Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Hour That Will Change Your Life" | SEEK2015

The speaker expresses excitement about being at the event and shares their background from Minnesota, humorously highlighting regional colloquialisms. They discuss the importance of talking about oneself and setting the stage for the evening's discussion. The speaker transitions into a story about a trip to Israel with missionaries, emphasizing the transformative impact of the experience and introducing the character of Eric Clark, a Nebraskan missionary, to illustrate the theme of seeking deeper connections and intimacy with Christ.

The speaker delves into the human desire for physical connection, using personal anecdotes and cultural references to illustrate how touch is a fundamental aspect of expressing affection and love. They discuss the importance of intimacy in various forms, from casual contact to romantic gestures, and how it is intrinsically linked to human nature. The talk also touches on the necessity of intimacy for emotional well-being, referencing historical examples from World War I to emphasize the point.

Continuing the theme of intimacy, the speaker explores the concept of giving oneself completely to another person in love. They use the metaphor of a romantic date to contrast the difference between a genuine, heartfelt kiss and one that is overly aggressive or insincere. The narrative emphasizes the importance of recognizing 'the one' in a person's life and the desire to give one's whole self in love, suggesting a deeper spiritual connection and commitment.

The speaker shifts the discussion to the spiritual realm, discussing God's love and the Christian belief in the Eucharist as a means of experiencing divine intimacy. They recount the Last Supper and Jesus' sacrifice, explaining the Catholic belief that during Communion, believers receive the literal body and blood of Christ. The speaker also introduces the story of Christopher West and his family's profound realization of the Eucharist's significance, highlighting the transformative power of understanding this sacrament.

In this section, the speaker provides a detailed examination of the Biblical basis for the belief in the Eucharist, specifically referencing the Gospel of John chapter 6. They discuss Jesus' discourse on being the 'Bread of Life' and the literal interpretation of his words by the people of his time. The speaker emphasizes Jesus' affirmation of the Eucharist as his flesh and blood, and the historical significance of this teaching as a test of faith for his disciples.

The narrative continues with the account of the disciples' reaction to Jesus' teaching on the Eucharist. Many found the doctrine challenging and chose to abandon Jesus as a result, marking a unique instance in the Bible where followers leave due to a teaching. The speaker highlights Jesus' willingness to risk the salvation of the world on the truth of the Eucharist and his challenge to the remaining apostles, underscoring the centrality of the Eucharist to Christian faith.

The speaker shares personal stories and experiences that illustrate the transformative impact of the Eucharist on individuals, including their own life-changing realization of its significance during high school. They recount the journey of a friend who, upon understanding the Catholic teaching on the Eucharist, converted to Catholicism, highlighting the power of this sacrament to draw people into the faith.

In this paragraph, the speaker contemplates the hidden nature of Christ's presence in the Eucharist, reflecting on the human desire to see and taste the divine. They discuss the story of Saint Robert Bellarmine and his defense of the Eucharist's reality against Protestant objections, emphasizing the importance of faith over sensory evidence in recognizing Christ's true presence.

The speaker recounts a powerful story of faith and reverence for the Eucharist during the Chinese Communist persecution of Christianity. They describe the actions of a young girl who risked her life to retrieve the Eucharist from the ground, leading to her tragic death, and the lasting impact of her devotion on a man who continues to honor her memory by consuming the Eucharist with reverence.

In the concluding paragraph, the speaker invites the audience to receive Christ's love through the Eucharist, acknowledging the feelings of unworthiness that often accompany this act of faith. They emphasize that Christ is not concerned with our worthiness but with our willingness to accept his love and mercy, encouraging the audience to embrace the intimacy offered by the Eucharist.

The script ends with a prayer for spiritual protection, invoking the authority of Jesus Christ's precious blood to bind away any unclean spirits from the attendees. The prayer is a declaration of faith and a plea for divine intervention, ending the talk on a note of spiritual unity and strength.