Day 100: God’s Word and Spirit (2025) - The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Comprehensive Summary of Day 100: "God’s Word and Spirit" from The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Podcast Information:

Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Ascension
Episode: Day 100: God’s Word and Spirit (2025)
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Duration: 15-20 minutes

Introduction

On Day 100 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 702 to 710 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Titled "God’s Word and Spirit," this episode explores the intertwined mission of the Father's Word (the Son) and the Holy Spirit from creation through the Old Testament, leading up to the advent of the Messiah. Fr. Mike emphasizes the enduring yet hidden collaboration between the Word and the Spirit, highlighting their roles in preparing humanity for salvation.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. The Hidden but Active Mission of the Word and Spirit

Fr. Mike opens by celebrating the listeners' commitment, noting the significance of reaching Day 100. He emphasizes that from the very beginning of creation until the fullness of time, the joint mission of the Father's Word and Spirit remains concealed yet perpetually active. This mission is pivotal in preparing the way for the Messiah.

Quote [00:05]:
"From the beginning until the fullness of time, the joint mission of the Father's Word and Spirit remains hidden. But it is at work."

This collaboration ensures that God's plan of salvation unfolds seamlessly, even when not immediately apparent to humanity.

2. Theophanies: Manifestations of God

Fr. Mike explains the concept of theophanies, which are visible and audible manifestations of God in the Old Testament. These divine appearances served dual purposes: revealing God's presence and concealing His fullness through the Holy Spirit's shadow.

Quote [25:07]:
"God's Word allowed himself to be seen and heard in these theophanies, in which the cloud of the Holy Spirit both revealed him and concealed him in its shadow."

He underscores that these theophanies were instrumental in guiding the people of Israel, acting as both a beacon and a veil, highlighting God's transcendence and immanence.

3. The Image and Likeness of God

A significant portion of the discussion centers on humanity's creation in the image and likeness of God. Fr. Mike references St. Irenaeus to elucidate the distinction between "image" and "likeness."

Quote [13:04]:
"Disfigured by sin and death, man remains in the image of God, in the image of the Son, but is deprived of the glory of God, of His likeness."

This means that while humans retain the intrinsic image of God, the glory or likeness—symbolizing holiness and sanctity—was lost due to sin. However, the economy of salvation promises restoration through Christ, who will fully restore humanity's likeness to the Father.

4. The Law and the Role of the Holy Spirit

Fr. Mike addresses the Law given to the people of Israel as a pedagogical tool meant to lead them toward Christ. However, he acknowledges the Law's limitations in saving humanity, as it cannot transform hearts or dispel inherent sinfulness.

Quote [35:22]:
"The gift of the law is the pedagogue to lead his people toward Christ. But the Law's powerlessness to save man... encindles a desire for the Holy Spirit."

This inherent weakness of the Law breeds a yearning for the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which is essential for true conversion and adherence to God's will.

5. Exile as a Prefiguration of the Church

Drawing parallels between the Babylonian exile and the Church's current state, Fr. Mike illustrates how exile serves as a metaphor for the Church's existence in the modern world. Just as the Israelites were called to live as strangers without rebelling or assimilating, the Church is urged to maintain its distinct identity amidst pervasive secular culture.

Quote [50:57]:
"The remnant of the poor that returns from the exile is one of the most transparent prefigurations of the Church."

This exilic experience underscores the necessity of living out one's faith authentically, relying on the Holy Spirit to navigate the challenges of external pressures and internal struggles.

Notable Insights and Reflections

A. Prophetic Nature of Scripture

Fr. Mike highlights that all of Scripture is prophetic, with every inspired author serving as a prophet in their own right. This inclusive view recognizes figures like Matthew, Baruch, and Isaiah as prophets within the Catholic tradition, albeit categorized differently from the Jewish understanding.

Quote [18:45]:
"We would say that all of it is prophetic because those people who wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit are prophets."

This perspective fosters a more unified and comprehensive appreciation of the Bible's depth and divine inspiration.

B. Trinitarian Presence in Creation

Referencing St. Irenaeus, Fr. Mike discusses the Trinitarian involvement in creation, emphasizing that both the Son and the Holy Spirit actively participated alongside the Father.

Quote [20:15]:
"God fashioned man with his own hands, that is, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and impressed his own form on the flesh he had fashioned..."

This underscores the collaborative nature of the Trinity in the act of creation, highlighting the interconnected roles within the Godhead.

C. Restoration Through the Messiah

The promise made to Abraham initiates the economy of salvation, culminating in Christ's incarnation and the subsequent restoration of humanity's likeness to God.

Quote [27:30]:
"The promise made to Abraham inaugurates the economy of salvation, at the culmination of which the Son himself will assume that image and restore it in the Father's likeness by giving it again its glory."

This restoration is portrayed as both a divine promise and a tangible reality through Jesus Christ, facilitated by the Holy Spirit.

Application to the Modern Church

Fr. Mike draws a direct connection between the exiled Israelites and the modern Church, urging believers to emulate the former's stance of distinctiveness and humility. The Church is called to avoid both rebellion against societal norms and assimilation into them, instead embracing a unique identity guided by the Holy Spirit.

Quote [48:10]:
"We're called to be unique, as scripture says, to be strangers in a strange land, to be in the world, but not of the world."

This dual call to engage with the world without conforming to its values is presented as a path to authentic Christian witness and communal integrity.

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance for himself and the listeners. He reinforces the theme of living under the Spirit's influence to maintain the Church's prophetic and restorative mission.

Quote [58:50]:
"I'm praying that the Holy Spirit is in you and the Holy Spirit's in me. I'm praying, let's pray for each other, that we can live in this way, that we're unique..."

This prayer serves as both a personal and communal appeal for divine assistance in embodying the truths discussed throughout the episode.

Final Reflections

Day 100 of The Catechism in a Year offers a profound exploration of the interplay between God's Word and Spirit in shaping humanity's destiny. Through historical parallels, theological insights, and practical applications, Fr. Mike Schmitz invites listeners to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and their role within the broader narrative of salvation. The episode not only bridges ancient teachings with contemporary challenges but also fosters a sense of solidarity and purpose among its faithful audience.

For those who wish to engage more deeply, downloading the Catechism in a Year reading plan from ascensionpress.com/ciy is recommended. Subscribing to the podcast ensures daily updates and notifications, enhancing the journey through the Catechism alongside Fr. Mike Schmitz.