Summary of “Train for Martyrdom This Lent” – The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Episode Title: Train for Martyrdom This Lent
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Podcast: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast by Ascension
Description: Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Introduction: Embracing the Lenten Journey
In the episode titled “Train for Martyrdom This Lent,” Fr. Mike Schmitz delves deep into the spiritual disciplines of Lent, urging listeners to view this sacred season as a period of rigorous spiritual training. He frames Lent not merely as a time of sacrifice but as preparation for ultimate self-giving, akin to martyrdom.
The Three Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
Fr. Mike begins by highlighting the foundational practices of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—rooted in Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. He emphasizes the importance of each pillar in fostering a closer relationship with God and serving others.
Notable Quote:
“We're called to move forward in three areas. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Right? So those three areas that Jesus talks about in the Sermon on the Mount.”
[00:00]
Fasting as Asceticism: Training for Martyrdom
Shifting focus to the second pillar, fasting, Fr. Mike explores its deeper meaning beyond mere abstinence. He defines asceticism as a form of spiritual discipline or training, deriving from the Greek word asisis meaning training.
Key Points:
- Command and Discipline: Fasting is both a divine command and a personal discipline to strengthen one’s spiritual resolve.
- Training for Letting Go: By giving up certain comforts, believers are trained to let go of attachments, mirroring the self-sacrifice of martyrs.
Notable Quote:
“Asceticism is any kind of discipline. It’s any kind of fasting as thesis means training. And so I think sometimes when you say, like, what am I going to do? What am I going to give up for Lent? It’s not just about the hard thing I’m going to do. It’s like, what kind of training am I going to engage in.”
[02:30]
The Inspirational Example of Maximilian Kolbe
To illustrate the essence of sacrificial love, Fr. Mike recounts the story of Maximilian Kolbe, a Franciscan priest who volunteered to die in place of a fellow prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp. This act epitomizes the ultimate form of martyrdom—laying down one’s life for another.
Key Points:
- Maximilian Kolbe’s Legacy: Beyond his heroic sacrifice, Kolbe was a dedicated missionary, publisher, and leader of the Militia Immaculata, a movement devoted to Mary.
- Total Self-Giving: At 46, aware of the imminent threat of death, Kolbe chose to exhaust his potential to save another, demonstrating profound selflessness.
Notable Quote:
“This was a man who, yes, he's in the concentration camp, but he has so much potential. And at this one moment, he decides to spend all of his attention, all of his potential to save the life of this one man.”
[06:45]
Personal Reflections and Call to Action
Fr. Mike shares his personal contemplation on the capacity for self-sacrifice, acknowledging that, like himself, many struggle to reach a place where they can fully surrender for others. He presents Lent as training for martyrdom, a season to practice letting go and offering everything to God without expecting anything in return.
Key Points:
- Intentional Sacrifice: Encouraging listeners to choose sacrifices that are purely offerings to God, without personal or practical benefits.
- Building Faith and Trust: Each act of giving up becomes an exercise in faith, deepening trust in God’s providence.
Notable Quotes:
“What if you chose something this Lent that there was no benefit. What if you chose something this Lent that all it was was a gift to the Father.”
[15:20]
“I have faith that if I offer this to you, you'll receive it. There's something in there that's just so powerful for us.”
[18:10]
Practical Steps for Embracing Lenten Martyrdom
Fr. Mike provides practical guidance on how to implement this mindset during Lent:
- Choose Meaningful Sacrifices: Select something to give up that genuinely challenges your attachments and fosters spiritual growth.
- Weekly Commitment: Instead of a single sacrifice, consider varying what you give up each week to maintain continual spiritual development.
- No Side Benefits: Opt for sacrifices that are purely for God’s glory, without expecting personal gains or improvements.
Notable Quote:
“Let that be the resolution this season of Lent. What am I going to give this Lent? It can be something different every week.”
[22:55]
Conclusion: Embracing a Martyr’s Heart
Fr. Mike concludes by reinforcing the transformative power of viewing Lent as training for martyrdom. He encourages listeners to embrace this approach, allowing their sacrifices to cultivate a heart more aligned with Jesus’ example of unconditional love and self-giving.
Final Thought:
“I want to let go and give these things in my life, good things. I want to give them to God. So let that be the resolution this season of Lent.”
[28:15]
Reflection and Takeaways
Fr. Mike Schmitz’s episode invites Catholics and believers to deepen their Lenten observance by reimagining it as a period of spiritual training towards ultimate selflessness. By embracing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving with intentionality and purity of heart, listeners are called to develop a transformative faith that resonates with the profound sacrifices exemplified by saints like Maximilian Kolbe. This approach not only enhances personal holiness but also strengthens the communal bonds within the Church, embodying the true spirit of Lent.
Blessed Lent to all listeners.
God bless and happy Lent.