Summary of Episode: "Face to Face: Couch Cushions" Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz – Release Date: November 30, 2024
In this poignant episode of Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Father Mike delves deep into the themes of visibility, shame, and unconditional love within the context of the Advent season. Titled "Face to Face: Couch Cushions," the homily invites listeners to reflect on their personal journeys toward being fully seen and loved by God, encouraging a transformative approach to Advent.
Advent: A Season of Three Comings
Fr. Mike begins by redefining the traditional understanding of Advent. While many associate Advent solely with preparing for Christmas, he highlights that Advent encompasses preparation for three distinct "comings" of Jesus:
- Christ's First Coming at Christmas: Preparing hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
- Recognizing Jesus' Presence Today: Being aware of how Jesus manifests in daily life through prayer, scripture, and sacraments.
- Anticipating Christ's Second Coming: Readying oneself for the final return of Jesus at the end of time.
"Advent is a time of preparation for three arrivals of Jesus or the three comings of Christ." [05:30]
The Couch Cushions Metaphor: Hiding in Plain Sight
Using a relatable anecdote about nieces and nephews hiding snacks in couch cushions, Fr. Mike illustrates how individuals often conceal their flaws and mistakes, much like hiding treats only to have them discovered later. This metaphor serves as a foundation for discussing the broader theme of hiding one's true self from God and others.
"If the goal of Advent is to be seen by God, we have to acknowledge the reality of couch cushions, which is, I don't know if I want to see him. I don't know if I want to be seen by him, because I have the desire to hide." [18:45]
Understanding Shame vs. Guilt
A significant portion of the homily is dedicated to distinguishing between shame and guilt:
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Guilt: An internal feeling arising from violating an objective moral standard. It is a personal acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
"Guilt is when I know that I violated some objective standard." [23:10]
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Shame: A relational emotion that emerges when one believes others are aware of their wrongdoing, leading to a fear of judgment.
"Shame is relational. It's now I see in your eyes that you know this truth about my heart." [27:25]
Fr. Mike emphasizes that while guilt can be addressed individually, shame requires healing through relationships and the reassuring love of God.
The Power of Being Seen and Loved
Central to the homily is the Christian belief that individuals are loved just as they are, despite their imperfections and hidden struggles. Fr. Mike challenges the notion that one's value is contingent upon hiding flaws or achieving societal standards.
"The core truth of Christianity is you are loved as you are right now." [35:40]
He recounts a harrowing story shared by an African priest about women who endured tribal violence. Instead of shaming them, their community's acceptance and love facilitated their healing, highlighting the transformative power of unconditional love over secrecy and shame.
"Shame grows in secrecy, but love kills shame." [42:15]
Invitation to Transparency and Acceptance
Fr. Mike extends an invitation to listeners to embrace their true selves before God, encouraging participation in the sacrament of confession as a means to confront and release shame. By doing so, individuals can prepare themselves to stand "face to face" with God during Advent.
"The Lord loves you and actually sees you, all of you, and loves you, in order for you to be able to stand before him face to face." [50:50]
Practical Applications for Advent
Concluding his homily, Fr. Mike outlines actionable steps for listeners to live authentically during Advent:
- Acknowledge Hidden Struggles: Recognize and admit areas where shame or guilt may be present.
- Seek Community Support: Engage with the faith community for support and unconditional love.
- Embrace Confession: Utilize the sacrament of confession to openly address and release hidden burdens.
- Focus on Presence: Shift the focus from recreating past experiences to embracing the present moment with God.
"Advent is not just to get ready for Christmas or to recreate something from our past or capture something from our youth. The point of Advent is to be prepared to stand before the Lord and to see him face to face." [58:30]
Conclusion
In "Face to Face: Couch Cushions," Fr. Mike Schmitz delivers a heartfelt message about the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in one's spiritual journey. By confronting and overcoming shame, individuals can fully embrace God's unwavering love, preparing themselves to meet Him genuinely during the sacred season of Advent.