Summary of "Day 146: The Father’s Work in the Liturgy" from The Catechism in a Year Podcast

Date Released: May 26, 2025
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Speaker: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Podcast Series: The Catechism in a Year by Ascension

Introduction

In Day 146 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 1076 to 1083 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode, titled "The Father’s Work in the Liturgy," explores the intricate relationship between God's salvific plan and the liturgical practices of the Church. Fr. Mike emphasizes the sacramental economy—a term derived from the Greek word oikonomia, meaning "God's plan of salvation."

Sacramental Economy and the Liturgical Age

Fr. Mike begins by explaining the concept of the sacramental economy as God's method of interacting with humanity through the sacraments. He states:

"The sacramental economy is the way that God chooses to interact with us through the sacraments. He brings us His divine life, healing, and nourishment through them."
(00:45)

This sacramental economy marks the age of the Church, initiated by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In this era, Christ's work of salvation is continually manifested and communicated through the Church's liturgy. Fr. Mike highlights that:

"In this age of the Church, Christ now lives and acts in and with His Church in a new way appropriate to this new age."
(04:20)

Understanding Blessing in the Liturgical Context

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the concept of blessing as presented in the Catechism. Fr. Mike references Ephesians 1, emphasizing that God's blessings are both word and gift:

"Blessing is a divine and life-giving action, the source of which is the Father. His blessing is both word and gift."
(07:15)

He clarifies the dual meaning of blessing:

1. Blessing God: When believers bless God, it signifies adoration and surrender in thanksgiving.
2. Being Blessed by God: God's blessings to humanity are gifts that sustain and nurture.

Fr. Mike elaborates:

"When we say, 'We're going to bless God,' what that means is we bow down in adoration and surrender to God in thanksgiving."
(12:30)

The Dual Dimension of Christian Liturgy

Fr. Mike introduces the concept of the dual dimension of Christian liturgy, an essential theme in paragraphs 1076-1083. He explains that:

1. Adoration and Praise: The Church, united with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, offers adoration, praise, and thanksgiving to the Father for His inexpressible gifts.
2. Presentation and Petition: Concurrently, the Church presents itself and its offerings to the Father, beseeching the Holy Spirit to bless the faithful and the world.

He summarizes:

"The dual dimension of the Christian liturgy is evident. On one hand, we bless the Father through adoration and praise. On the other hand, we present ourselves and our offerings, asking for the Holy Spirit's presence and blessings."
(18:45)

This duality ensures that while believers honor God, they also seek His continued guidance and blessings.

The Role of Eastern and Western Rites in Sacramental Economy

Fr. Mike touches upon the Great Schism of 1054, which divided the Eastern and Western Churches. Despite this division, he underscores the unity within the Catholic Church, which encompasses 23 distinct rites across six major liturgical families:

1. Latin Rite: Predominantly in the West.
2. Alexandrian, Antiochean, Armenian, Chaldean, and Constantinopolitan (Byzantine) Rites: Representing Eastern traditions.

He notes:

"The Catholic Church has 23 distinct rites, all united under the Pope and the bishops, showcasing beautiful diversity in liturgical expressions."
(22:10)

Fr. Mike celebrates this diversity, emphasizing that despite varying rites, all are integral parts of the sacramental economy, reflecting God's multifaceted approach to salvation.

Theological Insights and Practical Applications

Throughout the episode, Fr. Mike interweaves theological insights with practical applications for believers. He reflects on the continuity of God's blessings from Genesis to the present, illustrating how the liturgy serves as a living connection to these divine gifts.

He emphasizes the importance of participation:

"We are called to participate in God's very work through the liturgy, not as mere observers but as active collaborators in His plan of salvation."
(26:50)

Fr. Mike also explores how the liturgy fosters a deeper relationship with God, enabling believers to experience His blessings in their daily lives.

Conclusion

In concluding Day 146, Fr. Mike Schmitz encapsulates the essence of God's sacramental economy and its manifestation in the liturgy. He reiterates the vital role of the Church's liturgical practices in perpetuating God's blessings and advancing His salvific mission.

He leaves listeners with a profound reflection:

"Being alive in the age of the Church means experiencing Jesus' ongoing work—sanctifying, redeeming, healing, and feeding us through His sacraments—for the praise of the Father and our salvation."
(34:20)

Fr. Mike encourages believers to embrace their participation in the liturgy, recognizing it as both a tribute to God and a channel for receiving His immeasurable blessings.

Key Quotes

• Sacramental Economy Defined:
  "The sacramental economy is the way that God chooses to interact with us through the sacraments."
  (00:45)

• Blessing as Adoration and Surrender:
  "When we say, 'We're going to bless God,' what that means is we bow down in adoration and surrender to God in thanksgiving."
  (12:30)

• Dual Dimension of Liturgy:
  "The dual dimension of the Christian liturgy is evident. On one hand, we bless the Father through adoration and praise. On the other hand, we present ourselves and our offerings, asking for the Holy Spirit's presence and blessings."
  (18:45)

• Unity in Diversity:
  "The Catholic Church has 23 distinct rites, all united under the Pope and the bishops, showcasing beautiful diversity in liturgical expressions."
  (22:10)

• Call to Participation:
  "We are called to participate in God's very work through the liturgy, not as mere observers but as active collaborators in His plan of salvation."
  (26:50)

• Living in the Age of the Church:
  "Being alive in the age of the Church means experiencing Jesus' ongoing work—sanctifying, redeeming, healing, and feeding us through His sacraments—for the praise of the Father and our salvation."
  (34:20)

Final Thoughts

Day 146 offers a profound exploration of the Father's role in the liturgy, highlighting how the Church's sacramental practices are a direct continuation of God's salvific work. Fr. Mike Schmitz's insightful analysis bridges theological concepts with everyday faith practice, making complex doctrines accessible and relevant to listeners. This episode serves as a rich resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Catholic liturgy and its foundational role in the life of the Church.