Should we wear our best to Mass?

Fr. Mike explores the balance between 'coming as you are' and 'putting on your best for the Lord.' He explains that while the state of our hearts ultimately matters most, it's not the only thing that matters. Dressing respectfully for Mass can be a way to honor God, but it should never cover up a lack of sincerity or distract from the true purpose of the Mass.

The question to consider is: does my outward appearance reflect the love and reverence in my heart?

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Some people brush off intrusive thoughts. But others are haunted by them.

If you're having serious issues with intrusive thoughts, first understand that this is normal and part of the human experience. That being said, if you need to combat them, you have options. Today, Fr. Mike gives you some solid advice and steps to take towards greater freedom from unwanted and unwelcome thoughts.

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Did you know there’s a simple approach to discerning your vocation? Fr. Mike shares the most common mistake he sees people make when determining God's call.

He emphasizes the importance of focusing on one vocation at a time, reminding us that jumping between options can lead to confusion.

Instead, Fr. Mike encourages us to simplify the process and let God guide us toward the vocation we’re meant for. When we focus and trust, God’s will becomes clear.

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Do you pray the rosary? If you do, you might find it difficult at times, or experience dryness in prayer. It's important to persevere in this devotion—but how?

Fr. Mike has dealt with the same difficulties in prayer, and these are his top tips for keeping up with the holy rosary.

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"In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words." Matthew 6:7 (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

Does Jesus warn us against repetitive prayers? Does praying the rosary contradict the way Jesus asked us to pray? Why is the rosary even designed that way?

Whether you pray the rosary everyday or have never prayed it before, Fr. Mike has some insights from Jesus and his Church regarding repetition in prayer that will change the way you look at prayers like the rosary.

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Fr. Mike had the pleasure of interviewing David Henrie about his reversion to Catholicism, his life as a Hollywood celebrity, and how to find your identity in Christ no matter your state in life. They also discussed his recent work as director on “Monster Summer”, which follows a group of kids who team up with a retired police detective (played by Mel Gibson) and embark on an adventure to save their island after a mysterious evil force disrupts their summer.

Learn more about the film at https://www.monstersummermovie.com/

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Jesus gave us the prayer we often call "the Our Father". But where do the other prayers of the Holy Rosary come from, like the Hail Mary? The Glory Be? Who selected the mysteries that we meditate on for each decade? ...who even decided to pray a rosary in "decades"?

Fr. Mike breaks down the historical origins of the rosary as well as the logic that the saints who went before us used to organize the rosary as we know it today.

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Did you know Christians have a radical view of the body? While society often swings between two extremes—either dismissing the body as insignificant or idolizing it—Christianity offers a balanced and profound understanding of the unity between body and soul.

Fr. Mike, drawing on St. John Paul II's teachings on the 'cult of the body,' explains that while we are called to care for and love our bodies, they are not our ultimate purpose. He says we can get caught up in focusing on health, beauty, and physical perfection. Our bodies are good, destined for redemption, but they should not be the center of our lives. Understanding this teaching can help us honor our bodies as God intended.

Want more content like this? Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces the Theology of the Body and invites us to his 4-part series diving deeper into these incredible mysteries. Sign up for the whole series for FREE here: https://www.ascensionpress.com/tobtalk/

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You’ve definitely either said—or met someone who’s said—“I go to Mass, but I just don’t get anything out of it.”

Fr. Mike gets you. He’s said it too. But what he’s learned and cannot stop telling everyone is that Mass is not about you or getting anything out of it.
The heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice.

Mass is not about what you can get, but what you can give to God that is due to him as Lord of the Universe.

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Fr. Mike offers insights on how to combat despair. If you feel like you've tried everything, see no way out, or think nothing matters, Fr. Mike reminds you of the true meaning of hope. He explains that we can always rely on God's presence. Choosing hope means choosing to act with courage, even if that victory is as simple as getting out of bed.

Finally, he reminds us that one of the best ways to fight despair is to bring that hopelessness to God in Confession.

You are loved, you are valued, and you are absolutely irreplaceable. Our team at Ascension is thinking of you and praying for you. If you're going through a difficult time or struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust or seek support from a professional. You can also call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (available 24/7).

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How can you discern if the voice you're hearing is genuinely God's? How can you be sure it isn't just your own thoughts or even something deceptive?

Fr. Mike offers insight into recognizing God's guidance by asking key questions: Does the voice contradict Scripture or the teachings of the Church? Who does the voice sound like, and what are the characteristics of God's voice?

He explains that divine guidance is often confirmed by its fruitfulness—bringing lasting peace, joy, and alignment with God's will. Fr. Mike encourages us to trust God step by step. He says it does not take blind leaps to see how even the most minor acts of faith can produce meaningful fruit over time.

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