All Saints Day Pep Talk
What does a triathlon have to do with the Communion of Saints? Fr. Mike Schmitz draws parallels between his experience of completing a triathlon and the believer’s experience of journeying to heaven.
Oct 29, 2015•8 min
The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Episodes
The Greatest Surprise- Jesus' Second Coming
When Christ comes again, will it be a great surprise, or will it be more like an unwelcome Halloween scare? Father Mike Schmitz recommends getting to know Jesus well now, so that when he comes “like a thief in the night,” we will be ready.
Oct 15, 2015•6 min
Do Catholics Follow All Those Weird Old Testament Laws?
Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why Christians are called to follow some laws of the Old Testament and not others. Passing on the advice of Pope Benedict XVI, he distinguishes between universal laws, like the Ten Commandments and “case by case” laws, like those to be followed only in the kingdom of Israel and the temple.
Oct 08, 2015•4 min
Padre Pio's Secret to Holiness
What is the true sign of sainthood? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why it’s not the stigmata or the ability to miraculously heal people. Saints like Padre Pio actually walked a path that is very much within reach for us all. Find out how that is so in this episode.
Oct 01, 2015•4 min
Overwhelmed?
Father Mike Schmitz tells us what you can do when you’re overwhelmed. Sharing the advice of engineers, artists, and St. Paul himself, Father Mike helps us plan a course of action one step at a time.
Sep 17, 2015•6 min
Ashley Madison & Crushes on Other People
Ascension Presents’ Father Mike Schmitz breaks down the strong emotions behind the Ashley Madison scandal, laying out the real dilemma deep in the hearts of those who are tempted to be unfaithful in a committed relationship.
Sep 10, 2015•8 min
Did God Change?
Father Mike Schmitz explains why God focuses on justice in the Old Testament and then shows his mercy in the New Testament. To some readers of the Bible it may seem like God changed, but the truth of the matter is much more profound.
Sep 03, 2015•5 min
What Does God Want Me To Do?
Father Mike Schmitz directs us to the story of Israel’s desert wanderings in the Old Testament and the Annunciation to Mary in the Gospels, describing how even the tribes of Israel and Mary had to be content with the uncertainty of God’s will at times. Father Mike also teaches how we can discern God’s will even in the silence.
Aug 27, 2015•6 min
Captain America-Superheroes Analyzed
Why Captain America is a true Christian superhero.
Aug 20, 2015•9 min
Acceptance
Father Mike Schmitz discusses the personal renewal that can come from accepting the hardships, tragedies and difficult situations that hit us throughout life.
Aug 15, 2015•6 min
TV-MA- America's Addiction
Father Mike discusses why our culture is addicted to "mature" content on television. This addiction is a sign of deeper issues facing society.
Aug 07, 2015•5 min
Learning from Judas
What if Judas chose to share his true intentions with one of the other apostles? Instead, he kept his plans to himself, preferring to keep them unexposed and leaving his friends in the dark. Father Mike Schmitz sheds some light on Judas’ betrayal, explaining how we are all tempted to hide behind a similar mask.
Jul 23, 2015•4 min
Heaven: You're Not Good Enough (and why that's okay)
If getting to heaven were anything like getting into the Olympics, no one would make it. None of us are good enough to spend eternity in God’s presence. But Father Mike Schmitz reminds us that we don’t have to be good enough. God wants us to surrender our lives to him, accepting and responding to his grace and love.
Jul 15, 2015•4 min
Forgiveness
Father Mike Schmitz teaches us that forgiveness is rooted in justice. It doesn’t forget or ignore the injustice done, but it frees us from the need to get revenge. When you forgive, the one who hurt you is released from their debt to you, and you are released from the pain so you can move on.
Jul 09, 2015•5 min
What's My Vocation?
In this episode, Father Mike Schmitz gives some direction that can lead to an answer for ourselves or someone we know. He shares how a vocation is more than just figuring out whether we’re called to married life or religious life, and it’s about more than just finding out what we like to do. As he breaks down three different types of vocation we all have, he draws a practical path we can follow to pursue holiness.
Jul 02, 2015•6 min
Batman V Superman Anticipation
Today, we tend to bring down our heroes to a more ordinary, human level, and make them less worthy of our aspirations. Fr. Mike challenges this trend, saying the most important qualities of our heroes are their character and virtue.
Jun 25, 2015•7 min
Time to Pray
Father Mike Schmitz points out how oftentimes the issue is not whether we have time to pray but whether we truly believe that prayer works. If we truly believe prayer is effective, we’ll find time for it.
Jun 18, 2015•3 min
Bruce Jenner & the Transgender Question
Commenting on the recent Bruce Jenner “gender reassignment” issue, Father Mike Schmitz discusses the difference between one’s perception of gender and gender reality.
Jun 11, 2015•9 min
Bears. Beats. Battlestar Galactica.
Father Mike discusses how unwanted thoughts and temptations come and go, like a bear that intrudes upon your campsite and then leaves if you don’t bother it.
May 21, 2015•4 min
Fr. Mike Reviews the Avengers 2
Father Mike offers a reflection on Avengers: Age of Ultron. Totalitarian governments tried to protect people by offering them comfort and security. Fr. Mike quotes Pope Benedict XVI, who said “you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”
May 14, 2015•5 min
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