# 04/26/26 The Next...: The Next Road

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sunday-homilies-with-fr-mike-schmitz-614176/04-26-26-the-next-the-next-road
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sunday-homilies-with-fr-mike-schmitz-614176/04-26-26-the-next-the-next-road.md
Podcast: [Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz](https://stenobird.com/podcast/sunday-homilies-with-fr-mike-schmitz-614176)
Published: 2026-04-25T16:45:00+00:00
Episode link: https://fathermikehomilies.fireside.fm/20260426
Audio file: https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/1b1273a3-3711-4e9f-b187-36a4f8791359/9b7f6b06-e7a4-43ac-a0b9-c926478951a8.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/sunday-homilies-with-fr-mike-schmitz-614176/episodes/04-26-26-the-next-the-next-road
Duration seconds: 1341

## Resource

Stop searching for the perfect path and focus on the next right step. This homily explores how to navigate life's uncertainties by staying attuned to the voice of Jesus.

## Highlights
- Main idea: There is no such thing as a perfect road; there is only the next right direction
- Practical takeaway: Use the concept of metanoia—changing your mind to change your direction—when you realize you are on the wrong path
- Failure mode: Paralysis caused by the fear of making the wrong choice or the regret of not finding the 'ideal' path
- Lesson from history: The souls in purgatory regret missed opportunities for kindness, truth, and most importantly, loving God more deeply
- Practical takeaway: Focus on the immediate opportunity to love God in the present moment, through prayer and the Eucharist

## Topics

Faith, Christianity, Spiritual Growth, Catholicism, Decision Making, Regret, Prayer, Jesus Christ

## Chapters
- 1:00 — Recognizing the Shepherd's Voice: An introduction to the Gospel of John, focusing on how the sheep follow the shepherd because they recognize his specific voice.
- 3:00 — The Anxiety of Choice: Reflecting on the question 'What are we to do?' that arises after major life transitions and spiritual milestones.
- 4:00 — The Myth of the Perfect Road: Using Robert Frost's poetry to illustrate the common human struggle with the fear of regret and the search for the 'right' path.
- 9:00 — The Power of Repentance: Exploring 'metanoia' as a tool for progress, where turning back toward God is the most effective way to find the right way.
- 19:00 — Lessons from Purgatory: Examining the three great regrets of the souls in purgatory: wasted time, missed opportunities for kindness, and a lack of love for God.
- 22:00 — Taking the Next Right Road: A final call to action to stop seeking perfection and simply focus on following Jesus through the next immediate choice.

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## Transcript

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