Summary of Episode: Day 183: The Mass of All Ages (2025)
Podcast: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Ascension
Release Date: July 2, 2025

Introduction

In Day 183 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Paragraphs 1341-1347 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on the profound mystery and enduring significance of the Eucharist. This episode, titled "The Mass of All Ages," explores the historical roots of the Mass, its continuity through centuries, and its central role in Catholic worship.

Opening Prayer

Fr. Mike begins the episode with a heartfelt prayer to prepare listeners for an immersive exploration of the Eucharist:

"Father in heaven we give you praise and thanks... Help us to receive your Son's gift, the gift of your Son himself in the Eucharist, body, blood, soul and divinity at every Mass we ever attend." [Timestamp: 01:32]

This prayer sets a contemplative tone, inviting participants to fully engage with the spiritual and theological depths of the Mass.

Main Discussion

The Command and Continuity of the Eucharist

Fr. Mike emphasizes that Jesus' command to "do this in memory of me" transcends a mere act of remembrance. Instead, it calls for active participation in the Eucharist:

"Jesus has commanded us to repeat his words and actions until he comes... not only to remember what Jesus did, but to do it, to participate in it." [Timestamp: 06:45]

He underscores that this participation is a living tradition, faithfully preserved from the early Church to the present day.

Saint Justin Martyr's Testimony

A significant portion of the discussion centers on an extended quote from Saint Justin Martyr's letter to Emperor Antoninus Pius (circa 155 AD). Fr. Mike highlights how Justin articulates the early Christian practice of the Mass:

"They have stayed the same until our own day for all the great liturgical families." [Timestamp: 10:15]

Justin's description includes key elements such as the reading of the Scriptures, prayers, and the exchange of the Eucharist, demonstrating the unbroken continuity of Catholic liturgical practices.

Structure of the Mass: Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist

Fr. Mike breaks down the Mass into its two fundamental parts:

1. Liturgy of the Word:

   • Readings and Homily: Proclamation and explanation of Scripture.
   • Intercessions: Prayers for the Church and the world.

2. Liturgy of the Eucharist:

   • Presentation of Gifts: Bread and wine.
   • Consecration: Transformation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.
   • Communion: Receipt of the Eucharist by the faithful.

"The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist together form one single act of worship." [Timestamp: 25:30]

He parallels this structure with the Road to Emmaus narrative from Luke's Gospel, illustrating how the disciples' encounter with the risen Christ encapsulates both liturgies.

Discipleship and the Four Pillars from Acts 2:42

Drawing from Acts 2:42, Fr. Mike identifies four pillars that have defined Christian discipleship since the apostles:

1. Apostles' Teaching:

   • Commitment to learning and disseminating the teachings of Jesus.

2. Fellowship (Communal Life):

   • Nurturing community bonds and caring for those in need.
   • "Our motto is, see a need, fill a need." [Timestamp: 35:20]

3. Breaking of the Bread (Eucharist):

   • Central to communal worship and unity in the Body of Christ.

4. Prayer Life:

   • Sustaining a vibrant and personal relationship with God.

"Being a Christian means I devote my life to these four things." [Timestamp: 40:10]

Eucharist: Beyond Symbolism

Fr. Mike addresses common misconceptions about the Eucharist, asserting its reality and sacredness:

"We do not receive these things as common bread or common drink, but as Jesus Christ our Savior... is the flesh and blood of that incarnate Jesus." [Timestamp: 50:45]

He explains that receiving the Eucharist demands faith and unity with the Church, aligning with the conditions set forth by early Church Fathers like Justin Martyr.

"It's an act of love... if someone doesn't believe that, or they're not united to the church... it is to be in danger of receiving condemnation on themselves." [Timestamp: 55:30]

The Lord’s Day: Sunday Worship

Fr. Mike clarifies the shift from Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday worship, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus:

"Jesus rose from the dead on Sunday... the day we call the Lord's day." [Timestamp: 60:05]

This transition signifies the celebratory nature of the Eucharist and its connection to the foundational event of the Christian faith.

Key Insights

1. Historical Continuity:
   The Mass has maintained its essential structure and meaning from the early Church to today, reflecting a deep-rooted tradition.

2. Active Participation:
   The Eucharist is not passive remembrance but an active engagement in the mystery of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.

3. Four Pillars of Discipleship:
   Apostles' teaching, fellowship, Eucharist, and prayer are foundational to living out the Catholic faith authentically.

4. Faith and Unity:
   Receiving the Eucharist requires both personal faith and unity with the Church, emphasizing its profound spiritual significance.

5. Sunday as the Lord’s Day:
   Celebrating Mass on Sunday honors Jesus' resurrection and reinforces the joyful core of Christian worship.

Notable Quotes

• "Jesus has commanded us to repeat his words and actions until he comes... to participate in it." — Fr. Mike Schmitz [06:45]

• "They have stayed the same until our own day for all the great liturgical families." — Fr. Mike Schmitz referencing Saint Justin Martyr [10:15]

• "We do not receive these things as common bread or common drink, but as Jesus Christ our Savior." — Fr. Mike Schmitz [50:45]

• "Being a Christian means I devote my life to these four things." — Fr. Mike Schmitz [40:10]

Conclusion

Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the episode by celebrating the listeners' progress, having reached the halfway mark of the 365-day journey through the Catechism:

"You just made it past halfway because here we are at the end of day 183. Congratulations you guys, well done." [Timestamp: 65:20]

He offers a final prayer and encourages continued dedication, underscoring the transformative journey of understanding and living the Catholic faith.

Final Note:
This episode provides a rich exploration of the Eucharist, blending historical insights with theological depth. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges the ancient traditions with contemporary practice, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the Mass as a living, enduring celebration of God's ultimate gift.