Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode: Day 349 – Holy Indifference

Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Scripture Readings: Acts 28; Philippians 1–2; Proverbs 29:25–27

Overview

This episode marks a major milestone: the final chapter of Acts, alongside the opening of St. Paul’s joyful letter to the Philippians. Fr. Mike explores themes of Christian servanthood, the virtue of “holy indifference,” and the call to humility modeled by Jesus. He draws practical lessons from Paul’s example, encouraging listeners to embrace joy, sacrifice, and deep trust in God’s will.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Acts 28: The Unfinished Story of the Church

• Summary:

  • Paul survives a shipwreck on Malta, miraculously survives a snakebite, heals the sick, and finally arrives in Rome to preach under house arrest.
  • Luke’s account closes, but the mission continues—Fr. Mike introduces the idea of “Acts 29,” highlighting that the story of the Church transcends the book’s ending.

• Insights:

  • Paul’s Servant Heart:
    • Paul, despite being the central figure, gathers sticks and builds fires—doing humble tasks (21:28–23:00).
      • “Being a Christian isn’t always heroic moments, right? Being a Christian is having the attitude of a servant.” (22:35, Fr. Mike)
  • Ministry in All Circumstances:
    • Paul leverages every situation, even house arrest, as an opportunity for evangelization.
    • The narrative invites every believer to take up the baton and continue the mission today (“we live in the age of Acts chapter 29”—23:10).

2. Philippians 1–2: Joy and Holy Indifference

• Summary:

  • Paul writes while imprisoned, yet radiates gratitude, urge for unity, and utmost joy.
  • He introduces “holy indifference”—total openness to God’s will—and draws attention to the early Christian hymn celebrating Christ’s humility.

• Insights:

  • Joy Amid Hardship:
    • Paul’s letter is dubbed "the Epistle of Joy" (25:20).
    • Even when others preach Christ with ill motives, Paul rejoices that the Gospel goes forth.
      • “Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that, I rejoice.” (26:46, quoting Philippians 1:18)
  • ‘Holy Indifference’ (Apatheia):
    • Holy indifference isn’t apathy in a negative sense, but “I am indifferent to whatever the Lord wants”—a deep trust and surrender (28:28).
    • “If he wants me to have health or sickness, I’m indifferent. Whatever he wants. If he wants me to have wealth or poverty, I don’t care, whatever he wants. This kind of holy indifference, this holy apathea, is what Paul demonstrates...” (29:06, Fr. Mike)
    • Rooted in Paul’s words: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21, referenced at 29:58)
    • True joy comes from living for God’s glory regardless of circumstance (29:45).
  • Humility of Christ (Philippians 2 Hymn):
    • Emphasized as an early Christian poem or creed (32:51).
    • Jesus “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself... humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2:6–8, 33:10)
    • The hymn underscores Christ’s humility and total focus on glorifying the Father.
    • “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow... every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Phil 2:10–11, 34:20)
    • Takeaway: At the name of Jesus, reverence is owed; “We can’t take the Lord’s name in vain” (35:14).

3. Practical Takeaways

• Be Servants in Small Things:
  • Like Paul, contribute in simple ways, not waiting for heroic moments (22:08–23:00).
• Embrace Holy Indifference:
  • True discipleship means trust and openness to God’s will—rejoice in all circumstances (29:06–30:24).
• Radiate Joy and Unity:
  • Paul urges being “of the same mind, having the same love... in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” (Phil 2:2-4, 32:51)
• Work Out Your Salvation:
  • With “fear and trembling,” recognizing God’s grace at work (36:03).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s one thing to say it, it’s another thing to do it. And clearly, here Paul isn’t just working miracles... he is also building fires, gathering sticks. And I think that probably points more to his character than anything else.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (22:40)

• “This holy indifference, this holy apatheia is what Paul demonstrates here... For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. This is so important. This should be every single one of our attitudes to life.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (29:06–30:05)

• “Doing nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Look not to your own interests, but also the interests of others. That’s the mind of Jesus… Be like Jesus in this.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (32:51)

• “At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth... not just curse. Every knee should bow.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (34:32)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:04 — Fr. Mike introduces the episode & readings
• 21:28 — Paul’s humble service on Malta (gathering sticks and serving)
• 23:10 — Explanation of “Acts 29”—the ongoing mission of the Church
• 25:20 — Background on Philippians as the letter of joy
• 26:46 — Paul rejoices regardless of motives: focus on the primacy of Christ
• 28:28–29:30 — Explanation of “holy indifference” (apatheia)
• 32:51–34:50 — Walking through the Christ hymn in Philippians 2
• 35:14 — Importance of reverence for Jesus’ name
• 36:03 — “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling" and closing encouragement

Tone and Language

Fr. Mike’s style is deeply pastoral, accessible, and often self-effacing, using anecdotes to draw out spiritual insights. He encourages, challenges, and deeply affirms listeners in their discipleship journey.

Conclusion

Episode 349 invites listeners to live the faith with “holy indifference,” humility, and joy—rooted in trust that God is glorified in all circumstances. Drawing from Paul’s example and Christ’s humility, Fr. Mike calls his audience to pick up the baton and carry the Gospel forward, shining as “lights in the world.”