Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 186: The Sacrificial Memorial
Release Date: July 5, 2025
Introduction
In Day 186 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound concept of the Sacrificial Memorial within the Eucharist. This episode continues the exploration of the Eucharist's sacrificial nature, emphasizing its role as both a memorial of Christ's Passover and a living sacrifice offered by the Church. Fr. Mike seeks to deepen the listener's understanding of how the Eucharist functions as a central act of worship and sacrifice in Catholic faith.
Understanding the Sacrificial Memorial
Fr. Mike begins by reiterating the fundamental truth that the heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice. He emphasizes that every Mass is a manifestation of this truth, where Christ's unique sacrifice is made present through the Holy Spirit working within the Church.
"The heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [03:50]
He explains that the Eucharist is not merely a remembrance but a real and present participation in the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ. This duality encompasses both the historical sacrifice on the cross and the ongoing sacrificial offering by the Church.
The Eucharist as a Memorial of Christ's Passover
Fr. Mike elaborates on the concept of anamnesis, a Greek term meaning "memorial," which in the context of the Eucharist, transcends mere recollection. Instead, it signifies the proclamation and re-presentation of Christ's sacrificial act.
"The memorial is not merely the recollection of past events, but the proclamation of the mighty works wrought by God for men."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:20]
Drawing parallels to the Jewish Passover, he explains how the Eucharist serves a similar purpose in making Christ's Passover—His sacrifice on the cross—ever present in the lives of believers.
"When the Church celebrates the Eucharist, she commemorates Christ's Passover and it is made present."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [09:15]
This memorialization ensures that Christ's single, all-encompassing sacrifice remains a living reality for each generation of Christians.
The Dual Nature of the Sacrifice
Fr. Mike highlights the remarkable synthesis within the Eucharist:
- Christ's Sacrifice on the Cross: The historical offering of Jesus Christ.
- The Church's Sacrificial Offering: The Church, as the Body of Christ, offers this sacrifice anew during each Mass.
"The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice. The same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [16:45]
He underscores that while the manner of offering differs—the cross being a bloody sacrifice and the Eucharist an unbloody one—the victim remains the same: Christ Himself. This continuity affirms the sufficiency and eternal validity of Christ’s sacrifice.
Eucharist as a Sacrifice of the Church
Expounding further, Fr. Mike explains that the Church itself participates in the sacrificial act. As the Body of Christ, the Church offers herself entirely, uniting her intercessions with those of Christ for all humanity.
"The Church, which is the Body of Christ, participates in the offering of her head with Him. She herself is offered whole and entire."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [23:10]
This unity means that the lives of the faithful—their praises, sufferings, prayers, and works—are conjoined with Christ's offering, thereby infusing everyday actions with sacred significance.
Practical Application: Living the Sacrificial Memorial
Fr. Mike encourages listeners to actively participate in the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist by offering their daily lives to God. He emphasizes that every action, whether mundane or significant, can be united with Christ's sacrifice to glorify the Father and aid in the salvation of the world.
"Whatever you're doing, you're up there. Give it to the Lord."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:30]
He reassures believers that even in moments of hardship or limitation, such as being unable to evangelize due to confinement, their lives remain a vital part of the Church's sacrificial offering.
"Your whole life, every moment of your life can be an offering united to Jesus in the sacrifice of the Mass."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [40:55]
The Call to Full Participation
Fr. Mike concludes by urging listeners to fully embrace their role in the Eucharistic sacrifice. He stresses the importance of attending Mass and actively participating, highlighting that absence can diminish the collective offering's impact on God's glory and the world's sanctification.
"When we don't participate in the Mass, we don't utilize our kingdom priesthood. The Father is just that much less glorified and the world is just that much less sanctified."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [28:20]
He calls on believers to offer both joys and struggles as part of the Church's ongoing sacrifice, reinforcing the transformative power of aligning one's life with Christ's sacrificial love.
Conclusion
Day 186's exploration of the Sacrificial Memorial deepens the listener's appreciation of the Eucharist as both a remembrance and a living participation in Christ's unique sacrifice. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully ties theological concepts to practical spirituality, encouraging believers to view every aspect of their lives as an integral part of the Church's sacrificial worship. Through this understanding, the faithful are invited to live out their identity in God's family, contributing to the sanctification of the world and the glorification of the Father.
"You get to participate in the very heart of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ himself, God himself gave to us."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [38:45]
As the episode concludes, Fr. Mike offers a heartfelt prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength for the listeners to embody their roles within the sacrificial mystery of the Eucharist.
Key Takeaways:
- Eucharist as Memorial and Sacrifice: The Mass is both a remembrance and a present participation in Christ's sacrificial act.
- Unified Sacrifice: Christ's sacrifice on the cross and the Eucharistic offering are intrinsically linked, forming a single, perpetual sacrifice.
- Role of the Church: The Church, as the Body of Christ, actively participates in offering the Eucharist, intertwining the lives of the faithful with Christ's mission.
- Personal Participation: Every action and aspect of a believer's life can contribute to the Eucharistic sacrifice, enhancing its spiritual impact.
- Active Presence in Mass: Regular participation in Mass is crucial for maximizing the sacrificial offering's effectiveness in glorifying God and sanctifying the world.
Prayer from Fr. Mike Schmitz:
"Father in heaven, we thank you and we praise you. We thank you for bringing us into your body. ... We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [06:30]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates Fr. Mike Schmitz's insightful discussion on the Sacrificial Memorial, offering listeners a clear understanding of its significance within the Eucharist and encouraging active, lived participation in the sacrificial life of the Church.