Summary of "Pause" Episode from Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Podcast Information:
- Title: Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Host/Author: Ascension
- Episode Title: Pause
- Release Date: April 18, 2025
Introduction
In the April 18, 2025 episode titled "Pause" from Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Fr. Mike delves into the profound significance of taking moments to reflect deeply on the narratives of faith, particularly focusing on the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Through his engaging homily, Fr. Mike invites listeners to halt the fast-paced flow of life to absorb the true essence of love, sin, and mercy as depicted in the Scriptures.
Main Themes
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The Necessity of Pausing
Fr. Mike underscores the importance of pausing to thoroughly contemplate the story of Jesus' passion. He warns against merely skimming the surface, advocating for a deliberate and heartfelt engagement with the narrative.
"We have to pause the story and look, because we know this. We know that the crucifix is not just a symbol, that the story is a window..."
[05:30] -
Love That Costs Everything
Central to Fr. Mike's homily is the concept that true love involves ultimate sacrifice. He juxtaposes human tendencies to seek reciprocal benefits in love with Jesus' selfless act of dying for humanity's sins without any expectation of return.
"We get to see what love looks like when it costs everything... love always involves sacrifice."
[12:15]Subpoints:
- Unconditional Love: Jesus' love is portrayed as unconditional and exhaustive, extending to the fullest extent without holding back.
- Sacrifice Beyond Expectation: Unlike typical human relationships where love often results in mutual benefits, Jesus' sacrifice was purely for the redemption of others.
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Sin and Its Visible Wounds
Fr. Mike explores the consequences of sin, illustrating how the crucifix serves as a stark reminder of the injuries and suffering sin inflicts upon both individuals and the broader human narrative.
"We see what sin looks like when we can see the wound... my choices put a crown of thorns on his head."
[18:45]Subpoints:
- Physical Manifestation of Sin: The physical agony of Jesus represents the tangible impacts of sin.
- Personal Responsibility: Emphasizes the personal nature of sin, highlighting that individual choices contribute to the broader narrative of suffering.
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Mercy That Refuses to Give Up
The homily culminates in the depiction of mercy as an unwavering force. Fr. Mike highlights Jesus' continual plea for forgiveness from the cross as a testament to relentless mercy.
"We see what mercy looks like when it refuses to give up... he repeatedly said, father, forgive them."
[25:10]Subpoints:
- Persistent Forgiveness: Jesus' repeated prayers for forgiveness exemplify a mercy that endures despite immense suffering.
- Hope Beyond Despair: Mercy provides a bridge from despair to hope, ensuring that redemption remains attainable.
Notable Discussions and Insights
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The Garden of Eden Connection:
Fr. Mike draws parallels between the fall of Adam and Eve and the crucifixion, emphasizing that both narratives highlight the costs associated with love and sin. He points out that God's act of clothing Adam and Eve with leather garments signifies His presence despite their expulsion from the garden, reinforcing that God remains with humanity even in times of suffering.
"God didn't abandon them. He went out into the wilderness with them."
[10:20] -
Human Nature vs. Divine Love:
Addressing human tendencies, Fr. Mike reflects on the common misconception that love should yield personal gains. He contrasts this with Jesus' approach, where love is devoid of self-interest, setting a divine example for believers.
"In my life, and probably in your life too, whenever we love, we always get something back. But Jesus doesn’t get anything back."
[14:50] -
Confession and Forgiveness:
Linking the crucifixion to the sacrament of confession, Fr. Mike envisions Jesus witnessing believers seeking forgiveness. He underscores that Jesus' sacrifice facilitates a continuous opportunity for mercy through confession, highlighting the dynamism of the faith narrative.
"Jesus on the cross could see you the next time you need to go to confession and you say, okay, Jesus, I will let you win. I will let you forgive me."
[23:15]
Conclusions and Takeaways
Fr. Mike concludes the homily by reaffirming that the crucifixion, while a moment of profound suffering, is not the culmination of the faith story. Instead, it serves as a pivotal pause that enables the continuation of love, redemption, and mercy. He encourages listeners to use this moment of reflection to deepen their understanding of these core themes, ultimately fostering a more grounded and transformative faith journey.
"This story didn't start with sin. It started with love. This story doesn't end with sin. It ends with mercy."
[30:00]
Final Reflections
"Pause" is a compelling episode that invites Catholics and seekers alike to slow down and engage deeply with the foundational narratives of their faith. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines scriptural insights with relatable reflections, offering listeners a pathway to ground their faith, fortify their hearts, and transform their lives through the enduring lessons of love, sacrifice, and mercy.