Whether you call them homilies, sermons, or talks, there’s a lot you can learn from the spiritual leaders in our community. While in a perfect world, you’d have time to listen to everyone, that simply isn’t possible for most with limited time to spare. To help, we’ve surfaced and summarized the teachings from the audio sermons of some of the most influential priests and pastors from around town and in the Christian sphere.

You can skip to a specific section by clicking the links below.

Jump to:

• Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Cathedral of Christ the King
• Passion City Church
• Trinity Anglican Church
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Fr. Mike Schmitz

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens his homily by admitting a personal struggle: he doesn’t always feel love for Jesus, though he deeply loves what Jesus teaches. He confesses a common human tendency to enjoy seeing others get what they deserve, a feeling Jesus challenges. This sets the stage for his central message: the radical call to love our enemies, even those who seem undeserving of such love. He acknowledges the difficulty of this command, recognizing our natural inclination towards justice and fairness, but emphasizes that Christian love transcends these human impulses.

He uses the Old Testament’s Jubilee year as an example, a time of radical forgiveness and restoration, to illustrate God’s desire for reconciliation and mercy. This concept of jubilee helps frame the seemingly impossible request Jesus makes: to do good to those who hate us, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who persecute us. Fr. Mike emphasizes that this isn’t just a suggestion, but a core component of Christian discipleship.

Fr. Mike explains that this radical love isn’t something we conjure up on our own. It’s a reflection of how God has loved us first. He argues that understanding the depth of God’s undeserved love for humanity is the key to unlocking our ability to love others in this way, even those who have wronged us. It’s not about condoning hurtful actions, but about rising above them and responding with compassion.

Ultimately, Fr. Mike’s homily is a call to imitate God’s own love. He acknowledges the challenge inherent in loving our enemies but emphasizes that it’s possible through God’s grace. He presents this radical love not as an optional extra for Christians, but as the very heart of the Christian life, a transformative power that can change not only how we interact with others, but also how we see ourselves.

Listen to the full version here

Cathedral of Christ The King

Fr. Frank McNamee’s homily centers around the theme of recognizing and responding to God’s presence in our everyday lives. He begins by reflecting on how easily we can become distracted by the noise and busyness of the world, losing sight of the divine amidst the mundane. He emphasizes that God isn’t confined to grand, extraordinary moments, but is rather present in the ordinary, in the quiet moments, and in the interactions we have with others. He suggests that cultivating an awareness of God’s presence requires a conscious effort to quiet our minds and open our hearts to the subtle ways God speaks to us.

Fr. McNamee explores the idea that recognizing God’s presence often involves recognizing God in others. He highlights the importance of seeing the inherent dignity and worth of every person, as each individual is created in God’s image. He encourages the congregation to look beyond superficial differences and to see Christ in those they encounter, especially those who are marginalized or suffering. This recognition, he argues, can transform our relationships and lead us to act with greater compassion and understanding.

The homily then delves into the practical implications of recognizing God’s presence. Fr. McNamee suggests that this awareness should influence our actions, motivating us to live more intentionally and to align our lives with God’s will. He speaks about the importance of prayer, not just as a formal practice, but as an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day. He also emphasizes the significance of service to others, seeing it as a tangible expression of our love for God and our recognition of His presence in the world.

Fr. McNamee concludes by encouraging the congregation to actively seek God’s presence in their lives. He emphasizes that this is a journey, not a destination and that it requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to be open to God’s guidance. He leaves the congregation with the hope that by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence, they will experience a deeper sense of peace, joy, and purpose in their lives.

Listen to the full version here.

Passion City Church

Breath on a Page

Louie Giglio’s sermon centers around the theme of “unforsaken,” exploring the profound truth that God is always with us, even in our deepest pain and struggles. He begins by acknowledging the universal human experience of feeling abandoned or alone, particularly during times of suffering. Giglio emphasizes that these feelings, while real, don’t reflect God’s actual presence. He uses scripture and personal anecdotes to illustrate the unwavering nature of God’s love and commitment to His children.

Giglio delves into the story of Hagar in the Old Testament, who, despite her difficult circumstances, encountered God in the wilderness. He highlights the name God revealed to Hagar: El Roi, “the God who sees.” This name, Giglio argues, reveals a crucial aspect of God’s character: He sees us in our brokenness, He sees us when we feel invisible, and He sees us even when we try to hide. This understanding of God’s all-seeing and compassionate nature provides a foundation for hope in the midst of hardship.

The sermon then shifts to the New Testament and the example of Jesus’s own experience of feeling forsaken on the cross. Giglio explains that this moment while agonizing, was also the ultimate demonstration of God’s love. Jesus, in taking on the weight of our sin, experienced the very separation from God that we fear, so that we would never truly be forsaken. This act of ultimate sacrifice underscores the depth of God’s commitment to us and the lengths He will go to be with us.

Giglio concludes by encouraging the audience to embrace the truth of their “unforsaken” identity. He emphasizes that no matter what we’ve been through or what we’re currently facing, God is present with us. He calls for a shift in perspective, from focusing on our feelings of abandonment to recognizing God’s constant presence and unwavering love. This recognition, Giglio suggests, can bring healing, hope, and the strength to persevere through any challenge.

Listen to the full version here.

Trinity Anglican Church

Pastor Adam Huschka’s sermon explores the theme of embracing discomfort as a crucial part of the Christian journey. He begins by recounting his church’s origins, emphasizing the importance of serving the community and adapting to its needs. He shares the challenges his church faced, particularly during the pandemic, which led to a period of self-reflection and a return to foundational practices like studying scripture and weekly communion. This period of change, while difficult, ultimately led to growth and a deeper understanding of their calling.

Huschka then delves into the idea that God often calls us to things beyond our perceived abilities or qualifications, prompting us to confront our discomfort and confusion. He uses the analogy of a student in a challenging class, suggesting that confusion is a necessary step towards learning and growth. He highlights Mary’s perplexity at the Annunciation as an example of embracing uncertainty and trusting in God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense. He poses the question: How is God nudging you towards something that feels beyond your capacity?

He explores the concept of “credit” in the scriptures, connecting it to grace and the Holy Spirit. Huschka suggests that the Christian life is about more than intellectual assent; it’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us, often in ways we don’t anticipate. He shares a personal anecdote of experiencing burnout, illustrating the importance of recognizing our limitations and relying on God’s strength. He connects this to the parable of the talents, emphasizing the accountability we have for stewarding the gifts and opportunities God gives us.

Huschka concludes by offering practical advice for navigating discomfort and discerning God’s will. He references Kurt Thompson’s idea of a simple prayer practice: setting a timer for four minutes and repeatedly praying “Your will be done.” He suggests this practice can help us align our desires with God’s and become more open to His leading. He ends with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and the willingness to submit to God’s will, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Listen to the full version here.

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