Summary of "Why Did God Let Them Die?"

Podcast: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Host: Ascension
Episode Title: Why Did God Let Them Die?
Release Date: December 5, 2024

Introduction

In the December 5, 2024 episode of The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast, host Father Mike Schmitz delves into the profound and delicate topic of death and its impact on faith. Titled "Why Did God Let Them Die?", the episode addresses the emotional turmoil and spiritual struggles individuals often face when confronted with loss.

Upcoming Events Announcement

Father Mike opens the episode with an announcement about a special Advent event:

"We're doing an Advent night of reflection and Q and A at the Newark Performing Arts Center again, Monday, December 9th at 7:00."
(00:00)

He encourages listeners to participate, emphasizing the event's focus on deep reflection during the Advent season.

The Delicacy of Discussing Death

Transitioning from the announcement, Father Mike acknowledges the sensitivity surrounding discussions about death:

"This is kind of one of those topics that you never want to step the wrong way, you never want to say the wrong thing because this can be a really delicate thing to talk about."
(00:35)

He highlights the importance of approaching the subject with care to support those grieving without inadvertently causing further distress.

Embracing Mortality: Memento Mori

Father Mike introduces the concept of "memento mori," urging individuals to remember their mortality:

"Remember your death. Remember that this world is not your home. We are passing, you know, strangers and sojourners."
(00:35)

He explains that contemplating death helps believers focus on their spiritual journey and ultimate destination beyond the temporal world.

Grief and the Search for Answers

Father Mike shares his experiences working with adolescents and college students, many of whom confront death for the first time:

"I would hear that here be someone and they'd want to talk about someone in their life had died... they might say, I want an answer."
(00:35)

He empathizes with the desire for explanations during grief but cautions against offering simplistic or unsatisfactory answers:

"Maybe it's best not to try to give an answer because most likely not going to be enough. And secondly, our answer is probably going to be wrong."
(00:35)

Instead, Father Mike emphasizes the importance of being present and allowing individuals to express their sadness and anger without judgment.

Navigating Anger Towards God

A significant portion of the episode addresses the complex emotions of anger towards God in the aftermath of a loss. Father Mike recounts a poignant example:

"You're mad at God for giving your grandma the one thing she wanted most... And you're mad at God that now she has him, that she spent years of her life loving Jesus and longing for Jesus. And now she has Jesus."
(00:35)

He references C.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce" to illustrate the depth of such grief:

"There's a scene where there's this mom... she would rather have her son with her in hell than her son to be happy without her in heaven."
(00:35)

Father Mike reflects on the difficulty of reconciling personal grief with the belief in a benevolent God:

"Grief can be overwhelming. And a broken heart can become a poisoned heart. And sometimes sadness can turn to anger... But they have Jesus now. They have more than I could ever give them now."
(00:35)

The Challenge of Letting Go

Father Mike challenges listeners to consider their feelings about loved ones who have passed:

"Am I really resentful over the fact that right now, again, your loved one right now is happy in heaven without you?"
(00:35)

He poses a reflective question:

"Would you rather them to be less happy, to be sorrowful, to be in pain and with you? Or do you love them enough to allow them to be happy without you in heaven."
(00:35)

Father Mike underscores the necessity of entrusting loved ones to God's care, even amidst personal sorrow and longing.

Conclusion

Father Mike acknowledges the difficulty in conveying such profound truths:

"I don't think that I'm the good enough person to share this message... But I think sometimes when we get angry at God over someone who's died... we have to ask ourselves, is what would I rather be true than to be happy with God and without me."
(00:35)

He invites listeners to contemplate their own grief and faith, urging them to find solace in the belief that their loved ones are at peace with God.

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Father Mike Schmitz provides a compassionate and thoughtful exploration of grief, faith, and the human struggle to understand loss. By sharing personal anecdotes and literary references, he offers listeners both empathy and a framework for processing their emotions within a spiritual context.

Notable Quotes:

• "Remember your death. Remember that this world is not your home." — Father Mike Schmitz (00:35)
• "Grief can be overwhelming. And a broken heart can become a poisoned heart." — Father Mike Schmitz (00:35)
• "Would you rather them to be less happy, to be sorrowful, to be in pain and with you? Or do you love them enough to allow them to be happy without you in heaven." — Father Mike Schmitz (00:35)

Event Reminder:

Father Mike concludes by reiterating the upcoming Advent event:

"From all of us here at Ascension presents My name is Father Mike. God bless."
(00:35)

Listeners are encouraged to join the Advent night of reflection and Q&A on December 9th at the Newark Performing Arts Center.

This episode serves as a gentle yet profound guide for those grappling with the intersection of loss and faith, offering both comfort and a path towards understanding within the Christian journey.