Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 18: The Unity of the Testaments
Release Date: January 18, 2025

In Day 18 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound unity of the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing their intertwined roles in revealing God’s divine plan. This episode, grounded in paragraphs 128 to 133 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, highlights the seamless connection between both Testaments through typology and underscores the indispensable role of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church.

Opening Prayer and Introduction

Fr. Mike begins the episode with a heartfelt prayer, seeking to instill a deeper love and desire for Scripture among listeners:

"Give us a love, not only just to know more about you. Give us a love for Scripture. Put in our hearts a desire to seek after your... a desire to hear your Word proclaimed, and a desire to share your Word with everyone in our lives..."
[00:05]

He then outlines the focus of the day: the unity between the Old and New Testaments and the vital importance of Sacred Scripture in guiding believers toward a wholehearted following of Jesus.

Unity of the Old and New Testaments

Fr. Mike emphasizes that the Old and New Testaments are not separate revelations but rather parts of a unified divine plan:

"There is a vital unity between the Old Testament and the New Testament and we absolutely need them both."
[08:30]

He addresses a common misconception that the Old Covenant becomes obsolete with the advent of the New Covenant introduced by Jesus. Instead, he clarifies that both Testaments are intrinsically linked:

"As Dwight Truth would say, false, that is not true."
[05:45]

Through typology, Fr. Mike illustrates how elements of the Old Testament prefigure and find fulfillment in the New Testament. He provides vivid examples:

• King David as a type of Jesus:

  "David as King of Israel is the type of Jesus. He is fulfilled in the person of Jesus..."
  [15:20]

• The Ark of the Covenant symbolizing Mary, the Eucharist, and Jesus as the high priest:

  "Mary is referred to as the Ark, the Ark of the New Covenant... in her was the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord."
  [17:10]

Fr. Mike underscores that this typological reading does not diminish the intrinsic value of the Old Testament:

"The Old Testament retains its own intrinsic value as revelation reaffirmed by our Lord Himself."
[20:05]

Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church

Transitioning to the significance of Sacred Scripture, Fr. Mike highlights its role as the soul of sacred theology and its essential place in pastoral preaching, catechetics, and Christian instruction:

"The study of the sacred page should be the very soul of sacred theology, the ministry of the Word to pastoral preaching, catechetics, and all forms of Christian instruction..."
[25:50]

He addresses historical concerns about access to the Bible, clarifying misconceptions:

"There are some stories... that the Catholic Church kept Bibles locked up. Well, that's not exactly true."
[30:15]

Fr. Mike explains that earlier restrictions were primarily due to the scarcity and cost of Bibles, not a desire to suppress Scripture. With the advent of the printing press, access became more widespread.

Emphasizing the importance of accurate translations, he states:

"The church was concerned with the translations of the Bible because... we want to make sure this is an accurate translation."
[33:40]

Fr. Mike reiterates the Church's stance on open access to Scripture:

"Access to Sacred Scripture ought to be wide open to the Christian faithful."
[35:00]

He reinforces this by quoting St. Jerome:

"Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ."
[50:30]

This powerful statement underscores that knowing Scripture is tantamount to knowing Christ, highlighting its foundational role in faith.

Personal Reflections and Encouragement

Towards the end of the episode, Fr. Mike shares his personal journey over the 18 days of the podcast:

"The first few days, for me personally, were kind of a battle. The fact that we've gotten to day 18 is just... it's a relief, but it's also just... marks something in my own heart."
[60:45]

He expresses gratitude for the listener’s companionship on this spiritual journey and invites them to continue walking together toward a deeper understanding of the Catechism.

Conclusion

In Day 18, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines scriptural analysis with personal insight, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the unity of the Testaments and the centrality of Scripture in the Catholic faith. Through engaging explanations and relatable anecdotes, he demystifies complex theological concepts, making them accessible and relevant to everyday believers.

By the episode's end, listeners are left with a reinforced appreciation for both the Old and New Testaments and a renewed commitment to engage deeply with Sacred Scripture, embodying the essence of what it means to be Catholic.