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.

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Jump to:

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

In this homily, Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes the crucial role of setting boundaries as a necessary step for personal progress. He draws a parallel with the biblical account of Paul and Barnabas, who recognized the need to shift their ministry focus after reaching a point where their efforts with a particular group had run their course. Fr. Mike clarifies that establishing boundaries is not about exerting control over others, but rather about clearly defining the behaviors that one is willing to accept and tolerate in their own life.

Fr. Mike Schmitz references the insights from the book “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. James Townsend, explaining the concept of personal boundaries as akin to property lines that delineate areas of responsibility. He clarifies that boundaries are not intended to be impenetrable walls that isolate individuals, but rather like fences with gates, which allow for connection and community while simultaneously safeguarding one’s personal space and well-being. To illustrate the practical application of boundaries, Fr. Mike shares relatable personal anecdotes, including the challenges faced by a friend dealing with her mother’s harmful behavior and the implementation of a policy for managing late-night crisis calls.

Fr. Mike Schmitz underscores that the failure to establish clear boundaries often leads to the undesirable consequence of tolerating behaviors that are detrimental to one’s well-being and ultimately hinders personal growth and forward movement. He shares a compelling story about a woman who successfully set boundaries regarding her father’s offensive language, highlighting how consistently applied consequences serve to reinforce these boundaries. Drawing a theological connection, Fr. Mike points to the passage in Revelation 3:20, where Jesus stands at the door and knocks, illustrating that even God respects the boundaries of individual choice and personal space.

Ultimately, Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes that the act of setting boundaries is not rooted in rejection or animosity towards others, but rather in a fundamental sense of self-respect and a commitment to fostering healthy and sustainable relationships. He concludes his homily with the poignant story of the “bummer lamb,” emphasizing that God extends his embrace to those who have experienced rejection, thereby reinforcing the inherent worth of every individual and the importance of feeling empowered to establish boundaries that protect their personal well-being and allow them to move forward in life.

Listen to the full version here.

Buckhead Church

​​Joel Thomas’s sermon addresses the modern phenomenon of “decision fatigue,” where the average person makes an overwhelming number of choices daily, leading to feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed. He references a study indicating that Americans make around 35,000 decisions each day. This overstimulation, he argues, necessitates a reevaluation of our spiritual practices to combat the distractions that contribute to this fatigue.

Building on a previous sermon’s illustration of adding spiritual practices to one’s life to push out distractions, Thomas acknowledges the difficulty of adding more to already full lives. He proposes that subtraction, rather than addition, might be the necessary first step. This leads him to the central focus of his sermon: fasting, an ancient practice that he argues directly addresses the dangers of distraction and decision fatigue.

Thomas emphasizes that fasting, as mentioned in Matthew 6, is not about outward displays of righteousness but about fostering a deeper connection with God. He outlines three distinct types of fasts: preparing, mourning, and turning, each serving a unique purpose in the individual’s spiritual journey. Beyond the commonly recognized physical benefits, Thomas suggests that fasting has profound psychological and emotional effects, including reversing the impact of dulled dopamine receptors and damaged neurons.

Ultimately, Thomas presents fasting as a powerful tool for training desire, helping individuals discern between genuine needs and deceptive impulses. By creating space in our lives, fasting allows us to reconnect with God, offering guidance and clarity in various life situations. The sermon concludes by positioning fasting as a means to achieve not only spiritual growth but also enhanced psychological and emotional well-being in a world increasingly characterized by overstimulation and decision fatigue.

Listen to the full version here.

Cathedral of Christ The King

In his homily, Archbishop Hartmayer begins by acknowledging and honoring Mother’s Day, recognizing the profound and unique connection between a mother and her child. He expresses heartfelt gratitude for all mothers, both those still living and those who have passed away, for their unwavering love, their nurturing care, and their crucial role in instilling values and shaping individuals’ lives.

Archbishop Hartmayer then shifts the focus to the observance of Good Shepherd Sunday, noting its timely coincidence with the recent selection of Pope Leo XIV. He highlights Pope Leo’s significant background, particularly his extensive missionary work in Peru, where he dedicated himself to serving the needs of the local population and even learned their language. Archbishop Hartmayer emphasizes the admirable qualities of Pope Leo, portraying him as a true shepherd possessing a compassionate and dedicated pastor’s heart.

Drawing inspiration from the Gospel reading for Good Shepherd Sunday, Archbishop Hartmayer reflects on the powerful and comforting image of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, who diligently offers protection to his flock and actively seeks out those who have wandered astray. He broadens this concept, extending the call to embody the qualities of a shepherd to all individuals, emphasizing the shared human responsibility to care for one another and to generously share one’s life and resources with those who are less fortunate. Archbishop Hartmayer touches upon the significance of faith, the importance of having a sense of purpose, and the potential for each person to make a meaningful and positive contribution to society.

Archbishop Hartmayer concludes his homily with a heartfelt prayer, asking for the grace to effectively spread the Christian faith and bestowing a special blessing upon all mothers, grandmothers, and those who have embraced a nurturing role in the lives of others. He invokes the guidance of the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV and reiterates the central importance of selfless service to others, drawing a clear parallel to the selfless and unwavering love and care exemplified by a mother.

Listen to the full version here.

Passion City Church

​​In his sermon, Louie Giglio emphasizes the critical relationship we have with ourselves, second only to our relationship with God. He highlights that we spend more time with ourselves than anyone else, and a significant portion of our thoughts tend to be negative and repetitive. Giglio notes that the quality of our relationship with ourselves directly impacts our relationships with others, as we tend to love others the way we love ourselves.

Giglio emphasizes that loving God and loving our neighbor are interconnected, and our love for God should be visible in how we treat others. He cautions against loving our neighbors better or worse than ourselves, advocating for a balanced, healthy love rooted in grace and truth. While self-care is a popular concept, Giglio suggests that true self-care goes beyond superficial practices.

Giglio proposes that the ultimate form of self-love is finding oneself in the love of God. He encourages embracing God’s love, recognizing our value, and understanding that God loved us first. Giglio shares a personal story to illustrate the importance of letting God’s love transform our self-perception.

Giglio’s message concludes with seven actionable steps to cultivate a healthy relationship with oneself: believe in God’s love, accept your story, choose to love yourself, forgive yourself, allow God’s love to shape you, speak truth to yourself with love, and extend that love to your neighbors. The sermon encourages letting go of regret and moving forward, grounded in God’s love and centered on Him.

Listen to the full version here.

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