Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz: Episode Summary

Podcast Information

• Title: Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: 4/27/25 Move On: Five Words
• Release Date: April 26, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In the April 27, 2025 episode of Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Father Mike delves into the theme of transition and the inevitable necessity to "move on" in various seasons of life. Drawing from the Sunday Mass Scripture readings, particularly the Gospel of John, Fr. Mike offers profound insights into navigating uncertainty with faith and trust in God.

2. The Imperative to Move On

Fr. Mike begins by addressing the transitional phase that students face as their academic semester concludes. He emphasizes that moving on is a universal experience, fraught with anxiety due to its inherent uncertainty and instability.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [04:50]: "Almost every season where we're called to move on is uncertain and is unknown and is unstable. And there's sometimes there's... that's life, right?"

He acknowledges the natural human desire for stability and control, contrasting it with the reality that life is inherently unpredictable.

3. Navigating Anxiety Amidst Transition

Acknowledging the anxiety that accompanies transitions, Fr. Mike explores the emotional turmoil that arises when individuals confront the unknown. He relates this to the broader human experience, where the lack of control can lead to feelings of bitterness and even turning away from faith.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [05:30]: "When we don't have control, I think sometimes we can get a little bitter... we can maybe even turn on God."

4. Insights from Timothy Keller

Fr. Mike introduces Timothy Keller, a respected Presbyterian pastor known for his intellectual engagement with culture and faith. He highlights Keller's perspective on humility and pride in the context of faith.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [07:15]: "Patience and the ability not to worry... is essentially a kind of humility."

Keller's teachings emphasize that true humility involves trusting God's greater plan, even when it diverges from personal expectations.

5. The Power of Five Words

Central to the homily is the revelation of five transformative words that can anchor one's faith during times of uncertainty: "My Lord and my God". Fr. Mike recounts a personal prayer experience inspired by Good Friday reflections, where he imagines being among the apostles facing unimaginable uncertainty.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:00]: "There are five words that can change your life... 'My Lord and my God.'"

He explains how these words signify the acknowledgment of Jesus' divinity and resurrection, providing a foundation for living a life of joy and confidence despite ongoing challenges.

6. Embracing "Jesus, I Trust in You"

Extending the theme, Fr. Mike proposes an additional five-word affirmation: "Jesus, I trust in you." He connects this to Divine Mercy Sunday, referencing the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the commissioning of an image symbolizing Jesus' mercy.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [26:45]: "These five words are true again, even in the midst of loss and even in the midst of disaster."

He encourages listeners to adopt these words as a daily affirmation of trust, reinforcing their faith amidst changing circumstances and emotional upheavals.

7. Conclusion and Invitation

Fr. Mike concludes by reflecting on Timothy Keller's last moments, where Keller expressed unwavering faith despite his terminal illness. He draws inspiration from Keller's steadfast belief that if Jesus rose from the dead, "everything is going to be okay."

Fr. Mike Schmitz [34:20]: "If Jesus is raised from the dead, everything is going to be okay."

He invites listeners to embrace these five words—"My Lord and my God, Jesus, I trust in you"—as a means to navigate life's uncertainties with faith and resilience.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [38:50]: "We can say those five words now because now, once again, this is life and it's time to move on."

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Transitions: Recognize that moving on is a natural and necessary part of life, despite the accompanying uncertainties.

• Cultivate Humility: Adopt a humble stance, trusting in God's greater plan even when personal expectations are unmet.

• Affirm Faith: Utilize affirmations like "My Lord and my God" and "Jesus, I trust in you" to strengthen faith during challenging times.

• Find Joy in Belief: Root your life in the truth of Jesus' divinity and resurrection, allowing this foundation to provide joy and confidence amidst life's unpredictability.

Notable Quotes

1. On Humility and Trust:

   Fr. Mike Schmitz [07:15]: "Patience and the ability not to worry... is essentially a kind of humility."

2. On the Transformative Five Words:

   Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:00]: "There are five words that can change your life... 'My Lord and my God.'"

3. On Timothy Keller's Faith:

   Fr. Mike Schmitz [34:20]: "If Jesus is raised from the dead, everything is going to be okay."

4. On Moving On with Faith:

   Fr. Mike Schmitz [38:50]: "We can say those five words now because now, once again, this is life and it's time to move on."

Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz's homily serves as a poignant reminder of the power of faith in navigating life's inevitable transitions. By anchoring oneself in the affirmation of Jesus' divinity and expressing trust, individuals can find stability and joy even amidst uncertainty and change.