Summary of "Pillar and Foundation: Greatest Gift"
Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Release Date: June 21, 2025

In the June 22, 2025 episode of "Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz," hosted by Ascension, Fr. Mike delves deep into the profound mystery of the Eucharist, emphasizing its pivotal role as both the pillar and foundation of the Catholic faith. Drawing from Scripture, Church history, and miraculous occurrences, he underscores the indispensable relationship between the Church and the understanding of divine truth.

1. Scripture Foundation: The Gospel of John 6

Fr. Mike begins by reflecting on the Gospel reading from John 6, where Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life" (John 6:35). He emphasizes Jesus' intent to reveal His true presence in the Eucharist, challenging the listeners to comprehend the depth of His sacrifice.

"When Jesus says, 'I am the bread of life,' He's inviting us to partake in His very being."
[00:02]

2. Personal Encounter: A Conversation with His Godmother

Fr. Mike shares a personal anecdote about meeting with his godmother post-ordination. Despite her initial skepticism about Catholic doctrines, their Bible study sessions became a testament to faith and understanding.

"She wanted to convince me not to be Catholic, but through our discussions, we uncovered the truth found in Scripture."
[00:12]

3. The Necessity of the Church in Interpreting Scripture

Addressing the common question, "Where is that in the Bible?" Fr. Mike asserts that while Catholic doctrines are rooted in Scripture, the Church is essential for proper interpretation and understanding.

"Everything we as Catholics believe is either found implicitly in Scripture or explicitly in Scripture, but the Church is not optional."
[00:25]

He elaborates that Jesus entrusted the interpretation and teaching authority to the Church to prevent misinterpretations and ensure the faithful transmission of truth.

4. Historical Affirmation: Early Church Fathers and the Real Presence

Fr. Mike highlights the unwavering belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist throughout Church history. Citing figures like Ignatius of Antioch and Justin Martyr, he demonstrates the early and consistent affirmation of this doctrine.

"For 1,500 years, 100% of Christians believed in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist."
[00:45]

He references Ignatius' letter to the Smyrnians, emphasizing the Eucharist as the true flesh and blood of Christ, countering any heterodox opinions of the time.

5. Defending Against Misconceptions: Eucharist vs. Idolatry

Fr. Mike confronts misunderstandings about the Eucharist being an act of idolatry. He clarifies that Catholics worship what Jesus explicitly declared His body and blood to be, distinguishing it from idol worship.

"If the Eucharist isn't really Jesus, then we are declaring that is his body, and we worship him in the Eucharist."
[01:20]

He recounts an incident at a campground where misconceptions about Catholic worship were addressed, reinforcing the Catholic understanding of Eucharistic worship.

6. Miraculous Evidence: Lanciano and Buenos Aires

To bolster his argument, Fr. Mike presents miraculous occurrences that affirm the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. He narrates the legendary case from Lanciano, Italy, where a consecrated host turned into actual heart tissue, and blood resembling human type AB blood was produced.

"The Eucharist is the heart of Jesus that pumps grace to the Whole body of Christ, the whole church."
[02:45]

Similarly, he mentions the 1996 Buenos Aires miracle, where a host not only did not dissolve as expected but also began to emit blood, which was scientifically verified to be human blood of type AB with living white blood cells—a phenomenon inexplicable by natural means.

"These miracles are a testament to the truth that we worship at every single Mass."
[03:15]

7. The Inseparable Bond Between Scripture and Tradition

Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating that both Scripture and Tradition are vital. The Church, as the pillar and foundation of truth, ensures the correct interpretation and preservation of divine teachings.

"The church is the pillar and foundation of truth because Jesus did not just give us the Bible; He gave us the Church to interpret it."
[04:00]

He emphasizes that the Eucharist and the Church are interdependent, each defining and upholding the other, ensuring that believers remain rooted in authentic Christian faith.

Conclusion

In this homily, Fr. Mike Schmitz passionately defends the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist as the true presence of Jesus Christ. By intertwining personal experiences, historical testimonies, and miraculous validations, he affirms the indispensable role of the Church in safeguarding and proclaiming this core doctrine. For Catholics and those seeking deeper understanding, this episode serves as a profound exploration of faith, tradition, and the living presence of Christ in the Eucharist.