Summary of "Pillar and Foundation: Upon this Rock"
Podcast: Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Host/Author: Ascension
Episode Release Date: June 28, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Pillar and Foundation: Upon this Rock," Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the foundational role of the Church in Christian life, emphasizing that the Church is not merely an optional aspect of faith but the very reason Jesus Christ came to earth. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, Fr. Mike elucidates the significance of Peter's confession and the establishment of the Church as the enduring pillar of truth.
The Church: Essential and Non-Optional
Fr. Mike begins by addressing a prevalent modern misconception that contrasts religion with personal relationship, suggesting that the Church is optional. He asserts boldly:
“The church is not optional. The church is essential because the church is the whole point of Jesus' mission to earth.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [04:15]
He emphasizes that all the grace and relationship believers experience are mediated through the Church, making it indispensable to Christian life.
Rabbi Neusner vs. Pope Benedict XVI on the Messiah
Fr. Mike recounts Rabbi Jacob Neusner's exploration of whether a first-century rabbi would recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Neusner concluded he wouldn't, primarily because Jesus did not establish an earthly kingdom as prophesied.
Addressing this, Fr. Mike highlights Pope Benedict XVI's counter-argument:
“Jesus did establish a kingdom. He reconstituted the kingdom of Israel, and that kingdom has gone out throughout the whole world. That kingdom is the Catholic Church.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:30]
He underscores that the Church fulfills the prophetic vision of a universal kingdom encompassing all nations and races.
Biblical Foundations of the Church
Fr. Mike provides a historical overview of Israel's twelve tribes and their fragmentation, leading to the loss of ten tribes to the Assyrians. He connects this to Jesus' mission:
“Matthew's establishing a direct connection from the tribe of Judah through David to Jesus. Matthew's whole gospel is making the case that Jesus established the kingdom and that he is the king.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:45]
Using Matthew 4, he explains how Jesus begins His public ministry by calling the twelve apostles, symbolizing the reconstitution of Israel's twelve tribes within the Church.
Peter: The Rock Upon Which the Church is Built
Central to the homily is the pivotal moment in Matthew 16:13-19, where Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah. Fr. Mike explores the depth of this confession:
“Jesus is saying to Simon, 'From now on, your name is Peter,' which means 'Rock.' This signifies that you are the foundation upon which I will build my church.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:10]
He elaborates on the significance of the "keys to the kingdom of heaven," relating them to Isaiah 22's prophecy about Eliakim, the steward with authority in the absence of the king.
The Role and Authority of the Holy Father
Fr. Mike connects Peter's role to that of the modern Pope, the Holy Father, citing:
“The Pope is the servant of the servants of God, embodying Peter's role as the Al Habait, overseeing the household of God.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:20]
He explains that the Holy Father's authority mirrors Peter's given authority to bind and loose, ensuring the Church's governance aligns with divine will.
The Strength of the Church Amidst Challenges
Addressing human fallibility, Fr. Mike references Luke 22 to illustrate Jesus' understanding of disciples' weaknesses:
“Jesus prayed for Peter specifically, that his faith would not fail, so he could return to strengthen his brethren.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [42:50]
He reassures believers that the Church's foundation remains unshaken despite individual failings, highlighting the enduring strength granted through Christ.
Conclusion: The Church as the Pillar and Foundation of Truth
Fr. Mike concludes by reaffirming the Church's indispensable role:
“Jesus Christ came to establish a kingdom. Jesus came to give us the Church, and the Church He gave us is the Catholic Church, the pillar and foundation of truth.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [48:30]
He encourages listeners to remain close to the Holy Father and the Church to stay grounded in their faith and connected to the mission of Christ.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
On the Church's Essential Role:
“The church is not optional. The church is essential because the church is the whole point of Jesus' mission to earth.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [04:15] -
On Pope Benedict XVI's Perspective:
“Jesus did establish a kingdom. He reconstituted the kingdom of Israel, and that kingdom has gone out throughout the whole world. That kingdom is the Catholic Church.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:30] -
On Peter as the Rock:
“Jesus is saying to Simon, 'From now on, your name is Peter,' which means 'Rock.' This signifies that you are the foundation upon which I will build my church.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:10] -
On the Holy Father's Authority:
“The Pope is the servant of the servants of God, embodying Peter's role as the Al Habait, overseeing the household of God.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:20] -
On Jesus' Prayers for Peter:
“Jesus prayed for Peter specifically, that his faith would not fail, so he could return to strengthen his brethren.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [42:50] -
On the Church as the Pillar of Truth:
“Jesus Christ came to establish a kingdom. Jesus came to give us the Church, and the Church He gave us is the Catholic Church, the pillar and foundation of truth.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [48:30]
Final Thoughts
Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines biblical exegesis with theological insights to portray the Church as the living continuation of Christ's mission. By emphasizing the authority bestowed upon Peter and its fulfillment in the papacy, he reinforces the Church's centrality in sustaining and guiding the faithful. This homily serves as a compelling reminder of the Church's enduring role as the foundation upon which Christian life is built.