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It's a tough needle to thread. We have to separate a person's actions, which we can judge to be wrong, but draw the line at judging the person's heart. For some, they struggle to make that distinction.
9 out of 10 times I tear up watching Fr. Mike's videos because I'm always so humbled when he reminds me that God is so merciful! Thank you, Fr. Mike, and for your thoughtful messages and hard work. Your words always come at a time when I need to hear them.
I've been dealing with depression for years. Your videos are just like such a breath of fresh air though. I love listening to your words. They bring me so much clarity and joy. Thank you Father Mike. I've been feeling so confused and conflicted about the chaotic politics these past few years. But now I feel like a weight is lifted and everything makes so much more sense now. I decided to leave it all up to God. It's weight is too heavy on my heart. Pray for me. I'm looking forward to becoming Catholic this next year. I've been reading the Bible as well. God bless you.
It's amazing to me, that when we, as Christians speak about right and wrong, in God's eyes, you're automatically called "judgmental". Speak the Truth in Love, Jesus says. If they choose to walk away, fine.
Rogers Samuel why do so many people quote that 'father' thing on this channel legit every video? This argument has been debunked with simple context. Bro, if you are so intent on this message, just don't call your dad 'dad' anymore. Dad is equivalent to father. So you're sinning by calling him dad.
@@user_jack I'm a bit confused at 3 years ago me. I think what I was trying to do use the perspective of those who think it's wrong to call a priest father and show them the fallacy in their thinking. I obviously didn't word it so well lol.
Funny. I am more of Protestant type of faith believing, and subconsciously was kind of already judging you just because your type of "faithing" is different from mine, thinking you might be the "wrong one", what good do you have to say.. Your video just schooled me so good! Made feel ashamed. We not so different. Thank you.
Modern folks have the most difficult time differentiating the self from their own actions. Unfortunately, people conflate the two, making even discerning actions a personal attack. It's hard enough to watch a good person make bad choices, it's even harder to watch them identify with the sin, rather than merely admitting they're a sinner.
I remember watching one of Dr. Ramani's videos on narcissism and in her wise words she said "I never ever would say to someone: 'I would invalidate your trauma.' But I'm always gonna judge you on how you're behaving today". And I think that correlates with what Father Mike is saying in this video. We don't judge hearts and we are certainly not in position to determine whether someone's trauma is valid or not. But canceling "judgement" altogether because we are afraid of it, is not the wisest solution. But it is crucial that we judge behavior that is dangerous or damaging. This is how we uphold moral standards of what is right and wrong. And moral standards are there to regulate human behavior. And like the other video from Ascension Presents on 'Setting Boundaries'. We get the behavior that we tolerate in others and in ourselves. And I think it's also the manner in which we deliver that judgement. As Catholics, we can enforce our boundaries while delivering judgment on actions and intolerable behavior in a kind, compassionate, respectful but firm manner Loved this episode. Thank you Father Mike ! And thank the Lord for this wisdom that will lead us to live better lives and bring us closer to you ♡
You hit the nail on the head. I can't speak for others, but I struggle with the fear of not being loveable. Thank you for this, Father Mike. "You are mine and you are loved." That feels good to hear!
I think people need to learn to judge correctly because they often jump to conclusions before having all the information. And that is the problem with judging. The act of judging is to come to a conclusion, it means to stop inquiring, stop being curious, stop gathering information and come to a judgement. Nobody ever stops to ask why is this person sinning this way, what can be done to help them not sin. I rarely see people asking questions and being curious and instead they just go around using judgemental language.
All Protestants judge us Catholics before even knowing us because ALL Protestant think that the Catholic Church is the Whore of Babylon, or the Harlot of the Church so if you belong in the Catholic Church all Protestants conclude that your going to Hell. By the way I do not believe that the Pope is infallible because he's just human and is definitely NOT infallible and I believe that there were BAD Popes on our church history because of this doctrine!
@@AJ_Jingco As a Methodist marrying into a devout Catholic family, I am offended by your comment that “all Protestants” hate Catholics. Actually, I see hate on both sides & it saddens me. I believe we can learn from each other if our hearts are open to the love Jesus taught us. I am still learning the Catholic faith & it is beautifully intense. Jesus taught us to love Not hate,
Father Mike, hittin' it out of the park yet again. God bless you for this truly enlightening catechesis. I love sharing your videos with my family and friends.
I think the problem is there is a distinct meaning of the word "judge" being used by Jesus. It is closer to "pass sentence on" or to "condemn". Jesus is not saying we should not admonish a sinner (which is a spiritual act of mercy). He is probably saying don't be hard-hearted and unforgiving. We must acknowledge that we are all sinners who have received God's mercy. Jesus expects us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. We should extend mercy, and we should always pray for those who have sinned and hope for their repentance instead of hating and condemning them.
Great priest. He is very compassionate and understanding. I also appreciate he tells us the truth and not as other evangelists that lie to us to attract people and make them /us feel good. I just recently heard a tv evangelist say that it is ok for a male and female to live together as a couple as long as they put God in the center of their relationship.
This makes sense. Sometimes people get upset when I get upset with a friend. Well when I see them doing something that is going to hurt them, then I will speak up. I care about them and that is the reason I say something about it. Some people think I am being judgemental and mean. No. If I didn't care about them, I would not speak up. The fact I say something is because I care about them.
Great video Father. Btw, please say a prayer for us in Australia. We are going to be having a postal plebiscite on whether or not marriage should be redefined. After a very horrible "debate" about the issue for years and even more so recently, the voting forms are finally being sent out across the country next week. Hopefully the right decision is made.
Of course we're called to judge people's actions. Discerning between "right" and "wrong" is the core of the Faith. What we need to remember, though, is that our personal interpretation of that difference isn't the end-all-be-all. I would say that the most basic definition of a sin is an action that victimizes someone else. Anything else is a matter of heart, and we should never assume that we are better judges of a person's character than God.
This is so so important to share. Many or I should say most Christians are very confused on this. Even I was up until 2 years ago. 🙏Amen. Father thank you for working through Fr. Mike. Please I ask you continue to bless him with the Graces needed to keep reaching us in the dark from the TRUTH.
Phenomenal video Father. This has been such an issue for me, for historic reasons. However, you have clarified so many points. May God bless you, and lead others to hear the message you so wonderfully share.
That was a wonderful speech Father. Thank you so much. God know i need it right now. I used (and still working about it) to judge people, thinking negative about other people for so so many years. I was so tired of it. On Sept 1st 2017, First Friday Mass, I went to a confession. And I said it to a priest about this, and I finally got the answer i was waiting for so many years, the priest told me to ask for God's grace for 'the purity of mind'. First time for me to hear about this. Upon hearing it, my heart was jumping, screaming..... "THAT'S IT! That's what I've been waiting for!!!" Finally i have hope again, a new thing, a new grace to ask God for, the purity of mind. Thank you for informing that it's ok to judge, but to the action of that person, not judge him/her as an individual / heart. Thank you so much Father. God bless you, and may you always be a blessing to others.
As always a powerful,, educational, inspirational and thought-provoking. It made me judge myself and my own heart only and notice that it needs some fine-tuning. Thanks
This is such a good video. Just today my kids had a Sunday school lesson by a kind-hearted older woman who meant well, but she told them that when kids want to be other genders and when their parents let them do it we should try really hard not to judge them. So now I have to tell my kids there's a difference between judging someone's heart and their state of salvation, and whether their actions are right or wrong. So tonight we're going to watch this video together.
Could you please make a video about resting on Sunday and what is allowed or not allowed. I'm a mother and wife and I don't want to sin against God by cleaning or bringing my children out to a restaurant or to the cinema. Xx
barbara mccaughley - Hi ! It would be my understanding that taking yourself and/or children out to eat and/or a movie theater would be "keeping the sabbath" - and of course church would also be attended that weekend ;) It is my belief (although RARELY kept these days - including me sometimes, guilty as charged), that IF you are a stay at home mom and can grocery shop and do heavy cleaning on an alternate day, that might be better but sometimes it is a judgement call. An example: a full time away from home worker who is off weekends and on Saturday the sun is shining and only projected weekend day, you take advantage of the outdoors and God's beautiful creation and go on a picnic or just out playing with the children then to get your chores/housework done on (a rainy) Sunday would be understandable. It could also be considered prayer if you/we consciously think we are doing this for our family for the honor and glory of God. I don't have any degrees but a "cradle catholic" who takes religion seriously but not scrupulously. Sorry if my belief offends anyone. Barbara, I hope you hear from Father directly, and not to label but it is my guess he also isn't scrupulous. Sometimes, I FEEL some put more burdens on us than even Jesus would. God Bless you! Ask Jesus when in doubt and He will let you know in your heart what is best for your situation......
Ree Medeiros - ??? - I've heard Sabbath was made for "man" not "man" for the Sabbath. The commandment of "Keep Holy the Sabbath" -- This is the first I hear it was "abolished" ....and respectfully disagree -- #Ask Fr. Mike. Blessings!
The Sabbath is on Saturday the Jews still celebrate their Passover on saturday(Passover is on Sabbath)I'm a Christian and I follow the Jews because it was the Romans who changed the Sabbath to Sunday
Thank you, Father Mike, for always making us grow in knowledge of our faith. You explain things very simply, and it's always straight to the point. God bless you always 🙏🏼 ✝️💗
Society tells people that almost nothing is immoral, but we have an innate sense of morality. Society tells people that God does not exist, but we have an innate sense that He does. That's why people are terrified of being judged. They are living according to society, but deep inside they know it's wrong and they will be judged someday.
If we judge others then others will judge us. We grow spiritually by knowing other peoples strengths and weaknesses. We all know what is right and wrong. We are NOT disconnected by people who love us.
Awesome as usual.!!!! Thank you. You know how to take some of our most calculated teachings and 1- break it down for most people simply (I do this myself) and get to a more open conversation about our beautiful and Holy Church and faith. At the very least God just had you plant the seed! If your lucky you get to see it grow. 😁
This is such a great and necessary topic to unpack. Personally when I was young "not judging", caused the wrong people to take up space in my life, and consequently a LOT of suffering in their wake. I mean, how do protect yourself from people with personality disorders, like NPD or ASPD ??. They don't show their true colours. They mirror your goodness, they lull you into a position of co dependence on some level, then they annihilate you, mentally physically, spiritually. I was a lamb to the slaughter to put it bluntly. I'm healed, so this isn't a pity party, I'm also nearly 50 so I have a much more comprehensive understanding and viewpoint. I also have a five year old, that I want to give the skills to see/avoid and NOT have these people in his future, and yet be loving and serve his community and God. So the topic interests me greatly, and I muse on it often. Throughout my life, I've stayed away from the church, in part because so often, Christians condemn people morally with such vitriol and self righteousness, rather than with compassion, so ugly btw. And partly because as a gold standard sinner 😆 ( not boasting btw) I have a lot of what you might call "street smarts" worldy wisdom of absolutely no use within the church, but nevertheless, it was often hard to relate to many congregations.. But Jesus has always been there.. At the end of the day, I was always taught to, " love the sinner, hate the sin". But in saying that, Its clear at times, i misunderstood both the capacity and context of judgement. Father Mike walks that fine line between Judgement and Grace so beautifully. It's a skill truly, which I'm sure has been forged by the holy spirit. I'm in awe of how he broaches difficult topics and never fails to uphold the scriptures yet not exclude those perhaps feeling marginalised, embracing them in the word, in such a loving way. Just as I might add, as Jesus did. That's the kind of Christian I want to be around. That's the kind of congregation I would happily feel comfort in. Dr Mike does this with ample lashings of good humour, thoughtfulness as well as goodness. I'm often humbled by his gift. I think, I am now, fully able to discern as an adult. I do judge actions, but try and refrain from assuming hearts intent. Now I'm working on which should remain in my head, and which should come out of my mouth 😆 still working on that some days 👌🙌 I have the balance right most of the time. But I do feel for young people still trying to get that balance between love and self preservation, judgement and discernment. I learnt the hard way, and it was rough. But having someone within the church talking about this in such a great way, is truly a blessing.
Fr. Mike, I know what you mean about being judgmental towards others. It’s not easy. I remember one time when I was at work, I spoke to one of my employee friends and told her that her work efforts weren’t good enough. At first I thought I was saying something nice. But in reality, it wasn’t. So one of the high ranking employees witnessed what I said and became very angry 😤 and had me disciplined. After being yelled at, I became very upset and ashamed.
Thank you for explaining this not to judge hearts but you can judge their actions. We not have to be afraid of peoples judgement of us but God's judgement we should care only about. Thank you!
Thank you, sir! I've been confronted with the extremities of both sides. And just learned on my end to judge the action of the person. I always not post haste judgement on a person, as the golden rule is applied. As per the actions. I can't stand to judge when I would be a hypocrite. Either past or recovering of that sin personally.
I am so encouraged by your videos. Thank you. I think at least some part of the fear of being judged is that there is a piece of them that knows they are fallen and depraved, and is terrified of the wrath of a holy God. If you said it, they would deny it, but they aren't good at listening to their inner being. There are plenty of places where the explicit command is "Judge justly" and it is even said "you will judge angels". We need exceptionally good capability to judge. If they want to pick and choose, ask them why they don't know Rev 21:8 but they do know Matthew 7. Ask why they didn't pick Rev 21:8 as their "go-to" verse. They are coming to the text with an agenda outside of "discovering and retaining truth". I think your stumbling verbally at the beginning of the video helps me see your humanity. It makes your words easier to receive. Thank you. I think you missed a point. There are people who are monsters. Villains. They exist. They are discoverable as such. They are wolves out for blood, and they have drunk it before, and if left unimprisoned they will do it again and again. Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. You may know a tree by its fruits. You may know it. You are using words and actions over time to get a clear picture of the heart. You absolutely must judge rightly what you clearly understand. If you have clear insight to a mans heart then you are morally obligated to respond rightly - whatever that means.
yes it is ok to judge ive fired people many times because they intended to hurt me or hurt those i love if i didnt fire them they would just continue being abusive..forgiving doesnt work when they have no intention of stopping the abuse
Fr. Mike, I remember the Bible says: "Be meek like the doves but sharp like the serpent". God granted us with mind and intellect to discern right from wrong and for this reason to act naive is not only "stupid" but it can be a sin, since we have the parable of the talents and we are going to be judged for what we did with the "intellect talent". There are four "cardinal virtues" and as St. Thomas Aquinas affirms: "Prudence is practical wisdom" in everyday and ordinary circumstances. In Mexico there is a popular quote that I translate: "The devil knows more as an old angel than as a devil". During the Roman Empire the "Senate", at that time, those who not only were law-makers, like nowadays, but also had executive government-decisions, belonged to the "old people", from there the latin foot "senatus" which even today has this latin root anglicized: "Senate". And this is because if we make good and profitable use of the "intellect talent", then using "practical reason" - Prudence, cardinal virtue- we acquire experience and expertise. So I agree, we must NOT judge people's heart but their deeds, since we don't want to be deceived by those "sophists" who seem like blameless lambs but they are nothing but that; then we have not only the right, but the moral duty NOT to keep silence and speak up, when something is wrong. When liars don't use anymore the word: "abortion" because is not politically correct and they say: "interruption of pregnancy", then we have to be clever "judging" and being aware that this distorted semantic expression in practical terms, plain and simple means: "murdering an innocent baby".
Spot on, Fr. Mike! It is a tightrope we walk, isn't it? We should never condemn anyone (for we are also sinners in need of a Savior), but we should also beware of those who claim to be righteous but bear the fruit of unrighteousness. I recommend a reading of Galatians 5:13-26 for St. Paul's discussion of the acts of the flesh vs. the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
