# Episode 123149: 3/15/26 Autobiography: Who Will You Be?

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sunday-homilies-with-fr-mike-schmitz-614176/episode-123149-3-15-26-autobiography-who-will-you-be.md
Podcast: [Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz](https://stenobird.com/podcast/sunday-homilies-with-fr-mike-schmitz-614176)
Published: 2026-03-14T16:45:00+00:00
Episode link: https://fathermikehomilies.fireside.fm/123149
Audio file: https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/1b1273a3-3711-4e9f-b187-36a4f8791359/d84f8760-ba09-48ad-a62f-0de2201ec0f2.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1402

## Resource

Your character is defined by what you choose to notice. This homily explores how training your eyes to seek joy rather than resentment determines whether you live in a state of spiritual freedom or self-imposed isolation.

## Highlights
- Main idea: The things you train your eyes to notice ultimately shape the person you become
- Failure mode: Focusing on negativity and resentment creates a 'hellish' state of being stuck on the outside looking in
- Practical takeaway: Actively 'steal joy' by seizing every opportunity to celebrate goodness, even when it is unexpected
- Main idea: True spiritual maturity is moving beyond being the recipient of grace to becoming the person who facilitates it for others
- Practical takeaway: Combat the biological hardwiring for negativity by intentionally seeking out reasons to rejoice

## Topics

Spiritual growth, Lent, Parable of the Prodigal Son, Joy, Resentment, Perspective, Christianity, Self-improvement

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Light of the World: Reflections on the healing of the man born blind and the transformative power of Christ's light.
- 6:00 — The Trap of First Impressions: How external appearances and superficial observations can misguide our understanding of others.
- 8:00 — The Negative Bias: An examination of how our biological drive to find threats can lead to a life of constant complaint.
- 11:00 — The Older Brother's Resentment: Analyzing the tragedy of the older brother who chooses anger over the joy of his brother's return.
- 15:00 — The Danger of Cynicism: How choosing cynicism over naivety can lead to a spiritual state of isolation and 'hell'.
- 18:00 — Stealing Joy: Learning from the Father in the parable to actively hunt for and celebrate moments of grace.
- 21:00 — Becoming the Father: The ultimate call to move beyond our own needs to become people who welcome and celebrate others.

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## Transcript

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