Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz: Episode Summary Episode Title: How Do I Know if I Have Faith?
Release Date: February 15, 2025
Host/Author: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Podcast: Ascension

1. Introduction to the Homily

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the homily by welcoming listeners and expressing his hope that the message will inspire and motivate them to deepen their relationship with God. He encourages listeners to engage with additional resources provided by Ascension Press and emphasizes the transformative power of living out one's faith.

2. Exploration of the Gospel: Beatitudes and Personal Faith

[00:02]
Fr. Mike delves into the Gospel reading from Luke 6:16-26, focusing on Jesus' Beatitudes. He highlights Jesus' blessings on those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted, contrasting them with woes directed at the rich, those filled with pleasure, and those boasting of their reputation.

Notable Quote:
"Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man, rejoice and leap for joy on that day." — Luke 6:22 [00:30]

3. Source of Security: Fear vs. Trust

Fr. Mike emphasizes the dichotomy between what we fear and what we place our trust in. He challenges listeners to examine where they find their security—whether in worldly possessions and status or in their faith and trust in God.

Notable Quote:
"I have to ask the question about myself: In what do I find my security?" [04:15]

4. Jesus' Perspective on Worldly Fears and Trusts

Drawing from the Beatitudes, Fr. Mike explains that Jesus offers a different perspective on our fears and the sources of our security. He urges listeners to reassess their priorities and consider placing their trust in God rather than in transient worldly comforts.

5. Real-Life Illustrations of Faith and Trust

Fr. Mike shares powerful real-life stories to illustrate living by faith:

• Catholic Family During LA Wildfires:
  A family loses everything in wildfires but remains steadfast in their faith, symbolized by their focus on an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This demonstrates trust in God even amid loss.

• Lou Holtz's Experience:
  The renowned coach loses his home to fire. When his wife weeps, he consoles her by reminding them that material possessions cannot be taken after death, encouraging them to let go and trust in God's plan.

Notable Quote:
"These things that we fear may come, but they are not the end." [12:45]

6. Blessings of Hope and Faith in Christ

Fr. Mike outlines the profound benefits of having hope and faith in Christ during this life:

a. Joy

He references G.K. Chesterton's insight that "joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian." Fr. Mike explains that Christian joy is an abiding sense of well-being, grounded in the belief that God is good, loving, and present in every circumstance.

Notable Quote:
"Joy is an abiding sense of well-being. And so if you are Christian, what you get in this life, if you hope in Christ, what you get in this life is you get joy." [15:30]

b. Moral Guidance and Human Dignity

Fr. Mike discusses how Christianity introduced the profound concept of human dignity, teaching that every person is made in God's image. This belief has transformed societies by fostering respect, value, and moral responsibility towards one another.

Notable Quote:
"Each and every human being has been made not only by God, but in his image and likeness." [18:20]

c. Purpose and Meaning

Faith in Jesus provides individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning, encouraging them to live intentionally and recognize that their lives have inherent value and direction.

Notable Quote:
"If you have faith in Jesus Christ, you have moral guidance. You have purpose and meaning." [20:10]

7. The Resurrection and Its Importance for Faith

Fr. Mike underscores the critical role of the Resurrection in validating Christian faith:

**a. Historical Evidence and the Story of Sir Lionel Lucku

He narrates the conversion of Sir Lionel Lucku, a highly successful defense attorney who, despite his skepticism, investigated the resurrection evidence and became a steadfast Christian after finding the proof compelling.

Notable Quote:
"The evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming that it compels acceptance by proof, which leaves absolutely no room for doubt." [23:05]

**b. Criteria for Historical Validation

Fr. Mike presents three key points supporting the Resurrection's historicity:

1. Criterion of Embarrassment:
   The Gospel accounts include embarrassing details (e.g., the disciples' failings and the resurrection being first reported by women) that are unlikely to be fabricated.

2. Location of Proclamation:
   The apostles preached the Resurrection in Jerusalem, the very place where Jesus was crucified and witnessed by many, adding authenticity to their testimony.

3. Martyrdom of the Apostles:
   Despite severe persecution and martyrdom, the apostles never recanted their belief in the Resurrection, indicating their unwavering conviction.

8. Understanding Faith as Obedience: Insights from George MacDonald

Fr. Mike introduces George MacDonald's perspective that true faith is demonstrated through obedience. He challenges listeners to evaluate their faith by their actions—whether they comply with Jesus' teachings and commands.

Notable Quote:
"Faith in Jesus is obedience." — George MacDonald [25:50]

9. Practical Ways to Assess and Strengthen Your Faith

Fr. Mike provides practical questions for self-reflection to determine the presence of faith:

• Obedience to Jesus' Commands:
  "Have you done something because Jesus asked you to do it?"

• Refraining from Actions Against His Will:
  "Have you not done something because Jesus asked you not to do it?"

He emphasizes that faith is not about perfection but about the conscious effort to live in accordance with Jesus' teachings.

Notable Quote:
"Instead of asking yourself whether you believe or not, ask yourself whether you have this day done one single thing because he said do it or do not do it." [28:30]

10. Conclusion: Embracing Obedience to Grow in Faith

Fr. Mike concludes by encouraging listeners to actively pursue obedience as a pathway to deepening their faith. He urges them to start with small steps, making conscious decisions aligned with Jesus' commands, thereby affirming their hope and trust in the Lord.

Final Thought:
"If you want to have faith in Jesus, just start by obeying Him." [29:50]

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Faith: Faith is not merely a feeling but is evidenced by actions that align with Jesus' teachings.
• Reassessing Security: Trusting in God over worldly possessions and status leads to true security and peace.
• Historical Validation: The Resurrection's authenticity is supported by historical evidence, fulfilling criteria that bolster Christian faith.
• Practical Obedience: Regular, conscious obedience to Jesus' commands strengthens and validates one's faith.

Reflection Questions

1. Where Do I Find My Security?
   Assess whether you rely more on worldly comforts or on your faith in God.

2. Am I Demonstrating My Faith Through Actions?
   Consider whether your daily actions reflect obedience to Jesus' teachings.

3. How Do I Respond to Adversity?
   Reflect on whether you maintain joy and trust in God during challenging times.

Engage Further:
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God Bless