Summary of "The Catechism in a Year" Podcast Episode: Day 108 - "Revealed by the Holy Spirit" (April 18, 2025)
In Day 108 of Ascension’s "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 767 to 771 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode, titled "Revealed by the Holy Spirit," explores the foundational aspects of the Church's identity, mission, and ultimate perfection through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Introduction: Understanding the Church's Revelation (00:00 - 05:00)
Father Mike opens the episode by situating listeners within the broader journey of reading the Catechism over 365 days. He briefly recaps the previous day's discussion on the Church as God's plan, instituted by Jesus Christ. Today, he emphasizes three main points concerning the Church:
- The Church is Revealed by the Holy Spirit
- The Church is Perfected in Glory
- The Church is Both Visible and Spiritual, Human and Divine
He sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of these themes, highlighting the Church's dual nature and its ongoing journey towards perfection.
1. The Church Revealed by the Holy Spirit (05:01 - 20:00)
Father Mike begins by discussing paragraphs 767-768, focusing on the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing and sanctifying the Church. He underscores that after Jesus accomplished his mission on earth, the Holy Spirit was sent at Pentecost to "continually sanctify the Church."
Notable Quote:
"The Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that he might continually sanctify the Church." (05:30)
He elaborates on the gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit, categorizing them into hierarchic and charismatic gifts:
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Hierarchic Gifts: These include the structures of holy orders, such as the Pope, bishops, priests, and deacons, forming the Church's hierarchical framework.
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Charismatic Gifts: Originating from the Greek word charis (grace), these free gifts include faith, counsel, knowledge, miracles, and tongues, meant to build up the Church collectively.
Father Mike emphasizes the missionary nature of the Church, empowered by these gifts to proclaim and establish the Kingdom of Christ among all nations.
Notable Quote:
"Henceforward, the Church, endowed with the gifts of her founder and faithfully observing his precepts of charity, humility and self-denial, receives the mission of proclaiming and establishing among all peoples the kingdom of Christ and of God." (18:45)
2. The Church Perfected in Glory (20:01 - 35:00)
Transitioning to paragraph 769, Father Mike addresses the Church's ultimate perfection, which will be fully realized in heaven at Christ's return. Until that time, the Church exists in a state of pilgrimage, experiencing both persecutions and divine consolations.
He draws parallels between Jesus' glorified body post-resurrection and the future glorification of the Church. This perfection, however, is contingent upon enduring great trials and exile in the present world.
Notable Quote:
"The Church will receive its perfection only in the glory of heaven at the time of Christ's glorious return." (25:10)
Father Mike discusses the balance between human dignity and humble service, cautioning against becoming a "doormat" while advocating for self-denial in service to Christ and the community.
Notable Quote:
"We have to have this balance between knowing your great dignity and knowing that in the midst of great dignity, no one has a right to abuse you." (29:15)
3. The Mystery of the Church: Visible and Spiritual (35:01 - 50:00)
In paragraph 771, Father Mike explores the mystery of the Church, highlighting its paradoxical nature—being both visible and spiritual, human and divine. He references the Second Vatican Council's Sacrosanctum Concilium to articulate this complex reality.
The Church is depicted as:
- A visible organization with hierarchical structures.
- A spiritual community imbued with divine life.
- An earthly institution that transcends temporal history.
- A pilgrim community directed towards the divine and the heavenly city.
Father Mike underscores that understanding the Church requires faith to perceive both its tangible structures and its invisible spiritual realities.
Notable Quote:
"The Church is essentially both human and divine, visible but endowed with invisible realities, zealous in action and dedicated to contemplation." (42:50)
He concludes by reflecting on the Church's role in the broken world, emphasizing the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the importance of mutual prayer and support within the community.
Conclusion: Embracing the Church's Dual Reality (50:01 - End)
Father Mike wraps up the episode by reiterating the Church's dual nature and its mission on earth. He calls listeners to embrace both the visible and spiritual aspects of their faith, recognizing the Church's imperfections and its divine foundation.
He encourages the community to pray for one another, fostering a spirit of charity and mutual support as they journey together toward the Church's ultimate perfection in glory.
Final Quote:
"This Church is an earthly reality, a human reality, but also a spiritual reality and a divine reality. And this Church is to what you have been called and where I have been called." (49:30)
Key Takeaways:
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Holy Spirit's Role: The Holy Spirit is central to the Church's revelation and sanctification, empowering it with both hierarchical and charismatic gifts.
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Mission and Perfection: The Church's mission is to proclaim God's Kingdom, and its ultimate perfection awaits in heaven, necessitating perseverance through earthly trials.
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Paradoxical Nature: The Church embodies a paradox of being both visible and spiritual, human and divine, requiring faith to fully comprehend its essence.
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Community and Support: Emphasizing the importance of community, Father Mike advocates for mutual prayer and support within the Church to navigate its dual realities.
This episode offers a profound exploration of the Church's identity and mission, encouraging listeners to deepen their understanding and commitment to their faith through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.