Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz: Detailed Summary of Episode "Face to Face: Incomplete" (12/8/24)

Released on December 7, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Face to Face: Incomplete," Father Mike Schmitz delves deep into the spiritual significance of Advent, drawing parallels between academic incompleteness and the human journey towards facing God. Through engaging storytelling, theological insights, and relatable analogies, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to reflect on their preparedness to stand before the Lord.

Advent as a Time of Intentional Preparation

Fr. Mike begins by inviting listeners to join him during Advent, emphasizing the need for intentionality and purpose in this solemn season. He poses a provocative question:

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

This hypothetical scenario is used to underscore the seriousness with which we should approach Advent—not merely as a festive period but as a time of profound spiritual preparation.

The Concept of "Incomplete" in Life's Endeavors

Drawing from his personal experiences with students facing finals, Fr. Mike introduces the metaphor of an "incomplete"—a grade received when a critical component of an assignment is missing despite overall effort. He likens this to human life, where one may fulfill many duties but miss the essential task of loving God and neighbor.

"There’s something so unsatisfying about doing so much of the work, but in the end, it's incomplete."
(Various timestamps)

Literary Illustration: Frodo Baggins and Eucatastrophe

Fr. Mike employs J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" to illustrate his point about incompleteness and divine grace. He discusses Frodo Baggins as a Christ figure who, despite his unwavering commitment, ultimately fails to destroy the Ring on his own.

"Frodo is the Christ figure in this story... he remains faithful to this task."
(Various timestamps)

He further explains Tolkien's concept of eucatastrophe—a "good catastrophe" where unforeseen grace intervenes to bring about victory despite apparent failure.

"A eucatastrophe is a massive turn in fortune... usually brought about by grace rather than heroic effort."
(Various timestamps)

The Centrality of Love in Christian Life

Transitioning to theological foundations, Fr. Mike emphasizes the paramount importance of love as articulated in St. Paul's letters. He references Paul's exhortation in Philippians to "abound in love" and underscores that without love, all other virtues are rendered ineffective.

"The one thing we can't not do is love."
(Various timestamps)

Fr. Mike cites Jesus' greatest commandments to love God and neighbor, reinforcing that love is the essential element that completes our spiritual journey.

Assurance of Divine Grace Amidst Human Weakness

Addressing the human struggle with imperfection, Fr. Mike offers reassurance through St. Paul's promise that God who began a good work in believers will carry it to completion.

"The one who began a good work in you will continue to bring it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ our Lord."
(Various timestamps)

He encourages listeners to lean into God's grace, recognizing that it is not through human effort alone that we can achieve the completeness needed to stand before God.

Inspirational Example: St. Mark G. Tien Cheng

To illustrate the transformative power of grace, Fr. Mike recounts the story of St. Mark G. Tien Cheng, a Chinese doctor and saint who battled addiction. Despite his struggles, St. Mark's unwavering faith and ability to love amidst suffering exemplify how divine grace can complete an "incomplete" life.

"God didn’t take away his addiction. He didn’t take away his problem. He didn’t take away his weakness... His life was completed by God’s grace."
(Various timestamps)

Conclusion: Embracing Grace to Achieve Completeness

Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating that while humans may falter in their endeavors to love, it is through God's grace that we are made complete. He challenges listeners to permit God to work within their weaknesses, ensuring that their lives, though seemingly incomplete, are redeemed and perfected by divine grace.

"Even in the midst of our brokenness, God can still win."
(Various timestamps)

He urges the faithful to step out from behind shame, embrace God's grace, and trust in His promise to complete the work He has begun in each individual.

Notable Quotes

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

• Father Mike Schmitz:
  "The one who began a good work in you will continue to bring it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ our Lord."
  (Throughout the homily)

• Father Mike Schmitz:
  "A eucatastrophe is a massive turn in fortune from a seemingly unconquerable situation to an unforeseen victory, usually brought about by grace rather than heroic effort."
  (Various timestamps)

Key Insights

1. Advent as Spiritual Readiness:
   Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas but a period of deep spiritual preparation to meet God face to face.

2. The Danger of Incompleteness:
   Failing to fulfill the essential task of loving God and neighbor renders one's life spiritually incomplete, akin to receiving an "I" grade.

3. Grace Over Human Effort:
   Human endeavors, no matter how diligent, are insufficient without the sustaining grace of God to bring about true completeness.

4. Eucatastrophe as Divine Intervention:
   Even in moments of failure, God's grace can turn catastrophe into triumph, ensuring that our lives, though imperfect, are part of a greater divine plan.

5. Inspiration from Saints:
   Saints like St. Mark G. Tien Cheng exemplify how enduring love and faith amidst personal struggles can lead to spiritual completeness through God's grace.

Final Thoughts

Father Mike Schmitz's homily serves as a profound reminder of the importance of love and divine grace in the Christian journey. By framing life's challenges and shortcomings within the context of Advent, he offers listeners both introspection and hope, encouraging them to rely on God's unending grace to achieve spiritual completeness.

This summary captures the essence and key teachings from Father Mike Schmitz's homily, providing a comprehensive overview for those who seek to understand its core messages without listening to the full episode.