Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz: A Hidden Life Episode Released: December 28, 2024

In the December 29, 2024 episode of Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz, titled "A Hidden Life," Fr. Mike delves into the profound theme of living a quiet, humble life in contrast to the pervasive cultural obsession with fame and public recognition. Drawing inspiration from the Holy Family and the teachings of St. Paul, Fr. Mike offers insightful reflections aimed at grounding faith, fortifying the heart, and transforming lives.

1. The Contemporary Quest for Fame

Fr. Mike begins by addressing a significant shift in the aspirations of young people. He references an article highlighting how previous generations commonly aspired to professions like astronauts, doctors, and lawyers. Today, however, the predominant goal has shifted to seeking fame and being known by many.

"The number one answer was famous that the desire of the human heart had become something different. It's not simply I want to accomplish this task is I want to be famous. I want to be known." [04:15]

He observes that this desire is amplified by modern culture's emphasis on living life on display, particularly through social media. Fr. Mike shares personal anecdotes about his early experiences with Twitter, illustrating his initial naivety about the platform's association with celebrity behavior.

"I just kind of assumed, like, this is how we do it. Right. This is what you do when you go online. You just post these things." [05:12]

2. The Temptation of Public Display

Fr. Mike critiques the modern tendency to share every aspect of one's life online, questioning the underlying motives. He cites examples of commonplace social media posts—such as celebrating a spouse's birthday or a date night—and challenges listeners to consider why these moments are made public rather than cherished privately.

"Why are you posting your date night online? And again, I'm not immune to this." [07:45]

3. Biblical Foundations: The Holy Family and St. Paul

Transitioning to scriptural insights, Fr. Mike reflects on the Holy Family's life, emphasizing their humble and private existence. He contrasts this with the societal push towards visibility and fame.

He references St. Paul's exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, urging believers to live quietly, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands. Fr. Mike underscores that this call is not about withdrawing from society or refraining from proclaiming the Gospel but about prioritizing meaningful, private relationships over public recognition.

"Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands." [12:30]

He further elaborates on the distinction between bearing witness to the Gospel through actions and living life on display for personal acclaim.

"There's something different between bearing truth, bearing witness to the truth, and the love and the mercy of God and living one's life on display." [15:20]

4. Internal Validation vs. External Recognition

Fr. Mike explores the concept of validation, contrasting internal approval with the desire for validation from strangers. He references a sentiment from a child psychologist or family counselor, emphasizing that:

"It's good parenting. It's a sign of good parenting if your child has no desire to be famous. Because it means that they have an internal system of validation rather than an external system of validation." [17:05]

He challenges listeners to evaluate the extent to which they seek recognition from beyond their immediate relationships, encouraging a focus on genuine connections and internal fulfillment.

5. Jesus' Example: Balancing Public Ministry with Private Life

Using Jesus' life as a model, Fr. Mike highlights how even during His public ministry, Jesus maintained a predominantly private life. He notes that:

"Jesus made it his ambition to live a quiet life. It seemed that Jesus made it his ambition. I need to serve the many, but I need to know the few and be known by the few." [21:40]

Fr. Mike points out that Jesus spent the majority of His ministry within a close-knit group of disciples, seeking solitude and meaningful interactions rather than courting public attention.

"He spent 80% of his time of his public ministry was spent in a five mile radius. And not only that, but how many times are the crowds pursuing." [23:15]

6. Practical Applications: Emulating a Hidden Life

Fr. Mike encourages listeners to adopt the Holy Family's values by:

• Focusing on Close Relationships: Prioritizing the people God has placed in one’s life over the approval of strangers.

  "Who are the people that God has placed in your life that he is asking you to love?" [26:00]

• Avoiding the Spotlight: Resisting the urge to seek public recognition, even when called to take on significant roles or responsibilities.

  "None of us are meant to live in a spotlight. Going to live where we've been planted." [28:45]

• Valuing Depth Over Breadth: Emphasizing the quality and depth of one’s impact over the quantity of influence.

  "There's something really good for us in that where yes, we can make a breadth of an impact maybe by living life on display. But the depth of a life, the depth of an impact." [30:10]

7. Conclusion: Embracing a Quiet, Purposeful Life

Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating the call to live a life modeled after Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. He emphasizes that a hidden life is not synonymous with insignificance but is instead a pathway to genuine relationships and spiritual fulfillment.

"Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own affairs and to work with your hands. Who are the people that God has placed in your life that he is asking you to love?" [34:55]

He urges listeners to find their fulfillment in serving those closest to them and in fulfilling God's call, rather than in seeking external validation and fame.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize Internal Validation: Focus on self-worth derived from within and from close relationships rather than external recognition.

• Live Humbly: Emulate the Holy Family's example by living modestly and valuing privacy over public display.

• Meaningful Impact Over Public Acclaim: Strive for depth in your contributions and relationships rather than the breadth of influence.

Fr. Mike’s homily serves as a poignant reminder in an age dominated by social media and the quest for fame, encouraging believers to seek a humble, purpose-driven life that honors God and fosters genuine human connections.