Summary of "Face to Face: Fear to Fiat" – Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz (Released December 21, 2024)

In the episode titled "Face to Face: Fear to Fiat," Father Mike Schmitz delves deep into the intertwining themes of fear, trust, and preparation during the Advent season. Drawing from personal experiences, literary references, and sacred scripture, Fr. Mike offers profound insights aimed at transforming fear into unwavering faith as believers prepare to encounter the divine face to face.

Introduction to Advent and the Season of Preparation

Fr. Mike begins by inviting listeners to engage with the upcoming Advent season through the Ascension app, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and grace during this period. He poses a thought-provoking question:

"What if you knew that December 25, Christmas Day, was the day that you were going to wake up dead?" (00:30)

This hypothetical scenario challenges individuals to live Advent with a heightened sense of purpose and awareness, recognizing the transient nature of life and the significance of preparing spiritually.

Personal Reflections on Childhood Fears

Transitioning from the Advent invitation, Fr. Mike shares personal anecdotes from his childhood to illustrate common human fears. He recounts the excitement of Christmas Eve juxtaposed with underlying anxieties about the unknown:

"I couldn't wait for the light. I couldn't wait for the sun, couldn't wait when it'd be light enough to get out of bed and wake up my parents." (04:15)

This narrative serves as a springboard to explore the universal fear of darkness and the unknown, setting the stage for a deeper theological discussion.

Fear of the Unknown: Night and Death

Fr. Mike connects childhood fears to existential anxieties about death, highlighting the innate human fear of the unknown:

"Death, in so many ways, is the unknown. I'm afraid of what I don't know." (15:45)

He references Dr. Martin Anthony's insights, explaining that fear of the dark and fear of death stem from our inability to perceive what lies beyond our immediate senses. This fear of the unknown is a central theme in understanding human apprehensions about the afterlife and our own mortality.

Literary Reference: Hamlet's Soliloquy

To illustrate the depth of human suffering and the contemplation of existence, Fr. Mike references William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," specifically the famous soliloquy:

"To be, or not to be. That is the question." (22:10)

He draws parallels between Hamlet's internal struggle and the universal human experience of pain and the desire for an end to suffering. This literary connection underscores the timeless nature of these existential questions.

Scriptural Connection: Mary and Elizabeth

Fr. Mike shifts focus to the Gospel of Luke, recounting Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and her encounter with the Holy Spirit:

"Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth." (02:00)

He highlights Mary's profound response to fear and uncertainty:

"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word." (28:30)

This declaration of trust and submission in the face of the unknown serves as a model for believers to transform fear into faith.

Personal Story: Fr. Mike's Mother's Struggle with Fear

Fr. Mike shares a heartfelt story about his mother's battle with pancreatic cancer, illustrating the internal fears that accompany facing death:

"She said, what I'm afraid of is the question of, like, have I covered everything?" (36:20)

His mother’s fear was not of death itself but of spiritual incompleteness and the desire to be fully reconciled with God. This personal narrative emphasizes the importance of inner spiritual readiness over fear of the afterlife.

The Message: Transforming Fear into Fiat

Culminating his reflections, Fr. Mike delivers a powerful message on overcoming fear through trust in God:

"Fear has to become fiat. What we're afraid of has to be discarded in the light of the One that we trust." (52:00)

He calls on listeners to:

1. Acknowledge Fear: Recognize and confront the fears of the unknown and inner spiritual doubts.
2. Transform Fear into Fiat: Emulate Mary's response by submitting fears to God's will, saying, "Let it be done."
3. Trust in Divine Mercy: Rely on God's unwavering love and forgiveness to heal even the deepest, unseen parts of the heart.

Fr. Mike emphasizes that true preparation for facing God comes from honest self-examination and complete trust in His grace and mercy:

"Jesus, working through the power of the Holy Spirit is the One who does all of the work. He's the One who forgives us. He's the One who redeems us." (58:15)

Conclusion: Embracing Divine Encounter

Fr. Mike concludes by encouraging believers to transform their fears into acts of faith, ensuring they are spiritually prepared to meet the Lord face to face. He reiterates the essence of Advent as a time for deep reflection, spiritual growth, and trust in God's plan.

"Because of His grace and His mercy and His love for you, even the secret parts of your heart, even the nooks and crannies that you don't even know about, that even those can be healed and you and I can be prepared to see the Lord face to face." (1:02:30)

Key Takeaways

• Preparation During Advent: Embrace Advent as a season for intentional spiritual preparation, recognizing its threefold purpose: celebrating Christ's first coming, recognizing His presence in daily life, and anticipating His second coming.

• Confronting Fear: Understand that fear of the unknown, whether it's the darkness of night or the mystery of death, stems from our limited perception and trust in God.

• Faith Over Fear: Follow Mary’s example by transforming fear into trust, allowing faith to guide responses to uncertainty and challenges.

• Inner Reflection: Engage in honest self-examination to uncover and address inner fears and faults, ensuring spiritual readiness for divine encounter.

• Divine Mercy and Grace: Rely on God's infinite mercy and grace to overcome fears, heal inner wounds, and prepare to stand before Him with a clear conscience.

Fr. Mike Schmitz's homily "Face to Face: Fear to Fiat" serves as a profound guide for believers navigating the complexities of fear and faith. By intertwining personal stories, literary references, and scriptural wisdom, he offers a comprehensive roadmap for transforming fear into steadfast trust, ultimately preparing the soul for a divine encounter.