Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Day 119: The Church’s Missionary Mandate

Introduction

In Day 119 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 849 to 856 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on The Church’s Missionary Mandate. This episode explores the foundational aspects of the Church’s mission, its origins, motivations, methods, and the challenges it faces in fulfilling its divine calling.

Recap of Previous Episode

Fr. Mike begins by revisiting the discussions from the previous day, which centered on Catholicity and the Church’s relationship with non-Catholics and non-Christians. He addressed the critical question: “What is the relationship between the Church and those outside of it? Is it true that outside the Church there is no salvation?” Fr. Mike affirmed that salvation is attainable only through Jesus Christ and the Church, emphasizing that “we are only and always saved through Jesus Christ” (00:05).

The Church’s Missionary Mandate

Today’s episode centers on the Church’s missionary mandate—the imperative for the Church to actively engage in mission work as integral to its identity.

1. Origin and Purpose of Mission

Fr. Mike elucidates that the missionary mandate is deeply rooted in the eternal love of the Holy Trinity. He references paragraph 849, highlighting that the Church is inherently missionary because it was divinely sent to the nations to be the universal sacrament of salvation. The ultimate purpose of this mission is “to make men share in the communion between the Father and the Son in their spirit of love” (07:30). This mission stems from God's desire for all humanity to partake in the divine communion of love.

2. Missionary Motivation

The motivation behind the Church’s mission is anchored in God’s universal love for all people. Paragraph 851 states, “It is from God's love for all men that the Church in every age receives both the obligation and the vigor of her missionary dynamism” (13:45). Fr. Mike connects this to St. Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 5, where Paul asserts that “God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (15:20). This divine love compels the Church to extend the message of salvation to every corner of the world.

3. Missionary Paths: Emulating Christ

The path the Church takes in its missionary work is modeled after Jesus Christ’s example. Fr. Mike stresses that the missionary path is characterized by poverty, obedience, service, and self-sacrifice, rather than dominance or power. Citing paragraph 853, he explains that the Church must “walk the road Christ himself walked, a way of poverty and obedience, of service and self-sacrifice even to death” (18:10). This humble approach fosters authentic witness and lasting impact, as exemplified by the saying, “The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians” (18:45).

4. Challenges and Patience in Mission

Missionary work is fraught with challenges, necessitating immense patience and perseverance. Fr. Mike refers to paragraph 854, noting, “Missionary endeavor requires patience. There will be times of defeat” (20:30). He acknowledges the emotional and spiritual toll of mission work, emphasizing that despite setbacks, the Church is called to persist out of love and commitment to God’s plan. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to embrace these challenges as part of their spiritual journey, reinforcing that “God says you are worth fighting for” (22:15).

5. The Great Commission vs. The Great Omission

Fr. Mike contrasts the Great Commission—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”—with what he terms the Great Omission: the failure of Christians to actively engage in mission work. He warns against complacency, stressing that neglecting the missionary mandate undermines the Church’s role as a true disciple of Jesus.

Notable Quotes

• “We are only and always saved through Jesus Christ.” (00:05)
• “It is from God's love for all men that the Church in every age receives both the obligation and the vigor of her missionary dynamism.” (13:45)
• “The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians.” (18:45)
• “Missionary endeavor requires patience. There will be times of defeat.” (20:30)
• “God says you are worth fighting for.” (22:15)

Conclusion and Reflections

Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating the centrality of love in the Church’s mission. He urges listeners to adopt a missionary spirit, characterized by faithfulness, teachability, and availability. The episode underscores that the Church’s mission is not merely a duty but a profound expression of God’s love for humanity. Fr. Mike’s heartfelt prayer encapsulates this sentiment, asking for the grace to embrace the missionary call and to extend God’s love to a world in need.

Closing Prayer

Fr. Mike closes the episode with a prayer, seeking divine assistance to cultivate a missionary spirit and to faithfully carry out the Church’s mission in bringing God’s truth and grace to the world.

Takeaways

• The Church’s missionary mandate is integral to its identity and mission.
• Rooted in the love of the Holy Trinity, the mission seeks to bring humanity into communion with God.
• The missionary path mirrors Christ’s humility and sacrifice, emphasizing service over dominance.
• Patience and perseverance are essential, as mission work often involves challenges and setbacks.
• Embracing the missionary mandate is a reflection of genuine discipleship and commitment to God’s plan.

Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s exploration of The Church’s Missionary Mandate provides profound insights into the essence of Catholic missionary work. By grounding his discussion in the Catechism and Scripture, he encourages listeners to embrace their role in the Great Commission with humility, love, and unwavering faith. This episode serves as both a call to action and a source of inspiration for those seeking to understand and participate in the Church’s enduring mission.