Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 127: Consecrated Life
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Introduction to Consecrated Life
In Day 127 of Ascension's "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the consecrated life, exploring its foundations, manifestations, and significance within the Catholic Church. This episode focuses on paragraphs 914 to 924 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of what it means to live a life fully dedicated to God through the Evangelical Councils: poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Understanding the Evangelical Councils
Fr. Mike begins by clarifying the concept of the Evangelical Councils, which consist of poverty, chastity, and obedience. He emphasizes that while every baptized Christian is called to live these virtues in their specific state of life, those in the consecrated life professionally embody these councils.
"The perfection of charity to which all the faithful are called, entails for those who freely follow the call to consecrated life, the obligation of practicing chastity and celibacy for the sake of the kingdom."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:45]
He distinguishes between chastity and celibacy, explaining that chastity involves living sexuality according to one's state in life, whereas celibacy specifically refers to forsaking sexual activity for the sake of the kingdom.
The Profession of Consecrated Life
Fr. Mike highlights that those who enter consecrated life make a permanent profession of the Evangelical Councils, as stated in paragraph 915 of the Catechism. This profession signifies a lifelong commitment to live out poverty, chastity, and obedience in a deliberate and structured manner.
"The state of consecrated life is thus one way of experiencing a more intimate consecration, rooted in baptism and dedicated totally to God."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:30]
The Aroma of the Consecrated Life
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to explaining the aromatic life, a term that refers to lives lived in greater separation from the world to dedicate oneself more fully to God. Fr. Mike describes the aroma as the distinct fragrance of holiness emanating from those who choose this path.
He discusses the hermit life as a prime example, where individuals devote themselves to God through solitude, prayer, and penance, thereby contributing to the salvation of the world in a unique way.
"They are not leaving the world because they hate the world. They're leaving the world because they believe, and we believe as Catholic Christians, that it's actually doing something through God's grace in a mysterious way."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:10]
The Tree of Consecrated Life
Using a metaphor of a tree with many branches, Fr. Mike illustrates how the Evangelical Councils have blossomed into various forms of religious life throughout the Church's history. Different religious families—such as the Benedictines, Franciscans, Dominicans, and Jesuits—each bring a unique spiritual charism to the Church, enriching it through their diverse expressions of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
"From the very beginning of the Church, there were men and women who set out to follow Christ with greater liberty and to imitate him more closely by practicing the evangelical councils."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [34:20]
Hermits and Their Spiritual Contribution
Fr. Mike delves deeper into the life of the hermit, emphasizing their role in manifesting the interior aspect of the mystery of the Church—personal intimacy with Christ. Hermits live lives of silent preaching, dedicating themselves entirely to Jesus, often in secluded environments.
"The life of the hermit is a silent preaching of the Lord to whom he has surrendered his life simply because he is everything to him."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [40:15]
He shares his personal admiration for the hermit's dedication, mentioning a book titled "The Hermitage Within" by a hermit, which encapsulates the profound spiritual battles and triumphs experienced in the desert of one's soul.
Consecrated Virgins and Widows
The episode also explores the lives of consecrated virgins and widows, tracing their commitment back to apostolic times as referenced in 1 Corinthians 7. Fr. Mike explains that these individuals have dedicated their hearts, bodies, and spirits to Jesus, either before marriage or after the passing of their spouses.
"Virgins who committed to the holy plan of following Christ more closely, are consecrated to God by the diocesan bishop according to the approved liturgical rite, are betrothed mystically to Christ the Son of God."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [50:40]
He elaborates on the symbolic significance of consecrated virgins as representations of the Church's love for Christ and as eschatological images of the heavenly bride.
The Diversity of Vocations
Fr. Mike underscores the diversity of vocations within the Church, acknowledging that while consecrated life is one path, others may feel called to marriage, priesthood, or various forms of lay ministry. He celebrates the Church's rich tapestry of life paths, all unified by the common goal of following Christ and building God's Kingdom.
"All of us are called to follow the three evangelical councils, Poverty, chastity and obedience in accordance with our state in life."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [60:05]
Concluding Reflections and Prayer
Towards the end of the episode, Fr. Mike offers a prayer for those living in consecrated life, asking for God's guidance and grace to continue their witness in the world. He expresses gratitude for religious sisters, brothers, virgins, and widows, recognizing their vital role in the Church.
"I am so grateful for all of the religious sisters and brothers, all the consecrated virgins, all the consecrated widows, all of those who have left the world for the sake of the world."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [75:50]
He encourages listeners to prayerfully support these individuals and to recognize the profound impact of their dedication on the wider community.
Final Thoughts
Day 127 serves as a profound exploration of the consecrated life, offering listeners a deeper appreciation for those who have chosen this path. Fr. Mike Schmitz skillfully intertwines Catechism teachings with personal insights, making complex theological concepts accessible and engaging. Through this episode, listeners gain a richer understanding of how consecrated life contributes to the holiness of the Church and the salvation of the world.
For more insights and daily reflections, subscribe to "The Catechism in a Year" podcast by Ascension and join Fr. Mike Schmitz on this spiritual journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church.