5 Toxic Phrases Catholics Should Stop Saying, According to this Catholic Priest
Father Casey Cole, OFM, believes that because phrases with Christian origins (such as breakfast, goodbye, bless you, and more) have become commonplace, we “can get suckered into using some absolutely garbage phrases because they sound inspirational.”
In a recent YouTube video on his channel, “Breaking in the Habit,” Father Casey Cole dives into five things he believes Catholics should stop saying.
The “Breaking in the Habit” YouTube Channel focuses on “offering personal reflections and explanations from a Catholic and Franciscan perspective for Christians who want to become better disciples of Jesus Christ and discern their vocation.”
While many of these sayings sound Christian, they actually go against our faith!
This Lenten season, we should focus on growing closer to God through our everyday conversations.
Here is Father Casey Cole’s list of five things Catholics should stop saying:
1) God Helps Those Who Help Themselves
Father Casey explains that this phrase aligns with the harmful idea that we need to be independent, hard-working people for God to notice us, which is not true!
Instead, he says,
“God helps those who ask for help, who need his help, not those who can help themselves…If you need help, go to God.”
2) Stay Strong
In his video, Father Casey says that this phrase is often used to show support, synonymous with saying, “Don’t give up.”
He then explains that, similar to the first phrase he mentioned, this one focuses on independent ability rather than dependence on God.
“This is almost never the case. Not only am I NOT strong enough on my own; attempting to get through something with my strength alone is only going to make things much worse,” he says.
“Telling someone to stick it out on their own will get them nowhere, but encouraging someone to rely totally on God, to let go of their need for control, is what will.”
Father Casey suggests replacing “stay strong” with something like “Christ be your strength.”
3) God Wants Us to Be Happy
Father Casey clarifies that while God does not want us to experience unnecessary suffering, He also doesn’t want us to avoid it entirely.
“Happiness is an emotion, and emotions can be misleading,” he says.
Suffering is not always a bad thing–look at the Crucifixion!
“Rather than saying God wants us to be happy, we should say that God wants us to be holy,” he offers.
4) Believe in Yourself
“Could there be anything more blasphemous in our age?” Father Casey begins.
Of course, he says, it isn’t a pass to do absolutely nothing yourself. There has to be a balance.
He offers a powerful reminder, saying,
“It is not me that I am believing in when I set out to do something good. It is the power of God that dwells in me, guides me, and will ultimately accomplish what God wants done.”
Father Casey warns that believing we can do anything apart from God or that we are solely responsible for our accomplishments is a big problem.
“It wasn’t you who accomplished it. It was Him working through you,” he concludes.
5) No Regrets
“You should have lots of regrets in life,” Father Casey says. “Contrition is a very good thing that we all need a little more of.”
He clarifies that this does not mean we should live in a constant state of shame, but instead, move beyond our mistakes by hating our sin. Having regrets, he explains, is a sign of humility.
Watch Father Casey Cole's full video below:
What would you add to Father Casey’s list?
According to the "Breaking the Habit" website, Father Casey Cole, OFM, entered the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) in August of 2011, made solemn profession in August of 2017, and was ordained to the priesthood in June of 2019.