Podcast Summary: “Moments of Consequence”

Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Air date: October 18, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)
Based on readings: Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy

Overview

In this homily, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the idea of “moments of consequence” in our lives, focusing especially on the significance of faithfulness and perseverance not just in big, defining moments, but more importantly, in the grind of the “middle” times—when nothing dramatic is happening and it’s easy to feel discouraged or tempted to give up. Drawing on stories from pop culture, the military, sports, and Scripture, Fr. Mike urges listeners to recognize the hidden importance of everyday persistence, to not be surprised by difficulty, and to rely on God’s grace for perseverance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Parable of the Persistent Widow (00:02–03:30)

• Fr. Mike reads and reflects on the Gospel (Luke 18:1-8), where Jesus tells of a widow who persistently seeks justice from an unjust judge.
• Main takeaway: Persistence in prayer is vital because it strengthens faith, not because God is unjust, but because faith deepens through resistance.

“Waves of Consequence” and Significant Life Moments (03:31–10:34)

• Fr. Mike recounts attending the retirement of a four-star general who used the phrase “waves of consequence,” referring both to literal dangerous waves in surfing and to significant turning points in life.
  • “On the North Shore of Oahu, that’s where you get waves of consequence.”—Fr. Mike, relaying the general's words (07:44)
• Movies like Rocky and life events (weddings, retirements, big games) are used as examples of clear, dramatic “moments of consequence.”
• But: We often overlook that the most critical moments aren’t just the big beginnings or endings—but the grind of the middle.

The Spiritual Challenge of the “Middle” (10:35–15:30)

• The danger of believing only big moments matter; most of life happens in the unglamorous “middle” where consistency and faithfulness count most.
  • “Here we are, right in the middle of all these things... that is the most significant moment of consequence.” (11:50)
• Paul's guidance to Timothy—“Remain faithful.”—serves as a rallying point for enduring during these ordinary and sometimes boring or challenging periods.

The Three Enemies: Discouragement by Difficulty, Delay, and Defeat (15:31–32:00)

1. Discouraged by Difficulty

   • Hardships in the middle of commitments are normal and not a sign something’s wrong.
   • Fr. Mike shares a sports anecdote: Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla’s view that “pressure is a privilege”—being in a position of challenge means you’re where you wanted to be.
     • “This is what you asked for. That pressure is a privilege.” (21:01)
   • Perseverance is about not being surprised or dismayed by difficulty.

2. Discouraged by Delay

   • Frustration at a lack of progress or slow results is common.
   • Encountering resistance is how God trains and strengthens our faith.
     • “God trains us in perseverance by allowing us to encounter resistance.” (27:08)
   • “A faith that has not been tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.” (28:35)
   • Making concrete commitments is essential for genuine spiritual growth—discipline emerges from following through even when we don’t feel motivated.

3. Discouraged by Defeat

   • Spiritual growth is almost never a steady string of successes, but more often “victory after defeat.”
   • Returning repeatedly to confession or struggling with repeated faults is not failure, but perseverance.
     • “Real victory is not never being knocked down. Real victory is...asking the Lord to help us back up every time.” (34:10)
   • Citing the movie Rocky: The hero doesn’t win the fight, but keeps standing up after being knocked down—a metaphor for faithful perseverance.
     • “The goal isn’t to conquer; the goal is to not be defeated.” (36:45)

The Grace of Perseverance (37:00–end)

• Perseverance isn’t just grit or self-will; it’s a grace from God—something to be prayed for and received with humility.
  • “Perseverance is actually a gift of grace. What that means is it’s not just grit... it’s actually saying, ‘God, this is difficult, I’m frustrated...so, God, I need your help.’” (38:00)
• Just as Moses needed others to support him in the battle, God offers us His grace and support, especially in the middle moments.
• Remaining faithful in the ordinary is what allows Jesus’ question (“When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”) to be answered with a resounding “Yes.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the true moments of consequence:
  “We all recognize those big moments... The big game, the big exam, the wedding day. But the most significant moment of consequence is this: right here in the middle, where you just have to keep going.” — Fr. Mike (12:35)

• On perseverance through difficulty:
  “Pressure is a privilege.” — Fr. Mike, quoting Joe Mazzulla (21:01)

• On the reason for resistance:
  “God trains us in perseverance by allowing us to encounter resistance. A faith that has not been tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.” — Fr. Mike (27:08, 28:35)

• Describing real victory:
  “Real victory is not never being knocked down. Real victory is... asking the Lord to help us back up every time.” — Fr. Mike (34:10)

• On the importance of middle moments:
  “For you to keep that commitment now—that’s the moment of consequence. That’s what it is to persevere. Not only that, that’s what it is to win.” — Fr. Mike (36:12)

• On the source of perseverance:
  “Perseverance is actually a gift of grace. It’s not just white-knuckling it. It’s saying, ‘God, I need your help.’” — Fr. Mike (38:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02–03:30: Gospel reading and introduction
• 03:31–10:34: “Waves of consequence,” Rocky, and life’s big moments
• 10:35–15:30: The “middle” as the crucial time for faithfulness
• 15:31–21:30: Discouragement by difficulty; sports and pressure as privilege
• 21:31–28:35: Discouragement by delay; resistance and growth in faith
• 28:36–34:09: Discouragement by defeat; confession and Rocky’s real story
• 34:10–36:45: Perseverance as victory
• 37:00–end: The grace of perseverance; support from God and others; summary challenge

Conclusion

Fr. Mike’s message centers on the pivotal role of the “middle moments”—those unseen, often unrewarded times of daily faithfulness. Using stories both sacred and secular, he encourages listeners not to be discouraged by difficulty, delay, or defeat. The true “victory” for a Christian is not about never failing, but about always rising again by God’s grace. To answer Christ’s question—“Will he find faith?”—we need to persist, especially when it’s hardest, trusting that perseverance is ultimately a gift we can ask from God and receive in community.