Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode Title: Made for Worship: Glorifying the Lord by Your Life
Release Date: November 23, 2024

Introduction and Gratitude (00:00 - 03:30)

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the homily by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the listeners and supporters of Boldlai Catholic for their generous participation in the annual Give to the Max Day. He acknowledges both the financial and spiritual support received over the years, emphasizing the tangible impact this generosity has had on the ministry's growth and ability to serve students more effectively.

Fr. Mike: “I am so honestly cannot put into words how grateful I am.” [00:45]

He highlights the ministry’s expansion from reaching 1% of the student body involved in Bible studies to 4%, projecting even greater growth in the future. Fr. Mike underscores the importance of trust placed in the ministry by the supporters, assuring them that their contributions are being honored and utilized to advance God's kingdom.

Fr. Mike: “Thank you for sacrificing so that we can continue to sacrifice for these students.” [03:10]

Understanding the Mass: Beginning and End (03:31 - 10:15)

Fr. Mike delves into the structure of the Mass, noting the repetition of the greeting “The Lord be with you” at both the beginning and the end. He challenges the common perception that this phrase is merely a casual greeting, explaining its deeper biblical significance.

Fr. Mike: “The Lord be with you means that God is calling that person to something great.” [05:20]

He illustrates that these greetings signal the commencement and conclusion of sacred worship, framing the Mass as a pivotal moment where believers are invited to embark on a spiritual journey. The Mass is portrayed as both the initiation and culmination of communal worship, setting the stage for the homily's central theme.

The Heart of Worship: Sacrifice (10:16 - 20:45)

In the sixth installment of his series "Made for Worship," Fr. Mike explores the intrinsic relationship between worship and sacrifice. He references John's Gospel to highlight Jesus' declaration that His kingdom transcends the earthly realm, emphasizing that true worship extends beyond the church walls.

Fr. Mike: “His kingdom is not limited to the church walls. The entire universe, everything is His.” [12:30]

He cites Abraham Kuyper, who stated, “There’s not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry out mine,” to reinforce the idea that every aspect of life is an opportunity to glorify God.

Integrating Worship into Daily Life (20:46 - 35:00)

Fr. Mike draws a parallel between the essential role of the Mass in Christian life and the often-overlooked significance of daily activities. Using a compelling analogy, he compares the Mass to the sexual embrace in marriage—vital yet comprising a small fraction of the overall relationship.

Fr. Mike: “We cannot be Christians without the Mass. But 99 plus percent of our lives is spent somewhere else.” [25:15]

He challenges listeners to view their daily tasks—whether it’s doing the dishes, working, or interacting with others—as extensions of their worship. By doing so, every moment becomes an act of glorifying God.

Fr. Mike: “Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” [30:10]

Biblical and Historical Foundations (35:01 - 45:30)

Fr. Mike references Genesis to illustrate that humanity was designed to integrate worship into all facets of life. He explains the Hebrew terms Abu Dhah (to cultivate) and Shemar (to keep), which are traditionally associated with temple priests, to show that these principles are meant to guide everyday actions.

Fr. Mike: “Everything you do is attached to worship.” [37:45]

He recounts the martyrdom of early Christians under Emperor Diocletian to highlight the unwavering commitment to worship despite persecution. This historical context serves to inspire believers to maintain their dedication to integrating worship into their lives, regardless of external challenges.

Practical Application: Living the Mass (45:31 - 60:00)

Fr. Mike shares the poignant story of Michelle Dupont, a young woman whose faith transformed her interactions and legacy. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Michelle’s response to her diagnosis—inquiring about her doctor's well-being—exemplifies living out Mass in daily life.

Fr. Mike: “Even in the midst of all of this, Michelle allowed what she did at Mass to transform the way she lived her life.” [50:20]

He emphasizes that living as a "living sacrifice," as St. Paul encourages, means that every action—no matter how mundane—is an opportunity to glorify God. Fr. Mike urges listeners to adopt this mindset, making their work and relationships reflections of their worship.

Fr. Mike: “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart. As for the Lord.” [55:05]

Encouragement and Conclusion: Glorifying Through Life (60:01 - End)

In closing, Fr. Mike reiterates the call to bring worship beyond the church into all areas of life. He challenges listeners to see their daily endeavors as extensions of their faith, actively participating in God's mission to save and sanctify the world.

Fr. Mike: “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” [58:45]

He leaves the audience with a final exhortation to embody the principles discussed, ensuring that their lives consistently reflect their worship and dedication to God.

Key Takeaways

1. Integration of Worship: Worship should permeate every aspect of a Christian’s life, not just confined to the Mass.
2. Living Sacrifice: Followers are called to offer their daily actions and relationships as living sacrifices that glorify God.
3. Historical Commitment: The early Christians’ unwavering dedication serves as a model for integrating faith into daily life.
4. Practical Examples: Stories like Michelle Dupont illustrate the transformative power of living out one’s faith authentically and compassionately.
5. Continuous Growth: Embrace the growth of ministry and personal faith as intertwined through generosity and active participation.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike: “We cannot be Christians without the Mass. But 99 plus percent of our lives is spent somewhere else.” [25:15]

• Fr. Mike: “Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” [30:10]

• Fr. Mike: “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” [58:45]

Conclusion

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s homily, "Made for Worship: Glorifying the Lord by Your Life," serves as a compelling reminder that worship is not an isolated act but a continuous expression embedded in every facet of a believer’s existence. Through biblical insights, historical references, and personal anecdotes, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to seamlessly blend their faith with daily activities, ensuring that every moment becomes an act of devotion and service to God.