The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Fr. Mike shares his beloved Christmas songs, highlighting the emotional depth of tunes like 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel' and 'I Heard the Bells.' He reflects on classic favorites and their nostalgic ties to cherished memories. However, his list takes a turn as he passionately critiques songs like 'Last Christmas' for not being true holiday anthems, and calls 'Christmas Shoes' emotionally manipulative. He even dubs 'Wonderful Christmastime' a 'pile of trash.' Get ready for a merry mix of love, disdain, and seasonal spirit!

Explore the intriguing views on death: is it an enemy, a natural part of life, or a rebirth? Fr. Mike Schmitz challenges these ideas, presenting death as a lover and urging listeners to focus on longing for Jesus rather than fearing death. He highlights the importance of desiring Heaven and how this holy longing can enrich daily life, making us more courageous and loving. Ultimately, death is a doorway to union with the beloved, offering a profound perspective that encourages deeper prayer and connection with faith.

Trusting God's timing is a central theme, as Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes that God is never late or early. He contrasts common beliefs about punctuality with divine timings, urging listeners to recognize how readiness aligns with God's plans. Fr. Mike shares his own vocation story to illustrate this perfect timing in action. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to trust that God will respond to their prayers exactly when the moment is right.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the powerful idea that God values faithfulness over worldly success. He reflects on St. Mother Teresa's life, emphasizing how true fulfillment comes from honoring God with our efforts. Listeners are encouraged to shift their perspective from measuring outcomes to appreciating personal commitment. Sharing a military man's heartfelt prayer, he highlights how our efforts can transform into acts of prayer. Ultimately, Fr. Mike motivates everyone to take one more step in their journey of faithfulness.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the complexities of speaking up about faith in challenging conversations. He shares an encounter with a non-Catholic humanitarian, reflecting on the tension around Christian unity. Should you correct someone? He discusses the reasons for silence, including courage and love, and emphasizes the importance of prayer for guidance. With insights on the value of a daily holy hour, he encourages listeners to surrender their decisions to Jesus, highlighting the journey of faith and understanding.

Fr. Mike dives into the alarming rise of AI-generated scams impersonating him. He provides insights on how easily technology can deceive and tips for recognizing fake content. The conversation shifts to how technology enhances and stifles our human capacities, raising concerns about the future of creativity. Fr. Mike contrasts idealized visions of technological progress with the risk of preferring virtual connections over real-life interactions. He encourages listeners to reflect thoughtfully on the implications of new technologies in their lives.

Explore the fascinating relationship between emotions and sin. Fr. Mike Schmitz reveals that feelings themselves aren’t sinful; it’s our choices that determine moral character. He draws on C.S. Lewis to highlight how truth and conflicting emotions coexist. The discussion emphasizes the power of the will in cultivating virtue and discerning righteous anger. Ultimately, he reminds us that being a hero or a saint is about the conscious choices we make each day, all supported by divine grace.

Fr. Mike explores the significance of receiving Holy Communion worthily, highlighting its deeper implications from Paul’s teachings. He emphasizes that receiving in a state of mortal sin is itself serious, but provides clarity on the three conditions necessary for a mortal sin. He suggests that if there’s genuine doubt about one's state, it may be fine to receive Communion. The discussion includes a powerful example of reverence through abstaining, illustrating the balance between presence at Mass and worthiness.

Explore the lives of saints and their profound suffering—was it worth it? Fr. Mike delves into the reality that following Jesus doesn't mean avoiding pain but transforming it. He challenges the myth of prosperity in faith, highlighting that discipleship involves self-denial and taking up your cross. Real-life examples reveal the cost of faith, including lost relationships and extreme persecution. Ultimately, he emphasizes that while suffering is inevitable, Christians can endure it with Christ, finding purpose and grace in their trials.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the concept of virtuous friendships and their vital role in our lives. He delves into Aristotle's three types of friendship: utility, pleasure, and virtue, highlighting their significance. Fr. Mike discusses the limitations of utility-based friendships and the joy of pleasant ones. He shares a personal story about his friendship with Nick, illustrating how it evolved into a virtuous bond through shared purpose. Ultimately, he emphasizes how virtuous friends inspire us to pursue greater goals together.