Podcast Summary: "Did God Abandon You?"
Podcast Title: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Host: Father Mike Schmitz
Publisher: Ascension
Episode Title: Did God Abandon You?
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Introduction
In the poignant episode titled "Did God Abandon You?" Father Mike Schmitz delves deep into the universal human experience of feeling forsaken by God, particularly during moments of intense suffering, loneliness, or despair. Through a blend of biblical insights, historical context, and personal reflections, Father Mike offers solace and understanding to those grappling with the sense of divine abandonment.
Exploring the Theme of Divine Abandonment
Father Mike opens the discussion by referencing the song "How Deep the Father's Love," highlighting a seemingly problematic line:
"But there's a line in that song that is problematic. The line is, the Father turns his face away as Jesus is on the cross..."
[00:30]
He connects this to Jesus' cry from the cross:
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
[01:15]
These words resonate deeply as they encapsulate the common feeling of being abandoned by God during life's darkest moments.
Understanding the Human Experience of Abandonment
Father Mike acknowledges that feelings of abandonment by God can stem from various sources:
- Desolation in Prayer: Times when prayer feels empty or ineffective.
- Depression and Loneliness: Real emotional struggles that leave one feeling isolated.
- Unmet Expectations: Believing that following God should result in health, prosperity, or happiness.
He emphasizes that questioning God's presence during these times is a natural human response:
"We have this common experience, right? The common experience of feeling abandoned by God."
[02:45]
Historical Context: Christianity and Paganism
To provide a broader perspective, Father Mike examines early Christianity's encounters with pagan religions in Europe:
"As Christianity met some of the Visigoths, the Vikings, and Germanic people, they encountered those local pagan religions where people hopped from one religion to another..."
[06:10]
He explains that early Christians often judged the strength of a deity by their ability to conquer opposing beliefs or peoples. This mindset mistakenly equates divine favor with military or cultural dominance.
"If the God can't deliver or the Goddess can't deliver, then they don't get anything from me."
[07:00]
Redefining Our Relationship with God
Father Mike challenges the transactional view of God—believing that God's favor is contingent upon our obedience or what He can provide:
"We're limiting God to the sense of like, okay, God, I belong to you as long as you give me what I want."
[09:25]
Instead, he advocates for a relational understanding where everything centers around God's will and how we live in accordance with Him, rather than expecting Him to fulfill all personal desires.
"It is about everything becomes about God. How do you want me to give? How do you want me to live?"
[10:10]
Jesus’ Faithfulness Amidst Suffering
Father Mike highlights Jesus' unwavering fidelity, even in suffering. He underscores that Jesus did not promise a life free of troubles but assured His presence through them:
"Jesus is faithful and true. He is faithful to us."
[12:00]
He clarifies common misconceptions about following Jesus:
"If I think, well, Jesus, I'm going to do all the right things... sometimes we can misunderstand Jesus."
[13:20]
Instead of expecting tangible blessings for obedience, Jesus calls for self-denial and promises spiritual renewal and eternal joy.
"Come after me and die to yourself. I'll give you new life... eternal joy."
[14:50]
Biblical Foundations: Psalm 22
Delving into scripture, Father Mike explains that Jesus' cry from the cross is a direct reference to Psalm 22, which transitions from despair to reaffirmation of God's faithfulness:
"When Jesus is saying those words, he is quoting from Psalm number 22... Psalm 22 goes on to talk about God's faithfulness."
[17:35]
He emphasizes that although Jesus expressed feelings of abandonment, He ultimately recognized God's unwavering presence and support.
Practical Takeaways for Believers
Father Mike offers comforting assurances for listeners who feel forsaken:
-
God’s Unfailing Presence:
"Even when we feel abandoned, he is still there."
[21:10] -
Relational Over Transactional:
Shift focus from what God can provide to how we can live in relationship with Him. -
Faithfulness Amidst Trials:
Jesus’ example on the cross serves as a reminder that God remains steadfast even in suffering. -
Redefining Expectations:
Understanding that following Jesus may not align with worldly expectations of prosperity or ease.
He encourages believers to find solace in the truth that God is closer during times of pain than during triumphs:
"God is closer to you in your pain than in your pleasure... He is nearer to us in defeat than he is when we're in victory."
[23:15]
Conclusion
Father Mike Schmitz concludes the episode by reaffirming the steadfast love and presence of God, even in moments of profound despair. He urges listeners to trust in God's faithfulness and to seek a deeper, more relational connection with Him, rather than expecting transactional outcomes.
"The Father holds him in his gaze because that's the truth... I will never forget you or forsake you in this world."
[27:40]
He leaves listeners with a message of hope and encouragement, reminding them that troubles are transient and that Jesus has overcome the world:
"You will have trouble. But take heart, Jesus is with you and he has overcome the world."
[29:00]
God bless,
Father Mike Schmitz