Me clicking this immediately because I see the word “miserable “ 😅

Fr. Mike...I am living the most heart wrenching moment a person could live. Married 31 years..husband started doing drugs..lost his job..I am disabled..we just lost our home of 26 years..trying to bring myself to a divorce..the saddest thing is the loss of my husband who refuses help, after 5 years of living this..and to be honest, I am having a hard time being kind and charitable to! I am finding it extremely hard to find joy! I have closed myself off from people because of humiliation. Though I do find joy in my son, my 4 dogs, and my super friendly parakeet that I rescued last summer from a plum tree in my yard. Please pray for me, I am doing the best that I can! 🌷

I am such a "feelings" person. I procrastinate on my daily duties because "I do not feel like it." There is always a feelings-based excuse for why I do not follow through with something or why I do not start a project. I can hold to resentment for YEARS. It's unhealthy. Life goes on. Time is limited. I wonder if I will ever reach my fullest potential because I procrastinate so much.

Harboring resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die. God bless you too, Father Mike, and thank you for all the timeless wisdom you share!

You are not wrong about resentment. I lived in the bondage of resentment for many years. All praise to God for changing my heart. I still have to work at it but I recognize it much more easily. My friend has a plaque that says "Joy is not to absence of suffering, but the presence of God!". I hope to get a plaque like that. So true!

“ I don’t like the hand I’ve been dealt but I can still go on and find joy.” Go and find the joy! Amen to that! Just what I needed right now in my current season. Thanks Fr Mike!

I've been preaching this sermon since my kids could say, "I don't like (fill in the blank)!". My automatic response has always been, " You don't have to like it -- you just have to do it. ". 😂

When my children were small and met with their least favorite vegetable, I would tell them, " You don't have to like it; you have to eat it." They were not pleased but most most of them will eat Brussels sprouts now without complaint.

Thank you Father Mike, in life we are guaranteed disappointment, but misery is optional. Vivat Jesus.

God Bless everyone at Ascension!

That's great-Thank you! Just an FYI, the Navy Seals have a saying, "You don't have to like it, you just have to do it." Thank you.....

I just feel a lack of purpose, year after year. I feel that everything I ever tried in life has failed. I sort of settle down to the fact that this grey passage of time is the norm.

WOW 🥺 it's like Jane Marczewski said days before she passed "life can be garbage and beautiful at the same time", Right now my family and I are here!!!

"You lost today, kid, but that doesn't mean you have to like it." -Fedora to Indiana Jones

Hard not to be resentful when someone keeps doing the same thing over and over again that made you resentful in the first place. But you can overcome it anyway.

Been watching my daughter suffer from debilitating depression since she was 12 yrs old. She is 40 now. All the meds and therapy in the world… nothing. I have finally said to God, “this is making me angry and beyond, but for some reason this is your will “. This absurd life. Fr.Mike , love you.

Thank you Fr. Mike! Your videos are a real blessing in my life. God bless you! Please pray for me.

Forgiveness is a choice that takes but a moment. Resentment is a practice of daily devotion . Don't be resentful, it sucks the air out of a room and the joy out of your heart. 😊✌️🇭🇲

In 1877, Our Lady at Gietrzwald asked us to pray the Rosary In 1917, Our Lady at Fatima asked us to pray the Rosary In 1973, Our Lady at Akita asked us to pray the Rosary In the 1980’s, Our Lady at Kibeho asked us to pray the Rosary The Mother of God has repeatedly asked us to pray the Rosary every day. Please listen! God Bless.

Resentment is a huge theme in my life. I recently stumbled over a statement of Dr. Jordan Peterson which describes this very well. He called it “revenge against god for the crime of being”. I’m not particularly religious, but this is exactly what I’ve been feeling for a long time. I often refrain from things and choose paths which reinforce my resentment simply to spite life itself. To show it how presumptuous and arrogant it is to assume that it is a “gift” to be alive.

Father mike i found god on my own through prayer a few months ago. Watching your videos has taught me so much and let my relationship with god blossom. THANK YOU SO MUCH SINCERELY.

Thank you Fr. Mike. I have had a rough couple of months and I just feel horrible about how my life has turned out. Then I watched this video...I might not like it. But it's what I have and I have to be thankful for it. I pray I learn to accept my circumstances.

Immediately after getting off the phone, having talked much about how “I don’t like the season I’m in” KZfaq suggested this to me. Thank you God for speaking to me, and thank you Fr. Mike for being His messenger! Your videos are such a beacon of hope and truth amidst so much darkness in our world. Keep doing the Lord’s work!

On the topic of "joy", I recently learned after doing a biblical concordance on it (due to my internal frustration with so many people considering it a "feeling" only and using that to wrongly say we should always be happy as Christians), that it rightly means "acknowledgement of grace received (from God)". That's worth remembering and walking in because it directly relates to "I don't have to like it". I don't like it when the Lord chastizes and disciplines me as needed but in knowing that's grace received as an adopted son of our Lord, allows me to be joyful about it (just like tough seasons such as Lent) because I know He loves me and wants the best for and from me. So we can count EVERYTHING as joy, like Paul says, when we know we are living in and from the reception of God's love! May that joy be with us always! In Christ, Andrew

PLEASE PRAY FOR MY SPIRIT. THANK YOU!

For a lot of people who find themselves in a horrible marriage, life becomes a task of getting numbed to misery. Eventually numbness sets in, you stop feeling anything, you do the things, the tasks, and sooner or later, much to your relief, you die. Or the other person does. I guess since joy is supposed to come in the life hereafter, we all should simply be prepared to soldier through and should expect life to just generally suck.

I have been struggling with feeling a lack of meaning and purpose in my life. It seems as if it's a vicious cycle. However, there is hope. If I, and I should, come out of myself and look to God Who is Purpose then it completely changes the game. It doesn't minimize the suffering but it gives strength and hope. The emptiness that I feel, I can choose to fill it with God. The lack of purpose that I feel, I can turn to Him and find that He is Purpose. The lack of meaning that I feel, then I can live more completely for God knowing that I'm living for Him and not myself. This world is a pilgrimage and I don't expect to find my place here. Memento Mori, remember your death, is a devotion I discovered and hold close. What matters is that I live ready to go to Heaven which is our destiny.

Thank you Fr Mike! Needed to hear this today . . . 💕

"God is with me, therefore, I can move ahead." A wonderful thought I plan to remember. Unlike the lady who got clipped at the airport, I can hold onto resentment when someone is rude to me in traffic. Thankfully, as I've become older I let it go quicker realizing there's an idiot driver around every corner and I just don't have the time to be mad at all of them. God bless Father Mike, he is so helpful.

Yep, I relate to this. I have a new job but I still have all this imposter syndrome and anxiety about whether it's the right job for me. No doubt a lot of that stems from me simply 'waiting for the day when I will like my job' which may never come if I don't have the right attitude and allow myself to be present.

Once again I hear something at a time when I need to hear it. There are resentments I carried around for a long time, so long I forgot I was even carrying them, I just got used to the weight I suppose. But eventually they have to be dealt with. I'm still working through some of them but I've been able to lay enough of them down to know how nice it feels when the load is lightened. Thanks Father Mike for a great lesson.

“How long can you be miserable?” Seems like I take that question as a dare, most days 😂 In all seriousness, thank you for such a timely and beautiful video

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3-10)

Again with the words of wisdom and counsel

When you have grown up with physical violence and neglect, even as a Catholic for 30 years, it's hard Not to have resentment. Resentment when looking back at being powerless to the abuse. Resentment to know how much my siblings and me were scarred by it. Two are no longer alive from suicide. Resentment is a constant dark cloud that follows me.... But when I remember to go with God, the Holy Spirit comes upon me. Could be a friend's support or a Joyce Meyer or Father Mike message, a baby's smile or the morning sun, and suddenly there's no room in my head or heart for resentment -only joy. It's an ongoing battle.

In the past four or so years five members of my family have died, including both of my parents. I still take joy in my nieces and nephew.

Woah, I swear your timing is like perfect

Poor Fr Mike Schmitz, he must be challenged everyday being so handsome. I admit I clicked on his video over all the videos because of his good looks. God is good at finding disciples to get his message through to everyone, even to the shallows like me. Bless you Fr Mike.

Fr. Mike, I retired from the Marine Corps. I can tell you that there were so many times where I didn't like something. But the one thing we learned in the Corp is worrying about not liking something we're doing or circumstance is a waste of time and energy. I learned long ago to not even think about it. I focus on the task or environment at hand and get it done. What I rallied around was that while I may not have enjoyed the task or situation, that task or situation was wrapped up with me working with a completely awesome group of people (Marines) in an organization I loved (the Corps) with a purpose that far exceeded anything else I could have been doing at the time. I'd feel the same way if I were a Pastor in a Church. Life is so much more fulfilling when one stops even thinking about not liking something. Just focus and do and move on. Semper Fi. Also, I'd like to chat with you about an idea I have regarding taking the fear out of following the Commandments and honoring God.

Great topic, Fr MIke! . Make the best out of every situation. Nothing worse than doing what you want to do and not what God asked you to do.

Please pray for me. I’ve been to 3 different doctors and no one can find the cause of my stomach pain and they checked my blood work and it’s fine. I see the doctor in August. Please let my problem be solvable. I also have awful back pain that’s making me miserable. Amen.

I needed to hear this. I am struggling, or really wrestling with something right now. Please pray for me. I need it...

I’ve heard resentment described as the bitter refusal to let God heal you. This video seems to explain that perfectly.

Wow Father Mike... this really spoke to me. I am actually struggling with my SLPA program and I am not enjoying what I am learning. I always thought this career is what I would love to do and become, but just feeling lost. My deep passion is the elementary school environment and makeup. I will do my best in the remaining of my semester, but discerning to stay is on my mind for a while. Please pray for me. I would greatly appreciate it. God bless.💛

Jesus & Mary, I love you. Save souls.

Thank you… as a resentful person I really needed to hear this ..this is my sign to finally let go and and start living my life

"There is more to life than suffering." I really like that Father. I could really hear more about that.

I played this for a friend who REALLY needed to hear it. Thank you!

Really appreciate Father Mike's perspective and wisdom.

It’s really great to start the day listening to Fr. Mike🙏🏼💕 God bless Father!

This is literally for me I was having hard time accepting

Thank you Fr. Schmitz for the enlightenment that you've shared in this video. Until now I am holding unto resentment which started since I was in Secondary School, it's been a very long time . I've witnessed how our neighbor maligned, belittled my father/our family just because they are rich. Our neighbor was so powerful and we are not. I've witnessed how my father was devastated of the situation and how he held unto God during that time. But the effect to me was very deep. Until now, I still remember everything that had happened, yes I forgave those people but not forgotten what they did. It was in this video that made me realize that I have the power not to like it, to move on with my life and find joy and let go of the resentment. From now on, I will try to forget everything. I will just remember how it made me a better person, a person dependent on God for the trials that come my way. God is with me therefore I can move on with God. Thank you again and continue sharing more videos that really help a lot of people like me who wanted to keep holding on to God everyday, but sometimes in our weaknesses we failed to find joy in God. I will keep the faith that God is always with me. I will move forward, I don't have to like everything that's been happening in my life, but I can move forward with God. God bless you, Fr. Schmitz!

OMG! You Don't HAVE TO LIKE IT! BOOM! so good, so helpful! So sharable! Thank you AGAIN Fr Mike!

Fr.Mike I heard you are an ankle breaker at basketball and can hoop like a pro from the Catholic talk show fellas haha . Thought this could possibly be true since you look athletic but wanted to know what’s your favorite sport ? Thanks 🙏🏽 and I love your channel , especially the Bible in a year . Your videos have given me the proper explanations to relate back to my non Catholic friends for questions I had a hard time articulating . Making me smarter and stronger in my faith is the result of these videos, your amazing and very much appreciated…

Thank you. Finally I have an appropriate response to how I feel about giving platelets every 2 weeks. I donlike it, it is uncomfortable, hurts at times & sometimes I end up with a migraine or exhausted. Yes, the people I meet are great & the rewards are helpful but ultimately I know it is one thing I can do, with God's grace, to give life to another.

Because of bone on bone arthritis in my left knee and constant pain ( my right was replaced in June 2021 so that pain is gone still healing ) I have so many things I want to do but trying to do them sometimes is so painful 😣 I try to push myself, like getting back to mass in person and being social like I was before. No one understands how pain in a knee feels it unless they have experienced it. I don’t like complaining or begging for help but I am bearing this cross with hope of another surgery to alleviate the pain so I can live again! I feel God is with me and forgives me for not attending mass in person. I miss the Eucharist🙏

Thank you thank you thank you. Father Mike for opening a door I been struggling with God and mother Mary bless you always. Viva Cristo Rey bless you brothers

I totally understand and agree with you, but I still think the woman who tripped over the bag should have said "sorry", lol.

I seldom cry over youtube videos,but with this one I did,God bless you father Mike.

Thank you, Fr. Mike.... I needed to hear this message today... Without fail, God worked through you to bring it to my attention at the moment I needed to hear it.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. What is this? “Rejoice always.” What a powerful sentiment!

#ASCENSION PRESENTS Father Mike, it would be great if you could do a video on grief, especially being stuck in grief, especially when you never grieved for people you lost because for whatever reason the grieving process was blocked, and delayed sometimes by many years, I would love to hear what you have to say on all this.

"You dont have to be happy but be joyful", aight.

Usually when people are “rude” they aren’t being personal. They are just unaware.

0:10 to 0:18 is my favorite intro ever in all of Ascension Presents

Very timely 😢 God really knows when you needed help and inspiration. 💙

Thank you Fr Mike 🌟 Happy Feast of St Joseph Trusting God's Plan Is Wisdom Knowing God Is Peace Loving God Is Strength Faith in God Is Courage 🌠 Let us lay all our wounds at the wounded feet of Jesus Christ. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength🌻 ~Isaiah 40:31

Thank you father Mike thats so true. Resentment is just there frozen. How sad.

THANKS so very much.😊 You're very encouraging to listen to. Being 80 years old, I'll have to say it's not easy, but I still Want to pray. I still want to keep God company. I still want to use the internet to reach other people and sometimes I'm very tired and very achy But other physical challenges, but I keep going on. I'd say to the Lord this is for You ... even if there's tears in my eyes. I know that He's with me, and that I just try to keep going, going, going and trusting Him COMPLETELY, one day at a time holding His hand and listening to the Holy Spirit within. To just make the effort staying with the Lord and TRUST Him. I TRUST Him completely in everything, but it's just ONE day at a time. I left yesterday in His mercy, tomorrow in His hope, and today in His caring Presence. God bless you and everyone dear to your heart ☺️🙏

This is something I really needed to hear father Mike God bless you

Amen!

Yay I got to be the first one to comment!! Great message!!

as many a parent has said, "do it mad or do it glad, but you're gonna do it".

Holding on to resentment of someone is like letting them live rent-free in your brain, even though they crowd out the good stuff.

Thank you so much. You just defined my feelings right now. I am studying to be an educator and I just do not enjoy it. I want to get into my vocation and become a mother. I don't like this stage of my life. But now i know i can still find joy at this point. I've been so lost and confused like I can't be happy. But I can be. Thank you.

Best Catholic priest in the world. Very engaging and relatable videos. Wish all priest are like him the rest are so boring and I don't understand what they say. Thank you !

Wow, well this literally came at the perfect time thank you! :) Really speaks to me!

Thank you, Father Mike, for everything you do. My father instilled this very same feeling about "I don't want to" a very long time ago.

Thank you for this Lesson Father Mike. I believe I now know what I'm suffering from and pray to let it go.

To experience struggle is to experience understanding. Thnks Fthr. Mike.

3 years 8 months. USS Duluth LPD-6. I was there.

His videos are such a blessing for my daily life. I pray for you father Mike, thanks for your service. God bless you!

I didn’t enjoy this video but I still hit the like button. #TakingItToHeart (Kidding😉)

Greetings Father Mike, Thanks for the Thoughtful message that MOVING ON WITHOUT CLINGING TO BITTERNESS IN EVERY ASPECTS during LENT through Our lord Jesus Christ. With respect with Prayers, - RanjithJoseph (R.J)

I understand this. Married to a man whom we became Catholic together. But he is a alcoholic. My vows mean a lot to me. But I don’t like this situation we are in. I pray and then wonder if God put me here to help but I’m angry because I want happiness.

Powerful words of wisdom!

Thank you Father Mike.

I just found you but I simply love you.

"You don't have to like it" It IS what it IS ..... Look for the humor in it !

Thanks Father Mike! This video reminds me of “Interior Freedom” by Jacques Philippe

Praying for more joy in a big way...

Thank you Fr. Mike! You are Such Blessing!

Much appreciate this talk 😊

I like the description of resentment: taking poison and waiting for the Other person to die!!

“You don’t have to like it.” *Presses the Like button*

Man! These are here when I definitely need to hear it! Thank you fr. Mike!

Thank you Fr. Mike!

I'd never seen you nor your channel before, but this video popped up in my Facebook feed this morning. I'm going through a difficult time right now and this message is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you, God, and thank you, Fr. Mike. 🌼

I needed to hear this. Thanks.

#AskAscension What does it mean in the Bible when it says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged?” (Colossians 3:21)