Podcast Summary: "The Best Thing I’ve Ever Done for Lent"

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)
Date: February 26, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on what has truly transformed his Lenten and Advent experiences: intentional silence in the presence of God. Drawing from a personal story and spiritual conversations, he contrasts common disciplines with the deeper call to union with God, proposing a simple but profound Lenten challenge: 21-29 minutes of daily silence. This episode offers practical insight and heartfelt encouragement for listeners who seek meaningful spiritual growth during Lent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reframing Our Approach to Lent

• Fr. Mike recalls feedback from a previous Advent challenge—highlighting a mom who was initially resistant due to her busy life, but later called it her "best Advent ever." ([00:00])
• He notices that typical Lenten sacrifices (e.g., giving up coffee, social media) foster discipline, but may miss the deeper purpose: union with God.

2. The Real Goal: Union, Not Perfection

• Fr. Mike shares a wisdom from a fellow priest:

  "The goal is not perfection. The goal is union." (Fr. Mike quoting his peer, [01:20])

• Many Catholics strive for spiritual "perfection" during Lent rather than seeking closeness with God.

3. The Transformative Power of Silence

• His most life-changing spiritual discipline was not giving up material things, but spending a set period (21-29 minutes) in silent prayer daily during Advent—and now, Lent.
• He cautions against filling prayer with “active” spiritual activities, even good ones (like reading the Bible, watching faith content, or structured prayers), which can crowd out true stillness before God.

4. Practical Challenge for Lent

• Fr. Mike recommends:

  “For 29 days, taking 29 minutes every single day and just parking ourselves in the presence of Jesus and being there in silence.” ([02:30])

• He notes that even great spiritual activities can become distractions from true silence:

  “What moves the needle more than anything is silence. …No headphones, no work, no book, no materials. Just silence.” ([03:45])

• He invites listeners to commit to at least 21 minutes of silence daily during Lent, believing this will deepen relationship with God.

5. Insights on Integrating Silence

• Silence can happen in a chapel or any quiet space; duration matters (“over 20” minutes is suggested for real depth).
• Even busy Catholics (including parents) can take up this challenge in various forms: during commutes, in simple moments, or by carving out time intentionally.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the purpose of Lent:

  "So often, though, as Catholics, as we enter into Lent or any kind of season of spiritual, spiritual lives, our goal is perfection. ... That's not the goal. The goal is not perfection. The goal is union." — Fr. Mike ([01:20])

• On background distractions:

  “Where I've gone wrong is I brought in materials. ... I have my iPad there, and I'm talking to Jesus as he's right here, truly present in the Eucharist, and here he is on the screen in the person of Jonathan Roumie. ... What moves the needle more than anything is silence.” — Fr. Mike ([02:55])

• On why silence matters:

  “I know my relationship with the Lord is growing when I take that 29 to 21 minutes of silence and just let the Lord say what He needs to say.” — Fr. Mike ([04:05])

• Invitation to listeners:

  “What if for the next 40 days, we committed... to have 21 minutes each day of silence? I don't think we will be the same at the end.” — Fr. Mike ([05:20])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 — Personal story: Advent challenge & feedback from a busy mom
• 01:20 — The true spiritual goal: “Not perfection—union”
• 02:30 — Description of the silent prayer challenge
• 03:45 — The limitations of “active” prayer and the primacy of silence
• 04:05 — How silence deepens relationship with God
• 05:20 — Lenten invitation: 21 minutes of daily silence for 40 days

Conclusion

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s main message is a heartfelt invitation: This Lent, commit to intentional silence—a time to simply be with God, without distractions or spiritual noise. Rather than striving for external markers of spiritual success, he encourages focusing on union with Christ. The episode closes with the familiar, lighthearted sign-off (and a playful mishap with his introduction), grounding the profound message in relatable sincerity.