Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 55: The Fall of the Angels

Host: Father Mike Schmitz
Podcast: The Catechism in a Year
Episode: Day 55: The Fall of the Angels
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 391-395

Introduction

In Day 55 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the profound and often unsettling topic of the fall of the angels. Drawing from Paragraphs 391 to 395 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Fr. Mike explores the origins of evil in the celestial realm, the nature of angelic rebellion, and its implications for humanity. This episode aims to illuminate the reasons behind the angels' fall, particularly focusing on pride and envy, and underscores the enduring goodness of God despite the presence of evil.

Creation and Nature of Angels

Fr. Mike begins by affirming that angels were created by God to be good. They are pure spirits whose mission is to serve as messengers for God. Despite their immense power, he clarifies that angels are not omnipotent or omniscient, emphasizing their status as created beings with specific capacities.

"Angels are powerful, but they're not omniscient and they're not omnipotent. So they're still creatures."
(00:10)

This foundational understanding sets the stage for discussing how angels, despite their strengths, exercised their free will in ways that led to their downfall.

The Fall of the Angels: Free Choice and Irrevocability

The core of the episode focuses on the fall of certain angels—notably Satan—and the irrevocable nature of their choice to reject God. Fr. Mike highlights that these angels were initially good but chose to disobey God, leading to their eternal separation from Him.

"There is an irrevocable character to the fallen angels choice, right? That they can't repent."
(12:45)

He contrasts this with human free will, explaining that while humans can repent during their lifetimes, angels made an irreversible decision. This permanence underscores the seriousness of their rebellion.

Reasons Behind the Rebellion: Pride and Envy

Fr. Mike explores possible motivations for the angels' rebellion, focusing on pride and envy. He references Genesis 3:5 and Wisdom 2:24 to illustrate how these sins entered creation, leading to death and separation from God.

"One of the theories is that Satan rebelled out of envy because God would elevate humans, a blend of spirit and flesh, above angels."
(25:30)

This envy may have stemmed from God's plan to create humans with both spiritual and material aspects, positioning them uniquely within creation. The idea that humans would be raised higher than angels possibly ignited a desire in some angels to usurp or rival God's intentions.

Satan's Role and Limitations

While discussing Satan, Fr. Mike emphasizes that despite his significant role as the adversary, Satan's power is limited. He is a creature, not capable of thwarting God's omnipotence.

"The power of Satan is nonetheless not infinite. He's only creature... he cannot prevent the building up of God's reign."
(40:15)

This distinction is crucial in understanding the dynamic between divine providence and diabolical activity. Although Satan can influence and cause harm, his actions are ultimately constrained by God's overarching plan.

Divine Providence and the Mystery of Evil

Fr. Mike addresses the challenging question of why God permits evil and diabolical activity. He acknowledges the mystery surrounding this aspect of divine providence but asserts that God can transform even evil into a force for good.

"It's a great mystery that Providence should permit diabolical activity, though we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him."
(55:40)

He reassures listeners that God's love and justice remain untainted, even as evil persists, and that humans are called to resist such forces through faith and adherence to God's teachings.

Implications for Humanity: Resisting Evil

Connecting the fall of the angels to human experience, Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of resisting evil. He relates this to the broader context of original sin and personal moral choices, encouraging listeners to lean into the sacred heart of Jesus for strength against temptation and malevolent influences.

"We have to resist that lie. We have to fight against his murderous heart and lean into the sacred heart of Jesus, into the loving heart of God."
(1:05:20)

This resistance is not about succumbing to fear but cultivating a healthy respect for the dangers posed by evil, much like one would avoid a real-world threat.

Final Reflections and Encouragement

Fr. Mike concludes the episode with heartfelt encouragement for listeners pursuing the catechism study. He emphasizes that understanding these profound truths leads to transformation, not just intellectual comprehension.

"They’re slowly getting into your mind... they're getting into your heart. Because this is all about transformation, not just information."
(1:10:55)

He urges the community to support one another through prayer, reinforcing the collective journey towards a deeper understanding and living out of the Catholic faith.

Conclusion

Day 55 of The Catechism in a Year offers a deep exploration into the fall of the angels, elucidating the origins of evil and its lasting impact on both the celestial and human realms. Fr. Mike Schmitz skillfully navigates complex theological concepts, making them accessible and relevant to contemporary believers. By understanding the irrevocable choice of the fallen angels, listeners gain insight into the nature of free will, the persistence of evil, and the unwavering goodness of God. This episode not only educates but also inspires a steadfast commitment to resisting evil through faith and community support.

Stay tuned for Day 56, where Fr. Mike will continue the journey by examining original sin and its consequences for humanity.