Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode 123149: 3/15/26 Autobiography: Who Will You Be?

28 snips
Mar 14, 2026
A homily that contrasts wisdom with cynicism and how our expectations shape what we notice. Stories and readings probe how focusing on negatives changes who we become. Discussion of the prodigal parable highlights choosing joy over anger. A call to look for hope, notice goodness, and become someone who welcomes and steals moments of rejoicing.
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ANECDOTE

Harding Example Of Judging By Appearance

  • Fr. Mike Schmitz uses Warren G. Harding as an anecdote to show people elected him because he looked presidential, not because he was competent.
  • Malcolm Gladwell's Blink is cited to illustrate snap judgments shaped by appearance and presence.
INSIGHT

What You Look For Shapes What You See

  • Fr. Mike argues what we look for determines what we see, using the blind man and Samuel scenes to contrast outward appearances with inner reality.
  • He connects 1 Samuel and John 9 to show God looks at the heart, not the façade.
INSIGHT

Negativity Bias Skews Your Autobiography

  • Fr. Mike notes our minds disproportionately scan for negatives, reporting struggles even when most life is good.
  • He cites John Gottman and research suggesting far more positive feedback is needed to outweigh one negative comment.
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