Podcast Summary: “The God Who Makes Himself Vulnerable”

Podcast Information:

• Title: Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: 4/17/25 – The God Who Makes Himself Vulnerable
• Release Date: April 18, 2025

Introduction to the Homily

In the April 17, 2025 episode of Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Father Mike delves into the profound theme of God's vulnerability in the face of human suffering and anger. Grounded in the Gospel of John, Fr. Mike explores how God interacts with humanity's deepest frustrations and pain, ultimately choosing to make Himself vulnerable as an expression of divine love.

1. Personal Reflection on Anger and Powerlessness

Fr. Mike begins by sharing a deeply personal anecdote about his childhood struggles with anger. He recounts how his temper often led to explosive moments, feeling powerless against his older siblings who seemed invulnerable to his attempts to hurt them.

“One of my main vices was anger... I was completely powerless... God has relieved me, freed me from anger as one of my principal vices.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [05:45]

This vulnerability and powerlessness resonate with many listeners, as Fr. Mike empathizes with the universal experience of feeling overwhelmed by anger and frustration.

2. Human Anger Towards God

Transitioning from personal experience, Fr. Mike addresses the often-overlooked topic of anger directed at God. He acknowledges that many people, especially in moments of intense suffering, might feel an urge to hurt God emotionally.

“For a lot of us, the object of our anger... can be God himself.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [10:20]

He posits that this anger isn’t a mere rejection of faith but a struggle with the perceived invincibility and unreachability of God.

3. God's Vulnerability as a Response

Fr. Mike introduces the central thesis of his homily: in response to human vulnerability and anger, God chooses to make Himself vulnerable. This divine vulnerability is most poignantly demonstrated in the Incarnation and the events leading to the Crucifixion.

“What does God do with that? He makes himself vulnerable.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [15:30]

He elaborates on how Jesus, fully aware of His impending betrayal and suffering, voluntarily lowers His defenses by washing the disciples’ feet—a task typically reserved for the lowest servant.

“He pours water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet and dry them with a towel around his waist.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:05]

This act signifies God's willingness to enter into human frailty and suffering, bridging the gap between divine omnipotence and human vulnerability.

4. The Incarnation: God Meets Human Fragility

Fr. Mike draws parallels between Jesus’ actions and the Garden of Eden narrative, highlighting the significance of vulnerability in God’s relationship with humanity.

“Here is Jesus... he removes the very last degree of self-protection.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:10]

By becoming human, Jesus experiences poverty, misunderstanding, and rejection, embodying vulnerability to foster a deeper connection with believers.

5. Shift in Human-God Relationship

Highlighting a historical shift, Fr. Mike observes that modern humanity tends to place God on trial, focusing on His role in human suffering rather than acknowledging personal guilt.

“Instead of us being on trial, we have put God on trial.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [20:15]

He contrasts this with early Christian teachings, where the emphasis was on human sinfulness and God's redemptive sacrifice, rather than blaming God for worldly afflictions.

6. The Cross: God's Ultimate Vulnerable Act

Fr. Mike emphasizes that the Cross is not only a remedy for human sin but also God's profound response to human anger and betrayal.

“God's answer for our guilt is the cross. God's answer for our lack of trust is the cross.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [22:40]

By bearing the weight of human sins and enduring suffering, God demonstrates an unparalleled form of vulnerability, underscoring His unwavering love and commitment to humanity’s salvation.

7. Conclusion: Embracing Divine Vulnerability

Fr. Mike concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on God's vulnerability as a testament to His love. He invites believers to trust in God's plan, even amidst anger and suffering, recognizing that God's willingness to suffer alongside humanity is a profound affirmation of divine compassion.

“The remarkable, unbelievable thing is that he lets us... He stretches out his arms and dies on the cross.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:00]

Through this lens, Fr. Mike urges the faithful to embrace God's vulnerability as a pathway to deeper faith and understanding, reinforcing the transformative power of divine love.

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy Through Vulnerability: God’s choice to make Himself vulnerable bridges the gap between divine omnipotence and human fragility, fostering a deeper empathetic connection.

• Redefining Anger Towards God: Anger directed at God is acknowledged as a genuine human emotion, which God responds to not with indifference but with profound acts of love and sacrifice.

• The Cross as Multifaceted Salvation: The Crucifixion serves dual purposes—atoning for human sin and addressing the righteous anger and frustration directed towards God, showcasing His ultimate act of vulnerability and love.

Notable Quotes:

• “Having loved his own in the world, he loved them to the end.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz [17:50]

• “Every time Jesus makes himself vulnerable, we try to hurt him.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz [23:10]

• “He allows himself to be misunderstood and rejected.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz [19:25]

Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s homily, “The God Who Makes Himself Vulnerable,” offers a profound exploration of divine love manifested through vulnerability. By intertwining personal reflections with theological insights, Fr. Mike provides a compelling narrative that invites listeners to reconsider their perceptions of God’s strength and fragility. This episode serves as a comforting reminder of God’s unwavering presence and His willingness to share in the depths of human emotion and suffering.