Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz Episode: On Purpose: Your Destiny
Release Date: February 1, 2025

Introduction

In the February 2, 2025 episode of Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz, titled "On Purpose: Your Destiny," Fr. Mike delves deep into the concept of vocation and destiny from a Catholic perspective. Drawing from both Scripture and real-life examples, he encourages listeners to embrace their divine purpose by "doing what they know where they are."

Key Themes and Concepts

1. Understanding Vocation

Fr. Mike begins by exploring the multifaceted nature of vocation. He outlines three primary senses of call:

• Universal Call to Holiness: (Timestamp: 12:45)
  "God made you on purpose so that you could spend eternity with him in heaven forever. Basically, God made you with a destiny, a destination, is to become like Jesus."

• Major Vocations:
  These include the traditional paths of marriage and family, priesthood, religious life, and consecrated single life. Fr. Mike emphasizes that these are not the only forms of vocation but are significant avenues through which one can live out their divine purpose.

• Daily Tasks and Moment-to-Moment Callings:
  These are the everyday actions and decisions that align with one's vocation, reinforcing the concept of "doing what you know where you are."

2. The Principle of "Do What You Know Where You Are"

A central pillar of the homily, Fr. Mike underscores the importance of acting within one's current capacity and circumstances:

• Scriptural Foundation:
  He references the Gospel of Luke (02:02:40) and the story of Simeon and Anna presenting Jesus at the temple, highlighting how Mary and Joseph fulfilled their roles without possessing explicit instructions on raising the Messiah.

• Practical Application:
  Fr. Mike encourages listeners to engage in their present environments and roles, trusting that God will guide them towards their destiny. He asserts, "Do what you know where you are," emphasizing action over inaction.

3. Real-Life Examples Illustrating Vocation

Fr. Mike shares inspiring stories to elucidate his points:

• Eric Haydn – The Olympic Speed Skater Turned Surgeon:
  (Timestamp: 08:15)
  "During the 1980 Winter Olympics, Eric Haydn won gold in every speed skating event, a feat unparalleled in the sport. Yet, rather than resting on his laurels, he pursued a career in orthopedic surgery, demonstrating a commitment to continual growth and purpose beyond personal achievement."

• Jan Ternowski – From Tailor to Mentor:
  Jan's journey from aspiring bookkeeper to tailor, and eventually to a mentor who inspired others to join the priesthood, exemplifies how "doing what you know where you are" can have profound ripple effects.

• Shema, One of David's Mighty Men:
  (Timestamp: 20:30)
  In the Bible, Shema defended a field of lentils against the Philistines, symbolizing the significance of seemingly small actions. Fr. Mike uses this to illustrate that every task, no matter how minor, plays a role in fulfilling one's vocation.

4. Overcoming Uncertainty in Vocation

Addressing common fears about missing one's divine call, Fr. Mike offers guidance:

• Trusting in God's Knowledge and Love:
  "God made you on purpose, which means he knows you better than you know yourself. He loves you better than you love yourself," he affirms, encouraging listeners to have faith in their divine purpose even amidst uncertainty.

• Practical Steps to Discern Vocation:
  Fr. Mike proposes three reflective questions:

  1. Am I in a state of grace?
     If not, seek reconciliation through confession.
  2. Am I fulfilling my daily duties?
     Commit to consistent action in current roles.
  3. Am I praying regularly?
     Maintain a steady prayer life to stay attuned to God's guidance.

(Timestamp: 35:50)

Practical Applications and Takeaways

• Embrace Your Current Role:
  Regardless of your vocation, focus on excelling and finding purpose within your present circumstances.

• Continuous Personal Growth:
  Strive to embody virtues such as prayer, honesty, and character, which transcend specific roles or achievements.

• Seek Alignment Between Personal Gifts and Community Needs:
  Identify how your unique talents can meet the needs around you, fostering a harmonious relationship between personal fulfillment and communal benefit.

Conclusion

Fr. Mike Schmitz's homily, "On Purpose: Your Destiny," serves as a profound reminder that vocation is less about monumental achievements and more about the consistent, meaningful actions we take in our daily lives. By "doing what we know where we are," we not only fulfill our divine purpose but also contribute to the greater good, embodying the essence of living a life grounded in faith and intention.

Notable Quotes:

• (08:15) "Do what you know where you are, and you'll find your vocation."
• (12:45) "God made you on purpose so that you could spend eternity with him in heaven forever."
• (20:30) "It's about becoming a saint, not about doing great things."
• (35:50) "If you regularly ask these three questions, you will never miss out on your vocation."

Final Reflection:
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their current roles and recognize the divine purpose embedded within everyday actions. By maintaining a steadfast commitment to prayer, virtue, and active engagement in their communities, they can navigate their life's journey with clarity and purpose.