Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 16: Senses of Scripture
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Introduction
In Day 16 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and produced by Ascension, listeners delve into the profound topic of the Senses of Scripture. This episode explores how the Catholic Church interprets the Holy Scriptures through both literal and spiritual lenses, enriching believers' understanding and application of biblical texts.
Overview of the Senses of Scripture
Fr. Mike begins by outlining the two primary senses of Scripture:
- Literal Sense: The straightforward meaning conveyed by the words of Scripture.
- Spiritual Sense: Deeper meanings that transcend the literal text, subdivided into three categories:
- Allegorical Sense
- Moral Sense
- Anagogical Sense
He emphasizes the importance of approaching Scripture with these multiple interpretative layers to fully grasp its richness and divine intent.
Detailed Exploration of the Senses
Literal Sense
The literal sense is the foundation upon which all other senses are built. It involves understanding the text based on its simple meaning and historical context.
- Example: David marches into Jerusalem.
- Literal Interpretation: King David physically enters the city of Jerusalem.
Fr. Mike underscores that ignoring the literal sense can lead to misinterpretation, as it is essential for grounding the deeper spiritual meanings.
Spiritual Sense
The spiritual sense uncovers truths beyond the surface, enhancing the believer's connection to God and His teachings. It is divided into three distinct categories:
-
Allegorical Sense
- Definition: Reveals deeper spiritual meanings and typologies that foreshadow Christ and His work.
- Example: Crossing of the Red Sea
- Literal: The Israelites physically cross the Red Sea to escape Pharaoh.
- Allegorical Interpretation: Symbolizes Christ's victory over sin and death, and represents Christian baptism.
- Quote: “The crossing of the Red Sea is a sign or a type of Christ's victory and also of Christian baptism” (00:08:15).
-
Moral Sense
- Definition: Guides Christians on how to live righteous lives by applying biblical teachings.
- Example: David's entry into Jerusalem.
- Literal: David brings the Ark of the Covenant into the city.
- Moral Interpretation: Encourages believers to honor God through sacrificial worship and righteous actions.
- Quote: “The events reported in Scripture ought to lead us to act justly” (00:12:30).
-
Anagogical Sense
- Definition: Focuses on the ultimate destiny of humanity, pointing towards eternal life and the heavenly Jerusalem.
- Example: David's entry into Jerusalem.
- Literal: David establishes his kingdom in Jerusalem.
- Anagogical Interpretation: Anticipates Christ's second coming and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
- Quote: “How does this apply to the end times? How does this apply to the end of times” (00:16:45).
Fr. Mike elaborates on how these three senses interconnect to provide a comprehensive understanding of Scripture, fostering both personal growth and communal faith.
Practical Application
To illustrate the practical application of these senses, Fr. Mike discusses King David's march into Jerusalem:
- Allegorical: Mirrors Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, fulfilling His role as the Messiah.
- Moral: Encourages believers to lead lives of worship and sacrifice in honoring God.
- Anagogical: Points towards the future establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
This multi-faceted approach helps listeners see the relevance of biblical events in their personal lives and in the broader context of God's plan.
Authority of the Church in Interpretation
Fr. Mike highlights the critical role of the Catholic Church in interpreting Scripture:
- St. Thomas Aquinas: “All other senses of Sacred Scripture are based on the literal.”
- St. Augustine: “I would not believe in the Gospel had not the authority of the Catholic Church already moved me” (00:25:10).
He emphasizes that the Church's authority, derived from Christ Himself, ensures a unified and authentic understanding of the Bible. This authority precedes even the written Word, underscoring the importance of Sacred Tradition alongside Sacred Scripture.
Preparing for Future Topics
Fr. Mike hints at the upcoming focus on the Canon of Scripture, promising a detailed exploration of the 73 books recognized by the Catholic Church. This continuity reinforces the structured approach of the podcast in guiding listeners through a comprehensive understanding of Catholic teachings.
Notable Quotes
- Fr. Mike Schmitz: “The literal sense is the meaning conveyed by the words of Scripture and discovered by exegesis, following the rules of sound interpretation” (00:04:30).
- St. Augustine: “I would not believe in the Gospel had not the authority of the Catholic Church already moved me” (00:25:10).
- Fr. Mike Schmitz: “The Church on earth is a sign of the heavenly Jerusalem” (00:18:55).
Conclusion
Day 16 of The Catechism in a Year offers listeners a profound insight into the Senses of Scripture, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between the literal and spiritual interpretations. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively demonstrates how this layered approach enriches one's faith journey, fostering a deeper connection with God's Word and the Church's enduring traditions. As the podcast progresses, listeners are encouraged to continue exploring the Catechism, supported by a community of believers committed to understanding and living out their faith.
For those interested in following along or downloading the reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred app to receive daily notifications and stay engaged throughout the year-long journey.