Fr. Mike's Homilies
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Finding Meaning
So much of life is doing our duty. Doing what we are supposed to do. And yet, there are times when this means that we only “go through the motions.” There is a chance for us to do more, however…we can choose to grow. So often, we can spend our lives simply going through the motions, doing our duty, and nothing more. This is a recipe for discouragement. This study plan, "Growing Through the Motions: Passion or Duty?" addresses this difficulty. When we realize that God has a worthy goal for us all of our tasks take on incredible significance.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Overcoming Obstacles and Temptations
Parabellum is a Latin word that means, "Prepare for War." When we are faced with the challenges and obstacles of following Christ, it is easy to become overwhelmed. But we do not have to solve all of the potential issues. We are simply called to face this problem and take the next step. Observe. Orient. Decide. Act. This four-step decision making model was developed by and used for the U.S. Military. It was designed to help soldiers react to unexpected events on the battlefield, or during the course of a mission. In terms of the spiritual life, we know that the devil constantly throws obstacles and temptations in the way of us growing a personal relationship with Jesus. The O.O.D.A. model can be adapted to our approach to the spiritual life to help us observe when we are being attacked spiritually, orient ourselves toward the good, and then decide to choose Jesus and act in accord with his will for our lives. In each day of this study plan, Fr. Mike will share a different aspect of how we can "prepare for war" against the devil, relying on God's strength at every turn so we can be assured of victory! The reflection questions at the bottom of the page each day will help you grow in your ability to identify temptation and surrender your heart to Jesus, the only one who can defend you.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: The Virtue of Humility
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. The Book of Sirach makes the claim that the humble person is loved more than a giver of gifts. This study, "Eulogy Virtues," addresses this. But what does it mean to be humble? Does it mean what most of us automatically think of? Or does it mean something deeper...something freer? True humility gives a person the ability to pay attention. "
Fr. Mike's Homilies: How to Trust God
Fr. Mike Schmitz's "Insecure" homily series delves into the profound reality of living in a world where security and certainty are often illusions. Fr. Mike explores how moments of insecurity reveal our deep need for God’s mercy, peace, and strength. By addressing how insecurity can purify, strengthen, and root us more firmly in Christ, he invites us to trust in God’s presence even when our worldly anchors are shaken.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Accepting God's Will
This reading plan focuses on Fr. Mike's "Main Character" Homily Series to help you overcome perfectionism, learn to rejoice always, and accept God's will for your life. When working through this plan: Listen: Begin each day by listening to Fr. Mike's Homily. Read: Prayerfully read the accompanying Bible verses to gain Scriptural insight. Consider: Ask yourself how the chosen passages relate to Fr. Mike's homily. If you are familiar with the passages, does pairing them with the homily help you see them in a new light? Reflect: Use the reflection questions to contemplate how you can grow in your relationship with God and discover practical ways to integrate him as the "main character".
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Confronting Fear
"Nothing to Fear" explores the powerful grip of fear and how it holds us back from living fully in God's purpose. Throughout the next four weeks, we’ll dive into common fears that affect us all, starting with the fear of rejection. This series aims to shed light on these fears, name them, and confront them through the lens of faith, courage, and God’s unwavering love. In this series, we'll learn how to transform our perspective, moving from paralysis and compromise to bold action and trust in God's plan for our lives.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: "Consumer Catholic"
Welcome to "Consumer Catholic." In a world where it's easy to show up, take, and consume without giving back, we often forget that following Christ means more than just receiving—it means becoming givers. Over the next four weeks, we'll explore how God calls us to move from a consumer mentality to a life of active service and generosity, discovering the profound joy of offering our time, talents, and treasures for His kingdom. Study plans require a paid subscription, however this study plan is available to non-subscribing members for a limited time.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Deepening Your Relationship with Christ
Welcome to the first week of the "To the Heart" homily series. Over the next six weeks, we’ll journey together to uncover the deeper meaning behind our faith, focusing on the inner transformation that God desires for each of us. This series will challenge us to go beyond surface-level spirituality and invite God to reach into the core of who we are, so we can live out our faith with greater purpose, passion, and authenticity. Join us as we open our hearts to a deeper relationship with Christ.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Faith, Hope, and Love
In this homily series, "Homestretch," Fr. Mike discusses the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love. It is of no use to say "I believe in Jesus" and then go back to life as usual. Faith is at the heart of our relationship with God. But our faith cannot simply be what we agree with or a mere belief. Our faith must move, act, and work. Like the early disciples, we must devote our lives to a "life of faith." Christian hope does not trust that all will be well if I get what I want, but that all will be well even when I don't. Sometimes the hardest part of the race is the last lap...and sometimes the hardest part of the race is the second to last lap. When the finish line is so far off that you can't see the end. In those moments, when all seems lost, hope declares that God can bring life out of death. Sometimes love is just showing up. At the twilight of our lives, we will be judged on love alone. And to love is to give. Love almost always involves sacrifice. Because there is no present like the time.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Finding Extraordinary Meaning in Everyday Life
Holy moments are ordinary moments reconsidered. An ordinary life is not an obstacle to a holy life. In fact, every extraordinary life is made up of ordinary moments that we choose to make into holy moments. This plan, "Holy Moments," explores living an extraordinary life made up of everyday moments through a series of Fr. Mike's Homilies on Ordinary Moments, the Present Moment, Shared Moments, and His Moments.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: "He Leadeth Me"
Fr. Mike's Homily series based on "He Leadeth Me" by Fr. Walter Ciszek, teaches how God's grace took an ordinary person and made him into a saint. This series of homilies discusses our expectations meeting reality, responding to God, how to know the depth of God's love, and more.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: How to Become a Saint
In this first episode of Fr. Mike Schmitz's six-part "Roadmap" homily series, we are invited to reflect on the ultimate goal of our lives—sainthood. Fr. Mike challenges us to move beyond accomplishments and external success, focusing instead on the deeper purpose of becoming who God created us to be. With a clear vision and practical guidance, this series serves as a spiritual roadmap to help us navigate the journey toward holiness, starting with the foundational question: Who are you, and who are you becoming?
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Imitating Jesus
Fr. Mike's Homilies series, "Prototype" explores Jesus' role as a prototype for our lives. We will face trials and temptations throughout our lives. When we follow and study Jesus our rabbi, we learn how to face temptations the way he did. Jesus reveals his prayer to the Apostles. Every rabbi would teach his disciples how to pray, but Jesus is able to give His disciples something that no other rabbi could offer. Jesus prays as the Beloved Son...Jesus teaches His disciples to pray as beloved children who have been claimed by their Father. Jesus teaches us to pray, to see the individual, how to mourn, and much more throughout the Gospels. In this homily series, Fr. Mike discusses the concepts of radical acceptance, taking Jesus' yoke upon us, and following Jesus' example in our own lives.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Jesus' Last 7 Words
In this Lenten series, "Last Words," we journey through the seven last words of Jesus, exploring the profound significance of his final statements on the cross. These words reveal the depths of Jesus' heart, his unwavering mission, and his relentless love for us, even in his final moments. By reflecting on his last words, alongside his first words of public ministry, we uncover the powerful messages they hold for our own spiritual journeys, especially as we navigate the challenges and temptations of life. Each week, we'll delve deeper into these transformative phrases, allowing them to inspire, challenge, and guide us through this sacred season of Lent. Study plans require a paid subscription, however this study plan is available to non-subscribing members for a limited time.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Learning from the Past
Fr. Mike Schmitz's "Hindsight 20/20" homily series invites us to reflect on the past with clarity and wisdom, recognizing how God has been at work in our lives through both blessings and challenges. In this first of five homilies, Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of looking back not with regret, but with a spirit of hope and learning. By examining the "moments before the moment," we can better prepare ourselves for future encounters with God, trusting that His presence is guiding us even in the most unpredictable circumstances.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: "Learning to Lose"
Welcome to the "Learning to Lose" homily series, where we explore the unexpected and profound lessons that come from embracing loss. In a world that often equates winning with success and power, Jesus offers a radically different perspective: true greatness is found in being willing to lose, to serve, and to be poured out for others. Over the next four weeks, we'll dive into what it means to lose well, to hold fast to our faith, and to find victory through surrender in Christ.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Living the Gospel Every Day
We are surrounded by stories. Stories that try to make sense of the world. But not every story is true. In fact, there are many stories that are false. We are called to base our lives on the true story… The story of the Gospel of God. Fr. Mike's "Based on a True Story" homily series explores this story and how we can write the final act. We can place ourselves under the Lordship of Christ and live an entirely new life.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Overcoming Worry and Anxiety
When we feel lost, it can feel like every step is taking us further and further away from who, what, and where we need to be. And when we don't know who we are, where we are going, or how to get there, the challenges of everyday life can lead us to a place of worry and anxiety. But Jesus wants to take your worry and anxiety and replace it with something more... Something better... Something perfect: himself! "Do not be afraid" is the most common phrase in the Bible, appearing more than a hundred times throughout Sacred Scripture. It's clear, Jesus wants you to live with courage, not to live in fear. Each day of this study plan, "Lost," will explore a different aspect of the journey from "lost" to "found" in Jesus Christ. Fr. Mike's incredible wisdom gives a different perspective to what it means to feel "lost," and he shares practical ways we can actively give more of our lives to Jesus. Use the reflection questions to help you kickstart your own journey from "lost" to "found," considering how you can take action in your own life. Study plans require a paid subscription, however this study plan is available to non-subscribing members for a limited time.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Trust in God
Fr. Mike's Homily Series, "Homeless" explores the concept of spiritual homelessness and the call to rely on God in times of struggle. Our ultimate home is not on Earth, but in heaven. So, how can we be holy when we are living in a world that is not our home? Fr. Mike emphasizes developing a sense of identity, the need to actively engage in life, and addressing injustices and difficulties with determination and faith. When human efforts fall short and we face insurmountable challenges, the message is clear: surrendering to God with unconditional trust is the path to finding peace and strength, transforming our sense of exile into a journey of faith and resilience.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Going Beyond Brokenness
Fr. Mike Schmitz's "Un-Done" homily series explores the brokenness we experience in our lives and the world around us, reminding us that things as they are now are not as they were meant to be. Fr. Mike invites us to acknowledge that we live in a world that has come undone due to sin and brokenness. However, through Christ, there is hope as God seeks to undo what has been undone and restore us to wholeness. Study plans require a paid subscription, however this study plan is available to non-subscribing members for a limited time.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Understanding Suffering
Fr. Mike Schmitz's homily series, "How Do I Look?", invites you to examine the lens through which you view the world, yourself, and your faith. In this first homily, Fr. Mike challenges you to shift from seeing life through a worldly perspective to embracing a Christ-centered vision, where suffering and sacrifice are transformed by love. By renewing your mind and following Christ’s example, this series will help you see life with a deeper purpose and spiritual clarity.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: "Made for Worship"
Human beings are made for worship. We are designed and created to give our attention, our hearts, and our lives to whatever we perceive as the highest good. As Catholics, we know that the Highest Good is God. And we are made to worship Him...but do we know how?
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Forgiving Those Who Have Hurt Us
"Loving is difficult and forgiveness is a decision." One of the most difficult commands that Jesus has called us to is the command to forgive others who have hurt us and those we love. Loving like this is really hard! We are all confronted with the temptation towards resentment and the pressure from our culture telling us we are weak if we can't get even with our enemies. But when we consider what Jesus went through for love of us—his Passion and death—we realize that only the strongest, toughest love is willing to forgive and turn the other cheek. It is truly tough love that is willing to weigh up the hurt and release the offender from the debt they owe! Each day of this study plan will share a different aspect of "tough love" and how to show Christian virtue to those around us. The reflection questions at the bottom of the page each day will help you contemplate how you can grow in love and discover practical ways to show God's love to those around you each day.