Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz Episode: July 13, 2025 - Doing
Release Date: July 12, 2025
Host: Ascension
Duration: 20-30 minutes

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz, titled Doing, Fr. Mike delves into the perennial struggle between knowing what is right and actually acting upon it. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel reading in Luke 10:25-37, Fr. Mike sets the stage for a heartfelt exploration of faith, action, and personal responsibility.

Gospel Reference: Luke 10:25-37
Fr. Mike begins by recounting the parable of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus illustrates the essence of being a neighbor through the actions of a compassionate Samaritan versus the passivity of a priest and a Levite.

The Challenge of Doing

Fr. Mike opens with a personal anecdote that vividly illustrates the struggle between knowledge and action:

"[00:15] I know and have been told multiple times exactly what to do. What's even worse is that I believe them. Like, I actually have confidence that if I did what they told me to do, I would get better."

He reflects on his long-standing battle with Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis, emphasizing how despite knowing the necessary steps to heal, he struggles to follow through. This personal story serves as a microcosm for a broader human experience: the difficulty of translating knowledge into action.

Theological Insights

Fr. Mike references Dr. Peter Kreeft, a renowned professor of Philosophy at Boston College, to support his discussion:

"[04:30] Dr. Peter Kreeft is a professor of Philosophy at Boston College. I once heard him say this. He once said that, yeah, life is complicated. Sometimes we don't know what to do. But he said, if we're going to be honest, 99% of the things that we need to do, we know 99% of the things we have to do, we already know that."

He underscores the scriptural truth from Deuteronomy 30, highlighting that God's commandments are not distant or obscure but are written on our hearts and are close to us.

"[10:45] Deuteronomy 30, the first reading today where Moses says this... It's written in your heart. You absolutely. It's near to you. You know exactly what to do."

Fr. Mike further reinforces this point by referencing James 4:

"[25:00] James, chapter four. James says this. It's so powerful. He says, so for the one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, that's a sin."

Psychological Perspective

To illustrate the disconnect between knowledge and action, Fr. Mike recounts a 1973 psychological experiment conducted at Princeton Theological Seminary:

"[12:30] In 1973, they did this psychological experiment at Princeton Theological Seminary... They divided these seminary students into three different groups... The difference between helping and not helping was, I have time or I don't have time."

The experiment revealed that the primary barrier to helping others was not a lack of knowledge or moral grounding but rather the rationalization of not having enough time. This parallels the scriptural narrative where Pontius Pilate knew of Jesus' innocence yet failed to act accordingly:

"[19:15] Pontius Pilate... He says he knows that Jesus is innocent. But then he rationalizes and wishes to satisfy the crowd."

Application and Invitation

Fr. Mike transitions from observation to action, urging listeners to bridge the gap between knowing and doing. He poses a reflective challenge:

"[21:00] What is one thing you know you need to be doing that you aren't doing yet? That's it. Just this."

He encourages practical steps to overcome obstacles, such as creating a plan, seeking accountability, or obtaining assistance:

"[24:50] What would help you? Would a plan help? Okay, I just need to sit down and say, okay, when am I going to make time to call my dad? Maybe a friend would help. I just need some accountability."

Fr. Mike emphasizes that seeking a sign is unnecessary because the answers are already within us:

"[30:10] The one thing we don't need is we don't need a sign. Because what you know you need to do is close to you. It is written in your heart. You and I have only to carry it out."

Conclusion

Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating the central theme:

"[35:00] So often we know what we need to do. And that's great. Knowing is nice, but doing makes the difference."

He ties back to the Gospel of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing that true neighborly love is demonstrated through action, not just understanding. Fr. Mike's homily serves as a compelling call to move beyond mere knowledge and to embody our faith through tangible deeds.

Key Takeaways:

1. Knowledge vs. Action: It's common to know what needs to be done but falter when it comes to executing those actions.
2. Scriptural Foundation: Biblical teachings emphasize not just the understanding of God's commandments but the importance of living them out.
3. Psychological Barriers: Often, rationalizations like lack of time hinder us from acting on what we know is right.
4. Practical Steps: Identifying obstacles and seeking practical solutions can help bridge the gap between knowing and doing.
5. Call to Action: Fr. Mike urges listeners to take concrete steps in their faith journey by acting on their knowledge and convictions.

This episode serves as both a reflective and motivational sermon, encouraging believers to align their actions with their faith and convictions, thereby truly embodying the teachings of the Gospel in their daily lives.