Podcast Summary: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast Episode: Is It Normal to Feel Lonely? Fr. Mike on Loneliness
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Ascension
Description: Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.

Introduction to Loneliness and Its Universality

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by addressing loneliness as a fundamental human experience. He distinguishes between being alone and feeling lonely, emphasizing that loneliness stems from the fallen state of humanity rather than mere solitude.

“A universal experience of what it is to be human is to experience loneliness.” [00:00]

He references the biblical account of Adam in Genesis, highlighting that while Adam was physically alone in the Garden of Eden, he was not lonely—a state altered by humanity's fall.

“Loneliness is the result of the fall. It's not the result of being alone.” [00:45]

Biblical Foundations of Loneliness

Fr. Mike delves into the scriptural underpinnings of loneliness, drawing examples from both Old and New Testaments to illustrate that loneliness is a shared human and divine experience post-fall.

Adam and the Garden of Eden

Using Genesis 1 and 2, Fr. Mike explains that God recognized Adam's need for companionship, which led to the creation of Eve. However, he underscores that Adam’s solitude was not loneliness until sin entered the narrative.

“We cannot be alone and still be lonely... it's every single one of us experiences the pain of being surrounded by people but still feeling lonely.” [02:15]

Jesus’ Experience of Loneliness

Fr. Mike reflects on Jesus Christ’s humanity, suggesting that Jesus also experienced profound loneliness, especially during pivotal moments such as in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“Can you imagine growing up with a fully human nature and a fully divine nature and how isolating that experience could be?” [04:30]

He cites the Gospel account where Jesus asks his closest disciples to watch and pray with him, only to be left alone, intensifying his sense of isolation.

“He says, can you not just watch with me one hour?... one of the most crushing moments of his entire life.” [06:10]

Psalm 88: A Foretaste of Jesus’ Loneliness

Highlighting Psalm 88, Fr. Mike notes its unique tone of despair without the customary note of hope found in other Psalms, paralleling the loneliness Jesus experienced.

“Psalm 88 is, my only friend is darkness. Jesus himself experienced this loneliness.” [07:45]

St. Paul and Apostolic Loneliness

Fr. Mike references St. Paul to illustrate that even the apostles faced deep loneliness, especially during trials and moments of intense need.

“Here is the apostle St. Paul, who knew what it was to be lonely.” [09:20]

Paul’s writings, particularly during his imprisonments, reveal his feelings of abandonment and isolation, reinforcing the message that loneliness is an intrinsic part of the human condition, even among the faithful.

The Christian Response to Loneliness

Transitioning from the problem to the solution, Fr. Mike offers guidance on how Christians can navigate loneliness by drawing closer to Jesus and recognizing the shared experience of saints throughout history.

Embracing Loneliness Without Panic

He advises listeners not to panic when feeling lonely, acknowledging the pain as real and valid while also reminding them of their connection to Christ.

“The pain is real. That pain is profound, and that pain is normal.” [11:00]

Finding Comfort in Christ’s Presence

Fr. Mike emphasizes that Jesus understands loneliness intimately, offering a profound sense of companionship even in moments of deepest isolation.

“You have Jesus who knows exactly what that is like.” [13:15]

The Role of Community and Outreach

Highlighting the importance of community, he encourages listeners to reach out to others, fostering connections that can alleviate feelings of loneliness.

“Maybe you could send a text like that. Maybe there's someone in your life that you know. This person, I don't think this person has anyone. Maybe I'm the one who reaches out...” [17:50]

Practical Steps to Overcome Loneliness

Fr. Mike provides actionable advice for listeners struggling with loneliness, blending spiritual insights with practical tips:

1. Recognize You Are Not Alone: Understanding that loneliness is a common experience shared by Jesus, saints, and fellow humans.

2. Reach Out to Others: Taking proactive steps to connect with friends, family, or community members, even through simple gestures like sending a good morning text.

3. Engage in Prayer and Reflection: Turning to faith practices to find solace and strength during lonely times.

“In your loneliness, you're not alone. You can let them know that in their loneliness, they're not alone.” [19:30]

Conclusion: Embracing Community and Faith

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by reaffirming that while loneliness is an inevitable part of the human experience, faith and community provide the necessary support to navigate these challenging emotions. He encourages listeners to lean into their faith, reach out to others, and remember that Jesus stands with them in their moments of solitude.

“In your loneliness, you're not alone.” [21:00]

He closes with a blessing, reminding listeners of the enduring presence of God in their lives.

“God bless.” [21:30]

Key Takeaways

• Loneliness vs. Being Alone: Loneliness is an emotional state resulting from disconnection, not merely physical solitude.

• Biblical Context: Both Old and New Testament figures, including Adam, Jesus, and St. Paul, experienced profound loneliness.

• Shared Human and Divine Experience: Jesus' humanity includes experiencing the depths of loneliness, offering a model for believers.

• Practical Solutions: Engaging with community, reaching out to others, and deepening one's faith are essential strategies to combat loneliness.

• Affirmation of Not Being Alone: Emphasizing that others share the experience of loneliness, providing comfort and solidarity.

Notable Quotes

• “Loneliness is the result of the fall. It's not the result of being alone.” [00:45]
• “Can you imagine growing up with a fully human nature and a fully divine nature and how isolating that experience could be?” [04:30]
• “Psalm 88 is, my only friend is darkness. Jesus himself experienced this loneliness.” [07:45]
• “You have Jesus who knows exactly what that is like.” [13:15]
• “In your loneliness, you're not alone. You can let them know that in their loneliness, they're not alone.” [19:30]
• “In your loneliness, you're not alone.” [21:00]

This episode of The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast offers a compassionate and faith-centered exploration of loneliness, providing both theological insights and practical advice to help listeners navigate their own experiences of isolation.