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

Episode: Day 11 – Sources of Divine Revelation

Date: January 11, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Readings: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 80–87

Overview of Episode

This episode explores the foundational relationship between Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium as sources and transmitters of Divine Revelation in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike emphasizes the Church’s “three-legged stool” structure regarding revelation and highlights how both Scripture and Tradition arise from a single divine source. He unpacks the distinction between “big T” Tradition and “small t” traditions, and he addresses the essential, servant role of the Magisterium in authentically interpreting God’s word.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Unity of Scripture and Tradition

• Both Scripture and Tradition are inseparably linked and "flow from the same divine wellspring," forming a unified means of transmitting the mystery of Christ ([03:20]).

• Quote:

  "Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together and communicate one with the other."
  — Fr. Mike (reading Dei Verbum, [04:03])

• Fr. Mike stresses that Divine Revelation is not found in Scripture alone, but in both Scripture and Sacred Tradition, as taught by the Church.

• The Gospel of John alludes to oral tradition, noting that not all of Jesus's words and deeds were written down ([01:47]).

2. Sequence: Tradition Before Scripture

• The oral Tradition of the Apostles predates the written New Testament—the early Christians “did not yet have a written New Testament” ([09:29]).

• Quote:

  “The Church came before the Bible. Maybe that's an easy way to say it: the Christian Church came before the Christian Scriptures.”
  — Fr. Mike ([10:32])

• Only later did the Church (guided by Tradition) determine which texts would be considered Sacred Scripture ([11:18]).

3. Faith and the Role of the Magisterium

• The teaching authority of the Church (the Magisterium) is the authentic interpreter of both Scripture and Tradition ([14:57]).

• Quote:

  “The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God…has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone…exercised in the name of Jesus Christ.”
  — Fr. Mike (reading Catechism, [15:02])

• The Magisterium is a servant, not superior to the Word of God; it faithfully guards and expounds what’s handed down, not innovating beyond the single deposit of faith ([16:25]).

4. Distinguishing 'Tradition' and 'traditions'

• Big ‘T’ Tradition refers to unchangeable doctrines handed down from the Apostles.
• Small ‘t’ traditions are theological, liturgical, or devotional practices that can change over time.
• Example:

  “For centuries, The Rosary had 15 mysteries…then John Paul II added another set of five called the Luminous Mysteries… That’s a pretty good example of a small ‘t’ tradition.”
  — Fr. Mike ([12:56])

5. Scripture Alone?

• The Protestant principle of “Scripture alone” (sola scriptura) is challenged; Fr. Mike notes this was an innovation and not historic Christian teaching.
• Quote:

  “If someone were to…argue for the position of Scripture alone, you’d say, 'Where in Scripture does scripture teach scripture alone?' It doesn’t.”
  — Fr. Mike ([11:56])

6. Docility and Being Taught

• Fr. Mike underscores the humility required to be taught by the living Church and her Magisterium, likening the relationship to that of a student with a teacher ([17:55]).
• Quote:

  “Having a living teacher with the living word of God and a living tradition means that it’s never a dead letter, it’s never old news, it’s always new.”
  — Fr. Mike ([18:11])

Memorable Quotes & Highlights

• Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture “form one thing and move toward the same goal.” ([03:36])
• “Scripture does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the Holy Scriptures alone.” ([07:04])
• “‘Big T’ traditions never change...‘small t’ traditions can change.” ([13:37])
• “If we have an infallible book...we need an infallible interpreter—or those Scriptures are going to be worthless.” ([16:01])

Notable Timestamps

• [00:05] – Introduction of episode’s theme and reading plan
• [01:15] – Setting up the discussion: relationship between Scripture and Tradition
• [04:03] – Quoting Dei Verbum on the unity of Scripture and Tradition
• [07:04] – “Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.”
• [10:32] – The Church came before the Bible
• [11:56] – Addressing “Scripture alone” claims
• [12:56] – Example of the Rosary’s changeable ‘small t’ tradition
• [14:57] – Magisterium’s role as authentic interpreter
• [16:25] – Magisterium as servant of the Word of God, not master
• [17:55] – Docility and the challenge of being taught by the Church
• [18:11] – The living nature of Magisterium and Tradition

Tone & Style

• Enthusiastic, pastoral, conversational: Fr. Mike’s excitement (“we’re cooking with gasoline right now”) makes complex theological points accessible and relatable.
• Encouraging and inclusive: He reminds listeners from different backgrounds that the distinctions are not meant as “bashing,” but for clarity and understanding.
• Practical analogies: The “three-legged stool” of Revelation, the living/teacher relationship, and the history of the Rosary all make theology tangible.

Conclusion

Fr. Mike concludes by encouraging listeners to persist in their Catechism journey, acknowledging that remaining teachable—docile to the Church and guided by the Magisterium—can be challenging but is essential for spiritual growth. He prays for listeners and invites their prayers in return, ending with a sense of community and momentum as the series continues.

“God bless. My name is Father Mike, and I cannot wait to see you tomorrow.” ([19:54])