Summary of "When Loyalty Goes Too Far" - The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Release Date: February 6, 2025

In the episode titled "When Loyalty Goes Too Far," Fr. Mike Schmitz delves deep into the concept of loyalty, exploring its virtues, boundaries, and the complex hierarchy that governs our allegiances. Through relatable examples from popular culture and everyday life, Fr. Mike offers profound insights into understanding where loyalty strengthens us and where it may lead us astray.

1. Introduction to Loyalty

Fr. Mike begins the discussion by acknowledging loyalty as a fundamental virtue. He emphasizes its positive role in building strong relationships and communities.

Fr. Mike (00:30): "Loyalty unites us and gives us unity."

However, he quickly pivots to the idea that while loyalty is inherently good, it isn't without its limitations.

2. Loyalty in Popular Culture

To illustrate the dual nature of loyalty, Fr. Mike references popular media, such as mafia movies and the "Fast and Furious" franchise.

• Mafia Context:

  He points out how loyalty is portrayed in mafia settings, where individuals commit crimes to protect or support their "family."

  Fr. Mike (01:15): "You have people who end up doing crime on behalf of the family. We gotta do it for the family."

• Fast and Furious Example:

  Using "Fast and Furious" as another example, Fr. Mike highlights the glorification of familial loyalty.

  Fr. Mike (02:00): "It's all about family, right? Loyalty is a good. It's a virtue."

These examples serve to show that while loyalty can bind people together, it can also be manipulated to justify unethical actions.

3. The Virtuous Nature of Loyalty

Fr. Mike explores why loyalty is considered a virtue, attributing its value to the cohesion and commitment it fosters within various relationships and communities.

Fr. Mike (03:20): "Loyalty knits us together. It can make a commitment to my family or to a group of people that transcends my emotions, my whims."

He underscores that loyalty provides stability and a sense of belonging, making commitments that last beyond transient feelings or circumstances.

4. Hierarchy of Loyalty

One of the central themes of the episode is the hierarchy of loyalty—the idea that our allegiances must be ordered based on priority and ethical considerations.

• Primary Allegiances:

  Fr. Mike discusses how personal relationships influence our primary loyalties. For instance, he uses the example of a young man whose primary loyalty shifts from his parents to his spouse upon marriage.

  Fr. Mike (05:10): "When you get married, you transfer your primary allegiance from whoever had it before to your spouse."

• Out-of-Order Hierarchies:

  He warns against misplaced loyalties, such as being more loyal to friends than to ethical or authoritative figures like a bishop or a parent.

  Fr. Mike (06:45): "If I'm more loyal to my buddies than I am to the bishop, then that is an out-of-order hierarchy."

This hierarchy ensures that loyalty serves its intended purpose without undermining moral or communal obligations.

5. Limits to Loyalty

While advocating for loyalty, Fr. Mike also acknowledges that it has its boundaries, especially when it conflicts with justice and truth.

• Conflict with Justice and Truth:

  He posits that loyalty should never override fundamental principles like justice and truth.

  Fr. Mike (08:30): "Am I willing to sacrifice justice for the sake of loyalty to my country? Am I willing to sacrifice truth for a misplaced loyalty to my family?"

• Political Implications:

  Using political scenarios, such as a governor pardoning a child for crimes, Fr. Mike illustrates how excessive loyalty can corrupt ethical standards.

  Fr. Mike (10:05): "We are all called to be more loyal to ideals of truth and justice than to anyone we happen to be related to."

He draws a clear line that loyalty must not lead to idolatry, where relationships take precedence over moral integrity.

6. Ultimate Allegiance: Loyalty to Jesus

Fr. Mike culminates his discussion by highlighting that above all, our highest loyalty should be to Jesus Christ.

Fr. Mike (12:50): "The one who has an ultimate claim on our loyalty is Jesus. If anything, if anyone makes a claim on me that would take me away from Jesus, my loyalty to Jesus comes before them."

He stresses that while loyalty to family, friends, or country is important, it must always be subordinate to our commitment to Christ. Placing anything or anyone above Jesus transforms that loyalty into idolatry, necessitating repentance and realignment of one's priorities.

7. Conclusion and Call to Reflection

Fr. Mike encourages listeners to reflect on their own loyalties, ensuring that their hierarchies align with ethical and spiritual truths.

Fr. Mike (14:20): "If you place anything or anyone ahead of your loyalty to Jesus, that person or thing has become your idol. In that case, you have to repent and reorient your heart."

He invites listeners to engage in conversations about loyalty, fostering a community of thoughtful and compassionate dialogue.

Final Thoughts

In "When Loyalty Goes Too Far," Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a balanced exploration of loyalty, celebrating its role in human connections while cautioning against its potential pitfalls. By establishing a clear hierarchy, with Jesus at the pinnacle, he provides a framework for authentic and ethical loyalties that honor both personal relationships and universal truths.

For those seeking to navigate the complexities of loyalty in their lives, this episode serves as a valuable guide, urging introspection and alignment with higher moral and spiritual principles.