Summary of "The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)" Podcast Episode – Day 110: The People of God

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Ascension
• Episode: Day 110: The People of God
• Release Date: April 20, 2025
• Description: Fr. Mike Schmitz leads listeners through the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 daily episodes, offering explanations, insights, and encouragement to understand Catholic beliefs deeply.

Introduction

In Day 110 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Paragraphs 781 to 786 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on "The People of God." This episode explores the Church's identity as a collective body, its characteristics, and the roles of its members as priestly, prophetic, and royal people. Fr. Mike emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, highlighting how individual salvation is intertwined with being part of the broader community of believers.

Main Themes and Discussions

1. The Church as the People of God

Fr. Mike introduces the concept of the Church not merely as an institution but as "the People of God," a term drawn from Lumen Gentium, a document from the Second Vatican Council. He underscores that the Church is a community where individuals are united in their relationship with God, forming a collective body that serves and acknowledges Him in holiness.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:40]: "God wants your heart individually given to Him in communion with your brothers and sisters as a people, not just individuals."

2. Characteristics of the People of God (Paragraphs 781-783)

Fr. Mike breaks down the key characteristics that distinguish the People of God:

• Universal Call: God has not limited the Church to any single race or nation but has "acquired a people for Himself from every nation, from every race, from every ethnicity" (Paragraph 781). Membership is granted through baptism, not by physical birth.

• Headship of Christ: Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, and His anointing flows into the body, making the faithful a "messianic people." This connection signifies that Christians are partakers in Christ's priestly, prophetic, and royal roles.

• New Status and Freedom: Baptism bestows a new dignity and freedom, marking believers as children of God with the Holy Spirit dwelling in their hearts (Paragraph 782).

• Mission and Law: The People of God are called to be "salt of the earth and light of the world," embodying the new commandment to love as Christ loved (Paragraph 786). Their mission involves extending God's kingdom and bringing unity, hope, and salvation to humanity.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [14:30]: "Its law is the new commandment to love as Christ loved us."

3. Priestly, Prophetic, and Royal Roles (Paragraphs 783-786)

Fr. Mike elaborates on how members of the People of God share in Christ's threefold office:

• Priestly: Believers are consecrated as a holy priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices and dedicate their consciences to the Lord.

• Prophetic: Christians are entrusted with professing the truth in love, proclaiming the Good News, and bearing witness to Christ's teachings.

• Royal: The royal office involves reigning through service, particularly serving the poor and suffering, reflecting Christ's servant leadership.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:15]: "For the Christian to reign is to serve Him well, particularly when serving the poor and the suffering."

4. The Communal Aspect of Faith

Emphasizing the importance of community, Fr. Mike explains that while individual faith is vital, being part of the People of God strengthens and enriches one's spiritual journey. The collective identity fosters unity and supports believers in living out their faith authentically.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [02:15]: "It's the people of God, the body of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit. It's not just the individual... it's the people, the body, the temple."

Key Insights and Reflections

• Inclusive Nature of the Church: The Church transcends ethnic, cultural, and national boundaries, welcoming all who fear God and do right, making the community diverse yet unified in faith.

• Baptism as Entry Point: Baptism is portrayed as the essential sacrament that integrates individuals into the People of God, granting them a new spiritual identity and mission.

• Shared Responsibility: Every member of the Church has a role to play in its mission, whether through liturgical participation, social service, or personal acts of love and kindness.

• Living the Anointings: Fr. Mike urges believers to embody their priestly, prophetic, and royal roles actively, serving others as a testament to their faith and the love of Christ.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [42:50]: "God wants all human beings on this planet to know His great love. They won't unless you and I live this great commission we've been given."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Communal Faith:

  Fr. Mike Schmitz [02:15]: "It's the people of God, the body of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit. It's not just the individual... it's the people, the body, the temple."

• On the New Commandment:

  Fr. Mike Schmitz [14:30]: "Its law is the new commandment to love as Christ loved us."

• On Royal Service:

  Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:15]: "For the Christian to reign is to serve Him well, particularly when serving the poor and the suffering."

• On the Great Commission:

  Fr. Mike Schmitz [42:50]: "They won't [know God's love] unless you and I live this great commission we've been given."

Conclusion and Encouragement

As Day 110 concludes, Fr. Mike Schmitz reinforces the profound responsibility and honor bestowed upon members of the People of God. He encourages listeners to embrace their roles as priestly, prophetic, and royal individuals, actively participating in the Church's mission to spread God's love and truth. Fr. Mike emphasizes the need for continual prayer and reliance on God's grace to fulfill these high calls effectively.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [55:00]: "We've been transformed into a priestly, prophetic, and royal person and been brought into a priestly, prophetic and royal people. We get to live like it."

He closes with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God's assistance in living out these roles faithfully and invites listeners to join him in this spiritual journey.

Final Thoughts: This episode serves as a foundational exploration of the Church's identity and the roles of its members. Fr. Mike Schmitz provides a thorough and inspiring examination of what it means to be part of the People of God, encouraging believers to live out their faith communally and actively engage in their divine mission.