Podcast Summary: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast Episode Title: Fr. Mike's Thoughts on Babies Crying
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Ascension
Description: Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound symbolism behind the sounds children make, particularly focusing on the contrasting emotions evoked by laughter and crying. He seamlessly connects these everyday experiences with deeper spiritual insights, offering listeners a blend of personal anecdotes, theological reflections, and encouragement in faith.

The Contrast Between Laughter and Crying in Children

Fr. Mike begins by emphasizing the unparalleled joy that children’s laughter brings:

Father Mike Schmitz [00:10]: “I don't think there's any argument that one of the greatest sounds in the world is children laughing. ... It is incredible.”

He contrasts this with the distressing sound of a baby crying, highlighting its emotional impact:

Father Mike Schmitz [01:15]: “One of the worst sounds in the world is a baby crying.”

The Function of a Baby's Cry

Exploring the reasons behind a baby's cry, Fr. Mike explains that crying is a fundamental form of communication for infants:

Father Mike Schmitz [02:30]: “Babies cry because something's wrong. They cry because there's some kind of discomfort ... they're hungry, they need to be changed.”

He emphasizes that crying is not a form of misbehavior but rather an indication of unmet needs.

Personal Anecdote: Camilla's Crying

Fr. Mike shares a personal story about Camilla, a 10-week-old baby on their campus, to illustrate his point:

Father Mike Schmitz [04:45]: “Camilla was losing it. ... I was thinking as I was sitting there, just hearing, the inner mom and dad are taking care of her. They're doing great.”

This anecdote serves to humanize his reflections, showing real-life implications of his theological insights.

The Story of Takashi Nagai and His Daughter

Delving deeper, Fr. Mike recounts the poignant story of Takashi Nagai, a Japanese Catholic man who faced immense tragedy:

Father Mike Schmitz [07:20]: “One of his reflections was this was that children cry because they believe ... her fear was that his daughter was learning that it's not worth crying because no one hears, no one cares, and no one's going to come.”

This narrative underscores the critical role of belief in the efficacy of prayer and crying out for help.

Parallel Between a Baby's Cry and Human Prayer

Drawing a parallel between a baby's cry and human prayer, Fr. Mike offers a profound theological reflection:

Father Mike Schmitz [10:00]: “If you even cry out to the Lord, if you even turn to the Lord, the answer is yes. ... That prayer, that simple prayer, is like little baby Camilla.”

He suggests that prayer functions similarly to a baby's cry—an expression of need, hope for response, and trust in divine care.

Encouragement to Maintain Faith Through Prayer

Fr. Mike provides words of encouragement for listeners who might be struggling with their faith:

Father Mike Schmitz [12:30]: “If you keep praying, you still have faith. ... It is an incredible and courageous expression of faith.”

He urges believers to persist in prayer, even when doubtful, assuring them that sustained crying out signifies enduring faith.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Fr. Mike reiterates the importance of viewing our prayers and cries as expressions of faith, much like a baby's cry signifies a genuine need. He encourages listeners to embrace this perspective, fostering a deeper connection with the divine.

Father Mike Schmitz [14:50]: “Don't give up and keep on crying out to the Lord. ... It is an incredible and courageous expression of faith.”

Takeaway:
Fr. Mike Schmitz eloquently connects the natural behavior of babies crying to the sacred act of prayer, illustrating that both are rooted in a fundamental need and trust in a responsive caregiver—be it a parent or the divine. This episode serves as a powerful reminder to maintain and cherish our expressions of faith, especially in times of distress.

Quote Highlights:

• On Children's Laughter:

  “... one of the greatest sounds in the world is children laughing.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:10]

• On a Baby's Cry:

  “One of the worst sounds in the world is a baby crying.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz [01:15]

• On Prayer as Crying:

  “That prayer, that simple prayer, is like little baby Camilla.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz [10:00]

• Encouragement to Believers:

  “Don't give up and keep on crying out to the Lord.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz [14:50]

This summary captures the essence of Fr. Mike Schmitz's reflections on the symbolic meanings of a baby's cry and laughter, intertwining personal stories with spiritual teachings to offer listeners both comfort and insight.