Have You Mastered the Basics of Your Faith?

Fr. Mike makes the case that, before you claim a certain “style” in practicing the faith, you have to master the basics. He tells a story about when he was learning guitar. The teacher told his students to hold their guitar on an angle with their left knee higher than their right. This way they could play all kinds of music. Some of the students decided they wanted to hold the guitar their own way. This limited what they could play. Living the Faith is the same way.

If you’re told to do something and don’t, is it because you can’t do it, or because you won’t? When practicing the Faith, you may say you’re not into prayer, or service, or witnessing about Jesus, but all these things are essential to growing in holiness.

The saints are all different, true. Their fruit was unique, but the soil where they flourished is the same. Every saint started with prayer. They all did service, they all talked about Jesus. Fr. Mike recommends that we take advantage of all the riches our Catholic Faith gives us: the Rosary, Ignatian meditation, Lectio Divina, charismatic prayer, and so on. Let’s not limit our experience of God by saying some tradition is not our style.

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[menacewithaknife]

I'm a new born in my Catholic faith even though I'm in my mid fifties and was raised a Catholic I've just started learning the rosary and have a bunch of holes to work on. Hope I can go to church to talk one on one with a priest and even take classes so I can go to confession. Made first communion don't remember if I was confirmed. I pray that I root in solid ground and become a better Catholic and person. Jesus has carried me my whole life and I hope that I can walk with him before my end.

[albertsegura]

Not even a Catholic but Father Mike is such a blessing with the wisdom God has granted him. Praise God!

[clarekappenman]

I agree with other posters. Can you do a couple of videos on like "Level 0 basics" for those not yet Catholic, Level 1 basics for those who are recently Catholic, and level 2 basics for those who are solidly practicing the level 0 and level 1? I think this would be helpful to "tweak" for faith formation priorities as well... So many faith formation programs seem to major in minors or put the cart before the horse, spending time on vocab like "ciborium" without teaching how to have a relationship with the living Jesus, or how to read the Bible, or cultivating devotion to the Eucharist. Many saints have said that devotion to Mary is essential for true devotion to Jesus, but is that a level 0 or a level 2, and does it have to be rosary prayer or could it be briefer for beginners who are intimidated by 20 minutes of repetitious prayer? Etc. Prioritizing all the many, many things that have been called essential or basic over 2, 000 years of church history would be helpful for me--5 years a Catholic this year thank God 🙏

[BenjaminOwenSlattery]

Can you do some videos on the basics?
For example:
How do you journal in prayer?
How do you pray Lectio Devina?
How do you pray Ignatian Spirituality?

[MMEV]

This reminds me of those that tell me "No, I'm just spiritual". Ok...then that's just your "default setting". There's only one way....and HE IS THE WAY**

[pleasegivemeacookie]

A lot of the things you’ve mentioned as part of the soil I’ve never heard of before. I’m working towards my confirmation. I’d love to see videos on the soil. <3

[luuvvvuever]

Funny you made this video bc I just started reading the diary of Saint Faustina and it made me think of the times when she was afraid to do something the Lord was asking of her for fear of what other people would think but then He would come back and remind her to be obedient to Him. Been trying to work on this myself...

[scarlet]

Very thought-provoking. Makes me think of St Francis of Assisi. His "style" was his special way with animals, and people like to think of this but tend to forget that he also embraced the crucified Jesus, renounced all material possessions, cared for the poor, and had a singular devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Francis attracts people because of the way he loved animals, and then if we look further into his life, we realize that he loved Christ more than anything else, including animals, and he is an example to us of how to do that.

[nickbogush]

I am learning everyday of how rich our Catholic faith is and sometimes feel like I am overwhelmed with it. I am still learning to pray but I do pray everyday. I pray the rosary everyday and sometimes I am so moved by the message(s) when I reflect on the fruits of the mysteries. I read scripture and again I hear God's specific message to me which fills me. I journal also but not everyday. If someone were to read my journal; they would probably think I was crazy sometimes. I hope that by final day on earth that I have mastered my faith. Thank you Fr Mike and God continue to bless you and your work.

[BertoldSzekeres]

Haha, about the rosary being boring: I used to think that as well, now I'm praying it as much as I can. Also the chaplet of Mercy. It's not just that they do miracles, but also if you're persistent it becomes a joy. It really brings you joy you never knew before. Do persevere and you'll see!

[karys]

From Lithuania With Love !!! One Love !!!

[bobmcgavin]

Father Mike. I just watched your Valentine’s Day what is love (baby don’t hurt me) video. In it you said that many millennials such as myself have this conflict between sharing our faith and keeping it personal. I think that you should do a video on balancing those two ideas. Between going out and sharing the good news and between staying in and praying in private where only the Father can see you. (I forget the verse, but it is the one about the hypocrites praying on the corner of the streets) hope this comment makes it to you! Other millennials and people of other age groups! Help this comment get to the top! God bless!!

[utamihalliday]

Who dislikes this video??? I could not believe it that there are people who don't like your teaching. It is not math or chemistry or

[Richie]

Christ sets us free from all worldly desires & passions, through his grace & mercy he opens our way to salvation

[sophia]

I’m glad that he implicitly pointed out: “I don’t want to” does not necessarily equate to pride, or the need to assert one's individuality. In instances of trivial preference (like how someone prays), if you’ve tried something and found it didn’t resonate, then by all means, practice and take hold of what does--these small gems will make all the difference.

[angelabrosius]

Can’t or won’t we are lazy and choose other things. Try, try, try again and again. Thank you for the reminder

[AG_KEMPER]

I'm studying soil science, and I love your metaphor! It's truly concerning how much your metaphor could be extended and expanded, so I will refrain from doing so.

[anneturner]

Fr. Mike, you are Christ’s most precious son . Praying for you always.

[jonahkane]

Thank you father mike for all you have been doing during this period of isolation 🙏✝️

[Truthseeker]

Building a foundation is prerequisite to build a solid house.