The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 265 — Sins of Omission (2025)
Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Scripture Readings: Matthew 25–26, Proverbs 19:21–24

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the theme of "Sins of Omission" by guiding listeners through the parables of Matthew 25, leading into the beginnings of Christ's Passion in Matthew 26. He emphasizes the necessity of being prepared spiritually, actively responding to God’s call, and not neglecting the good we are able to do for others. Fr. Mike also reflects on the personal nature of faith, the importance of cultivating virtue, and the transformative power of prayer—especially in moments of suffering.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Maidens (Matthew 25:1–13)

• Main Insight: The parable is about readiness, not selfishness. The oil in the lamps symbolizes one’s personal relationship with God and the virtue cultivated by each person—something that cannot be transferred or shared.
  • Fr. Mike: “The point of this parable is being prepared. So we have to understand what is the symbolism of the oil? Oil is not just oil here. Oil is, we might say, the virtues that one cultivates. Or… the relationship with the Lord that one cultivates.” (13:13)
• Key Illustration: Just as one cannot share study time or physical training, one cannot share the spiritual preparation needed for Christ’s return.
  • “I can't give something that's impossible to give, so I have to develop that on my own. I have to choose the Lord on my own. And that's what it is to be ready.” (15:40)

2. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30)

• Main Insight: God entrusts each of us with gifts—talents—to be used, not merely preserved. The failure isn’t only in actively doing wrong, but in failing to use what’s given for God’s glory and the help of others.
  • “The point of being a Christian ... is to produce the fruit of righteousness. ... If we just, okay, I was given this and I'm giving it back. That's failure… Where and how can I use what God has given me for his glory and to help the people around me?” (17:10)
• The meaning is less about flashiness or worldly recognition and more about faithful stewardship and active service.

3. The Judgment of the Nations (Matthew 25:31–46) and Sins of Omission

• Main Insight: Salvation hinges not just on avoiding evil, but on doing good—feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick and imprisoned.
  • “Those who are going to hell because you didn't do these things, that's what we call sins of omission. ... It's not that you did evil, it's that you didn't do good.” (19:50)
• Notable Emphasis: Jesus’ criteria for entry into the Kingdom are practical works of mercy—what the Church identifies as the corporal works of mercy.
• Memorable Example: Fr. Mike references Mother Teresa’s advice:
  • “‘Go back to your families and love them. ... Most of us are called to say, okay, look to your left, look to your right. Who are the people in your own home? Are we loving them like this? Are we caring for them like this, because that is the great call’.” (22:40)
• Personal Story: Fr. Mike shares about his mother’s desire to be a missionary, and realizing through motherhood she fulfilled Jesus’ call by loving and serving her own family.

4. Beginning of the Passion (Matthew 26)

• Main Insight: Jesus’ suffering in Gethsemane is a model for prayer—one that combines radical honesty and trusting surrender to God’s will, especially in moments of pain and fear.
  • “‘Gethsemane means the place of crushing... And yet, even in the midst of that place of crushing, what is Jesus core prayer? ... Honesty, and the other is trust. ... ‘Father, let this cup pass from me. But, yet not my will. Your will be done.’” (27:55)
• Jesus faces betrayal, abandonment, and agony—and responds with sacrificial love and trust in the Father.
  • “We tell God the truth... but then we trust him and say, and yet, Lord, in this place, not my will, but your will be done, which is not always easy.” (30:10)

5. Proverbs Reflection (Proverbs 19:21–24)

• Main Insight: God’s purpose prevails over our plans; a life marked by loyalty, truth, and holy fear leads to true satisfaction and safety.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On personal spiritual preparation:
  • “I can't train for a marathon. And you not train for a marathon, you say, ‘Hey, give me some of your training, so I'm ready for to run the marathon.’ ... You can't give me your being prepared when I'm not prepared.” (14:28, Fr. Mike)
• On the judgment of nations and mercy:
  • “It's not that you did evil, it's that you didn't do good.” (19:55, Fr. Mike)
• On small acts of love at home:
  • “‘Who are the people in your own home? Are we loving them like this?’ ... Sometimes what being in need is, is, ‘I just need someone to listen.’” (23:12, Fr. Mike)
• On honest prayer in suffering:
  • “We tell God the truth ... but then we trust him and say, and yet, Lord, in this place, not my will, but your will be done, which is not always easy.” (30:10, Fr. Mike)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–01:30 — Introduction, context, and reading plan announcement
• 02:05–13:00 — Scripture readings: Matthew 25–26, Proverbs 19:21–24
• 13:10–17:00 — Parable of the wise and foolish maidens: readiness and the symbolism of oil
• 17:05–19:45 — The parable of the talents: fruitfulness and stewardship
• 19:50–23:30 — The judgment of nations and the corporal works of mercy; “sins of omission;” personal stories
• 23:30–27:40 — Application to daily life: loving those in our own homes
• 27:45–31:00 — Christ’s agony in Gethsemane: honesty and humility in prayer, dependence on community

Final Reflections

Fr. Mike concludes with a call to personal honesty and trust in prayer, encouragement to look for opportunities for mercy in everyday relationships, and gratitude for the shared journey of faith:

• “Please keep praying for me. I will keep praying for you. My name is Brother Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (31:30)

Summary Takeaways

• True readiness for Jesus’ return is cultivated personally through virtue and relationship with God.
• Failing to do good—to respond to the needs of others—is a serious omission.
• Jesus calls us to practical, everyday acts of mercy, most often right where we are.
• In suffering, honesty with God and trusting surrender are key.
• Faith must be lived and put into action—faith without works is dead.
• The journey of faith is sustained by prayerful community support.

This episode offers a powerful, practical meditation on the meaning of discipleship and the real consequences of our daily choices—reminding listeners that holiness is often found not in grand gestures, but in the unheralded acts of love and mercy within our reach.