The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode Summary: Day 155 - Who Celebrates the Liturgy
Introduction
In Day 155 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the intricacies of the Catholic liturgy by exploring paragraphs 1135 to 1144 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode, titled "Who Celebrates the Liturgy," offers listeners a profound understanding of the collective nature of liturgical celebrations, emphasizing the unity between the heavenly and earthly realms in the worship of God.
Overview of the Catechism in a Year Podcast
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Publisher: Ascension
Podcast Focus: Guiding listeners through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 daily episodes, providing explanations, insights, and encouragement.
Unique Feature: Utilizes Ascension’s Foundations of Faith color-coded reading plan to enhance comprehension of the Catechism’s structure.
Key Discussion Points
1. Understanding the Liturgical Celebrations (Paragraphs 1135-1144)
Fr. Mike begins by situating the discussion within Chapter 2: Sacramental Celebration of the Paschal Mystery. He emphasizes that understanding the sacramental economy is foundational to comprehending the liturgy's significance and its role in revealing God’s plan.
2. Who Celebrates the Liturgy? (Primary Focus)
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The Whole Christ (1135-1134):
- Christ the Head: Fr. Mike explains that Christ, as the head of the Church, leads the liturgical celebrations.
- The Body of Christ: This encompasses all Christians on Earth and extends to the saints in heaven, highlighting a profound communion between the earthly and heavenly bodies.
"Who celebrates the liturgy? First of all, it's our Lord, the whole Body of Christ, the head, Jesus Christ the head, of course, all of the saints in heaven, all creation, essentially." (05:45)
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Heavenly Participation:
- Fr. Mike underscores that the liturgy is not merely a ritual but a participation in the Heavenly Liturgy, a continuous act of worship in the presence of God.
"These are the ones who take part in the service of the praise of God and the fulfillment of his plan." (14:20)
3. The Community's Role in Celebrating the Liturgy (Paragraphs 1140-1144)
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The Whole Community:
- The liturgical celebrations involve the entire Body of Christ united with its head, moving beyond individual participation to communal worship.
"Liturgical services are not private functions, but are celebrations of the Church, which is the sacrament of unity." (22:15)
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Ministerial Priesthood:
- Fr. Mike elaborates on the necessity of the ministerial priesthood—the ordained clergy who act in the person of Christ to consecrate the Eucharist and administer other sacraments.
"Without the ministerial priest, without the ordained priest, we can't have the sacraments that we need him and his role." (35:50)
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Common Priesthood of the Faithful:
- Emphasizing that all baptized individuals share in the priesthood of Christ, Fr. Mike encourages believers to engage actively in their roles during the Mass.
"If my job is to sing, I'm going to sing. If my job is to read, I'm going to read. My job is to just be present." (48:10)
4. Active Participation in the Mass
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Full, Conscious, and Active Participation:
- Drawing from Sacrosanctum Concilium, Fr. Mike stresses the importance of every believer’s active involvement in the liturgy, not merely as observers but as participants who contribute to the sanctification of the world.
"Full conscious and active participation is when you utilize and exercise your priesthood." (30:05)
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Unity with the Ministerial Priest and Christ:
- The faithful are called to worship united with the ministerial priests and ultimately with Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest.
"Once we understand what it is our job is at every Mass is to worship united with the ministerial priest... united with the one great high priest, Jesus Christ." (55:30)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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On the Collective Nature of Liturgy:
"Who celebrates the liturgy? First of all, it's our Lord, the whole Body of Christ, the head, Jesus Christ the head, of course, all of the saints in heaven, all creation, essentially." (05:45)
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Heavenly Participation in Liturgy:
"These are the ones who take part in the service of the praise of God and the fulfillment of his plan." (14:20)
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Role of the Ministerial Priest:
"Without the ministerial priest, without the ordained priest, we can't have the sacraments that we need him and his role." (35:50)
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Active Participation as Priesthood:
"Full conscious and active participation is when you utilize and exercise your priesthood." (30:05)
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Unity in Worship:
"Once we understand what it is our job is at every Mass is to worship united with the ministerial priest... united with the one great high priest, Jesus Christ." (55:30)
Insights and Reflections
Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully connects the theological concepts of the Catechism to the lived experience of Catholics during Mass. By highlighting the unity between the heavenly and earthly bodies of Christ, he reinforces the idea that liturgical celebrations are a bridge between believers and the divine. His emphasis on the common priesthood serves as a reminder that every baptized individual has a vital role in the liturgy, transcending beyond assigned tasks to embodying their priestly vocation daily.
Moreover, Fr. Mike’s discussion on active participation invites listeners to transform their approach to Mass—from passive attendance to dynamic engagement. This shift not only enhances personal spirituality but also contributes to the sanctification of the world, aligning with the Church's mission to glorify God and bring salvation to all.
Concluding Thoughts
Day 155 of The Catechism in a Year offers a profound exploration of who participates in the liturgy, blending doctrinal teachings with practical applications. Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages Catholics to recognize their integral role in the Mass, fostering a deeper connection with God and the broader Church community. As listeners integrate these insights, they are poised to experience a more meaningful and transformative participation in the sacred mysteries celebrated during liturgical gatherings.
Remember: Each Mass is not just a ritual but a powerful participation in the eternal liturgy of heaven. Embrace your role as a kingdom priest and actively contribute to the worship and sanctification of the world.