Summary of Podcast Episode: "Made for Worship: On the Field"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Made for Worship: On the Field
• Release Date: November 16, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Made for Worship: On the Field," Fr. Mike Schmitz delves deep into the essence of worship within the Catholic Mass, emphasizing the active participation and sacrificial nature of the Eucharist. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark (13:24-32), Fr. Mike explores the profound spiritual dynamics that transform ordinary believers into active worshipers and contributors to the sacred liturgy.

Scriptural Foundation

The homily begins with a reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark, specifically Mark 13:24-32, where Jesus speaks about the signs of the end times and the coming of the Son of Man. This passage sets the stage for Fr. Mike's exploration of vigilance, preparedness, and active participation in one's faith life.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Active Participation in Worship

   Fr. Mike challenges the commonly held perception that attending Mass is a passive activity. He poses a thought-provoking question:

   "Where would you most want to watch your favorite event? From home or from the stands?" ([04:30])

   He parallels this with attending Mass, urging listeners to see themselves not as spectators in the pews but as active participants on the "field" of worship.

2. Understanding the Mass as a Sacrifice

   Central to Fr. Mike's message is the concept of the Mass as a true sacrifice. He distinguishes the Mass from other forms of religious gatherings aimed at education, entertainment, or inspiration. Instead, he underscores that:

   "The goal of the Mass is to worship. The goal of the Mass is to offer the sacrifice." ([12:15])

   By viewing Mass through this lens, believers are reminded of their role in uniting with Christ's sacrifice.

3. The Eucharistic Prayer Explained

   Fr. Mike provides a detailed walkthrough of the Eucharistic Prayer, particularly focusing on Eucharistic Prayer Number Three. He highlights key moments where the congregation engages directly with the Holy Trinity, emphasizing that:

   "All of these are representations of the one sacrifice, once for all, of the Son to the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit." ([18:45])

   This explanation demystifies the liturgy, making the sacred rites more accessible and meaningful to the laity.

4. Roles of Priests and the Laity

   Delving into ecclesiology, Fr. Mike discusses the distinct roles within the Mass:

   • Ministerial Priests: They lead the sacrificial actions, ensuring the validity of the Eucharist through apostolic succession.
   • Kingdom Priests (Laity): Baptized believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, integrating their daily lives into the worship offered during Mass.

   He reinforces this by sharing insights from St. John Vianney and personal anecdotes about the indispensable role of priests in sustaining the sacrificial nature of the Mass.

5. The Power of the Mass in Salvation and Transformation

   Fr. Mike emphasizes the Mass's role in not only individual salvation but also in the broader cosmic redemption:

   "There are people in Purgatory right now who will no longer be in Purgatory by the end of this Mass." ([35:20])

   He illustrates this with stories, such as the exorcist’s encounter in a convent, demonstrating the tangible impact of Mass on the spiritual realm.

6. Praying for the Departed and the Doctrine of Purgatory

   The homily touches upon the Catholic belief in Purgatory, highlighting the efficacy of Mass in aiding souls' purification:

   "Purgatory is the process of purification. So not only did Christians from the very beginning believe in the existence of Purgatory, but also in the power of the Mass to help people through Purgatory." ([42:10])

   Fr. Mike shares personal stories, including that of St. Augustine’s mother, to underscore the importance of memorial Masses for the departed.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Fr. Mike Schmitz ([04:30]):

  "Where would you most want to watch your favorite event? From home or from the stands?"

• Fr. Mike Schmitz ([12:15]):

  "The goal of the Mass is to worship. The goal of the Mass is to offer the sacrifice."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz ([18:45]):

  "All of these are representations of the one sacrifice, once for all, of the Son to the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz ([35:20]):

  "There are people in Purgatory right now who will no longer be in Purgatory by the end of this Mass."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz ([42:10]):

  "Purgatory is the process of purification. So not only did Christians from the very beginning believe in the existence of Purgatory, but also in the power of the Mass to help people through Purgatory."

Personal Anecdotes and Illustrations

Fr. Mike enriches his homily with personal stories and real-life examples, making theological concepts relatable:

• Mass Experience in Lake Country Parish ([25:50]): He reminisces about observing congregants attending Mass out of obligation rather than understanding its sacrificial nature, prompting him to question and inspire deeper faith engagement.

• Exorcist's Story from the Convent ([37:40]): Illustrates the profound impact of offering Mass on spiritual disturbances, reaffirming the Mass’s power in combating evil and aiding souls.

• St. Augustine’s “Confessions” ([40:00]): Reflects on his mother's request to remember her at the altar, reinforcing the significance of Masses for the departed.

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the homily by reiterating the call to active participation:

"You are on the field. You are in the game. You are made for worship. And this worship has the power to change the world." ([50:30])

He invites listeners to embrace their role as Kingdom Priests, offering themselves and their lives as living sacrifices, thereby transforming not only their own lives but also impacting the broader community and the spiritual realms.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mass as Active Participation: Believers are called to move beyond passive attendance to active engagement in worship and sacrifice.
2. Understanding Sacrifice: The Mass is fundamentally a sacrifice that unites the faithful with Christ’s own sacrifice.
3. Eucharistic Prayer’s Significance: A deeper understanding of the Eucharistic Prayer enhances the spiritual experience and efficacy of the Mass.
4. Roles in the Liturgy: Distinct roles of priests and laity are essential in maintaining the integrity and sanctity of the Eucharist.
5. Power of the Mass: The Mass plays a crucial role in personal salvation, communal redemption, and spiritual warfare.
6. Praying for the Departed: Memorial Masses are powerful prayers that aid souls in Purgatory, emphasizing the communal nature of salvation.

Final Invitation

Fr. Mike encourages all listeners to view themselves as integral players in the sacred act of worship. By fully engaging in the Mass and understanding its sacrificial nature, believers can fulfill their divine purpose and contribute to the transformation of the world through worship.

This summary encapsulates the essence of Fr. Mike Schmitz's homily, highlighting the profound theological insights and practical applications he offers to inspire and deepen the faith of his listeners.