Day 106: Symbols of the Church (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Published: Wed Apr 16 2025

There are many different symbols of the Church that can help us to understand it. We learn some of these symbols today, including a sheepfold, a cultivated field, the building of God, the spotless lamb, the bride of Christ, and our mother. Fr. Mike reminds us that, like us, the Church on earth needs constant reform. Jesus loves the Church and gave himself up for her. If we have any hostility or indifference toward the Church, we must check our hearts and pray to love what God loves. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 753-757.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 106: Symbols of the Church

Podcast Information:

Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host/Author: Ascension
Episode: Day 106: Symbols of the Church
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Description: In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the rich symbolism of the Church as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, exploring various biblical metaphors that illuminate the Church's role and identity in God's plan.

1. Introduction

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by greeting listeners and setting the stage for Day 106 of the "Catechism in a Year" podcast. He emphasizes the podcast's mission to guide listeners through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church over 365 episodes, fostering a deeper understanding of Catholic faith, scripture, and tradition.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "You're listening to the Catechism in a Year podcast where we encounter God's plan of pure goodness for us, revealed in Scripture and passed down through the tradition of the Catholic faith."

2. Recap of Previous Episode

Fr. Mike briefly reviews Day 105, highlighting the discussion on the Church's identity as holy, catholic, apostolic, and one. He underscores the three levels of the Church: liturgical assembly, local community (parish or diocese), and the universal community of believers, emphasizing their inseparability.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Yesterday, we talked about not only the source of the Church being the Son and the Spirit, but also how the Church is holy, Catholic, she's one, she's apostolic."

3. Today's Focus: Symbols of the Church

The main theme of Day 106 revolves around the symbolic imagery used in Scripture to describe the Church. Fr. Mike introduces the section from the Catechism (paragraphs 753 to 757), which presents a tapestry of interconnected images that reveal the profound mystery of the Church.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Today we have a little bit more poetic. We'll say it's the symbols of the Church."

4. Exploration of Church Symbols

a. The Sheepfold and the Flock

Fr. Mike begins with the image of the Church as a sheepfold, with Christ as the sole gateway. He elaborates on Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd, the Prince of shepherds, who sacrifices Himself for His sheep.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The church is a sheepfold, the sole and necessary gateway to which is Christ... the good shepherd and Prince of shepherds, who gave his life for his sheep."

b. The Cultivated Field

Moving to paragraph 755, Fr. Mike discusses the Church as a cultivated field, likening it to an ancient olive tree rooted in the prophets. This imagery highlights the Church's ongoing role in reconciliation and fruitfulness through Christ, the true vine.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The church is a cultivated field, the tillage of God. On that land the ancient olive tree grows... the true vine is Christ, who gives life and fruitfulness to the branches, that is to us."

c. The Building of God

Fr. Mike explores the Church as the building of God, particularly emphasizing the metaphor of the holy temple. He connects this to the New Testament vision of the New Jerusalem, where believers are the "living stones" forming the holy temple of God.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Often, too, the church is called the building of God... living stones are Christians, right? Living stones are you and me."

d. The New Jerusalem, Mother, and Bride of Christ

He briefly touches upon more poetic images such as the New Jerusalem, the Church as Our Mother, and the Bride of Christ. These symbols underscore the intimate and loving relationship between the Church and Christ.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The church further, which is called that Jerusalem which is above... our mother is described as the spotless spouse of the spotless lamb."

5. Personal Reflection on Attitudes Toward the Church

Fr. Mike transitions into a reflective segment, encouraging listeners to examine their personal feelings toward the Church. He acknowledges that feelings of defensiveness or hostility are common, especially when confronting the Church's imperfections.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "When people mention the church, that's where I start getting defensive... God is good. There is no darkness in God."

He emphasizes the importance of recognizing these emotions and seeking divine assistance to remain open to the Church's teachings despite its human flaws.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Let's pray for that. We can't afford to hate what God loves."

6. Prayer for Openness and Trust

Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, asking God to grant listeners the grace to remain open and trusting of the Church. He acknowledges the brokenness within the Church but reaffirms trust in God's unerring guidance.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Father in heaven, you've called us... Give us hearts that are open to you in your church. Give us this grace. Give us this Holy Spirit, this day and every day."

7. Detailed Exposition of Catechism Paragraphs 753-757

Fr. Mike provides an in-depth reading and explanation of the Catechism paragraphs, expanding on each symbol:

Sheepfold: Emphasizes Christ's unique role as the gateway and the primary shepherd.
Cultivated Field: Highlights the continuity from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.
Vine and Branches: Reinforces the necessity of remaining in Christ for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.
Building of God: Discusses the Church's foundation on Christ, the cornerstone, and the unity of believers as living stones.
New Jerusalem, Mother, Bride of Christ: Explores the eschatological vision of the Church's ultimate union with Christ.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Jesus is the true vine, and he gives life and fruitfulness to the branches... St. Peter describes us as living stones built into this holy temple of God."

8. Addressing Criticism and Woundedness

Fr. Mike acknowledges legitimate criticisms of the Church, whether due to bureaucracy, hierarchy, or individual failings. He advocates for continuous reform and self-examination, urging listeners to align their hearts with God's love for the Church.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "We need to constantly be reforming the church... If I were to be the kind of person, and I have been, I got to tell you this. In my life, I was the kind of person who said, I hate the Church."

He references John Paul II's insight that the opposite of love is indifference, not hate, encouraging a move towards active love and engagement with the Church.

9. Final Reflections and Encouragement

Wrapping up, Fr. Mike reiterates the significance of the Church's symbols in understanding its divine mission and identity. He encourages listeners to embrace the Church's role as their mother and bride, fostering a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ through the Church.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Jesus Christ's word, God's word says that he loves the church and he gave himself up for her."

He closes with a personal note of empathy, acknowledging listeners' wounds and offering prayers for healing and openness.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "I'm praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."

Key Takeaways:

Symbolism Enriches Understanding: The various symbols of the Church—sheepfold, cultivated field, building, New Jerusalem, mother, and bride—provide profound insights into the Church's nature and mission.
Christ's Central Role: Christ is the cornerstone, the true vine, and the only gateway to the Church, emphasizing His pivotal role in salvation and spiritual nourishment.
Human Imperfection and Divine Truth: While acknowledging the Church's human flaws, Fr. Mike stresses the importance of focusing on its divine foundation and ongoing mission.
Call to Personal Reflection: Listeners are encouraged to examine their own feelings towards the Church, seeking to align their hearts with God's love and trust in the Church's true purpose.

Notable Quotes:

Introduction to the Church Symbols:

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Catechism in a Year is brought to you by ascension. In 365 days, we'll read through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, discovering our identity in God's family as we journey together toward our heavenly home."
On Defensiveness Toward the Church:

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "If you have this hostility... God, we've always prayed this. We've always prayed, right? God, give me a heart like yours."
Prayer for Openness:

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Help us to have minds and hearts that are open to being taught... Give us hearts that are open to you in your church."

This episode serves as a deep exploration of the Church's symbolic representations, inviting listeners to reflect on their relationship with the Church and encouraging a more profound trust in its divine mission despite its imperfections.