Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz Episode: More Faith Release Date: August 9, 2025
In the August 10, 2025 episode of "Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz," hosted by Ascension, Fr. Mike delves deep into the essence of faith, exploring its true nature beyond mere emotions. Drawing from Scripture, the lives of saints, and personal reflections, Fr. Mike provides listeners with a profound understanding of what it means to live a life of genuine faith.
1. Opening Reflections on Faith
Fr. Mike begins by setting the tone for the homily, expressing his hope that today's message will inspire and deepen the listeners' hunger for a meaningful relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of faith not just as a feeling but as a foundational aspect of one's life.
2. Scriptural Foundation: Luke 12:32-48
The homily centers around the Gospel reading from Luke 12:32-48, where Jesus speaks about the importance of vigilance and preparedness for the coming of the Master:
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)
Fr. Mike highlights the metaphor of servants waiting for their master's return, illustrating that faith requires active obedience and readiness, rather than passive waiting.
3. The Exemplary Faith of St. Gianna Beretta Molla
Fr. Mike introduces the story of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, an Italian pediatrician and devout Catholic martyr. Born in 1922, Gianna exemplified faith through her ultimate sacrifice:
"Whatever God wants." (12:45)
Facing a life-threatening condition during her fourth pregnancy, Gianna chose to undergo surgery that would save her child but ultimately cost her life. Her unwavering trust in God's will serves as a poignant example of faith in action.
4. Faith Beyond Emotions
Addressing common misconceptions, Fr. Mike asserts that faith is not dependent on feelings:
"Faith is not a feeling. If God only exists when we feel Him, He isn't God." (15:30)
He elaborates that emotions can fluctuate like the weather, but faith serves as the unshakable foundation upon which believers build their lives.
5. Abraham: Father of Faith
Referencing the Letter to the Hebrews, Fr. Mike discusses Abraham's role as the patriarch of faith:
"Abraham is known as the father of faith not because he had great convictions, but because when God asked him to, he acted." (18:10)
Abraham's obedience, without full understanding of the journey ahead, epitomizes true faith that acts upon God's call despite uncertainty.
6. Obedience as the Heart of Faith
Fr. Mike emphasizes that true faith manifests through obedience:
"Faith is nothing more than obedience." – George MacDonald (24:50)
He warns against the misconception that faith is merely a strong belief or conviction, stressing that without actions aligned with God's will, one does not truly possess faith.
7. Practical Application: Living Out Faith Daily
Encouraging listeners to assess their faith through daily actions, Fr. Mike poses reflective questions:
- Am I doing God's will?
- Is there one single thing I've done today because Jesus asked me to?
He underscores that acts of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are not just rituals but declarations of belief that one's actions matter.
8. Conclusion: Embracing God's Will with Joy
Fr. Mike concludes by challenging listeners to embrace God's will wholeheartedly:
"To do God's will as He wills it is to be fully engaged in the moment, acknowledging that God is here and wants me here." (35:20)
He calls for a faith that responds with a wholehearted "yes" to God's directives, embodying the lives of saints like St. Gianna and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is Action: True faith is demonstrated through obedience and actions, not just feelings or beliefs.
- Role Models: Saints like St. Gianna Beretta Molla and Abraham exemplify living faith through their unwavering trust and actions.
- Daily Reflection: Assessing one's faith involves evaluating daily actions taken in response to God's will.
- Foundation of Faith: Unlike fluctuating emotions, faith serves as a stable foundation guiding one's life decisions.
Fr. Mike's homily serves as a compelling reminder that faith is a lived experience, marked by trust, obedience, and a steadfast commitment to God's will, regardless of personal emotions or circumstances.