Summary of "Day 185: Thanksgiving, Memorial, Presence" from The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Podcast

Introduction to Episode Day 185

In Day 185 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 1356 to 1361 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode focuses on the profound mysteries of the Eucharist, exploring its role as a memorial, a sacrifice, and the true presence of Christ. Fr. Mike emphasizes the significance of understanding and participating in the Eucharist as central to Catholic faith and practice.

Reading from the Catechism: Paragraphs 1356-1361

Fr. Mike begins by outlining the specific sections of the Catechism under discussion:

• Paragraphs 1356-1361: These paragraphs articulate the Eucharist as a sacrificial memorial of Christ's sacrifice, a form of thanksgiving and praise, and the true presence of Christ through His Word and Spirit.

The Eucharist as Sacrificial Memorial

Fr. Mike explains that the Eucharist is not merely a ritual but a profound sacrifice that mirrors the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He states:

"The heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice." (00:10:45)

This sacrificial nature underscores the Eucharist as both a remembrance of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and an ongoing participation in that divine act.

Biblical Foundations: Cain and Abel, Exodus

To illustrate the concept of sacrifice, Fr. Mike references biblical narratives:

1. Cain and Abel (Genesis):

   • Both brothers offer sacrifices to God.
   • Abel's sacrifice is accepted, while Cain's is not, highlighting the importance of the heart and intention behind the offering.
   • "The heart of every human being should be oriented towards what God wants." (00:16:30)

2. Exodus:

   • The Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt symbolizes liberation not just from oppression but for the purpose of worshiping God freely.
   • Fr. Mike emphasizes that freedom granted by God is intended for worship:

     "The freedom is for worship, not merely freedom from slavery." (00:20:15)

The Command of "Do this in remembrance of me"

Fr. Mike connects the Old Testament sacrifices to Jesus' instructions during the Last Supper:

"Do this in remembrance of me." (00:25:00)

He explains that this command establishes the Eucharist as a perpetual memorial of Christ's body and blood, ensuring that believers continuously remember and participate in His sacrifice.

The Significance of Participation in the Eucharist

Participation in the Eucharist is portrayed as a direct connection to Christ’s sacrifice. Fr. Mike highlights:

"We get to participate in that sacrifice at every Mass, because that's what it is." (00:35:20)

This participation transforms the Eucharist into a living sacrament, making Christ present and active in the lives of the faithful.

The Importance of Attending Mass

Fr. Mike underscores the spiritual necessity of attending Mass:

• Commandment and Invitation:

  • Attendance is not just an obligation but an invitation from God.
  • "God wants us, isn't this crazy to think God, it matters to him whether you or I show up." (00:42:10)

• Spiritual Impact:

  • Presence in Mass affects both the individual and the communal offering to God.
  • Absence is viewed as a serious matter, potentially a mortal sin, emphasizing the gravity God places on participation.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating the immense gift of the Eucharist and the privilege of participating in Christ’s eternal sacrifice. He encourages listeners to approach Mass with reverence and intention, recognizing the transformative power of the Eucharist in their spiritual lives.

"What a gift. No, other words, what a gift." (00:55:00)

He also extends a heartfelt prayer for those struggling to attend or fully engage in Mass, fostering a sense of community and support among listeners.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Sacrifice and Worship:
  "The heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice." (00:10:45)

• On Creating Meaningful Worship:
  "True worship is where we say, okay, God, what do you want?" (00:22:50)

• On Participation:
  "We get to participate in that sacrifice at every Mass, because that's what it is." (00:35:20)

• On the Importance of Attending Mass:
  "It matters to God whether you or I show up." (00:42:10)

• On the Gift of the Eucharist:
  "What a gift. No, other words, what a gift." (00:55:00)

Final Reflections

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a deeply enriching exploration of the Eucharist, weaving theological insights with biblical narratives to elucidate its central role in Catholic life. His passionate delivery and relatable explanations make complex doctrines accessible, encouraging listeners to deepen their understanding and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

For those seeking to grasp the essence of Catholic worship and the transformative power of the Eucharist, Day 185 provides a thoughtful and inspiring guide.