Summary of "The Place of the Way: What Reveals and What Trains"
Podcast Title: Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Host/Author: Ascension
Episode Date: March 1, 2025
Episode Title: The Place of the Way: What Reveals and What Trains
Introduction: Embracing Lent as a Season of Training
In this enlightening episode of Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Fr. Mike delves into the profound theme of Lent, presenting it not merely as a period of penance but as a dedicated time for training to become more like Jesus. He sets the stage by connecting the upcoming Lent season to the concept of training, inviting listeners to engage deeply with their faith journey.
Scriptural Foundation: The Parable from Luke
Fr. Mike begins by reflecting on the Gospel reading from Luke 6:39-45, where Jesus shares a parable about the blind leading the blind. He emphasizes the teaching that "No disciple is superior to the teacher, but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher" (02:45). This underscores the central message of discipleship and the transformative power of training in one's spiritual life.
Pop Culture Analogies: Training Montages in Films
To illustrate the concept of training, Fr. Mike draws parallels with iconic training montages from various films:
- Whiplash: He highlights the relentless practice and pain endured by the protagonist to master drumming.
- Rocky Series: Particularly lauds the fourth installment for its dual training montages, showcasing Rocky's dedication and perfection in preparation.
- Mulan and The Karate Kid: References memorable training scenes that depict discipline and mentorship.
Notable Quote:
"Even as a kid, I remember the Karate Kid, right? Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi. That training of just being able to...." (10:30)
These examples serve to illustrate the dedication and transformation that come with focused training, mirroring the spiritual journey during Lent.
Inspirational Figures: Saint Jose Maria Escriva and Takashi Nagai
Fr. Mike introduces two exemplary figures whose lives epitomize the journey of training and following the Way of Christ:
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Saint Jose Maria Escriva:
- Founder of Opus Dei, known for his teachings in "The Way."
- Advocated for integrating faith into daily life through consistent training and discipline.
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Takashi Nagai:
- A Japanese radiologist who transformed from an atheist to a devout Catholic.
- Demonstrated unwavering faith during the devastation of the atomic bomb in Nagasaki, continuing to serve others despite personal loss.
- Notable Quote:
"Because Jesus has conquered death, we enter into Lent not on our own. We enter this place of the way, not on our own." (35:20)
Fr. Mike uses their stories to exemplify how trials reveal and refine one's heart, aligning with the theme of Lent as a time of spiritual training.
The Furnace Metaphor: Revealing and Refining the Heart
Drawing from Sirach 27 and his own reflections, Fr. Mike explains how hardships and tribulations act like a furnace that both reveals and trains our hearts:
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Revealing:
- Tribulations expose the true condition of our hearts, much like impurities become visible when precious metals are refined.
- Notable Quote:
"The furnace reveals, as I said, the potter takes this clay thing that looks good, puts it in the furnace, and the furnace reveals whether that was crafted correctly yet." (25:45)
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Training:
- These challenges refine our character, allowing us to grow in faith and align more closely with Christ.
- Notable Quote:
"Tribulation reveals and tribulation trains." (30:10)
Speech and Silence: Indicators of the Heart
Fr. Mike delves into the significance of speech and silence as reflections of our inner selves:
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Speech Reveals:
- Our words often mirror our heart's condition; uncontrolled speech can indicate hidden faults or selfishness.
- Quote:
"Our speech actually reveals the condition of our heart." (40:15)
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Silence Trains:
- Emphasizes the importance of silence in training the heart, allowing for introspection and deepening one's relationship with God.
- Quote:
"Silence is the doorkeeper of the interior life." (45:30)
Fr. Mike encourages listeners to embrace moments of silence during Lent to better understand and nurture their inner selves.
Practical Application: Embracing Silence and God's Word
Fr. Mike offers practical steps for listeners to engage in effective spiritual training during Lent:
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Begin with Silence:
- Start by incorporating periods of silence into daily routines, such as during walks, exercise, or meals.
- Quote:
"This week, just go for a walk. Go for a walk by yourself, in silence." (50:05)
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Infuse God's Word:
- Fill the mind with scripture to guide thoughts during moments of silence.
- Quote:
"Put God's word in your mind and then enter into that silence that reveals and that trains." (55:20)
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Cooperate with Grace:
- Recognize that transformation is a collaborative process with God's grace, encouraging active participation in one's spiritual growth.
- Quote:
"As long as we take our place in his training. As long as we take up residence in the place of the way." (1:05:10)
Conclusion: Entering the Place of the Way
Fr. Mike wraps up by reiterating the invitation to enter Lent as a season of training, emphasizing that through disciplined practice, silence, and cooperation with God's grace, believers can become more like Christ. He reassures listeners that they are not alone in this journey, citing St. Paul to highlight the support available through faith.
Final Quote:
"This Lent, to be walking this place of the way. This Lent to be walking in this place of training and to realize that God has conquered. Christ have conquered." (1:10:00)
Key Takeaways
- Lent as Training: View Lent not just as a time of sacrifice but as a structured period of spiritual training to emulate Christ.
- Revealing and Refining: Challenges and tribulations during Lent can reveal the true state of our hearts and refine our character.
- Importance of Silence: Embrace silence to introspect and allow God's word to shape thoughts and actions.
- Inspirational Examples: Look to figures like Saint Jose Maria Escriva and Takashi Nagai for models of faithful training and perseverance.
- Collaborative Transformation: Recognize the role of God's grace in the journey of becoming more Christ-like.
Fr. Mike Schmitz's homily offers a comprehensive guide to approaching Lent with intentionality, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with their faith through disciplined practices and reflective silence. By framing Lent as a dojo—a place of rigorous training—he provides a relatable and motivating framework for believers seeking to grow spiritually during this sacred season.