Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz Episode 123142: 1/4/26 Proximity or Intimacy
19 snips
Jan 3, 2026 Indifference can easily turn into hostility, especially regarding God’s presence in our lives. Fr. Mike explores how physical closeness can breed a lack of appreciation, like a visit to an amusement park. He contrasts the responses of the Magi and Herod to Jesus, highlighting how proximity can lead to either intimacy or indifference. Offering our best and worst to God is essential, as change is inevitable when we truly encounter Him. Listeners are encouraged to make tangible changes in their lives to foster a deeper relationship with Jesus.
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Too-Close To Appreciate
- Fr. Mike Schmitz recalls growing up in Brainerd and never getting to visit the local Paul Bunyan Amusement Park despite living nearby.
- He uses this childhood example to show that things close to us sometimes feel too ordinary to seek out.
Pilgrimage Versus Parish Life
- Fr. Mike describes pilgrimages to Poland and marvels that parish churches there are everyday worship sites for locals but pilgrimage sites for visitors.
- He contrasts travelers' reverence with locals' ability to treat the same place as ordinary.
Proximity Shapes Response
- The Magi traveled far to seek Jesus while King Herod lived six miles from Bethlehem and did not go, highlighting different responses to God's nearness.
- Proximity to God can either prompt seeking or provoke indifference and avoidance.
