Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode: “This Present Moment” (12/08/25)

Date: December 8, 2025
Theme: Living in the Sacrament of the Present Moment—God’s Grace in the Immaculate Conception

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares a stirring reflection on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, connecting the doctrine of Mary’s conception without original sin to the everyday challenge of living in the present moment. Drawing from the Sunday Gospel (Luke 1:26–38), he explores the idea that God’s grace is not only historical but a living reality offered to each of us right now. Fr. Mike challenges listeners to say “yes” to God today, insisting that holiness is possible in our brokenness because God’s grace is greater than sin.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Immaculate Conception: More Than a Doctrine

• What the Feast Means:
  Fr. Mike begins by unpacking the meaning behind the Immaculate Conception:
  • “From the very first moment of her conception, the Lord God… preserved Mary from all stain of original sin by the merits of her Son’s future life, death and resurrection.” (03:23)
• He emphasizes that this is not just an abstract, theological claim but a profound act of God’s love and preparation.
• Why It Matters:
  The event shows God's ability to anticipate and overcome sin, not merely respond to it:
  • “God isn’t just a God of repair. He’s a God of preparation… the God who builds a world where his plan of love is going to win.” (04:52)

2. Mary’s “Yes” vs. Eve’s Choice

• Contrasting Responses:
  Fr. Mike describes how Eve’s “yes” to the serpent brought death, while Mary’s “yes” to God brought life:
  • “Mary is truly called the new Eve because her yes brings life where Eve’s yes brought death.” (05:38)
• Freedom and Cooperation:
  The Immaculate Conception does not override Mary’s freedom. Just as Eve’s choice mattered, so did Mary’s. God prepared, but Mary had to choose.
  • “At some point, she had to say yes to that as well. Just like us…” (08:09)

3. The Sacrament of the Present Moment

• Definition and Challenge:
  Holiness is about being engaged right now:
  • “To be holy is to be engaged…in what they call the sacrament of the present moment.” (03:23)
• God offers grace in every moment, but we’re often distracted by the past or future.
  • “Oftentimes we’re not present to this moment, and we want to be on another day…God’s grace is here for us right now.” (03:38)

4. Grace is Greater than Sin

• A Prophecy, Not Just a Privilege:
  The feast is not just about Mary's privilege but about an ongoing prophecy:
  • “This feast day is not just a privilege for Mary, it’s a prophecy for us. This is God saying sin will not have the final word, that his grace is greater.” (06:25)
• Applicable to All:
  The grace given to Mary is a promise of what God can do in us.
  • “And if God can do that in Mary, he can do that in you.” (07:09)

5. Our Response: Don’t Wait—Say Yes Now

• Cooperation is Required:
  Despite God’s free gift, human cooperation is necessary:
  • “At some point, we have to also say yes to the Lord.” (08:09)
• Act Now:
  Fr. Mike urges listeners not to delay responding to God’s grace:
  • “I could wait…or I can just say, no, Lord. Now.” (08:51)
  • “All we have to do is say yes.” (09:40)
• Mary’s Example:
  Though we don’t know how long she pondered, Mary ultimately responded quickly and wholeheartedly.

6. The Power and Reach of God’s Grace

• Restoration Beyond Damage:
  God can heal before something breaks, and can restore what’s been broken.
  • “He can heal before something even breaks. And that means that he can restore everything after it’s broken.” (10:05)
• Ultimate Assurance:
  • “Sin does not have the last word. God does.” (10:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s Preparation:
  “If my son is going to take flesh from her, then she has to be all mine…sin can have no claim on her.” (04:14)
• On the Feast’s Meaning:
  “This feast, this Immaculate Conception, is not about Mary being special. It’s about God’s determination to save us.” (09:43)
• On Immediate Response:
  “We don’t have to wait. God’s grace has already been given. All we have to do is say yes.” (09:30 – 09:40)
• On God’s Final Word:
  “Sin does not have the last word. God does.” (10:22)
• Parting Challenge:
  “In response to God’s last word that he chooses us, he chooses you. What will we say?” (10:28 – 10:35)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Gospel Proclamation (Luke 1:26–38): 00:37 – 02:01
• Introduction to Immaculate Conception & Mary’s Preservation: 02:05 – 03:23
• Holiness as Engagement—Sacrament of the Present Moment: 03:23 – 03:59
• Mary and Eve—Yes to God vs. Yes to Deception: 04:52 – 05:38
• Sin’s End and God’s Prophecy over Us: 06:16 – 07:13
• Baptism, Confession, Communion—Grace Winning for Us: 07:13 – 07:59
• Human Cooperation & Our Invitation to Say Yes: 08:09 – 09:06
• Don’t Delay—Act Now: 09:26 – 09:43
• God’s Grace: Deeper than Sin, Stronger than Death: 09:43 – 10:22
• Final Challenge—God’s Choice and Our Response: 10:24 – 10:35

Tone and Language

Fr. Mike’s tone is passionate and compassionate, blending theological depth with relatable urgency. He speaks directly to listeners' experiences, encourages them not just to admire Mary but to imitate her readiness, and insists Jesus' victory is meant for all.

Summary Takeaway

Fr. Mike’s homily on the Immaculate Conception is a masterful reminder that God’s grace is real, immediate, and greater than any sin or brokenness. The feast isn’t just about Mary’s specialness; it’s God’s bold guarantee that holiness is possible now, for everyone willing to say “yes” in this present moment.

Challenge for Listeners:
As you finish this episode, ask yourself—how is God inviting you to say "yes" today, in this present moment, and will you respond?