Summary of "The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)" - Episode: Day 143: Amen (2025)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Publisher: Ascension
• Episode: Day 143: Amen (2025)
• Release Date: May 23, 2025

Introduction to Day 143

On Day 143, Fr. Mike Schmitz marks a significant milestone in the journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, announcing the conclusion of Pillar One: The Creed. This episode delves into paragraphs 1051 to 1065, utilizing the Foundations of Faith approach to enhance understanding.

"[...] Today is day 143. Speaking of congratulations, what a milestone. We have concluded, we are concluding today, Pillar one, the Creed..." (00:05)

Exploring the Nuggets (Paragraphs 1051-1060)

Fr. Schmitz begins by highlighting the "nuggets" within paragraphs 1051 to 1060, which encapsulate core beliefs about eternal judgment and the afterlife. These passages affirm that:

• Immediate Judgment: Upon death, each individual faces a particular judgment by Christ, determining their eternal fate—heaven, hell, or purgatory.

  "Every man receives his eternal recompense in his immortal soul from the moment of his death, in a particular judgment by Christ, the Judge of the living and the dead." (Transcript Section)

• Resurrection and the Day of Judgment: The final day will witness the resurrection of all souls, uniting them with their bodies, and inaugurating God's complete kingdom.

• The Church of Heaven: Those who die in grace become part of the Church of Heaven, experiencing eternal blessedness and associating with holy angels.

• Purification After Death: Souls destined for heaven may undergo purification to attain the necessary holiness to fully embrace God's joy.

Fr. Schmitz emphasizes the importance of contemplating one's mortality and the afterlife as a spiritual practice.

"I would say a great spiritual practice for every one of us, every single one of us, would be to imagine our death on a regular basis." (Transcript Section)

Understanding "Amen" (Paragraphs 1061-1065)

The latter part of the reading focuses on the profound meaning of the word "Amen". Fr. Schmitz explores its linguistic roots and theological significance:

• Etymology and Meaning: Derived from the Hebrew root synonymous with "believe," "Amen" signifies solidity, trustworthiness, and faithfulness.

  "In Hebrew, amen comes from the same root as the word believe. This root expresses solidity, trustworthiness, faithfulness." (Transcript Section)

• Amen as Confirmation of Faith: Within the Creed, the final "Amen" serves to affirm and stake one's life on the truths professed.

  "When it means more than just simply I believe intellectually, it's what St. Augustine said. May your creed be for you as a mirror. [...] I stake my life on this same thing." (Transcript Section)

• Jesus Christ as the Definitive Amen: Fr. Schmitz underscores that Jesus embodies the ultimate "Amen," completing and fulfilling the Father's promises.

  "Jesus Christ himself is the Amen. He is the definitive Amen of the Father's love for us." (Transcript Section)

Reflection on Death and Final Judgment

Fr. Schmitz invites listeners to deeply reflect on the nature of death and the final judgment. He contrasts the joyous encounter with God for the faithful against the sorrowful rejection for those who chose to turn away.

"Will we stand before God and break into a smile of joy?... Or will we stand before God and see that sorrow in his eyes and feel nothing but regret?" (Transcript Section)

He encourages regular meditation on one's mortality to foster a sincere and enduring faith, emphasizing the necessity of the grace of final perseverance—the divine assistance needed to remain faithful until death.

"My priest from when I was a child [...] We're praying for that grace in our lives. And that's what you know in so many ways, to be able to close our eyes and say Amen." (Transcript Section)

The Significance of Final Perseverance

The grace of final perseverance is highlighted as essential for achieving eternal salvation. Fr. Schmitz shares a poignant story of a man who, despite a life distant from God, clung to the practice of praying three Hail Marys daily. This act, though seemingly simple, underscored his hope for grace at the hour of death.

"He said, father, I have lived such a bad life. [...] I did have all of those chances to just simply say, I'm sorry, please, Father, help me. And I didn't." (Transcript Section)

This narrative illustrates the profound impact of persistent prayer and the grace needed to persevere in faith until the end.

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Schmitz concludes the episode by reaffirming the themes discussed and leading a heartfelt prayer. He reiterates the importance of understanding "Amen" as more than a word—it is a declaration of unwavering faith and trust in God's truth and faithfulness.

"I stake my life on this. Every time I come forward and receive Holy Communion. [...] It is a real thing." (Transcript Section)

The episode closes with a collective prayer for the grace of final perseverance, invoking the intercession of the Holy Mary and reinforcing the community's commitment to live out their faith authentically.

"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen." (Transcript Section)

Key Takeaways:

• Immediate Judgment: Upon death, individuals face a particular judgment determining their eternal destiny.
• Resurrection and Eternal Life: The final day will lead to the resurrection, reuniting souls with their bodies and establishing God's eternal kingdom.
• Meaning of Amen: "Amen" signifies a deep, unbreakable trust and commitment to God's truths, embodying both belief and personal investment.
• Final Perseverance: Achieving eternal salvation requires steadfast faith and the grace to remain faithful until death.
• Jesus as Amen: Jesus Christ completes and perfects our "Amen," serving as the ultimate affirmation of God's love and promises.

This episode offers a profound exploration of essential Catholic beliefs regarding death, judgment, and the affirmation of faith, encouraging listeners to internalize and live out these truths daily.