to suffer because of my illness....

[@blubberry7448]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@tracysandoval2338]

I had this very thought myself, but then the thought, Thy will be done. ❤ whatever that means for me. 😊🙏🏻

[@sherin5201]

Another epic shot from father Mike

[@aenigmatica8]

✝️

[@LisaRL70]

Counting everything as a blessing is difficult. I lost my job, I cannot pay my mortgage, and both of my vehicles are broken down. Our trials are blessings, but while in the midst of them, it is nearly impossible to recognize them as such. I am trying with great difficulty to understand what God wants for my family and me. It seems like whatever He's telling me is right in front of me and I am too wrapped up in the desire for self-preservation (maintain our lifestyle) to hear the still small voice.

[@ladyelainefairchild3546]

You have a family, part of the price of that is worrying about providing, but even that is a blessing so many people go a lifetime wanting a family. My colleague got laid off a couple of months before I did. His wife and kids came to pick him up with his sad personal effects boxes. When it was my turn I had to take my sad boxes to my car alone and there was no one waiting for me at home. It’s been many years but I still clearly remember feeling how lucky he was despite his added worry of having to provide for others. I hope your fortunes turn around soon.

[@elizabethfernandes3112]

It happens Fr. Mike with good people 😆

[@nievaconsing3344]

🕊 I think the cross I carry is made up of little crosses that come to me each day. Picking up these little crosses could make my cross a little bit easier to carry during our following of Christ. ❤ 🇵🇭

[@nievaconsing3344]

@@Roman-Labrador Don't forget that I have a big cross also. ❤

[@nievaconsing3344]

@@Roman-Labrador You must be special to God because He chose to treat you so. He did the same to St Teresa of Avila who complained to Him. And He said, "That's how I treat My friends." And St Teresa retorted, "No wonder You have so few." You are not alone. I will include you in my prayers. ❤ 🕊

[@AbsurdScandal]

@@nievaconsing3344 I'd only add that it's not usually God inflicting suffering on us, but allowing it to happen. He himself despised the shame on the Cross, yet went through it to redeem us - same can be said for any suffering we experience; even if we don't get relief, by offering it up we can end up transforming it despite itself. And never forget that your reward will be great in Heaven as well. The Beatitudes are literally about all that, as is Hebrews 10 to 12, and the Book of Job.

[@nievaconsing3344]

@@Roman-Labrador Maybe you should stop complaining. Maybe God wants you to change your perspective. Maybe you haven't accomplished whatever God's wants you to do in His special plan for you. Remember you are unique; there's only one of you in the whole of God's creation. Love

[@papaspracticeroom4598]

@@Roman-Labrador Sometimes our suffering is brutal and goes on for a lifetime. It’s far easier said than done, but focusing on God is the only thing we can do. I don’t know what your suffering is, but ask yourself this: is my suffering coming from God, or is it coming from sin? Is it coming from people who have committed terrible sins against me? Or perhaps some sins I have committed against myself? Or maybe a mixture of things? I held resentment toward God for years until one day I realized God is on my side. He didn’t send any of my suffering my way. People sinned against me and I took out my anger on God, who never sinned against me. He was on my side the whole time and was in agreement with me that those things shouldn’t have happened to me. And yet I blamed Him for my suffering. On the other hand, if your suffering comes from things out of anybody’s control, then perhaps your suffering does come from God. Jesus’ suffering came from God. As he carried the cross, Mary looked at him with her sweet eyes and felt a terrible terrible sorrow in her soul for seeing her son in that condition. But Jesus looked at her, and as they made eye contact, the both knew that the best thing to do was to accept the Father’s will and trust that it will lead to a greater glory. And indeed it did. Let God use you for His glory. If not rewarded in this life, you will be greatly rewarded in the next. Finding joy in your suffering is a long and gradual process with ups and downs. As St. Faustina taught us: Don’t ask God to get rid of your suffering, but rather for the strength to endure it. I hope that helps. God bless.

[@animula6908]

Look at how the people who suffer the least behave, and it makes you realize how God can allow us to be afflicted yet still love us. May God forgive me for my own laziness and lower nature that leads me to put down even simple crosses like self-discipline. Only the grace of God can help me.

[@lydiabond5393]

Father Mike, do you realize that the malfunction of the camera was a suffering? You could of said "oh, forget it" but because you preserved your suffering brought us closer to God with this information?

[@hrabmv]

if you want to become no 1 tennis player in the world? are you going to suffer? YES, the same is true with becoming a saint. This means perfecting yourself to be able to see God all eternity.

[@thisgirl5933]

I am currently in severe withdrawal from an antidepressant, and so scared of how long this suffering will last and if I will ever heal because the fear of it causes dark thoughts and guilt. I pray for the gift of fortitude. Am I supposed to be able to will my heart to be brave? Is suicidal ideation a demonic oppression?? I don't want to be a coward, but I'm paralyzed with fear and overwhelm. Lord have mercy!

[@Hillbilly_Papist]

We all suffer in this life, just in different ways. What one person perceives as a boulder, is a pebble to another. I think the Saints suffer less than most, those whom live away from Christ truly suffer more than anyone else.

[@ivanajukicgloban6627]

You did it,you record it!🤩🙏

[@Keepprayingthebattleisreal]

Amen.

[@joybochsler7160]

Amen 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@joybochsler7160]

Why