Ask Father Mike

Q. I sometimes feel like I trust the wrong people. I have been burned so many times that I just think that I shouldn’t ever trust anyone again. On top of that, there are people I know that I should respect, but I just don’t. What do I do?

Q. I’m someone who has a very hard time dealing with change. I like to make sure that the things I have and the relationships I’m in with friends and family are long-lasting, even permanent. It saddens me greatly to think that one day I might not have these relationships.

Q. I don’t understand how I am free. I didn’t choose to exist. I’m stuck here. I didn’t choose to have anxiety and depression. I’m stuck. Life is not worth it. If God is so good, why doesn’t he do something? Why doesn’t he give me an answer?

Q. It used to be easy to believe in Jesus when I was younger, but with all the suffering in the world and in my life, I just don’t know. Why is it harder for me now than when I was younger?

I have been having a really hard time trusting God lately. Ever since a family member died, I keep blaming God and finding it difficult to keep my faith. Do you have any thoughts on what I can do?

Q. I’ve been told that I have a streak of envy in me, but I don’t even know what that means. Besides, there are so many worse sins than envy, so why should I even care?

I wrote last month to someone who had asked about how to best direct a friend to a good parish that will connect him with people who will help him come to know God and be able to better follow Christ.