Podcast Summary: The Brutal Truth About Holiness
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- Host/Author: Ascension
- Description: Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
- Episode: The Brutal Truth About Holiness
- Release Date: March 20, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "The Brutal Truth About Holiness," Father Mike Schmitz delves deep into the often misunderstood journey of growing in holiness. He challenges the common misconceptions surrounding spiritual growth, drawing from historical examples and personal insights to offer a realistic portrayal of the path to sanctity.
Misconceptions About Holiness
Father Mike begins by addressing a prevalent misconception: the belief that committing to Jesus results in a linear, steady progression toward holiness. He states:
"If you're going to say yes to Jesus, your life in growing in holiness is going to be this, like, steady increase in just getting better and better, holier and holier all of the time." (00:35)
He argues that this perception oversimplifies the spiritual journey, which is often fraught with ongoing struggles and setbacks.
The Story of St. Augustine
To illustrate his point, Father Mike references St. Augustine, a favorite saint among many:
"St. Augustine is famously known for his struggles with chastity. St. Augustine's famous prayer, 'Dear God, make me chaste, but not yet,' highlights his initial resistance." (01:10)
He recounts how Augustine's turning point came when he felt a divine prompting to read scripture, leading to his eventual liberation from his struggles. However, Father Mike emphasizes that Augustine's journey did not end with this victory. Instead, he encountered new battles, demonstrating that sanctity is not a one-time achievement but a continual process.
The Reality of Spiritual Growth
Father Mike underscores that personal growth in holiness involves recognizing and overcoming numerous challenges:
"Our story is not like this one straight line. Our story is like up and then boom, up and crash and up and then crash." (10:45)
He explains that as individuals grow closer to God, they become more aware of their own brokenness and areas needing improvement. This heightened self-awareness can lead to feelings of discouragement and despair, not because of personal failure, but because of a deeper understanding of one's need for God's grace.
Embracing Grace in Brokenness
A pivotal theme of the episode is the relationship between sin, brokenness, and divine grace. Father Mike references St. Paul to highlight this dynamic:
"Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more." (18:30)
He elaborates that God's mercy is most potent in our lowest moments, reaching us precisely when we recognize our deepest need for His help. This perspective shifts the focus from personal inadequacy to the boundless nature of divine compassion.
Practical Application: Trusting in God's Mercy
Father Mike encourages listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities and turn to God in their moments of weakness:
"God, I didn't realize I am more messed up than I ever could have imagined now in that knowledge... God, I am weaker than I ever Thought I would be." (25:15)
He advises against losing heart when confronted with new layers of brokenness. Instead, believers should see these moments as opportunities for deeper reliance on God's grace, allowing Him to work more profoundly in their lives.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey
In wrapping up, Father Mike reinforces the idea that the journey to holiness is dynamic and ongoing. Each new challenge and recognition of one's imperfections is not a setback but a gateway to experiencing God's mercy more fully.
"Do not lose heart. Do not give up. Do not quit in that darkness. Call upon the light for always." (40:50)
He urges listeners to continually seek God's presence, especially in their moments of greatest need, trusting that divine grace will accompany them through every trial.
Final Thoughts
Father Mike concludes the episode with a personal anecdote, reminding listeners of the importance of humility and the variability of personal experiences on the path to holiness. His closing remarks serve as a light-hearted reminder of the human aspect of faith journeys.
Key Takeaways:
- Holiness is Non-Linear: Spiritual growth involves ups and downs, with continuous self-awareness and challenges.
- Embrace Brokenness: Recognizing one's weaknesses opens the door to deeper divine grace.
- Persistent Trust: Maintaining faith, especially in moments of despair, is crucial for ongoing sanctification.
- Boundless Grace: God's mercy is most abundant when we acknowledge our deepest needs.
Notable Quotes:
- "Our story is like up and then boom, up and crash and up and then crash." – Father Mike Schmitz (10:45)
- "Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more." – Referencing St. Paul (18:30)
- "Do not lose heart. Do not give up. Do not quit in that darkness." – Father Mike Schmitz (40:50)
This episode serves as a profound exploration of the authentic Christian journey towards holiness, offering both comfort and realistic expectations for believers striving to grow closer to God.