If you have a family member, friend, or loved one who is far from God, you're not alone. You're in good company—not the least of which is God the Father himself, who works so hard to unite us with himself. If someone you love has stopped going to Church, or isn't practicing the faith anymore, or hasn't yet said "yes" to Jesus to begin with, what is the best way to love them? Today, Fr. Mike has 4 simple things you can do to keep loving them on their faith journey, through all of the ups and down...
Jul 04, 2024•8 min
Does a passing blue jay remind you of a deceased loved one? Does a specific number or color call their loss to your memory? Could they be speaking to you through these signs? Today, Fr. Mike opens up about navigating the loss of his own mother and finding hope and peace in the midst of that grief. The bottom line is, your loved ones can't cause these "signs" to happen—only God can work in nature in that way. But these unexpected occurrences can be a reminder to pray for your loved ones and to re...
Jun 27, 2024•9 min
We've got a "Marriage Pop-Quiz" for you! Would you ditch your spouse to catch a flight? Imagine you're traveling with your spouse. They go to the bathroom while you wait for your flight to board. But they don't come back. And you're going to miss your flight. Should you board it and ditch your spouse? What would you do in this situation? According to Fr. Mike, there is only one correct answer to this question. And the answer might surprise you. Today, Fr. Mike shares a funny story about an older...
Jun 20, 2024•7 min
Momma always said, "Son, you don't like something? Well, offer it up!" Today, Fr. Mike explores the traditional understanding of offering up your pain, embracing your suffering, and making sacrifices in the spiritual life.
Jun 13, 2024•9 min
The sacraments that Christ gave his church are powerful. They are life changing. But... they are not magic. Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection makes salvation possible for all of us. But there is one key ingredient that only you can supply. Fr. Mike encourages you to give that key ingredient to God today.
Jun 06, 2024•8 min
If you're truly open-minded, you can find some truth in most religions. You can find plenty of goodness and beauty as well. But where is the whole truth of God—the "fullness of truth"? Fr. Mike makes the case for Catholic Christianity, and why you should settle for nothing less.
May 30, 2024•7 min
When considering the people of the Old Testament before Jesus's coming, we might ask ourselves: "Are those without the knowledge of Jesus destined for eternal damnation?" And what about those who have never had an opportunity in our day and age to hear the name of Jesus and accept faith? "Where do they go when they die?" Today, Fr. Mike explores these tough questions, drawing on the sacred scriptures and the church's teachings on salvation.
May 23, 2024•9 min
Pope John Paul II said that what modern man needs—and is missing—is an "adequate anthropology", or, a full understanding of what it looks like to be human. Over the course of his pontificate, he gave it his best shot using the entirety of scripture, 2,000 years of church teaching, and the latest scientific understandings of the human person. Today, we call it the Theology of the Body. And it will change the way you look at yourself and your purpose in life. Fr. Mike Schmitz gives us an introduct...
May 16, 2024•7 min
Have you been confirmed? Have you received the Sacrament of Confirmation yet? Does this mean you're a "grown-up" Catholic now—that you've graduated? Not quite. There's so much more to it than that. Today, Fr. Mike breaks down the 5 effects that flow from receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
May 09, 2024•8 min
Is there any hope for unity in the United States of America? Fr. Mike gives a resounding "yes". But not over politics or policies—but the principles that our country was founded on. What's the difference between politics/policies and principles? Fr. Mike has a take that might make you think.
May 02, 2024•9 min
A question to anyone who is thinking about rejecting Jesus (or has accepted him for that matter): have you even met him? Do you know who you are rejecting? You might think the answer is yes. The answer might even be yes. But Fr. Mike has something that every single one of us needs to consider before deciding whether or not to stick by Jesus and his Church.
Apr 25, 2024•6 min
Have you ever had dark, disturbing dreams? If you did, did you feel guilty when you woke up? Did you have some vague sense of shame that such dreams came from your mind? If you’ve ever experienced this, you might have even wondered whether or not such dreams could be considered “sinful.” Fr. Mike is here today to give you the short answer—no, dreams themselves cannot be considered sinful—and the long answer… what are you doing during your waking hours that could be feeding these dark dreams?
Apr 19, 2024•5 min
Does good prayer feel out of reach for you? Do distractions plague you unceasingly? Are you wondering if you're supposed to be getting more out of prayer time? Fr. Mike proposes a simple 4-part roadmap to better, more fulfilling prayer time. It's not difficult—it just takes practice.
Apr 11, 2024•8 min
Who is orchestrating your life? If it's God—and not you—what will you say to him? Fr. Mike suggests trying "yes." Whether life circumstances bring the best out of you or the worst out of you, you need Jesus more than you think you do. And that is a very good thing. Here's why.
Apr 04, 2024•8 min
Do you have FOMO? Are you always worried about what you might miss out on? Today, Fr. Mike explores why this fear of missing out could be a gift in the spiritual life using the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ as he unravels how the disciples' FOMO led them to overlook a pivotal moment in history. The call is to BE fully present. Don't miss out on God moments.
Mar 28, 2024•9 min
Everyone bears burdens and faces unseen challenges. Leading a life filled with love is often the simplest path to personal growth. In this discussion, Fr. Mike delves into extending grace to strangers. A small gesture of kindness, such as offering a smile or lending a helping hand, can cultivate a community of grace and love. He reminds us that everyone navigates life's complexities differently. Fr. Mike emphasizes that acts of kindness and compassion pave the way for increased empathy and under...
Mar 21, 2024•6 min
Fr. Mike Schmitz delves deeply into the profound significance of the leper's words to Jesus: 'If you will it, you can make me clean.' This verse from Matthew's Gospel embodies the very essence of faith. Fr. Mike explains how this statement captures the heart of faith in two ways: the trust inherent in believing that Christ can purify us and the trust involved in believing in him even if he chooses not to. Fr. Mike says this is the faith you are made for. It is the kind of faith that can change t...
Mar 14, 2024•6 min
Do you know the true story of America's first canonized saint? "Cabrini," a movie from Angel Studios, tells the incredible true story of Mother Cabrini, the first American citizen to become a saint. It is a historical biopic showcasing her selfless service to the Italian immigrant population in the United States. Mother Cabrini's unwavering dedication to the dignity and respect of those in need reminds us to always look out for the ones still seeking a place at the table. Today, Fr. Mike shares ...
Mar 07, 2024•7 min
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'” - 1 Samuel 16:7 What does God see when he looks into our hearts? Does he see a humble, contrite and broken heart, that he will not spurn? Today Fr. Mike Schmitz shares a word of encouragement from the book of 1 Samuel for how to shape our hearts so that the Lord can be ...
Feb 29, 2024•6 min
St. Francis De Sales, often referred to as the "Saint-maker," liked to say, "Be who you are, and be that well." Each of us is called to pursue a life of holiness, a journey that unfolds uniquely for every individual. But comparing ourselves to others and judging ourselves harshly can be tempting. Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the harmful effects of comparison and invites us instead to focus on embracing our true identity and "paint our own sunrise."
Feb 22, 2024•5 min
"Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!" Okay maybe not everything, but probably more than you thought. Vanity isn't just looking the mirror too much (although it could be). Vanity isn't just too much plastic surgery (although it could be). Vanity is "the inordinate preoccupation with what other people think." Fr. Mike suggests we look at our lives a little more closely with this new definition—and to look at Jesus for the solution.
Feb 15, 2024•6 min
When you clean and organize a room, you have to ask one very important question first: what is this room for? Once you can answer that, everything begins falling into place. In order to direct and order your own life, you must ask that same question. What is your life for? What is the primary purpose of the one life you've been given? Fr. Mike proposes that, when you can answer that question, everything in your life will begin falling into place for you. And he might even take a crack at answeri...
Feb 08, 2024•8 min
We were all born sick. The sickness is Sin. It's not a tendency to sin that we brought upon ourselves... it's something we "caught" from our parents, that was passed down to us by our forefathers. This is Original Sin. ...but wait, how is that even fair?! Today, Fr. Mike reminds you that you are good and you were made good. But we are born with a wound that only our creator can heal.
Feb 01, 2024•9 min
Don't let anyone trick you into thinking life isn't hard. Experience tells us all that life is truly difficult at times. But even still... haven't you ever just wished it was easier? Today, Fr. Mike proposes an alternative to just wishing things were easier. When life gets difficult, there is only one way forward (hint: it's not just grinning and bearing it).
Jan 25, 2024•7 min
What if there were no God? What does that idea look like if you follow it to its logical conclusion? It ain't pretty. Today, Fr. Mike shows us that meaning, dignity, and purpose come from the one who created everything. And the good news is that he made you on purpose, for a reason. And you matter.
Jan 18, 2024•6 min
God commands his beloved people all throughout scripture: "Remember." And this command continues to resound for us today. Remember the good that God has done for you. Remember the times he has delivered you. Remember when you thought you had nothing left but he gave you strength. Today, Fr. Mike beseeches us to remember in the darkness what God has revealed in the light, and to never forget what he's done for us.
Jan 11, 2024•7 min
Some of your favorite Bible characters were... terrible sometimes. Abraham lied and said Sarah wasn't his wife. Jacob tricked his father into giving him the birthright instead of his brother. And there are plenty of stories that aren't even appropriate enough to make it into a YouTube description. But what is the Bible? A collection of inspiring fables? Or the real story of humanity and God? For Fr. Mike, this is good news (and it should be for you too). Our favorite saints were just like us. An...
Jan 04, 2024•5 min
The angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her all about how she’d conceive and bear God’s son Jesus, and when she asked how this could be, he elaborated. Wouldn’t that be nice? Wouldn’t it be nice to have an angel show up and tell us what God’s plan for our life is? But... that’s not how it went. The angel actually told her very little. And after Mary’s “fiat” (“Let it be done unto me according to thy word”), what happens? “The angel departed.” That’s it. See, God probably won’t tell you what his ...
Dec 28, 2023•7 min
Have you ever heard the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"? Have you listened to the lyrics carefully? It's not exactly the blissful naiveté of "Deck the Halls". It's much more real and raw than that. Today, Fr. Mike is here to remind us that although "hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good-will to men," the truth is that "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men."
Dec 21, 2023•8 min
This is not the first video on Ascension Presents about how to overcome an addiction to pornography, but it might be one of the simplest and most actionable. Since 2000, Covenant Eyes has been a leader in the online accountability space. They are the #1 app for helping people find freedom from pornography. Their accountability software monitors images on device screens and sends a report to a trusted friend (ally) who holds you accountable for both your online and offline choices. Today, Fr. Mik...
Dec 14, 2023•9 min
