04/12/26 The Next...: The Next Confession
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In this powerful homily, Father Mike Schmitz reflects on the transformative power of the next confession, urging Catholics—especially new converts and long-time believers alike—to move beyond the initial fire of their first sacraments and actively pursue ongoing spiritual renewal. Drawing from the Gospel of John’s account of Thomas’s doubt and Jesus’ mercy, he emphasizes that love can grow cold, but it doesn’t have to. He introduces the theme of 'the next'—the next confession, the next communion, the next act of surrender—as a vital antidote to spiritual complacency. Father Mike connects this to Divine Mercy Sunday, highlighting St. Faustina’s revelations and the enduring message that God’s mercy is ever-new. He argues that regular confession is not just for sinners but for all souls, serving as an essential exercise in honesty, faith, surrender, and glorifying God. Through personal stories, relatable analogies (like subscription fatigue and screen time), and theological depth, he calls listeners to make confession a consistent practice—not out of guilt, but out of love and trust in Christ’s mercy.
Your next confession is more important than your first or last—it’s the spiritual exercise your soul needs.
Confession is not just about sin; it’s an act of faith, honesty, and surrender to Christ’s dominion.
Love grows cold when we stop taking inventory of our hearts—regular examination of conscience is essential.
Divine Mercy Sunday reminds us that God’s mercy is new every day, even when we feel unworthy.
The enemy’s only weapon is discouragement—keeping us from our next confession.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Introduction: The Fire of Baptism and the Question of What’s Next
“We all know the reality is that I can have my first confession, I can have my first communion. And then what can be true is my heart can still grow cold.”
The Problem of a Cold Heart and the Gift of Divine Mercy
“The problem isn't that God has stopped loving us. The problem in a world where the love had grown cold is that we stop coming to him.”
Confession as the Exercise Your Soul Needs
“I don't know what to confess because I haven't taken an honest look.”
Confession as an Act of Faith and Surrender
Father Mike reframes confession as a verb, not a feeling—faith as action, not emotion. He explains that every time we go to confession, we exercise faith by trusting Jesus with our true selves. He emphasizes surrender not as defeat but as giving access to God’s mercy. He calls confession a way to place our entire life—past, present, and future—under Christ’s dominion.
Confession Glorifies God and Restores Victory
“Every time you and I go to confession, God is glorified because you're letting him win.”
“Every time you and I go to confession, God is glorified because you're letting him win.”
“Heaven can begin now.”
“The problem isn't that God has stopped loving us. The problem in a world where the love had grown cold is that we stop coming to him.”
Host
Jesus Christ
person
Fr. Mike Schmitz
person
St. Faustina Kowalska
person
Divine Mercy Sunday
other
Holy Gospel According to John
other
Chaplet of Divine Mercy
other
Thomas the Apostle
person
Image of Divine Mercy
other
Diocese of Duluth
organization
Diary of St. Faustina
book
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