Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Michael Iskander, best known for his role as King David in House of David, for a powerful conversation on faith, vocation, and the journey toward God.

They reflect on David as a flawed man after God?s own heart, exploring what it means to live faithfully, trust God?s mercy, and simply do the ?next right thing.?

Michael also shares his journey to Catholicism, including his experience growing up in Egypt amid persecution and the moments that led him to a deeper relationship with God.

Michael also shares his ?five stones? for spiritual battle, which serve as a practical and powerful roadmap for staying grounded in the spiritual life:

The Rosary
The Eucharist
Sacred Scripture
Fasting
Monthly Confession

Don?t miss this inspiring conversation and be sure to check out Season 2 of House of David, streaming March 27 on Prime Video.

Will only Catholics go to Heaven? Is there any hope for those outside the Catholic Church?

Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the doctrine, "Outside the Church there is no salvation," to help us understand God's plan for redemption and His intention to save all, both Catholic and non-Catholic.

Our lives are so full of noise, distractions, constant activity. But we weren?t made to be filled with these things.

Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that fasting isn?t just about food. It?s about emptying ourselves so God can fill us. Lent isn?t only about saying no, it?s about saying yes to Someone greater.

So often we focus our Lent on discipline, willpower, and perfection. But the goal isn?t perfection. The goal is union.

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares that the most powerful thing he ever did for Lent wasn?t adding more prayers, books, or practices, instead it was choosing silence.

See how this simple step can transform your Lent and bring you closer to the Lord than ever before!

When someone gets chosen instead of you, how should you respond?

Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that God has a unique plan for each and every one of us. When others are blessed by being chosen, there is often a hidden burden that comes with it. We tend to see the blessing, but we forget the weight that accompanies it.

Instead of giving in to jealousy or self-pity, remember this: everyone has their own story. If God didn?t choose you for what you were hoping for, it?s not because you were overlooked, it?s because He has something different, and perhaps even better, in store for you.

Falling into the same sin again and again? Don't let the devil fool you, there is hope!

Fr. Mike Schmitz warns us of the lies of the devil and encourages us to go immediately to confession when we sin. Don't get discouraged, but have the humility to confess your sins and the hope that Christ can transform you!

If in weakness you sin, in freedom, claim the Lord.

What's in our heart that refuses to celebrate when good things happen to someone else?

Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the story of the man healed on the Sabbath. Many focus on the fact that Jesus healed on the Sabbath, though technically allowed, but Fr. Mike invites us to look deeper.

The real issue isn?t the law. It?s the heart. More than Jesus performing the miracle, what this story exposes is that sometimes we fail to value the suffering of others, or even the joy of others, because they simply don?t matter enough to us.

Did Judas think he was actually helping Jesus fulfill His mission by betraying Him? Was Judas pre-destined to become the traitor of the Lord?

Fr. Mike Schmitz asks these bold questions and unpacks what Scripture says about the person of Judas Iscariot. By evaluating his motivations and his lack of cooperation with the grace given to him, Fr. Mike details what a tragedy it is that he never became St. Judas.

Why do Catholics baptize their babies? Is it even biblical?

At first glance, infant baptism can seem unbiblical. But Fr. Mike points to several instances in Scripture that support the practice and reveal God?s desire to bring children into His covenant family from the very beginning.

Baptizing a child doesn?t replace their freedom ? it begins their life of faith. As they grow, they will one day choose Jesus for themselves and personally embrace the grace they first received as a gift.

For those baptized as adults, baptism becomes a conscious, public declaration of faith. That journey often includes waiting, and that?s okay. There?s no need to rush. God uses the waiting to prepare your heart, deepen your desire, and make you ready to fully receive what He wants to give you.

Something sacred happens in the waiting. It stretches the heart, strengthens faith, and forms trust. Let God do His work there.

"'Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?' He (Jesus) said to him, 'You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22: 36-39

Fr. Mike Schmitz warns us of the dangers of making our lives too full, even with good things. He reminds us of the beautiful quote from St. John of the Cross, "In the twilight of our lives, we will be judged on love alone."

Fr. Mike jumps into the mystery of Knives Out, not to solve the murder but to understand the truest mission of the priesthood.

In the midst of Hollywood's fascination with Catholicism, they've often had trouble capturing an honest representation of Catholics. However, Fr. Mike explores the success of Rian Johnson's appropriate casting and display of a priest in the midst of impossible odds.

Find out what Fr. Mike loved about the film and why he thinks, this time, Hollywood got it right!

2026 marks the 5th anniversary of Bible in a Year! Over the past five years, the Lord has taken this podcast to extraordinary places -- reaching listeners in more than 150 countries, becoming the #1 podcast in the U.S., and remaining the #1 religious podcast in the world, even five years later.

Through Bible in a Year, God has transformed hearts and minds, and we are deeply grateful to every listener who has made this journey possible. As we continue creating new videos, podcasts, books, and articles each day, we invite you to press play once again on Bible in a Year.

Join Fr. Mike, and all of us, in the Ascension App, as we encounter God?s voice and learn to live our lives through the lens of Scripture.

Merry Christmas from Fr. Mike Schmitz and all of us here at Ascension! While we celebrate the birth of Christ, the true reason for this season, we also reflect on the many blessings and joys with the ones we love!

Come celebrate with us as Fr. Mike reacts to Christmas movies and shares how each movie reveals a deeply Christian message to all of us!

Fr. Mike shares his favorite ? and least favorite ? Christmas songs ?

Find out which ones he loves enough to sing all year, which he calls manipulative, and which he flat-out labels a pile of trash!

You may have heard the phrase, "Memento Mori" when it comes to reflecting on death, but how should Christians really view death?

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains three common views we may hold about death:

However, Fr. Mike explains that all three fall short; death is actually a lover. Our goal should not be a longing for death, but a longing for the One on the other side. How can you long for Heaven and Jesus today?

Do you trust God's timing?

Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that God is never late (and never early). We can trust whole heartedly that His timing is always perfect!

"God does not ask us to be successful, He asks us to be faithful." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on this quote along with the way St. Mother Teresa lived her life. So often we measure our lives by worldly success, however God wants your faithfulness, not your success.

Let us always say, "God let me honor you with my effort."

When you miss an opportunity to share the faith, what's the next step?

Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the question, "When should I say something?" We'll never have every answer, but if we take everything to the Lord, He will show us the way.

There have been numerous fake videos of Fr. Mike circulating online: clips of him supposedly asking for money for Lourdes, delivering sermons he never gave, and appearing on accounts that aren?t actually his.

These are all scams ? and a concerning reminder of how easy it is to be deceived by AI-generated content.

Fr. Mike addresses these scams, shares tips for spotting fake content, and offers his perspective on artificial intelligence.

If you come across any AI profiles or questionable videos, please send the link(s) to [email protected] so our team can work on getting them removed. Thank you for helping us protect Fr. Mike's name, image, and likeness!

Can your feelings be sinful?

Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that "sin and virtue do not reside in the emotions, they reside in the will." Our emotions, whether positive or negative, don?t make us good or bad; what matters is how we respond to them. Use your emotions to choose and pursue the good!

"Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment* on himself." - 1 Corinthians 11:27-29

Fr. Mike explains that receiving Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin, is itself a mortal sin. However, he also advises that if you?re genuinely uncertain about whether you?re in a state of mortal sin, you should go ahead and receive Communion. The reason is that true mortal sin requires three conditions:

If you?re honestly unsure, the third condition isn?t fully met ? meaning it can?t be a mortal sin.

As we discover the lives of the saints, it seems they endured quite a bit of suffering before receiving their eternal reward. It begs the question, is it worth it?

Fr. Mike reminds us that in this life, we will have suffering. The question is not, can you avoid suffering by avoiding Jesus? The question is, can your suffering be transformed by embracing Jesus?

You may have close friends in your life, but do you have virtuous friendships?

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares three kinds of friendship and explains that while it's important to have good friends, you need to have this special kind of friendship with at least one person in your life: virtuous friendship.

Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour

October 20 - Detroit, MI [SOLD OUT]
October 21 - Sugar Land, TX
October 22 - Cedar Park, TX
October 23 - Fort Worth, TX

Join Fr. Mike live for an unforgettable event as he unpacks the parables of Jesus. This is your chance to experience his powerful message in person!

Big news! Ascension was selected by the USCCB to publish the long-awaited Second Edition of the Liturgy of the Hours!

You may have heard of the Liturgy of the Hours, but not quite like this. Fr. Mike Schmitz shares why this ancient prayer holds such a special place in his heart and how praying it can transform your relationship with God.

For updates and preorder opportunities, sign up at https://www.AscensionPress.com/LOTH

Fr. Mike Schmitz is back, reacting to powerful scenes from The Chosen. Find out which moments brought him to tears, which ones he wrestled with, and hear his honest perspective on how the series portrays the life of Christ.

? Listen to Fr. Mike?s full recording of "The Imitation of Christ" with commentary, available now on the Ascension App!

Or check out: https://ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces Thomas à Kempis? classic, The Imitation of Christ and unpacks its central theme of detachment. He explains how Christian detachment differs from Buddhist detachment.

Christian detachment is not indifference or rejection of the world, but rightly ordering our hearts. True detachment means recognizing every gift as belonging to God and being free to use them generously and in love.

If you've been rocked by all of the death, violence, and destruction in the news these past few weeks, you are not alone. Fr. Mike offers guidance during this difficult time, and reflects on Charlie Kirk's words: "When people stop talking, that's when you get violence."

Fr. Mike filmed this video on September 12th, 2025 ? two days after Charlie Kirk's assassination.

How does someone become a saint? What steps and criteria does the Catholic Church follow in the canonization process?

Fr. Mike unpacks the journey to sainthood and reminds us that holiness begins with one simple thing, saying ?yes? to God.

"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)

Fr. Mike shares the exciting news of his new podcast, "Called"! Join us each week as Fr. Mike sits down with a new guest discussing how we're all called to live a more virtuous, generous and Christ-centered life.

To learn more, check out: https://thecatholicinitiative.org/podcast/

It?s hard to believe, but it?s been 10 years since Fr. Mike first appeared on Ascension Presents! From day one, his wisdom, humor, and joy have inspired countless people on their faith journey. Whether you?ve been here since the very beginning or just discovered our channel, come join us as Fr. Mike takes a trip down memory lane, reacting to his very first Ascension Presents video!

Does silence ever feel uncomfortable? Do you fill the quiet with TV, music, or endless scrolling?

Fr. Mike explains why silence isn?t something to fear but something we desperately need, both in our daily lives and especially in prayer. While learning, entertainment, and even guided prayers can be good, true growth happens when we create space for silence and allow ourselves to hear the voice of God.

Have you ever watched a confession scene and wondered how accurate it really is? Join Fr. Mike as he reacts to popular confession scenes in movies and tv shows!

Looking for a powerful book recommendation? Look no further. Fr. Mike?s new book Unshakeable is all about living a life of virtue in the midst of chaos.

Fr. Mike shares why he dedicated the book to his parents, the best advice they ever gave him, and the four simple words that can change everything: ?Trust in the Lord.?

Do you feel lost in your loneliness?

Fr. Mike reminds us that throughout Scripture, loneliness shows up again and again, even Jesus himself experienced deep moments of isolation. If you?re feeling alone, know that you?re not the only one. In your loneliness, you can unite your heart to Christ?s, who truly understands what you're going through.

How do I fit in prayer with my busy schedule?

Fr. Mike shares some practical advice for fitting in prayer when you feel you don't have time. He also explains the importance of having a plan by sharing these three questions: Where am I going to pray?When am I going to pray? How am I going to pray?

?Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matthew 7:1). What did Jesus really mean by that? Does this mean Christians should never call out sin or hold others accountable?

Fr. Mike Schmitz breaks down this often-misunderstood teaching of Jesus. He explains that while we?re called not to condemn others' hearts or souls, we are called to discern right from wrong. The key? Start with humility. Fr. Mike urges us to examine ourselves first, approach others with curiosity instead of condemnation, and always lead with compassion.

For some, this may be the saddest part about Heaven, but it shouldn't be! Fr. Mike dives into the deeper meaning behind this teaching and explains why it's actually good news. He reminds us that Heaven isn?t a loss of love, but the fulfillment of it. In Heaven, you won?t love your spouse less? you?ll love them more than ever before.

Feeling intimidated by the Bible? You?re not alone ? but that shouldn?t keep you from opening it.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why that feeling is normal and even good. He shares how to approach Scripture with humility and curiosity, and offers tools like The Bible in a Year podcast and the Great Adventure Bible Timeline to help you get started. Don?t wait until you feel ready, begin today!

Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour

July 9 - Vail, CO
October 20 - Detroit, MI
October 21 - Sugar Land, TX
October 22 - Cedar Park, TX
October 23 - Fort Worth, TX

Join Fr. Mike live for an unforgettable event as he unpacks the parables of Jesus. This is your chance to experience his powerful message in person! ?

Loneliness is real and loneliness is really difficult. How do I handle feeling alone and what does my loneliness mean?

Fr. Mike speaks into the deep and painful experience of loneliness, especially in the Christian life. He reminds us that loneliness is not a sign of failure or weakness, but a reflection of our God-given longing for love and communion. While God is always near, Fr. Mike encourages us to be honest about our pain and to invite Jesus into that place ? because even in our loneliness, we are never truly alone.

Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour

July 9 - Vail, CO
October 20 - Detroit, MI
October 21 - Sugar Land, TX
October 22 - Cedar Park, TX
October 23 - Fort Worth, TX

Feeling unsure about the road ahead? Do you catch yourself comparing your journey to everyone else?s?

Fr. Mike has a message to anyone in a life transition who may feel lost or uncertain about what?s next. He reminds us that the whole point of the story is not what happens in the story; it?s who you become in the process. You?re not falling behind. You?re finding your way.

Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour

October 20 - Detroit, MI
October 21 - Sugar Land, TX
October 22 - Cedar Park, TX
October 23 - Fort Worth, TX

Why do we recite the Creed every Sunday?

Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri break down the purpose of the Creed in the Mass and uncover the fact that it isn't just about what we believe in, but who we believe in.

This video is a brief excerpt from Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the ultimate way for your parish or small group to encounter the wisdom of the Catechism and deepen your understanding of the Catholic Faith (http://ascensionpress.com/catechismstudy)

This dynamic, video-based program is filmed across 40 locations in 11 countries on 4 continents?taking you to the the places where our faith was explained and clarified by Church councils, the Church doctors, and the saints. This study is a spiritual pilgrimage that will transform the way you understand Catholic teachings and live the Catholic Faith.

Led by renowned educators such as Dr. Edward Sri, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and others, this comprehensive study walks you through the Catechism from beginning to end, unpacking its rich insights and showing you how to apply them to your daily life.

Over 20 powerful sessions, you?ll explore the core beliefs of the Catholic Faith, discover the historic ecumenical councils, unfold the biblical context of the Catechism, and deepen your understanding of God?s plan for your life.

Why do babies cry? Have you ever considered that their cries might have something to teach us?

Fr. Mike explains that a baby's cry is an act of faith?they cry because they trust someone will hear, someone will care, and someone will come. In the same way, when we cry out to God in our moments of pain or loneliness, that too is an act of faith. And like a loving Father, He sees us, He cares, and He comes.

Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour

October 20 - Detroit, MI
October 21 - Sugar Land, TX
October 22 - Cedar Park, TX
October 23 - Fort Worth, TX

How does the Holy Spirit guide the Church when a new pope is chosen?

Fr. Mike explains the unique relationship between divine guidance and human decision-making in the papal election. Though the process can be slow, complicated, and even filled with disagreement, the Holy Spirit is still powerfully at work?just as He is in our everyday lives.

To learn more about Pope Leo XIV, pre-order your copy of, "When the White Smoke Clears": https://ascensionpress.com/products/when-the-white-smoke-clears-a-guide-to-the-early-days-of-pope-leo-xiv?_kx=03d8RdkdWYsj7Js0fI-L2sXIJR08xnuhKbFd2znlNmDo1V-4EAF588_SwY55rxnO.TcpZhH

Habemus Papam! We have a Pope ? Pope Leo XIV!

On this joyous occasion, Fr. Mike encourages us to welcome Pope Leo XIV with open hearts. He reminds us that before forming opinions or drawing comparisons to past popes, we should first offer him the respect, trust, and prayers he deserves as our Holy Father.

To learn more about Pope Leo XIV, pre-order your copy of, "When the White Smoke Clears": https://ascensionpress.com/products/when-the-white-smoke-clears-a-guide-to-the-early-days-of-pope-leo-xiv?_kx=03d8RdkdWYsj7Js0fI-L2sXIJR08xnuhKbFd2znlNmDo1V-4EAF588_SwY55rxnO.TcpZhH

Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour!

May 19 - Washington, D.C.
May 20 - Philadelphia, PA
May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT]
May 22 - Nashville, TN

Do you struggle to handle criticism well? Do you get defensive even when you know there?s room to grow?

Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses how to handle criticism, exploring three primary approaches: denial, acceptance, and gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of discerning what part of the criticism is true, acknowledging those truths, and discarding the falsehoods to avoid unnecessary self-condemnation.

Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour!

May 19 - Washington, D.C.
May 20 - Philadelphia, PA
May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT]
May 22 - Nashville, TN

Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we?ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.

? Pray with us for free on the Ascension App! https://link.ascension-app.com/Conclave

Romans 12:4-5: ?For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.?

O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave and grant them wisdom, courage, hope, and charity. We pray that the Cardinals may listen attentively to you, and ask you to grant them the faith to discern your holy will.

Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect and guide your Church during this conclave. Grant us, in your great love, a Pope who guides your Church to grow in faithfulness towards you. May he be a shepherd of profound faith and hope, leading your Church ever closer to you.

We pray, in Jesus? name, together with the intercession of Mary and all the Saints.

?Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.?

Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we?ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.

? Pray with us right here on YouTube, or for free on the Ascension App! https://link.ascension-app.com/Conclave

Jeremiah 3:15: ?And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding?

O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave and grant them wisdom, courage, hope, and charity. We pray that the Cardinals may listen attentively to you, and ask you to grant them the faith to discern your holy will.

Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect and guide your Church during this conclave. Grant us, in your great love, a Pope who guides your Church to grow in faithfulness towards you. May he be a shepherd of profound faith and hope, leading your Church ever closer to you.

We pray, in Jesus? name, together with the intercession of Mary and all the Saints.

?Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.?

Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we?ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave and grant them wisdom, courage, hope, and charity. We pray that the Cardinals may listen attentively to you, and ask you to grant them the faith to discern your holy will.

Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect and guide your Church during this conclave. Grant us, in your great love, a Pope who guides your Church to grow in faithfulness towards you. May he be a shepherd of profound faith and hope, leading your Church ever closer to you.

We pray, in Jesus? name, together with the intercession of Mary and all the Saints.

?Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.?

Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we?ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.

Romans 12:12: ?Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.?

O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave and grant them wisdom, courage, hope, and charity. We pray that the Cardinals may listen attentively to you, and ask you to grant them the faith to discern your holy will.

Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect and guide your Church during this conclave. Grant us, in your great love, a Pope who guides your Church to grow in faithfulness towards you. May he be a shepherd of profound faith and hope, leading your Church ever closer to you.

We pray, in Jesus? name, together with the intercession of Mary and all the Saints.

?Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.?