Episodes

  • What Catholics Do (and Don’t) Believe About the Body

    What Catholics Do (and Don’t) Believe About the Body
    Sep 26 2024
    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/
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    8 mins
  • Fr. Mike Responds to “I Don’t Get Anything Out of Mass

    Fr. Mike Responds to “I Don’t Get Anything Out of Mass
    Sep 19 2024
    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.
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    7 mins
  • Hopeless?

    Hopeless?
    Sep 12 2024
    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).
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    9 mins
  • How Can I Know That It's Actually God's Voice?

    How Can I Know That It's Actually God's Voice?
    Sep 5 2024
    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.
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    10 mins
  • Coping With Major Losses: 4 Practical Tips from Fr. Mike

    Coping With Major Losses: 4 Practical Tips from Fr. Mike
    Aug 29 2024
    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.
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    9 mins
  • Criticism vs Admiration

    Criticism vs Admiration
    Aug 22 2024
    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.
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    7 mins
  • St. Michael’s Lent Starts Today. Are You In?

    St. Michael’s Lent Starts Today. Are You In?
    Aug 15 2024
    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.
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    8 mins
  • Fr. Mike Reacts to Olympics "Last Supper"

    Fr. Mike Reacts to Olympics "Last Supper"
    Aug 9 2024
    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.
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    8 mins