Episodes
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Should we wear our best to Mass?
Fr. Mike explores the balance between 'coming as you are' and 'putting on your best for the Lord.' He explains that while the state of our hearts ultimately matters most, it's not the only thing that matters. Dressing respectfully for Mass can be a way to honor God, but it should never cover up a lack of sincerity or distract from the true purpose of the Mass.
The question to consider is: does my outward appearance reflect the love and reverence in my heart? -
Some people brush off intrusive thoughts. But others are haunted by them.
If you're having serious issues with intrusive thoughts, first understand that this is normal and part of the human experience. That being said, if you need to combat them, you have options. Today, Fr. Mike gives you some solid advice and steps to take towards greater freedom from unwanted and unwelcome thoughts. -
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Did you know there’s a simple approach to discerning your vocation? Fr. Mike shares the most common mistake he sees people make when determining God's call.
He emphasizes the importance of focusing on one vocation at a time, reminding us that jumping between options can lead to confusion.
Instead, Fr. Mike encourages us to simplify the process and let God guide us toward the vocation we’re meant for. When we focus and trust, God’s will becomes clear. -
Do you pray the rosary? If you do, you might find it difficult at times, or experience dryness in prayer. It's important to persevere in this devotion—but how?
Fr. Mike has dealt with the same difficulties in prayer, and these are his top tips for keeping up with the holy rosary. -
"In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words." Matthew 6:7 (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
Does Jesus warn us against repetitive prayers? Does praying the rosary contradict the way Jesus asked us to pray? Why is the rosary even designed that way?
Whether you pray the rosary everyday or have never prayed it before, Fr. Mike has some insights from Jesus and his Church regarding repetition in prayer that will change the way you look at prayers like the rosary. -
Fr. Mike had the pleasure of interviewing David Henrie about his reversion to Catholicism, his life as a Hollywood celebrity, and how to find your identity in Christ no matter your state in life. They also discussed his recent work as director on “Monster Summer”, which follows a group of kids who team up with a retired police detective (played by Mel Gibson) and embark on an adventure to save their island after a mysterious evil force disrupts their summer.
Learn more about the film at https://www.monstersummermovie.com/ -
Jesus gave us the prayer we often call "the Our Father". But where do the other prayers of the Holy Rosary come from, like the Hail Mary? The Glory Be? Who selected the mysteries that we meditate on for each decade? ...who even decided to pray a rosary in "decades"?
Fr. Mike breaks down the historical origins of the rosary as well as the logic that the saints who went before us used to organize the rosary as we know it today. -
Did you know Christians have a radical view of the body? While society often swings between two extremes—either dismissing the body as insignificant or idolizing it—Christianity offers a balanced and profound understanding of the unity between body and soul.
Fr. Mike, drawing on St. John Paul II's teachings on the 'cult of the body,' explains that while we are called to care for and love our bodies, they are not our ultimate purpose. He says we can get caught up in focusing on health, beauty, and physical perfection. Our bodies are good, destined for redemption, but they should not be the center of our lives. Understanding this teaching can help us honor our bodies as God intended.
Want more content like this? Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces the Theology of the Body and invites us to his 4-part series diving deeper into these incredible mysteries. Sign up for the whole series for FREE here: https://www.ascensionpress.com/tobtalk/ -
You’ve definitely either said—or met someone who’s said—“I go to Mass, but I just don’t get anything out of it.”
Fr. Mike gets you. He’s said it too. But what he’s learned and cannot stop telling everyone is that Mass is not about you or getting anything out of it.
The heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice.
Mass is not about what you can get, but what you can give to God that is due to him as Lord of the Universe. -
Fr. Mike offers insights on how to combat despair. If you feel like you've tried everything, see no way out, or think nothing matters, Fr. Mike reminds you of the true meaning of hope. He explains that we can always rely on God's presence. Choosing hope means choosing to act with courage, even if that victory is as simple as getting out of bed.
Finally, he reminds us that one of the best ways to fight despair is to bring that hopelessness to God in Confession.
You are loved, you are valued, and you are absolutely irreplaceable. Our team at Ascension is thinking of you and praying for you. If you're going through a difficult time or struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust or seek support from a professional. You can also call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (available 24/7). -
How can you discern if the voice you're hearing is genuinely God's? How can you be sure it isn't just your own thoughts or even something deceptive?
Fr. Mike offers insight into recognizing God's guidance by asking key questions: Does the voice contradict Scripture or the teachings of the Church? Who does the voice sound like, and what are the characteristics of God's voice?
He explains that divine guidance is often confirmed by its fruitfulness—bringing lasting peace, joy, and alignment with God's will. Fr. Mike encourages us to trust God step by step. He says it does not take blind leaps to see how even the most minor acts of faith can produce meaningful fruit over time. -
Have you ever faced a major loss, whether it's a relationship, your status, or even your health?
In this video, we explore the 4 typical responses people have when dealing with significant loss.
Fr. Mike introduces the "4 Rs: Restore, Replace, Redesign, Relinquish." He explains that while there is no right or wrong approach, understanding these responses can help you determine which one suits your situation best. Familiarizing yourself with the "4 Rs" will guide you through the process of dealing with loss and finding healing. -
When we encounter excellence, what prompts us to critique rather than admire?
Fr. Mike suggests that this tendency often stems from jealousy and insecurity. He says humans are made to admire all that is praiseworthy. When we witness remarkable talent in athletics, academics, or the arts, we should take the opportunity to commend the hard work and discipline that leads to greatness.
God made us to appreciate excellence and work to cultivate it in our own lives. -
Do you feel the call to engage more deeply in the spiritual battle raging around you? Do you want to deepen your prayer life? This might be precisely what you need.
St. Michael’s Lent is a 45-day journey of prayer and reflection inspired by St. Francis of Assisi that runs from August 15 through September 29. Men participating in this transformative practice experience a deepened faith in Jesus and serious growth in virtue.
Today, Fr. Mike explains the essence of St. Michael’s Lent, emphasizing how it helps men prepare for future challenges, experience personal growth, and impact their communities. He debunks the myth that these practices are extreme or unreasonable and highlights their role in balancing personal development and service to others.
Whether you join St. Michael’s Lent or support those who do through prayer, Fr. Mike encourages everyone to consider how these practices can enrich their lives.
Fr. Mike Schmitz invites men to embark on this spiritual journey. Discover more about Exodus 90, which shares similar principles, at https://www.Exodus90.com. -
Perhaps you've heard about the blasphemous debacle that occurred during the Olympics opening ceremonies, when a scandalous parody of the Last Supper was broadcast around the world. Christian media voices across the internet (and Catholic leaders around the world) have responded with the condemnation that the "performance" deserves.
But Fr. Mike has what he hopes is a bit of a fresh take on the situation, as well as something that you and I can do today in direct response to this—and all other—blasphemy. -
Sometimes life brings us down. Difficult situations cause us to become discouraged. This is natural (and inevitable). But here's another kind of discouragement that comes from a sense of "I should be better than this", or, "I thought I was better than that".
Believe it or not, the root of that discouragement is pride—a desire to be strong without God's help.
Today, Fr. Mike breaks down this phenomenon, helps us to recognize it, and gives us some tips to let go and draw our strength from God alone. -
Calling all Moms and Dads! You might feel discouraged or frustrated as you parent and seek to keep your kids close to Christ.
Today, Fr. Mike wants to share a word of encouragement with you! "Moms (and Dads), you're doing a great job!"
You don't need to be perfect to get your kids to heaven. You must keep showing up and loving, and let God do the rest! -
Maybe you've heard the phrase before, "the middleman is a lie." Or maybe you've found yourself wondering why we have an institutional church as Catholics when the Scriptures state clearly that there is only one mediator between God and man, namely Jesus Christ.
Today, Fr. Mike tackles this question and offers some guidance for those who may be tempted to get frustrated with the human and sometimes sinful element of the Catholic Church in its hierarchy and its members. Hint: It's another one of those "both/and" Catholic situations. -
The Bible is the Word of God. It is a foundation of our faith. And it tells the story of the human race—a story that you're a part of. But... what exactly is that story? What's the narrative? If you only had 10 minutes to share it... what would you say?
Ascension and Fr. Mike Schmitz—creators of the Bible in a Year podcast—teamed up to produce a beautiful, clear, shareable summary of the story of salvation: The Bible in 10 Minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm3b4Q98Vx8. If you've never had the whole narrative summarized for you (or if you could use a refresher), this video will change your perspective on humanity's relationship with God. -
If you have a family member, friend, or loved one who is far from God, you're not alone. You're in good company—not the least of which is God the Father himself, who works so hard to unite us with himself. If someone you love has stopped going to Church, or isn't practicing the faith anymore, or hasn't yet said "yes" to Jesus to begin with, what is the best way to love them?
Today, Fr. Mike has 4 simple things you can do to keep loving them on their faith journey, through all of the ups and downs. They're not easy to do, but they're always right. - Show more
