Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Host: Ascension
Episode Title: Maybe I Should Have Said Something…
Date: November 20, 2025

Overview

In this reflective episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the theme of confronting moments of hesitation when deciding whether or not to speak up in conversations, particularly concerning matters of faith and unity within Christianity. Using a recent experience as a springboard, he delves into the tension between letting someone share their story and the call to offer gentle correction. Fr. Mike shares his own self-doubt, the value of discernment, and the transformative power of bringing these situations to prayer. The episode blends personal narrative with pastoral insight, resonating with anyone who has wondered, “Should I have said something?”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Challenging Conversation (00:00–03:50)

• Fr. Mike recounts a recent episode of “The Called Podcast” where he interviewed a man engaged in charitable work, who mentioned the “varieties of Christianity” as a positive thing.
• Fr. Mike reflects on his choice not to challenge this ecumenical view directly, though he felt it was contrary to the prayer for unity Jesus expressed (“Father, may they all be one…”).
• Insight: Struggles with whether failing to address the comment was a missed opportunity to uphold Catholic teaching on unity.

Quote:
"He almost claimed to say, like, we have different varieties of Christianity, and it's really great that we have so many different varieties of Christianity. And I didn’t really engage it in the sense of, like, starting to debate the fact that we’re divided… I should have said something and challenged him on this.”
— Fr. Mike [01:30]

2. Feedback and Self-Reflection (03:51–08:00)

• Listeners gave feedback that Fr. Mike should have "said something" in that moment to clarify the Catholic perspective.
• He acknowledges there are times to speak up (spiritual works of mercy: instructing the ignorant) and times to let the conversation flow, especially when the main objective may differ.
• Fr. Mike admits feeling uncertain—was he lacking courage, knowledge, or love at that moment?
• He leans toward admitting uncertainty about whether it was the right time to interject.

Quote:
"We've all been in conversations with somebody and they say something and you think, should I step up? Should I speak up right now? Should I offer that word of correction? Should I instruct someone who doesn't know? And you don't do it." — Fr. Mike [05:20]

3. The Role of Prayer in Discernment (08:01–12:00)

• To process his uncertainty, Fr. Mike brought the situation to prayer, placing himself before Jesus in the Eucharist.
• In prayer, he noticed his defensiveness faded, replaced by openness to God’s guidance.
• He emphasizes the importance of regular prayer (specifically making a holy hour) in discerning right action and letting go of self-justification.
• Fr. Mike reiterates that in bringing these moments before God, the excuses matter less; spiritual growth comes from humble surrender.

Quote:
"There's so much about ourselves that we will never know unless we place ourselves before Jesus in the Eucharist and say, God, please show me, did I do the wrong thing? Did I not do the right thing? And then just let that defensiveness be diffused and just receive his guidance, receive his will, receive his wisdom." — Fr. Mike [09:30]

4. Wisdom from Archbishop Flynn (12:00–15:00)

• Fr. Mike shares a formative memory from seminary: Archbishop Flynn advising future priests to make a daily holy hour.
• The advice: life is busy, and without the discipline of prayer, mistakes (“things you shouldn’t have said or done”) pass by unnoticed and unexamined.
• Jesus, in prayer, brings necessary clarity and correction to our hearts.
• This anecdote reinforces the need for ongoing discernment and openness to being corrected by God.

Quote:
"He said, when you become a priest, you have to, have to, have to make a daily holy hour because in the life of a priest, there are going to be so much busyness. There's so many times where you said something you shouldn't have said… but if you pause and take a holy hour in front of Jesus in the Eucharist, Jesus will remind you—that thing you should have done, you should have done that." — Fr. Mike recalling Archbishop Flynn [13:10]

5. Conclusion & Takeaways (15:01–16:10)

• Fr. Mike concludes by surrendering his uncertainty to God through prayer, trusting Jesus to guide him moving forward.
• Emphasizes learning from missed moments and embracing God’s mercy over self-criticism.

Quote:
"From now on, I get to surrender it to you and move on."
— Fr. Mike [15:50]

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• [01:30] “He almost claimed to say, like, we have different varieties of Christianity, and it's really great that we have so many different varieties of Christianity… I should have said something and challenged him on this.”
• [05:20] “We've all been in conversations with somebody and they say something and you think, should I step up? Should I speak up right now?”
• [09:30] “There's so much about ourselves that we will never know unless we place ourselves before Jesus in the Eucharist… let that defensiveness be diffused and just receive his guidance, receive his will, receive his wisdom.”
• [13:10] (Archbishop Flynn): “When you become a priest, you have to, have to, have to make a daily holy hour… if you pause and take a holy hour in front of Jesus in the Eucharist, Jesus will remind you—that thing you should have done, you should have done that.”
• [15:50] “From now on, I get to surrender it to you and move on.”

Episode Structure Highlights

• 00:00–03:50: Story setup; recounting the interview and source of internal conflict.
• 03:51–08:00: Self-questioning; exploration of motives behind silence.
• 08:01–12:00: Turning to prayer; learning to discern through spiritual practice.
• 12:00–15:00: Archbishop Flynn’s wisdom on prayerful reflection.
• 15:01–16:10: Conclusion; encouragement to surrender and trust God’s leading.

Tone & Language

Fr. Mike’s tone throughout is humble, introspective, and gently pastoral. The episode is relatable for believers and spiritual seekers alike, filled with vulnerability and practical wisdom.

Summary

This episode of “The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast” shines a light on the universal experience of second-guessing ourselves in conversations about faith. Fr. Mike models how to process these doubts—not through self-accusation or rigid certainty, but through honest self-examination, dialogue with God, and a commitment to grow. The key lesson: bring your uncertainty to prayer, and let Christ guide you.