Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 172: What Does Baptism Do?
Release Date: June 21, 2025

Introduction to Day 172

In Day 172 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound sacrament of baptism, exploring its transformative effects and theological significance. This episode focuses on paragraphs 1262 to 1266 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, unraveling the grace bestowed through baptism and its role in the Christian journey.

Understanding the Grace of Baptism

Fr. Mike begins by addressing common misconceptions about sacraments, emphasizing that baptism is not merely a symbolic ritual but an efficacious act of God. He states:

"Oftentimes we can look at the sacraments as pure ritual, right? They are symbolic, they're not efficacious. And yet we are declaring in faith that baptism does something. It has a powerful effect."
(00:45)

Key Effects of Baptism:

1. Purification from Sins: Baptism cleanses original sin and all personal sins, as well as the punishment due to sin.
2. New Birth in the Holy Spirit: It signifies regeneration and renewal, making the baptized a new creature.
3. Gifts of Faith, Hope, and Love: These theological virtues are infused, empowering individuals to live a life led by the Holy Spirit.
4. Empowerment to Act Under the Holy Spirit: Baptism equips believers with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to grow in moral virtue and live out their faith actively.

Symbolism and Efficacy of the Sacrament

Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of the sacramental symbols, particularly water in baptism:

"Immersion in water symbolizes not only death and purification but also regeneration and renewal."
(04:15)

He explains that the symbols used in baptism are not arbitrary; altering them would change the sacrament's very essence:

"We cannot change the symbol of the sacrament without changing the meaning of the sacrament or even what it does."
(05:30)

Examples Provided:

• Baptizing with water is essential because it symbolizes both dying to the old self and being washed clean.
• Substituting water with another substance, like oil, would strip the sacrament of its intended meaning and effects.

Baptism and Original Sin

Baptism's role in addressing original sin is a central theme:

"By baptism, all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, and as well as all punishment for sin."
(07:10)

Fr. Mike warns against delaying baptism until the end of one's life, highlighting that baptism not only deals with sin but also initiates one into eternal life:

"Baptism is not just about taking away sins for eternal life. It is that, but it's also about bringing us into eternal life right now."
(10:45)

Adoption into God's Family

A profound aspect of baptism discussed is the adoption of believers into God's family, making them His sons and daughters:

"Baptism... makes us into a child of God."
(14:30)

Clarifying Misconceptions:

• Analogy vs. Reality: Fr. Mike uses the analogy of Pinocchio to illustrate the difference between being a beloved creation and being an actual child. Just as Pinocchio becomes a real boy through transformation, believers become true children of God through baptism.

"In order for Pinocchio to look at Geppetto and say, 'My father,' what has to happen? Pinocchio has to become a real boy."
(17:50)

• Unique Claim of Christianity: He points out that Christianity uniquely claims the possibility of humans becoming sons and daughters of God, a concept not shared by other religions.

Theological Implications of Baptism

Fr. Mike delves into the theological depth of baptism, referencing St. Peter and St. Paul:

"St. Peter says we become partaker of the divine nature."
(21:15)

"As St. Paul wrote to Timothy, 'Indeed, an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.'"
(34:20)

Key Points:

• Divine Nature: Baptism unites human nature with divine nature, enabling a personal relationship with God.
• Sanctifying Grace: The grace of justification is bestowed, fostering faith, hope, and love.
• Temple of the Holy Spirit: The baptized become temples of the Holy Spirit, indwelt by God's presence.

Temporal Consequences of Sin

While baptism eradicates the eternal consequences of sin, temporal repercussions remain:

"In those who have been reborn, nothing remains that would impede their entry into the kingdom of God... certain temporal consequences of sin remain."
(26:10)

Examples of Temporal Consequences:

• Suffering, illness, death.
• Weaknesses of character and concupiscence (the inclination to sin).

Grace for Overcoming Concupiscence:

"With God's help, manfully resist it by the grace of Jesus Christ."
(28:45)

Fr. Mike underscores that, despite these challenges, baptism equips believers with the strength to overcome sin through divine assistance.

Living as Children of God

Fr. Mike extols the blessings of living as adopted children of God:

"If you've been baptized, you are a child of God, and that has changed you for eternity."
(32:10)

Benefits Highlighted:

• Access to the Father's Heart: Believers can communicate intimately with God, acknowledging Him as their Father.
• Eternal Relationship: Baptism secures an eternal bond with God, offering a place in His heavenly home.

Call to Action: He encourages listeners to embrace their identity as children of God fully, utilizing the grace given to live a life aligned with divine will.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by reiterating the transformative power of baptism:

"Baptism is not just a ritual people go through. It's not just a symbol or a sign. It transforms, it heals, it forgives. It makes us new."
(38:30)

He emphasizes the ongoing need for prayer and community support in living out one's baptismal promises, concluding with a heartfelt invitation to continue this spiritual journey together.

Closing Prayer

The episode concludes with a guided prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit's continual presence and for God's love to be recognized and understood by all:

"Father in heaven, you send out your Holy Spirit among us... Lord God, we pray that every person on this planet will come to know of your incredible love... Help us to understand your love in a deeper and deeper way... In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."
(03:00)

Key Takeaways

• Baptism as Transformation: Beyond purification from sin, baptism initiates a profound transformation, making believers new creations in Christ.
• Adoption into God’s Family: Through baptism, individuals are welcomed as sons and daughters of God, fostering an intimate relationship with the Divine.
• Ongoing Grace: While baptism cleanses original sin, the faithful are called to continually resist sin through the grace bestowed by the Holy Spirit.
• Eternal and Temporal Life: Baptism secures eternal life but also equips believers to live righteously amidst the temporal consequences of sin.

This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of baptism's significance, encouraging listeners to appreciate and embrace the sacrament's transformative power in their spiritual lives.