Episode Overview
Podcast: Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Episode: 123143 – "Two Traps"
Date: January 10, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Main Theme:
Fr. Mike Schmitz explores two spiritual "traps" that often hinder Christians from truly living out their baptism and relationship with God: (1) acting as God’s counselor or advisor, and (2) believing we must perform or be perfect to be loved by God. Drawing from the Sunday Mass readings and the example of John the Baptist, Fr. Mike offers practical and heartfelt guidance at the onset of Ordinary Time, inviting listeners to move past these traps and embrace their true identity as beloved children of God.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Significance of Ordinary Time and Beginnings
- Fr. Mike opens by reflecting on the start of Ordinary Time and its symbolism:
- Green vestments typically symbolize growth; todays, due to the Baptism of the Lord, white is worn to celebrate.
- He draws a parallel between the new church season, the return of college students, and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry.
- Quote:
"Our baptism, your baptism was the beginning of new life in Jesus for you and for me... How do we live out that baptism? How do we live out that new life?" (01:30)
2. Trap #1: Being God's Counselor (00:58-07:41)
- Description:
Fr. Mike describes the tendency to approach God as if we know best, giving Him advice or instructions in prayer, rather than humbly bringing our needs and desires to Him. - John the Baptist as Example:
- John hesitates to baptize Jesus, saying, "I need to be baptized by you," reflecting how we sometimes think we know better than God.
- Quote:
"We see ourselves as God's counselors. We see ourselves as God's advisors." (04:10)
- The Difference in Prayer:
- True prayer is sharing needs and desires honestly, not demanding that God act according to our plans.
- We're encouraged to move from “here’s what you need to do, God,” to “God, here’s my heart, I trust you.”
- Memorable Moment:
Fr. Mike encourages "putting down the clipboard"—letting go of evaluating God's actions and expectations.- Quote:
"The measurement is, can I put down my clipboard... stop advising God and say, thy will be done." (06:03)
- Quote:
- Spiritual Principle:
- We are not God's counselors; we are His children. This change in attitude deepens our relationship with Him.
3. Trap #2: The Pressure to Perform (07:42-15:07)
- Description:
The second spiritual trap is the belief that we must perform, be perfect, or present ourselves in a certain way—even before God. - John the Baptist and Performance:
- With so many flocking to John for baptism, there may have been the temptation to "put on a show" or fulfill people’s expectations instead of simply serving God.
- Fr. Mike notes this temptation in his own life and among students.
- A Student’s Story:
- Fr. Mike shares the story of a high-achieving high school senior who felt pressure to be perfect everywhere—academically, athletically, musically, and within her family.
- Quote:
"She said, you know why I love adoration? Because adoration is the one place in the world where I get to go in and be there and I don't have to be perfect." (12:45)
- Fr. Mike reflects on the impact of this realization, underscoring that with God, we have space to simply be ourselves.
- Contrast in Prayer:
- If we believe we must perform for God, our prayers become “God, I’m sorry, I’m still not enough.” Instead, God wants us to dwell in gratitude and trust.
- Quote:
"The last thing you need to do as one who has been claimed by the Lord... is perform." (11:40)
4. Invitation and Conclusion (15:08-End)
- Practical Application:
- Fr. Mike invites the congregation to approach God as children, not advisors or performers.
- He urges listeners to bring needs, desires, and worries before God, trusting in His will rather than their own strategies or perfectionism.
- Quote:
"I’m not your counselor, God. I’m just asking you as your child... what I need or what I want. But I trust you. I’m not your counselor. I’m your kid. And I don’t have to perform." (17:46)
- Encouragement:
- While others in life may expect perfection, God’s presence is the one place we can simply rest and be loved.
- Final reassurance:
- Quote:
"If every other person in my life demands my perfection... your presence is the one place I can be and just be me and not have to be perfect." (19:30)
- Quote:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On praying as God’s advisor:
"We see ourselves as God's counselors. We see ourselves as God's advisors." (04:10) -
On surrender and trust:
"Can I put down my clipboard... stop advising God and say, thy will be done." (06:03) -
Student’s reflection on adoration:
"Adoration is the one place in the world where I get to go in and be there and I don't have to be perfect." (12:45) -
On being a child, not a performer:
"The last thing you and I need to do in prayer is perform." (11:40) "I’m not your counselor. I’m your kid." (17:46) "Your presence is the one place I can be and just be me and not have to be perfect." (19:30)
Timestamps of Important Segments
- 00:00-01:55: Introduction, Ordinary Time, importance of beginnings
- 01:56-07:41: Trap #1—Being God’s Counselor (Prayer as advice vs. trust)
- 07:42-15:07: Trap #2—Performance Pressure (Story of high school student, identity in God)
- 15:08-End: Final invitation and practical encouragement
Summary Flow
Fr. Mike’s homily for the Baptism of the Lord opens Ordinary Time by reflecting on the theme of beginnings and spiritual renewal. He identifies two common spiritual traps: treating God like a subordinate—expecting Him to follow our plans—and believing that we must always perform or be perfect to earn His love. Drawing on John the Baptist’s humility and a story from pastoral experience, Fr. Mike urges listeners to trust God as children rather than advisors, and to settle into God’s presence without pretense or performance. His message is one of intimate trust, authenticity, and resting in God’s unconditional love, offering listeners encouragement and practical steps as they embrace the new spiritual season.