Summary of "Day 150: The Epiclesis" from The Catechism in a Year Podcast
Podcast Overview The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) is a comprehensive podcast series hosted by Ascension, guiding listeners through the entirety of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 daily episodes. Each episode delves into specific sections of the Catechism, offering explanations, insights, and encouragement to deepen one's understanding of the Catholic faith. In Day 150: The Epiclesis, released on May 30, 2025, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the profound role of the Holy Spirit in the liturgy, particularly focusing on the concept of epiclesis.
1. Introduction to Day 150
Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by reaffirming the podcast’s mission: to guide listeners through the Catechism, uncovering God's plan of goodness revealed through Scripture and Tradition. He emphasizes the use of Ascension’s Foundations of Faith approach, a color-coded method that elucidates the Catechism’s structure, making it more accessible.
Notable Quote:
"In 365 days, we'll read through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, discovering our identity in God's family as we journey together toward our heavenly home." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:00]
2. Recap of Previous Episode
Fr. Mike briefly recaps Day 149, where he discussed anamnesis—the remembrance of the mystery of Christ. He distinguishes between anamnesis (remembrance) and epiclesis (invocation), setting the stage for today's deeper exploration.
3. Understanding Epiclesis
Definition and Significance
The core of the episode revolves around epiclesis, a key component of the Eucharistic liturgy. Epiclesis refers to the invocation of the Holy Spirit to sanctify the offerings of bread and wine, transforming them into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Notable Quote:
"Today we're talking about epiclesis or epiclesis. I've heard it both ways. But we recognize that the Holy Spirit not only recalls the mystery of Christ and tells that story and brings it to us, the Holy Spirit makes present the mystery of Christ." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:00]
Epiclesis vs. Anamnesis
While anamnesis focuses on recalling the Paschal Mystery, epiclesis emphasizes making that mystery present and active in the liturgy. Fr. Mike underscores that the liturgy doesn't merely repeat Christ's sacrifice but actualizes it through the Holy Spirit's presence.
4. The Holy Spirit’s Role in the Liturgy
Making the Mystery Present
Fr. Mike elaborates on paragraphs 1104 to 1112 of the Catechism, highlighting how the Holy Spirit transforms the liturgical celebration into a living reality.
Notable Quote:
"The Holy Spirit makes present the mystery of Christ. Christian liturgy not only recalls the events that saved us but actualizes them, makes them present." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Transcript Section]
St. John Damascene’s Insight
Referencing St. John Damascene, Fr. Mike explains how the Holy Spirit's action in the Eucharist parallels the Spirit's role in the Incarnation, drawing a profound connection between creation and redemption.
Notable Quote:
"The Holy Spirit comes upon them and accomplishes what surpasses every word and thought... it is by the Holy Spirit, just as it was of the Holy Virgin and by the Holy Spirit, that the Lord through and in himself took flesh." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Transcript Section]
5. The Epiclesis in the Mass
Liturgical Practice
Fr. Mike breaks down the practical aspect of epiclesis within the Mass, describing the priest’s invocation of the Holy Spirit over the Eucharistic gifts. He explains the significance of the ringing of bells during the epiclesis, marking this pivotal moment.
Notable Quote:
"The epiclesis is that moment in the Mass where the priest extends his hands over the gifts and prays for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to make these gifts a holy offering." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Transcript Section]
6. Transformation Through Participation
Living Sacrifice
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding how participation in the Eucharist transforms believers. Fr. Mike emphasizes that receiving the Eucharist is not only about honoring Jesus's sacrifice but also about offering our lives as living sacrifices to God.
Notable Quote:
"We are asking the Father to send the Holy Spirit to make our lives a living sacrifice to God by our spiritual transformation into the image of Christ." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Transcript Section]
Baptismal Priesthood
Connecting to the concept of baptismal priesthood, Fr. Mike explains that baptized individuals share in Christ's priesthood and sacrifice, inviting a life of continual offering to God beyond the liturgical setting.
Notable Quote:
"Because you and I, we have been incorporated into Christ, as priest, as victim, we get to say, in this moment, Lord God, send your Holy Spirit to help me also be a living sacrifice to the praise of your glory." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Transcript Section]
7. Practical Application for Believers
Fr. Mike encourages listeners to incorporate the mentality of being a living sacrifice into their daily lives. Whether in mundane activities like commuting or personal routines like exercising, every moment can be an offering to God.
Notable Quote:
"Let this moment be a living sacrifice. If you're listening in your car... Lord God, accept this moment as a sacrifice to you. It doesn't have to be a painful sacrifice... this moment, though, that's what's being offered." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Transcript Section]
8. Prayer and Call to Action
The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Mike, invoking the Holy Spirit to make Christ's salvific work present in the lives of the faithful. He also invites listeners to pray for him, fostering a sense of communal spiritual support.
Notable Quote:
"My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:00]
Conclusion
In Day 150: The Epiclesis, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a profound exploration of the Holy Spirit’s transformative role in the liturgy, particularly through the epiclesis. By making the Paschal Mystery present, the Holy Spirit not only sanctifies the Eucharistic gifts but also calls believers to a life of continual offering and spiritual transformation. This episode deepens the listener's understanding of the liturgical celebration as a dynamic encounter with divine grace, urging a personal commitment to live out the faith authentically in everyday moments.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow’s episode, Day 151: Article Two, Paschal Mystery in the Church's Sacraments, promises to build upon today's insights, further unraveling the mysteries of salvation as celebrated through the Church’s sacraments. Listeners are encouraged to continue their journey through the Catechism, embracing the richness of their faith tradition.