The Eucharist
In this extremely informative AND entertaining talk, Fr. Mike Schmitz builds an argument about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
THIS VIDEO IS 45 MINUTES LONG. You will NOT be able to bang out this blog in just a few minutes.
Watch the video and take notes. How does Father establish ethos? In what ways does he appeal to the emotions of the audience? And explain how he uses logic to unfold his argument. Because this argument is so complex, you might want to use your notes as an opportunity to make a little outline so that you don't lose track of his argument. Finally, what is the part that resonates with you?
This video was sent to me by two recent ECC alumni who were lucky enough to attend the FOCUS conference in Chicago a few weeks ago. They loved it so much that they sent it to me in hopes that all of you would get the opportunity to see it! It is not one you want to miss.
We, as human beings, were made for intimacy. We were made for this closeness with other humans, but primarily, we were made for intimacy with God in the Eucharist. This is at the core of Fr. Schmitz’s “The Hour That Will Change Your Life”. Throughout, Fr. Schmitz reaffirms his point with biblical evidence and personal yet relatable stories. From the start, he relays his charisma and charm through humor. His overall energy is inviting and intriguing, managing to keep the viewers’ attention throughout. Not only is he enthused while speaking, however; he makes it obvious that what he is saying comes from a place of reverence. Yes, he uses humor to make his audience of teenagers and young adults comfortable, but he does something beyond that. The ways in which he speaks of God and of the Eucharist to this crowd of Catholics, not simply teenagers and young adults, is earnest and generally very beautiful. This is how Fr. Schmitz establishes his ethos by confirming his possession of good will, moral virtue, and practical wisdom. The Holy Spirit was truly with Fr. Schmitz that night. Without that blessing, it would be near impossible to appeal to emotion in the manner that he did. Somehow, Fr. Schmitz manages to find the perfect balance between humor and seriousness. He never misses a beat, with perfect tonal shifts at the perfect moments each and every time. His words are never jarring because his tone is always fitting to his words. Beyond the mechanics of the matter, there is also the recurring fact that what he is speaking of, longing for Christ, is an inherent human desire. He speaks of our longing to be with Christ fully and completely, a sentiment obviously tied to pathos, with the weight it deserves. And while the emotional responses drawn from the audience are important, seemingly the most significant aspect of Fr. Schmitz’s talk is the argument he conveys. In the beginning, he makes a very bold claim: we were made for intimacy with Christ in the very way that we were made for intimacy with another. He manages to support his claim at various points throughout. In the extended syllogism from near the beginning, he explains the levels of intimacy and human interaction. The point of this syllogism is that human intimacy is just that—intimate. It a private thing that dwells inside the heart. Christ in the Eucharist gave his full self, the very epitome of intimacy, at the expense of his life to us. He does an excellent breakdown and analysis of the Bread of Life Discourse, which not only serves to prove his point about Christ’s intimacy with us, but he also gives a brief confirmation for the True Presence by it. At another point, perhaps before or after this when speaking on the Bread of Life Discourse, he makes a rather humorous quip that serves to, logically, strengthen his argument. At this point, he says something akin to “If God can create everything out of nothing, he can certainly turn bread into himself.” While truly funny in its original context, it also is incredibly true in light of the verses being read and analyzed. Later in the video, however, one of the most poignant and beautiful conclusions is relayed to the audience. In this portion of the talk, Fr. Schmitz is speaking on why we doubt God’s choice to make himself present in the Eucharist. He says, quite frankly, that God must hide himself so that we do not have to. He says that in the event that God were to show himself fully to us, we would hide away, but because we are made for intimacy with God, he hides his glory for us. This is, conclusively, the most resonant and beautiful explanation of not only our relationship with intimacy with God, but also the True Presence thanks to the workings of the Holy Spirit through Fr. Mike Schmitz in “The Hour That Will Change Your Life.”
ReplyDeleteI like how you discussed how intimacy as something just simply like that. It’s not something crazy, but s private and simple kind of love.
DeleteI like how you adress that his claim is bold, you are very right. This would be an uncomfortable topic with most people but like you said in your blog he does it in a way that those teenagers and ourselves can relate to and feel comfortable with.
DeleteThis is a very informative and enlightening post. I like many aspects of this analysis, especially the way you highlighted God. The way you addressed the logos of Father was very thoughtful and clearly well-executed.
DeleteIntimacy I something we all crave in this life. You love someone, you want to be with them. That’s the burning desire inside us, even if we fight it for some time as it’s the right thing to do. This is what Fr. Mike explained in his speech about the Eucharist. As a great rhetor, he used his relatable personality, humor, and character to relay his message to his young audience. His humor keeps them drawn in the entire time. Personally, I know if someone can make me laugh I want to keep listening. Even when their tone switches to a more serious point, which he does very well. Another thing that draws me into a speech is a personal and relatable story I can get drawn into. He does this also, giving his own unique experiences and life lessons you couldn’t get from someone else. This makes you trust and listen to everything he says. Like when he discusses intimacy with Christ. He discusses how we crave to be intimate with those we love, and our intimacy with Christ comes from the Eucharist. We show our love and devotion to him by receiving him weekly, with an open heart. All of the ethos, pathos, and logos in the speech leads to this point. The relatable stories and humor build the trust to lead up to his important point. Intimacy is craved, and when we receive it with the Lord, our world becomes a brighter place.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s pretty clear that we both interpreted this talk in the same sort of way. I am glad you got out of what you said you did. I’m sure it was worth it.
DeleteI love how you approach the intimacy in this when we receive the Lord it really is a better place.
DeleteFr. Mike Schmitz is a great rhetor. From the very first second of his talk he uses humor to draw is audience in and really make them excited for what is about to come. He tells a story about a man who is “evangadating” and everyone thought he was flirting but in actuality he was talking to the girl about intimacy with Christ. You need intimacy to live, he proves this with the story about orphaned children from the war. If a baby was picked up twice a day and felt love and intimacy they began to live, to really thrive. He talks about giving a kiss and just taking it, there’s a huge difference humans need intimacy to live but it should be kind and the right kind. Fr. Mike proves this with “the first date” story. God gave us bodies for intimacy but God doesn’t have a body so how do we have intimacy with God? He takes on a body through the Eucharist, he gave us his body right before he died and he continues to give it to us through the Eucharist. Jesus gives himself to us completely much like a married couple does the Eucharist isn’t just a “symbol” of Jesus, it is the REAL DEAL. Jesus needs us to proclaim about his body and blood without our undeniable love and devotion to the Eucharist the rest of the world wouldn’t be able to love Christ as much as we do. The Eucharist is an AMAZING gift that Jesus gives us at every mass that shouldn’t be taken for granted. When you hear the word intimacy you wouldn’t think about that moment at mass when you take the Eucharist and becomes part of you. This is such an important moment and this is why some children are so excited to be able to receive him at mass. I remember when it finally came time for my first holy communion I was beyond excited and I remember one of my class mates make gross faces and wipe the Eucharist off their tongue. I was appalled and actually got in an argument over this because I was so upset that they had disrespected the Eucharist. It is so important and Fr. Mike makes sure every listener understands this before he finishes his talk. This is the kind of video you dread watching but Fr. Mike uses his amazing rhetorical skills to keep you drawn in the entire time
ReplyDeleteThoughtful. I thoroughly enjoyed this analysis, especially the allusion to your personal experience with the Eucharist.
DeleteFather - by means of comedy and faith - establishes an unparalleled credibility in his opening statements. Using several anecdotes, he highlights the "intimacy" of nature - of people - with God. He reveals how intimacy is completely necessary for life. These revelations channel into the core of his discussion: how, if God isn't a man like us, can we be intimate with him? This is accomplished by the Eucharist. Father demonstrates a clear and unquestionable insight, boosting his credibility as a speaker. He has done his research, he has lived his life, he truly is one to idolize. In delivering this portion of his speech, not only is his credibility as a Father revealed, but his knowledge of God is too - his logic. This is futher exemplified when he speaks of Jesus, Jesus gave humanity the opportunity to truly be intrimate with the Lord. Father's logic, on the basis of The Bible, along with many other reliable sources, develops a deep and thorough logical approach of the itimacy of God. Laced throughout the entirety of Father's discussion is a meaningful appeal to the audience's emotion. To deeply connect - to be INTIMATE - with his audience, father evokes the very intimacy that people ought to uphold with the Lord. Emotional appeal is an integral component of Father's speech, as emotions - deep, meaningful and true emotions - are necessary for one to truly be one with the Holy Spirit. As for myself, the most resonating and impactful aspect of this speech occurred in Father's anecdote of the orphaned-refugee children of war. The climb, the pursuit for God, coupled with an unwavering faith and intimacy, truly allows for these children to be loved, to thrive and be one with God. Very lovely and moving.
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