Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 141: The Last Judgment
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Introduction
In Day 141 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 1038-1041 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on The Last Judgment. This episode explores the profound theological concepts surrounding the final reckoning of humanity, contrasting it with the personal experience of judgment each individual faces at death.
Key Discussions and Insights
1. Distinction Between Particular Judgment and Last Judgment
Fr. Mike begins by clarifying the difference between Particular Judgment and Last Judgment:
- Particular Judgment: Occurs individually at the moment of each person's death, determining their immediate eternal destiny—heaven, purgatory, or hell.
- Last Judgment: A communal and cosmic event at the end of time when Christ returns to judge all humanity collectively.
Quote:
"There’s the particular judgment. We experience that at the moment of our deaths. And then there’s the Last Judgment... a cosmic kind of event that is going to happen."
[04:30]
2. The Nature and Significance of the Last Judgment
The Last Judgment signifies the culmination of God's plan, where Christ triumphs over history, rectifying all injustices and fulfilling the divine narrative.
- Resurrection of the Dead: Both the just and unjust will rise; the righteous to eternal life and the wicked to eternal punishment.
- Separation of Nations: Drawing from Matthew 25:31-46, Christ will separate people "as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."
Quote:
"In the presence of Christ, who is truth itself, the truth of each man's relationship with God will be laid bare."
[12:15]
3. Insights from St. Augustine
Fr. Mike references St. Augustine to emphasize God's awareness and the significance of our actions:
- Record of Deeds: Every action, good or bad, is documented and will be revealed.
- Responsibility Towards the Needy: We are called to care for the "little ones" on earth, whose well-being reflects our stewardship before God.
Quote:
"If you gave anything to my members, what you gave would reach their head... you have placed nothing in their hands. Therefore you have found nothing in my presence."
[17:45]
4. Implications for Personal Action Today
Understanding the Last Judgment underscores the importance of living a life aligned with God's will:
- Consequences Beyond Today: Our actions have far-reaching impacts that extend into eternity.
- Private Virtues and Sins: Even actions unseen by others are accounted for and will be recognized in the final judgment.
Quote:
"The good you do today has consequences far beyond today. And the sin that we choose today has consequences far beyond today."
[22:30]
5. The Call to Conversion and Fear of God
Fr. Mike emphasizes that the message of the Last Judgment serves as a call to:
- Conversion: Turning towards God while there is still time for salvation.
- Holy Fear of God: Cultivating a reverent fear that acknowledges God's authority and the eternal stakes involved.
Quote:
"The message of the Last Judgment calls men to conversion while God is still giving them the acceptable time, the day of salvation. It inspires a holy fear of God and commits them to the justice of the kingdom of God."
[35:10]
6. Balancing Love and Fear of God
Fr. Mike shares a poignant story about Jimmy Baker to illustrate the balance between love and fear of God:
- Loss of Fear: Despite ongoing devotion, Baker lost his "fear of the Lord," leading to personal downfall.
- Healthy Reverence: Maintaining both love and fear ensures a righteous and humble life aligned with God's purposes.
Quote:
"He lost my fear of the Lord."
[40:20]
Notable Quotes
-
On the Truth Revealed at Judgment:
"In the presence of Christ, who is truth itself, the truth of each man's relationship with God will be laid bare."
[12:15] -
On the Consequences of Actions:
"The good you do today has consequences far beyond today. And the sin that we choose today has consequences far beyond today."
[22:30] -
On God's Ultimate Justice and Love:
"The Last Judgment will reveal that God's justice triumphs over all of the injustices committed by his creatures and that God's love is stronger than death."
[32:50] -
On the Call to Conversion:
"The message of the Last Judgment calls men to conversion while God is still giving them the acceptable time, the day of salvation."
[35:10] -
On Fear of the Lord:
"He lost my fear of the Lord."
[40:20]
Conclusion
Fr. Mike Schmitz's exploration of the Last Judgment in Day 141 offers listeners a profound understanding of the final judgment's theological and personal implications. By distinguishing it from individual judgment, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's justice and love, and urging a balanced reverence, Fr. Mike calls the faithful to live conscientiously in preparation for eternity. This episode serves as both a contemplative reflection on divine truth and a motivational impetus for living a life of virtue and humility.
Note: Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their personal lives in light of the teachings discussed and to cultivate both a deep love and respectful fear of God as they journey toward their heavenly home.