Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
…
continue reading
In The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz walks you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, providing commentary, reflection, and prayer along the way. Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast follows a reading plan inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history developed by renowned Catholic Bible scholar Jeff Cavins. For each period in the timeline, Jeff will join Fr. Mike for a special episo ...
…
continue reading
Every week, Catholic priest Fr. Mike Schmitz delivers powerful homilies based on the Sunday Mass Scripture readings, inviting you to live more fully as the person God created you to be. Engaging and motivating, these 20-30 minute homilies will help ground your faith, fortify your heart, and transform your life. Fr. Mike Schmitz preaches from Duluth Minnesota, where he serves as the Newman chaplain for University Minnesota Duluth’s Bulldog Catholic campus ministry.
…
continue reading
In Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides you through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 episodes, providing explanation, insight, and encouragement along the way. Unlike any other Catechism podcast, The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast follows a reading plan inspired by Ascension’s Foundations of Faith approach, a color-coded approach that reveals the structure of the Catechism, making it easier to read and understand. With th ...
…
continue reading
1
Day 363: Forgive Us Our Trespasses (2024)
25:45
25:45
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
25:45
Forgiving those who have hurt us is a challenging call. Fr. Mike explains what it means to "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." We learn that forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same thing and that we can transform our hurt into intercession with God's grace. We ask the Lord to soften our hearts so that t…
…
continue reading
1
Day 363: The New Covenant Priesthood (2024)
23:32
23:32
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
23:32
Fr. Mike draws a parallel between the symbols in the book of Revelation and the persecution by the Roman empire of the first Christians and encourages us to hold firm in our faith. Additionally, Fr. Mike reveals the beauty of the new covenant priesthood established by Jesus and explained in Hebrews. Today’s readings are Revelation 15-17, Hebrews 5-…
…
continue reading
Just because it's "the most wonderful time of the year" doesn't mean that everything is working out for you. But if tough times have actually given way to full-blown discouragement for you this Christmas, Fr. Mike has a word for you: "Emmanuel". On behalf of Fr. Mike and everyone here at Ascension, Merry Christmas to you and all of your loved ones.…
…
continue reading
1
12/25/24 Face to Face: Two Words
14:51
14:51
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
14:51
Homily from the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas). The one who has gratitude has enough. At the moment we get to stand before the Lord face to face, what will the automatic and overwhelming response be? Will it be a word of love? Of contrition? Or will it be two words that summarize everything that could be said to the God who has used everything to…
…
continue reading
1
BONUS: Why Scripture and Tradition? (with Jeff Cavins)
37:00
37:00
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
37:00
In this bonus episode of The Catechism in a Year, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to share the connection between Scripture and Tradition, and provide the background on the origin, development, and structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, unde…
…
continue reading
1
Day 362: The Woman Clothed with the Sun (2024)
30:04
30:04
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
30:04
Fr. Mike continues to interpret the symbols within Revelation. He compares story of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the woman in Revelation. Fr. Mike provides context to the letter to the Hebrews, a letter that makes the case for Jesus, explaining who he is and the beauty of what he did for us. Today’s readings are Revelation 12-14, Hebrews 1-4, and Prove…
…
continue reading
1
Day 362: Our Daily Bread (2024)
21:23
21:23
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
21:23
Asking God for our “daily bread” is a petition for him to fill our physical and spiritual hunger. Fr. Mike breaks down this simple yet profound petition that reminds us of our reliance on God for all our needs. In this part of the Lord’s prayer, we turn to God with childlike hearts, trusting that he will nourish us with all the appropriate material…
…
continue reading
1
Day 361: Judgment and Repentance (2024)
25:11
25:11
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
25:11
Fr. Mike summarizes and contextualizes the book of Philemon, addressing the tension of slavery addressed in the Bible. He provides an explanation on the continued destruction depicted in Revelation as the visions of the apostle John, holding it up to the light of the Gospel. Today’s readings are Revelation 8-11, Philemon, and Proverbs 31:16-18. For…
…
continue reading
1
Day 361: The Kingdom and Will of God (2024)
22:53
22:53
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
22:53
When we pray for God’s Kingdom to come and God’s will to be done, we are asking for the final coming of the reign of God and for his plan of salvation to come to fruition. This petition is most powerfully expressed in the Mass. Fr. Mike reminds us that anticipating Christ’s return should inflame our hearts to continue our mission here on earth and …
…
continue reading
1
Day 360: Heavenly Worship (2024)
29:03
29:03
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
29:03
Fr. Mike discusses the heavenly throne room seen in our reading from Revelation and our opportunity to be brought into this throne room during every Mass. He also focuses on our ability to glorify God and exalt him into eternity through the righteous deeds we perform on earth. Today’s readings are Revelation 4-7, Titus 1-3, and Proverbs 31:10-15. F…
…
continue reading
1
Day 360: Hallowing God’s Name (2024)
18:12
18:12
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
18:12
What does it mean to hallow God’s name? We are not the source or cause of God’s holiness. As the Catechism says, we hallow God’s name so it may be glorified, loved, and known. Jesus instructs us in the Our Father to petition and desire that we be drawn into God’s plan of loving kindness. In time, God’s name is hallowed in how we live and how we pra…
…
continue reading
1
Day 359: John's Apocalypse (2024)
33:33
33:33
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
33:33
As we begin reading from Revelation, Fr. Mike makes us aware of the symbolism found throughout this apocalyptic book and highlights its goal of strengthening the Church through the worship that happens at Mass. He also encourages us to find strength in God when facing challenges, just as Paul did. Today’s readings are Revelation 1-3, 2 Timothy 3-4,…
…
continue reading
1
Day 359: The Seven Petitions (2024)
13:02
13:02
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
13:02
In the Lord’s Prayer, we make seven different petitions to our Father in heaven. Together, we examine what makes each set of these seven petitions different. Fr. Mike unpacks how the first three petitions emphasize love of the Father, the next two concern us in the present world, and the final two concern the battle of prayer. Today’s readings are …
…
continue reading
1
Day 358: Who Art in Heaven (2024)
14:45
14:45
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
14:45
As we reach the conclusion of the article on the opening words of the Our Father, we take a closer look at the phrase, “Who Art in Heaven.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that God is not distant, but is imminently present all around us. He also emphasizes that while sin has exiled us from heaven, conversion of heart allows us to return to the Father in heaven…
…
continue reading
1
Day 358: From Rebellion to Faithfulness (2024)
19:30
19:30
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
19:30
Fr. Mike leads us through the book of Jude and discusses its main message of calling us to lives of faithfulness. He also contextualizes 2 Timothy by highlighting Paul’s imprisonment and his final message to rekindle the gift of God within us. Today’s readings are from Jude, 2 Timothy 1-2, and Proverbs 31:1-7. For the complete reading plan, visit a…
…
continue reading
1
Day 357: Truth and Love (2024)
21:11
21:11
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
21:11
Fr. Mike emphasizes that Christian love isn't just about feelings—it's about living in God's truth by obeying his commandments. Fr. Mike also explains the context for St. Paul's words to St. Timothy about asceticism and caring for widows, and he ends today's reflection by encouraging us to keep fighting the good fight of faith. Today's readings are…
…
continue reading
1
Day 357: God, “Our” Father (2024)
13:28
13:28
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
13:28
God’s love has no bounds, and neither should our prayer. Fr. Mike emphasizes that when we say “our” we are highlighting that we have become God’s people. We belong to God, not in a possessive way, but in an “entirely new relationship”. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2786-2793. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Cate…
…
continue reading
1
12/22/24 Face to Face: Fear to Fiat
20:05
20:05
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
20:05
Want to walk through Advent with Fr. Mike? Join us for daily video Advent reflections in the Ascension App: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/frmikeadvent Homily from the Fourth Sunday of Advent. I'm not going to fear what I don't know, I am going to trust who I do know. We can wait in excitement and joy...we can also wait in fear. We fear the dark …
…
continue reading
1
Day 356: God Is Love (2024)
25:19
25:19
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
25:19
Today Fr. Mike reminds us that God created us out of love, for love. Fr. Mike also points out where the Catholic Church draws her doctrine on the difference between mortal and venial sin, as well as what St. Paul means when he teaches that there is only "one mediator" between God and man. Today's readings are 1 John 4-5, 1 Timothy 1-3, and Proverbs…
…
continue reading
1
Day 356: We Dare to Say (2024)
21:39
21:39
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
21:39
When we pray the Our Father, we are invited to pray with “filial boldness” as children of God. Fr. Mike emphasizes that we are God’s adopted sons and daughters, and so because of that, we are able to call him “Abba, Father.” He also emphasizes that because of this adoption we are called to “continual conversion and new life.” Today’s readings are C…
…
continue reading
1
Day 355: The Things of This World (2024)
22:13
22:13
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
22:13
Fr. Mike reminds us that, unlike Adam and Eve who gave into "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life," we are called to surrender our hearts and minds to the Lord and reject the things of this world. Today's readings are 1 John 1-3; 2 Thessalonians 1-3; Proverbs 30:20-23. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpres…
…
continue reading
The In-Brief, or the “nugget day”, for the article on the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizes that understanding the identity of God is essential when it comes to our relationship with God. God is not a tyrant or dictator. He is our good Father. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2773-2776. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Cate…
…
continue reading
"Does God take us when he feels like our time here is over?" Fr. Mike tackles this question and examines the motivations behind it to show us why God made us and why our value doesn't lie in what we do in this life. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic PodcastKirjoittanut Ascension
…
continue reading
1
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
22:00
22:00
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
22:00
Fr. Mike reflects on the powerful reality that the sacrament of Baptism makes us partakers of God's Divine nature, fundamentally changing us into beloved sons and daughters of God the Father. He also highlights how the second coming of Christ will come like a thief in the night, how Christians grieve with hope, and how we have to test the prophecie…
…
continue reading
1
Day 354: The Prayer of the Church (2024)
15:19
15:19
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
15:19
Through the Catechism, we learn more about the Lord’s Prayer and how it should be included in our personal prayers as well as in community during the liturgy of the Mass. In giving us the Our Father, Jesus models how we are to use this prayer to speak directly with the Father. Fr. Mike drives home that we receive the words to pray and also receive …
…
continue reading
1
Day 353: The Lord’s Prayer (2024)
16:18
16:18
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
16:18
Diving into the Lord’s Prayer, we look at the origin, meaning, and significance of this prayer. The Catechism reveals the Our Father as “the summary of the whole Gospel” as it includes all that we believe. Fr. Mike helps us understand that this prayer focuses our hearts on the Father and prioritizes our desires. As we begin this prayer in the Fathe…
…
continue reading
1
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2024)
24:09
24:09
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
24:09
Fr. Mike shares how verse 1 Peter 3:15 about being ready to give a reason for the faith that is within us has been one of the most influential Bible verses for him. As we start reading 1 Thessalonians today, Fr. Mike also highlights how Paul is encouraged by the faith of the Thessalonians and stresses the importance of not only sharing the gospel b…
…
continue reading
1
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2024)
23:36
23:36
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
23:36
As we begin reading 1 Peter today, Fr. Mike walks us through Peter's powerful message about persevering in trials, trusting that those sufferings purify our love and faith by teaching us to love God for his own sake and not just the gifts he blesses us with. Finally, as we wrap up Colossians, Fr. Mike highlights St. Paul's call to uphold the obliga…
…
continue reading
1
Day 352: Summary of The Battle of Prayer (2024)
14:22
14:22
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
14:22
Fr. Mike reviews this section of the Catechism, summarizing the battle of prayer and the prayer of the hour of Jesus. We are reminded that prayer is active, and we must engage in grace. The Catechism goes on to state that, “We pray as we live because we live as we pray.” In this, we see that God meets us where we are and wants us to pray always. Fi…
…
continue reading
1
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2024)
26:15
26:15
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
26:15
Fr. Mike reflects on the effects of wealth on our souls and our relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of resisting the devil and invites us to draw near to God because he is constantly pursuing us, especially as we share in his suffering. Today’s readings are James 3-5, Colossians 1-2, and Proverbs 30:7-9. For the complete reading pla…
…
continue reading
1
Day 351: The Prayer of the Hour of Jesus (2024)
15:20
15:20
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
15:20
Looking at the prayer of the Hour of Jesus, we learn from the Catechism that it “embraces the whole economy of creation and salvation, as well as his death and Resurrection.” This prayer summarizes everything: “God and the world; the Word and the flesh; eternal life and time; the love that hands itself over and the sin that betrays it; the disciple…
…
continue reading
1
Day 350: Faith and Works (2024)
23:51
23:51
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
23:51
Fr. Mike provides the context and background of the letter of James. Fr. Mike unpacks the beautiful truths contained in the letter of James, including a discussion of faith and works and addressing the importance of demonstrating our intrinsic belonging to the Lord through our actions. Today’s readings are James 1-2, Philippians 3-4, and Proverbs 3…
…
continue reading