Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Explore the essential roles of Joseph in the Holy Family, highlighting his responsibilities as protector and provider. Discover the contrasts between authentic masculinity and femininity, emphasizing strength in service and trust in relationships. Fr. Mike critiques modern gender stereotypes and urges a biblical approach for healthier marriages. He also delves into practical family guidance from Colossians, encouraging compassion and humility in family life.

What if all you received this Christmas was Jesus? The discussion highlights the essence of waiting for Christ during Advent and challenges listeners to consider what truly remains when festive extras are stripped away. With a mix of personal stories and biblical reflections, gratitude for God's faithfulness shines through as Fr. Mike underscores that living in the present moment is key. The call to actively nurture relationships mirrors the joy of embracing the gift of Jesus, reinforcing that He is indeed worth the wait.

This discussion reflects on the challenge of waiting for what we desire. It contrasts unhealthy waiting habits with trusting, faithful waiting. The speaker encourages focusing on God's promises rather than mere outcomes. Through biblical examples like Habakkuk, listeners learn about unconditional hope even in devastating times. Personal testimonies highlight maintaining faith amid unanswered prayers. A practical tip includes creating a blessing jar to recognize daily gratitudes while waiting. The emphasis is on praising God and maintaining hope, regardless of circumstances.

In a reflective discussion, Fr. Mike explores the theme of waiting well during Advent. He contrasts the hurried culture with the inner transformation God calls us to embrace. Using examples like farming and the growth of bamboo, he illustrates the importance of patience and faith. The power of praise is highlighted as a way to strengthen the heart and foster trust in Christ. Fr. Mike shares inspiring stories, including Paul and Silas in prison and St. Maximilian Kolbe’s faith during suffering, encouraging listeners to find joy in their everyday waiting.

Explore the profound meaning of the Immaculate Conception and its implications for all of us. The idea that God prepares a path for grace, rather than just repairing sin, invites us to live in the moment. Fr. Mike underscores Mary's unique 'yes' to God, contrasting it with Eve's. He connects the feast's significance to our own lives through the sacraments like baptism and Communion. Ultimately, the call to embrace the 'Sacrament of the Present Moment' challenges us to respond to grace with immediacy.

Explore the transformative power of waiting during Advent. Fr. Mike discusses how our impatience often leads to worry, stealing our joy. He offers practical tips to ease the burden of waiting, like focusing on the present moment. Trusting God's timing is essential; after all, Jesus' life exemplifies unshakeable faith. Personal stories of discernment and biblical examples like King David illustrate how surrendering worry can lead to profound peace. Ultimately, it's about entrusting our weaknesses to God and embracing hope.

On the First Sunday of Advent, the discussion revolves around the concept of waiting. Fr. Mike uses marathon training as a metaphor for active preparation during this season. He highlights how much of life is filled with waiting and questions listeners about their personal longings. The marshmallow experiment illustrates our struggle with patience, while common pitfalls of waiting are addressed. Emphasizing that waiting should be an engaged process, Fr. Mike reminds us to recognize that God is actively working in each moment.

The discussion explores the profound truth that victory often comes through vulnerability. Fr. Mike connects Queen Esther's courageous decisions to Christ's crucifixion, emphasizing God's choice to empty Himself. He highlights how true love involves risk and vulnerability, distinguishing between sheer weakness and relational openness. Personal stories illustrate the power of vulnerability in evangelization. Ultimately, listeners are challenged to embrace the vulnerable King and reflect on their relationship with Him.

The discussion dives into profound questions like whether we prefer admiration over love. It reflects on the Day of the Lord, emphasizing how God reveals our true selves. Fr. Mike critiques hypocrisy and underlines the importance of integrity. He warns against clinging to sin, using a compelling analogy from Lord of the Rings. The idea of judgment, both particular and final, is explored, highlighting how honesty and surrender can transform our wounds into testimonies. Listeners are encouraged to embrace love through genuine prayer and confession.

Explore the significance of dedication in both churches and individuals. Fr. Mike reflects on the first temple's role as a symbol of God's presence and how Jesus fulfills that as the true temple. He challenges listeners to embody their Christian calling and transform society, sharing historical impacts of Christianity. With bold encouragement, he urges believers to reach out to those in need and champions a radical commitment to mission, reminding everyone of their potential to 'set the world on fire' with their purpose.