Summary of "Day 159: When the Liturgy Is Celebrated" from The Catechism in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Released on June 8, 2025

Introduction

In episode Day 159 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the topic of “When the Liturgy Is Celebrated,” covering paragraphs 1163 to 1167 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode explores the significance of liturgical seasons and the designation of the Lord's Day, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the Catholic liturgical calendar and its role in contemporary faith practice.

Liturgical Seasons: A Cyclical Journey Through Faith

Fr. Mike begins by addressing the concept of liturgical seasons, drawing parallels to the natural seasons that mark the passage of time. He emphasizes the cyclical nature of these liturgical periods, much like the recurring patterns in nature:

“Think about seasons, just seasons in general, how they're the same, but they're always different... It’s a way to mark the passage of time, and yet it’s cyclical in that sense.” ([06:30])

He explains that the Church has integrated these seasons into the liturgical year to commemorate and celebrate the saving works of Christ. Each season serves as a sacred commemoration, unfolding the mysteries of Christ and allowing the faithful to encounter God's grace anew.

Key Points:

• Fixed Feasts: Rooted in the Mosaic Law, these feasts commemorate significant events in salvation history, such as Passover and Easter.
• Newness of the Mystery of Christ: Liturgical celebrations highlight the ongoing relevance and freshness of Christ’s redemptive acts.
• Teaching and Remembrance: The liturgical seasons serve to teach new generations about the faith and to encourage continuous reflection and gratitude.

The Lord's Day: From Sabbath to Sunday

Transitioning to the Lord's Day, Fr. Mike discusses the historical and theological reasons for celebrating the liturgy on Sunday instead of the traditional Jewish Sabbath on Saturday. He attributes this transformation to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which necessitated a new day of worship:

“We celebrate the Lord's Day on Sunday. Why do we do that? Well, we do it because of the resurrection.” ([09:15])

He further elaborates on the significance of Sunday, highlighting its role as both the first day of the week and the day of resurrection. This dual significance underscores Sunday as a day of new creation and redemption, distinct from the Jewish Sabbath.

Key Points:

• Historical Shift: Early Christians began observing Sunday to honor Christ’s Resurrection.

• Theological Significance: Sunday represents the victorious resurrection and the new life it brings, distinguishing it from the Day of the Sun in pagan traditions.

• Affirmation by St. Jerome: Fr. Mike cites St. Jerome to emphasize that while Sunday coincides with pagan traditions, its Christian meaning supersedes any earlier associations:

  “We willingly agree that pagans call this day the Day of the Sun. This is the day the Son of Justice arose with healing and his rays.” ([22:45])

Living in the Present: Embracing “Today”

A central theme of the episode is the concept of “today”, as highlighted in paragraph 1165 of the Catechism. Fr. Mike urges listeners to focus on the present moment rather than being anchored in the past or anxious about the future:

“The word that the church gives to us is, okay, that's all real. But if you surrender that past to the Lord... we can only give God dominion over our past or over our future today.” ([17:10])

He contrasts common human tendencies to dwell on past regrets or future uncertainties with the Christian call to live fully in the present, empowered by God's grace. This focus on "today" aligns with the liturgical emphasis on current participation in the mysteries of faith.

Key Points:

• Avoiding Past and Future Traps: Emphasizes the importance of not being trapped in nostalgia, regret, or anxiety.
• Surrendering to God: Encourages trusting God with both past and future, allowing believers to live freely in the present.
• Practical Application: Relates the theological concept to everyday life, reminding listeners to express gratitude and embrace God's mercy today.

Conclusion: The Significance of Sunday in Christian Life

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by reiterating the profound importance of Sunday as the Lord's Day. He articulates how Sunday embodies the victory over death and offers Christians the ability to live without fear, anchored in the resurrection:

“We have the ability to live without fear today because of what Jesus Christ has done on Sunday.” ([27:30])

He underscores that the celebration of Sunday is not merely a ritual but a living testament to Christ’s enduring influence and the hope it brings to believers.

Key Points:

• Victory and Hope: Sunday signifies Christ’s triumph and offers a foundation of hope and courage.
• Liturgical Assembly: Highlights the centrality of communal worship and Eucharistic celebration in honoring the resurrection.
• Living Faith: Encourages an active and present-focused faith, empowered by the liturgical traditions.

Closing Thoughts

Throughout Day 159, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides an insightful exploration of when the liturgy is celebrated, intertwining historical context with practical faith applications. By emphasizing the cyclical nature of liturgical seasons and the profound significance of the Lord's Day, he invites listeners to deepen their understanding and fully engage with their Catholic faith in the present moment.

Listeners are left with a reinforced appreciation for the liturgical calendar's role in shaping their spiritual lives and a call to embrace each day as an opportunity to live out their faith authentically.

Notable Quotes:

• “When the church celebrates the mystery of Christ, there is a word that marks her prayer. That word is today.” ([16:50])
• “Sunday is the preeminent day for the liturgical assembly, when the faithful gather to listen to the word of God and take part in the Eucharist.” ([25:20])
• “If pagans call it the Day of the Sun, we willingly agree. For today the light of the world is raised.” ([23:10])

This episode offers a profound reflection on the timing and significance of the liturgy, encouraging Catholics to embrace the present and celebrate the resurrection with renewed understanding and devotion.