Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 115: Wounds to Unity

Introduction

In Day 115 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the challenging topic of divisions within the Church, drawing insights from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), specifically paragraphs 817 to 822. This episode, titled “Wounds to Unity,” explores the historical and ongoing fractures in the Church’s unity, their causes, and the Catholic Church’s stance on these separations. Fr. Mike provides a compassionate analysis, encouraging listeners to understand and actively participate in healing these wounds through prayer and intentional action.

Recognition of Division in the Church

Fr. Mike begins by acknowledging that despite the Church’s inherent mark of "oneness," there exist significant wounds that have historically led to divisions within the Christian community. He emphasizes that these divisions are not new but have deep roots that trace back to the early days of Christianity.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:03:00]: "We recognize that unity, that oneness has some wounds. In fact, there are wounds that have led to division."

Understanding the Causes of Division

Drawing from paragraph 817, Fr. Mike explains that even the early apostles, such as St. Paul, warned against and condemned divisions within the Church as harmful and “damnable.” He highlights that major dissensions have occurred over centuries, often due to actions and decisions from both sides of the divide.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:06:15]: "From the very beginning, the apostle, meaning St. Paul, he warns against and he actually censures as damnable divisions in the Church."

He clarifies that these splits are not attributable to a single group but are the result of mutual faults among those involved, reinforcing that blame should not be placed solely on one side.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:07:45]: "Men of both sides were to blame. It's not meant to be throwing any stones to casting any aspersions."

The Catholic Church's Position on Separated Brethren

In paragraph 818, the Catechism affirms that those born into separated Christian communities are not culpable for the divisions that exist. These individuals, having been brought up in the faith of Christ and baptized, are recognized as true Christians and are embraced as brothers and sisters by the Catholic Church.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:09:30]: "One cannot charge with the sin of separation those who right now are born into those communities that are separated from the Catholic Church."

He underscores that these separated communities possess elements of sanctification and truth, highlighting that the Holy Spirit works through these denominations despite their lack of full communion with the Catholic Church.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:11:20]: "Many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church."

Elements of Ecumenical Salvation

Fr. Mike explains that these other ecclesial communities, though not in full communion with Rome, are utilized by Christ as means of salvation. They embody aspects of grace, truth, and the Holy Spirit, contributing to the broader Christian mission.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:13:10]: "Christ uses those churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church."

He emphasizes that while recognizing their value, the Catholic Church holds that the fullness of grace resides within it, underscoring the unique role of the Catholic Church in God’s salvific plan.

Christ's Prayer for Unity

Quoting Jesus’s prayer at the Last Supper, Fr. Mike brings attention to Christ’s deep desire for unity among His followers.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:16:50]: "As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be one in us, so that the world may know that you have sent me."

This prayer underscores the essential Christian call towards unity, serving as a foundational motivation for the Catholic Church’s ecumenical efforts.

Responsibilities for Achieving Unity

Fr. Mike outlines several key steps that the Church and its members must undertake to foster unity:

1. Permanent Renewal: Emphasizing a sustained effort to align more closely with the Church’s mission and values.
2. Conversion of Heart: Encouraging personal holiness and adherence to the Gospel.
3. Prayer in Common: Highlighting the importance of collective prayer as the spiritual foundation for ecumenism.
4. Fraternal Knowledge: Promoting mutual understanding among different Christian communities.
5. Ecumenical Formation: Educating the faithful and clergy about the importance of unity and the broader Christian tradition.
6. Dialogue: Facilitating conversations among theologians and laypeople from various denominations.
7. Collaboration in Service: Working together in areas of humanitarian and social service.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:21:35]: "Renewal, conversion of heart, prayer in common, fraternal knowledge, ecumenical formation, dialogue, and collaboration are all essential for achieving unity."

He reinforces that while human efforts are crucial, the ultimate reconciliation of all Christians rests in the grace and power of God.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:23:55]: "This holy objective, the reconciliation of all Christians in the unity of the one and only Church of Christ, transcends human powers and gifts."

Concluding Reflections and Invitation

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reiterating the necessity of actively seeking unity through prayer and personal commitment. He offers a heartfelt prayer, urging listeners to join in praying for the Church’s unity and to consider their role in promoting reconciliation.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:27:40]: "My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."

He extends this invitation beyond Catholics, encouraging all Christians to participate in the movement towards unity, thus fulfilling Christ’s prayer and demonstrating the oneness of the Church to the world.

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Divisions: Recognizes that divisions within the Church are longstanding and not attributable to a single party.
• Shared Responsibility: Emphasizes that fault lies on both sides of any ecclesial split.
• Recognition of Separated Christians: Affirms that non-Catholic Christians are true believers and valuable members of the broader Christian family.
• Elements of Truth in Other Denominations: Acknowledges the presence of grace and sanctification outside the Catholic Church.
• Christ’s Desire for Unity: Highlights Jesus’s prayer for unity as a central Christian mission.
• Active Pursuit of Unity: Outlines practical steps for the Church and individuals to contribute to ecumenism.
• Dependence on Divine Grace: Stresses that true unity is a gift from God, facilitated through prayer and the Holy Spirit.

This episode serves as a profound reminder of the Church’s call to unity, urging listeners to engage both spiritually and actively in bridging the divides that have fractured the Christian community over centuries. Through understanding, prayer, and collaborative efforts, the path towards healing these wounds becomes a shared journey of faith and hope.