Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Lent. We need to stop asking "who is to blame?" and start asking "What can God do with this?" The disciples ask Jesus whose fault it is that the man was born blind. So many of us have a tendency to ask the same question: "Whose fault is this?" While that is a natural question, it is not always a helpful question. There is a better question that we can ask. Mass Readings from March 19, 2023 : 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 Psalms 23Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41

Homily from the Third Sunday of Lent. Jesus taught the world how to see the person. We are constantly facing the temptation to define people by their group or by their shame. Jesus reveals that, while He knows the group or by their shame, He sees the person...the individual...and calls them by their name. Mass Readings from March 12, 2023: Exodus 17:3-7 Psalms 95:1-2, 6-9Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 John 4:5-42

Explore the unique approach to prayer that Jesus demonstrated as the Beloved Son. Discover how His teachings encourage us to pray not just ritualistically, but as beloved children of God. Delve into the symbolism of wedding rings as a testament to commitment and love, connecting it to the transformative power of personal vows. The discussion highlights the importance of consistency and a genuine relationship with God, prompting listeners to reflect on their own prayer practices.

Homily from the First Sunday of Lent. Expect the Trial. Eliminate the Option. Re-Write the Script. Focus on the Word. We will face trials and temptations throughout our lives. When we follow and study Jesus our rabbi, we learn how to face temptations the way he did. Mass Readings from February 26, 2023: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 Psalms 51:3-6, 12-14 and 17Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

Homily from Ash Wednesday. The goal of the Christian life is to become like Christ. As we begin Lent, we often mistakenly choose arbitrary things to give up or arbitrary ways to pray. But the goal of Lent is more than "doing something difficult" or "getting better". The goal of lent is the imitation of Christ. Mass Readings from February 22, 2023: Joel 2:12-18 Psalms 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-14 and 172 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Homily from the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. The difference between giving up and surrender is one word: trust. There are so many circumstances in life that are beyond our control. We can easily feel powerless as we realize that we cannot control all outcomes. Christ's words in the Gospel might look like giving up, but they are something vastly different...and far more hopeful. Mass Readings from February 19, 2023: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18 Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-131 Corinthians 3:16-23 Matthew 5:38-48

Homily from the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our hearts are enslaved...exile can be the cure. There are so many circumstances that are beyond our control. But no matter the situation, one thing that cannot be taken away from a person made in God's image is the freedom to choose how one responds to those circumstances. Our hearts can be enslaved in any situation, but they can also be free in any situation. Mass Readings from February 12, 2023: Sirach 15:15-20 Psalms 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-341 Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17-37

Homily from the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Do what you would do even if no one is watching. So many of us have a fear of being different. We would prefer to be like everyone else. But we cannot afford to be the same as everyone else. Not because we are better, but because the world needs what Christians have: Jesus Christ. Mass Readings from February 5, 2023: Isaiah 58:7-10 Psalms 112:4-91 Corinthians 2:1-5 Matthew 5:13-16

Homily from the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Do not wait to live. God is using this here and now. There is real suffering. There is real good and evil. But sometimes, the difference between something that is worthless and something that is worthwhile is a matter of perspective. God can use even our flaws...in fact, he will use everything if we let him. Mass Readings from January 29, 2023: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 Psalms 146:6-101 Corinthians 1:26-31 Matthew 5:1-12

Homily from the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our identity is at the heart of our resolution. One of the greatest things that is lost while in exile is a true sense of identity. Too quickly, we forget who we are and settle for something too small to be enough. But if we keep identity at the heart of our resolutions, we will be able to live homeless and Holy. Mass Readings from January 22, 2023: Isaiah 8:23-9:3 Psalms 27:1, 4, 13-141 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 Matthew 4:12-23