How to Question Your Faith Well
The Catholic Church loves questions, but are we asking them for the right reasons?
One of our Doctors of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas, is known for asking the hardest questions we have for our faith. His summa is a book full of them, and some of the greatest saints are the ones that asked the hardest questions. Having questions is not an obstacle, but your intentions can make or break your faith.
Today, Father Mike explains how we can question our faith well.
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Пікірлер: 294
I have a lot of difficulties believing that Our Lord is present in the Eucharist, but I’ll never doubt! Please pray for me, great video as always!
@connormcilvaine820
3 жыл бұрын
Persevere, my friend! Ask, and the Lord shall give.
@jacobluedy5534
3 жыл бұрын
I felt this exact same way. Google the Sokolka eucharistic miracle, the fact that it happened moved me and gave me the evidence needed to fully believe in this teaching and the Church as a whole.
@rjskeptic5273
3 жыл бұрын
You should doubt. It is a logical contradiction.
@jula5417
3 жыл бұрын
@@jacobluedy5534 Sokolka (Sokółka) is in Poland. Greetings from Poland ❤🧡💛💚💜
@sevenswords8781
3 жыл бұрын
Connor there is no need to doubt this.. have you read the church fathers? they are explicate in teaching this fact.. Jesus is the bread of Life the Manna .. look at it this way.. God appeared as Fire.. as a cloud as a Bird,, as a man in the flesh.. so why not bread? it is only Matter and God created matter. so he can be what he wants.. read Exodus and see the typology ... also for proof we have 3 things today.. the shroud of Turin, The Sudarium and the Eucharistic miracles.. all three span 2000 years and all 3 are the same blood type AB+..... that is absolute proof.... I am the bread of Life... Jesus is Life.. Jesus have Mercy on all of us struggling to find our way home. It's a cry of the soul.. a longing for him...
I couldn’t believe when you mentioned Archbishop Fulton Sheen because my family was just talking about how we think YOU are the Fulton Sheen of our time!! How cool that he influenced your family and faith so much!! Following along with Bible in the year. Praying for you!
I have faith even when I don't understand, that the answers will be revealed in time as God wills it, and He will give the truth to every question.
@juliennelomocso6294
3 жыл бұрын
beautiful
@tomandrews1429
3 жыл бұрын
Have you ever questioned why God would allow terrible things like Covid to kill so many people? Do you think this will be revealed to you at some time?
@balkananimations6389
11 ай бұрын
We live in a fallen world... you read genesis yes ?@@tomandrews1429
Blessing from Poland 😊😊😊
@as-s9078
3 жыл бұрын
Blessing from United States
@alinak9696
3 жыл бұрын
PL ❤😉
@allgamerpc55
3 жыл бұрын
Blessing from Poland too! Father Mike makes great videos and somehow his videos show up for me when I'm actually struggling with a problem that the video that showed up presents. I think that could be a message from God to me!
@kelechukwuanozyk7605
3 жыл бұрын
Am glad many of the people in Poland and many non English speaking European countries participate in the English speaking Catholic you tube messages
I am now in my early sixties and converted to Catholicism 3 years ago. Now I know I have DIFFICULTIES and not doubts! I kind of wish there was an RCIA Part 2, for as I’ve delved deeper into my Catholic Faith, I find I have sooooo many more questions! Thank you, Fathef Mike! (I enjoy watching you. You remind me of my oldest son. 😬)
@MFV77
Жыл бұрын
I have been involved in RCIA for years. I heartily agree with the need for some sort of RCIA part 2.. Our faith is so deep and so rich. Bless you.
This literally happens to me and this channel is one of my go to whenever I have questions in mind. Thank you for this Fr. Mike and the whole team. You are all a blessing from God
I'm wrestling with some huge existential questions involving human existence, free will, and suffering, and I can't seem to find answers that bring me peace. I've tried asking them and I've met with platitudes or resistance, and now I'm despairing of an answer that clears my heart.
@joelgiampaola5740
3 жыл бұрын
try the rosary it will help you considerably
@FlowLai
3 жыл бұрын
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus was the most profound answer to all those questions you listed, friend. Knowing Jesus for the first time brought me from atheism to the Christian faith. Keep reading the Gospels and praying; Jesus answered me and he will for you if you keep searching. Look at Bishop Barron's older videos too, they do a great job explaining the Christian worldview. I hope you find what you're looking for.
@MarquisFacade88
3 жыл бұрын
If I’ve discovered anything, it’s the fact that the answers exist. You have to shrug off the seemingly empty platitudes, as you said, and keep reading. Most of my questions have been answered by the church’s catechism, saints’ writings, or people like Scott Hahn, Dr. William Craig, and others.
@firstshallbelastuntilforev6782
3 жыл бұрын
Maybe try Ecclesiastes or Job?
@stutterstudios4731
3 жыл бұрын
jordan peterson says that sometimes one has to think really micro scale to keep oneself from going crazy. Try to trust in little ways. offer up everything in little ways. bishop Barron videos are good. I'm suffering with choosing between pride and death and destruction, or love. alot of people are struggling, keep going. God Bless
I literally just talked to my confessor about this and he said the same quote! This timing tho
@BioErikaS
3 жыл бұрын
That is a Rhema word!
My priest recommended this channel because I had questions, and I’ve been binging your videos recently, I love your videos and how positive you are!
@210SAi
3 жыл бұрын
Check out the Catholic Answers channel as well great resources
What's amazing is God reveals all wisdom if you simply ask! This has been my experience. Just be prepared to: 1. Wait 😁 2. Have your answer through various media 3. (When there is silence) Look internally; Seek first the kingdom and all these things will be added to you.
@albertbenny431
3 жыл бұрын
And be in situations where you might get answers. I got mine :)
@ClickThief
3 жыл бұрын
Amen! God bless brother
In fact, this is such an amazing channel to clear doubts
@ht333
3 жыл бұрын
Not doubts, difficulties. 😉😊
I’m really struggling, I come from a Catholic family, I love the church I believe so deeply in our faith. I teach two CCD classes to share the faith with the youth. But my struggles are at home. My sister basically left the church to go to “Victory” mega church with her boyfriend. She says she has never “gotten anything out of mass” and my heart is breaking. She loves Jesus and is an amazing person with strong faith in the Lord. I just don’t understand what she is going through because I don’t understand, NOT understanding mass. She feels offended when we question her if she misses communion. It feels like a struggle I can’t win because I don’t want to loose the bond with my sister over this. Yet I feel called to bring her home to mass. They made her feel as if she wasn’t “saved” yet for being a “cradle Catholic” and not choosing to be baptized on her own terms. I have been praying for the Holy Spirit to lead me. I felt the need to ask for help amongst fellow Catholics here.
@Hartzy
2 жыл бұрын
I grew up that way. God has a plan for you and your sister. I grew up going to catholic church school, not really paying attention got confirmed never really got the mass idea, but low and behold, 7 years later I was born again. Jesus came back for me even tho I had forsaken my faith and pursued worldly things and dreams. Now after feeling the Holy Spirit re enter my life, I’m fully dedicated to Christ. Everyday. That being said, God is in control of your life and your sisters. All you can do is be the light in the world and the salt of the earth. Show your sister true faith. Let your faith & actions shine in front of her. Preach a little word here and there. Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” don’t worry girl. Be still :) trust in God, pray in having faith that you will receive. Gods strength is perfect in our weakness, let your sister struggle. She will struggle without him. Be there for her, shine for her. And she will realize she won’t have true faith. Don’t worry ❤️
@Hartzy
2 жыл бұрын
PS. Wrestle with your angel like Jacob did. Till he got his blessing. If your sister once truly beloved in God he will come back for her. You have to fight for her and be brave and bold. Face this problem with trust in God. Walk by faith not by site. That is a struggle I won’t deny that, but in our struggles and weakness God will make us stronger. No one knows Gods will, but keep praying. This situation will teach you many things, long suffering, courage, patience, meekness. Keep holding on to the faith!
You are really a grace. Thank you so much Father Mike...watching you from Italy!!
This is my favorite thing about Fr. Mike. He is okay with us asking questions about our faith. We need to be able to ask without being condemned or shamed. How else can we better understand?
Fr. Mike, I have NO DOUBT: you are such a gift. 😇 Thanks and prayers to you! 🙏
Again that sensation when the video is ending and you don't want it to end :(
Blessings from Spain
@irene_irenaeus_ihs
3 жыл бұрын
Yay! Spain catholics unite!
@dinasanchezharo1819
3 жыл бұрын
@@irene_irenaeus_ihs qué biennn
This is cool! I love church! But sometimes I doubt my faith too! I was doubting yesterday!! I like how the church teaches Jesus is in the Eucharist! :) This video saved me from doubting more! I might make a video response to this!
I will need to listen to this a second time... with less noise around me. Thank you I think, for giving light to a solidity that is I know not just my own presence of self in my Catholic faith. To that, I know when life obstacles or tragedies can" be still "the soul in movement and understanding in one's Catholic will. I had a friend today make a post stating he's not a good Catholic anymore because of the surroundings and tragedy of his wife's death. His wife like myself a strong Catholic woman, a force for all women in her faith and in her life as a Medical Doctor. A mother of six children and taken from the grips of their love. Everyone who has a story that removed them from their once fierce faith has a solid truth that holds them from the Catholic foundation that once gave them breath. Now pierced with questions, and yes doubt. As a cradle Catholic, I have doubts. When I had questions, when I felt my last breath towards my Catholic faith, it was not the church or the priests that held any bit of faith I had left in my will. It was my friends' wife who had already passed. It was her faith still so strong when she had to die at the hands of a system she was a part of that failed her. She is the reason my doubt does not pull at the Catholic roots of my existence. Her faith. Yet her husband a sound man in his own presence of self a once heart surgeon now his life altered and changed as he stays at home to raise his six children. His doubt is obvious and in this I understand. Tragedy to that none of us are exempt, doesn't mean it's natural. There is nothing natural about tragedy. It holds a force that yes is so real to those going through it that indeed it raises question and doubt in one's faith. I can tell you the way I was handled by the church and the priests of did not connect me further or deeper into God's graces and mercy.... yet further away. It was faith alone, one woman's faith that I believed because of her own pain. My faith arises in me in the stillness with the questions and the doubt. Yet along with my friend to that I honour with great respect, I too can say once a fierce Catholic ... it is my doubt and questions that makes me no longer a good Catholic. I take grace in that my faith is still... where it takes me, only God knows, but I know I stand not alone in this truth.
Great that this video came out on the feast day of St. Anselm!
What a blessing you are Fr. Mike, I can't imagine all the lives you have changed for the better.
Nice to see your sweet face and that your eyes aren’t all teary... that hits me really hard when I see your eyes all like you’ve been crying.” I have so much respect for all you go through being a Priest. I will keep in you in my forever prayers. Stay strong Father Mikey, you’re an amazing human. I am forever grateful and thankful for you. Yes, indeed. Hugs.
Spent 25 years searching for an answer. Glad I persevered! God is good! You are right Father!
Father Mike, what I love about you, is that you are always preaching the Gospel of the Lord, with JOY… and that comes from your heart ❤️
Approximately Twenty years of choosing a non-denominational religion,,, I had to believe Catholics weren’t Christians and didn’t believe in Jesus Christ,,,,WRONG!!!! Yes, I’m wrestling with the difficulties (reaching out of my comfort zone) of NOW seeking Christianity through Catholicism.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Name dropping Bishop Sheen... I love it... and so would he....
Thank u Father Mike 😌 Through our struggle we must never give up and pray to God to give us the strength to follow him and able to love him with all our heart and soul.
God bless you Fr Mike! Your videos have helped me through my quest to get closer to God and to help me overcome ocd, and many other struggles. Thanks
Thank you so much for defining the difference between questioning and doubt, Father Mike! I wish I'd seen this a few months ago when I was afflicted with a severe case of scruples, I think it would have helped me tackle those questions much better. More recently, God showed me the way out of it (and that I never have to go through it again), but I still had some questions and I kept having to remind myself that asking questions about fundamental things doesn't make me a "bad Catholic". Hopefully seeing this will get rid of those worries once and for all. God bless you!
Greetings Dear Catholics leaning and refreshing from these bibles studies by the way are great....... Father Mike understands what us humans go thru all these temptations and sin like a roaring Lion thank you Father Mike who loves you?......God loves you baby.......
Thank you Fr Mike for another great video! Really makes you think.
I needed this... so... much. Thank you. As someone who grew up mildly Catholic but never really got deep into my faith until college, and who is now dating a very Catholic boy... I struggle a lot! He seems to always accept everything blindly and willingly and it infuriates someone like me who is ALWAYS asking questions. I always thought there was something wrong with me and that I'd never be able to accept certain teachings but I truly do just feel peace with a lot of things I used to struggle with... God's grace willing :)
God bless you, Fr. Mike. As Fulton Sheen had such a great impact on many lives, you're also greatly impacting ours. May the Lord guide your heart so that you're always true to His word.
Very important to understand in this day of it becoming fashionable to "deconstruct" faith and leave Christianity. This rational clarity is so needed.
8:30 Father... dont be too harsh on yourself. You were more instrumental than you'll ever know, in this life, in my conversion. God bless you.
This guy would have been a great lawyer, he’s very good at creating layers of complexity around subjects that are extremely simple to understand, at least for logical people
I love bishop sheen
I started this video just because of the title, but it said exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks so much Father Mike for your work! Sending my prayers from Brazil
God's love is primary constituent of living in faith, knowing more and clarifying helps cultivate a relationship in the spirit.
I cannot forgive my brother but I totally get that I am supposed to. Someday I will. I am trying!
@kazfor3769
3 жыл бұрын
Ask the holy spirit, who will give you the grace and strength to forgive your brother!!!!!🕊️🕊️🕊️🙏
@yb5515
3 жыл бұрын
I know that it's not easy but you can't start the healing until you let go of the hurting. God bless you.
@johnnylara7032
3 жыл бұрын
I agree with other commenters. Remember, read Matthew 6:14-15, Luke 6:35-39, & Matthew 5:7. God bless!
@tinag7506
3 жыл бұрын
Hey I'm in good terms with people I thought I'd never forgive...the ability to forgive is from God, trust in Him
Please pray my History Teacher whose in a lot of pain from a surgery thank you and I’ll be praying for you.
@philliphanbury7023
3 жыл бұрын
🙏✝️🙏
Praised be Jesus Christ, pertinent again to my situation. Thank you God!
Oh God bless you Father Mike I want to tell you how much I so enjoying the Bible in a year with you and than Jeff Cavins the odd time!! Praying for you and I feel so blessed..THANKYOU 🙏
Thank you so much. I never really understood the concept of doubt in the church, especially due to the way Saint Thomas has always been portrayed. I always got the impression that doubt meant not being certain of something not a full rejection, so being "uncertain" of my faith felt like a sin. I now understand that I was having difficulties not doubts. Experiencing tears of relief!
One of the best things about Catholic Homilies has always been the priests developed connections to the readings on Sunday. I
Thank you for being such a blessing to us all, Fr. Mike. Got bless you!
I left the church about seven years ago over one of these difficulties/doubts I was having that no one could really seem to answer for me (and I still can't find a great answer to these difficulties/doubts, although I have rejoined the church). I have/had a very hard time discerning between what teachings are human and what are divine. Even about 15 years ago while I was in elementary school (Catholic, most teachers were nuns), I remember very vividly being taught to hate/judge homosexuals. Many of the nuns were verbally abusive and openly ignored the blatant bullying going on all around them. As I grew older and obviously found out how wrong that was, I found it very hard to determine the difference between which of the church's teachings are of divine influence, and which are of human error. If so many of God's anointed disciples are wrong about these things, how many other teachings are wrong? I would really appreciate some insight on this - as I've struggled with it for many years, and the conversations I've had with members of the clergy haven't been able to provide any answer besides many different versions of "God wouldn't let that happen".
@210SAi
3 жыл бұрын
Along with this channel I’d check out the Catholic Answers channel and their webpage. Lots of concrete information and opportunities to ask your own questions needing to be answered or clarified
Honestly the fact that you said the Catholic Church loves questions put a genuine smile on my face I'm semi new to Christianity because I lost my faith about 2 years ago when I was 15, but I've recently re-found faith through my the art of God but I'm still being faced with doubts especially surrounding the eucharist especially because catholicism is something I am completely new to
One of the causes of doubt and unbelief is that human beings think that they can completely understand the Almighty God with their brains; it is not possible. It can never be possible. We need faith to guide us ahead of our reason. Everything about the massive Catholic faith is true, but I know many people don't understand or believe, but our faith in God will lead us through.
thank you Fr Mike, I appreciate you so much
Thank you Father!! For everything you do. Sending prayers and blessings your way! 😊💗💗🙏🙏🙏
Amen
REMEMBER if you join the seminary it is not prison. You have opportunities to leave along the way to ordination if you find it is not for you. I didn't take advantage of that opportunity and often think about it. I think i would have been happy being a clergy. I went into social work which is a lay persons way of working for God. I think that many of the people i work with in social work would, in a different time, 40 years ago, have become nuns or priests but now days those people enter social services but have the disposition that they would have been happy in the church.
OOOOO, I love Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Tnak God for him. I was not born when he was alive. I love watching the KZread videos. I have been Catholic my whole life and they were a lot of things that are sinful and I did not know were grave sin.
I love you father Mike. I truly feel so much love for you. There's just so much love and beauty that radiates from you. Watching you gives me so much hope in life. Even with my difficulties or possible doubts. God makes people be drawn to you to get to their ears and their hearts. It's so beautiful to see. Wouldn't shock me if you became a saint.
Dealing with dependency issues...please pray for me. Your message sends healing and hope that I can get through this difficulty♥️
@philliphanbury7023
3 жыл бұрын
God bless you. 🙏✝️🙏
I knew some of this but I still had a question. There goes Fr. Mike answering one of my questions and he didn't even know I had it. You put it very well. 🙏
Weird as it sounds but I was told (by tons of parishioners including priests) that the reason I asked so many questions was due to my "lack of faith". Conversely, if my faith was strong, I wouldn't have that much doubt and endless of whys. Fr. Mike, thank you for your opening statement....
@210SAi
3 жыл бұрын
Asking questions is by no means directly correlated with a lack of faith. Imagine if no one in Jesus’ time asked him questions...
Love it, thanks Fr.Mike!!
Father Mike, you are blessed with an insight to a lot of the difficulties people don't know how to express and really break it down.
That was excellent and so true. That is why parents should always answer the tots ALL THE TIME.NOT TO TRY AOR TELL THEM I DO NOT KNOW TELL THEM I WILL FIND OUT AND TELL YOU. THEN THEY WILL GROW UP WITH INTELLIGENCE.
father God bless
Beautiful. Thank you, I needed to hear this.
Gracias Padre saludos desde Puerto Rico🇵🇷🙏🔥
Amen! Thank you Fr. Mike... thank you for being an answered prayer... I was facing a difficulty... not having a doubt... thank you God for speaking thru Fr. Mike! In Jesus name, Father God, bless Fr. Mike and all your children the world over! Jesus I trust in you, Amen
We are chosen before birth, and even if we stray so far away from God we may feel we can not find our true path again, he will keep calling us to him. This I know is true.
Thank you Father.
Thank You Father Mike. God Bless You!
Thank you Father Mike for giving me insight into what is heavy on my heart. You help me put things into perspective so that I can bring my struggles to God with knowledge that God is listening and will help me move forward. I will keep asking questions to help me to understand what, why and how I am called to do God's will. God bless you and your family always.
Great video thank you Fr. Mike
Praise to the Father YaHUaH in the name of Yahusha!
Father Mike, thank you! God Bless you! How you have reached so many of us! Of people! Grateful to you! A prayer or many came true thanks to you! Went back to Catholic church, confession, then...haven't gone again. Oh my, what's the matter with me!!! Oh! How sad I am, and just feel guilty and unwanted. Terrible!
thank you for this Fr. Mike, I am wrestling with questions myself and saw your video. God's timing is so good!
The difference between faith and insanity is that faith is the ability to hold firmly to a conclusion that is incompatible with the evidence, whereas insanity is the ability to hold firmly to a conclusion that is incompatible with the evidence.
@briendoyle4680
3 жыл бұрын
@Charles Trying to twist known and accepted facts to suit your agenda of your invisible gods?? hahaha
Hello i wanted to thank you for the videos which you create. As a seminary student, I find them very useful, especially when it comes to talking to people on a variety of topics.Your videos are clear and convey the desired message accurately especially when I myself can’t find the right words to say it. Your videos are really helpful. I wish you the blessing of God and his care.
Thank you Father Mike ☺️
When it comes to some of the teachings of the catholic faith, I rather have a doubt than ten thousand difficulties. 🧸
From Cambridge dictionary: "doubt: (a feeling of) not being certain about something, especially about how good or true it is". There are for sure uncertainties in faith, so not to doubt from time to time is deluding oneself in certainty. Faith is not certainty, you would not need faith, if it was. God is the biggest mystery there is, the Church should not deny it by simplifying, because this is why people loose faith.
Farther Mike Wath is a good bible to bye Paul from Ireland 🇮🇪
Blessings from New Zealand!
@Talitha2024
3 жыл бұрын
@Potato No, a Head covering Christian
Thank you Father Mike, I will share this with my teen daughter and friends. Watching from LA God bless you🙏🏽
Ahhhh...sooo good...sooo true! So important to keep asking the questions & also making the distinction of doubt
Thank you for your enthusiasm Fr. Mike
Thank you father Mike
Thanks
God is with us all the time God bless.
Very insightful..thank you Fr. Mike. God bless you and the entire Ascension Family 👪 🙏 ❤
Thanks Fr. Mike for addressing some of your experiences.
♥️ From South Africa 🇿🇦
I just want to add in from the scrupulous side of things: sometimes you feel "doubts" that come out of nowhere and yet intellectually you know the truth and you accept the truth. Please, try to not listen to these feelings. It can be hard sometimes, but it's not a voluntary doubt and you need to recognize that. Stay in the faith and keep the faith. Make sure to recognize that this is a struggle that has the potential to allow you to grow in faith. Make it through that phase by praying and trusting in the Lord, and it will show you that your bond with God is stronger than you realize. May the loving Father protect your heart, soul and mind :)
Thank you my dear Fr. Mike
Brilliant. Thank you 🙏🏻
Hi! Hugs! Lotsa love sent to you and yours. 🥰🥰🥰. God Bless You all and all the whole world.
Fr Mike.. a blessing from God 🙏🏾
Wow great timing
Thank you, Fr. Mike and Ascension Presents, for this and so much more! 🙏🏼💗🙏🏼
Thank you Father Mike..❤🙏🙏🙏
Blessings from London Ontario Canada
When I watched this video I thought of it in the perspective of children. We may teach them the basics of what they should know, whether that be science, math, literature, history, or religion. However, there may still be areas they aren't quite understanding, so they ask a question. In an academic setting, it wouldn't be that big of a concern and you certainly wouldn't automatically think the student is doubting what they are learning, but rather they want to understand it better. Likewise, it makes sense that this logic applies to faith. How would children understand what we taught if they never asked questions? It's not a sign of doubt, but rather a sign of intrigue, a desire to know and understand.
I can write a book of questions. Getting the answers is the hard part.