Summary of "Day 195: Penance and Reconciliation (2025)" – The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Podcast

Podcast Information

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Day 195: Penance and Reconciliation (2025)
• Release Date: July 14, 2025

Introduction

In Day 195 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound topics of Penance and Reconciliation, exploring their significance within the Sacraments of Healing. This episode marks nearly half a year into the 365-day journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, emphasizing the continuous path of conversion and healing that faith entails.

Overview of the Episode

Fr. Mike reflects on the journey so far, expressing gratitude to listeners for their commitment. He introduces the day’s focus: paragraphs 1420-1426 of the Catechism, which cover the Sacraments of Healing, specifically Penance and Reconciliation. The episode aims to elucidate why these sacraments are essential even after one has been initiated into the faith through baptism.

Reading and Explanation of Catechism Paragraphs 1420-1426

a. Sacraments of Healing

Fr. Mike begins by reading the Catechism, highlighting that through the sacraments of Christian initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), believers receive new life in Christ. However, this new life is sustained within "earthen vessels," subject to suffering, illness, and the ever-present reality of sin. Paragraph 1420 underscores that sin can weaken or even sever this union with God, necessitating sacramental healing.

b. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation

Moving to paragraph 1422, Fr. Mike emphasizes that the Sacrament of Penance allows believers to receive pardon from God’s mercy for offenses committed against Him and reconciles them with the Church community. He reads:

“Those who approach the sacrament of penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him and are at the same time reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins...” (14:22)

c. Names and Dimensions of the Sacrament

Fr. Mike explores the various names of the sacrament, each revealing different dimensions:

• Sacrament of Conversion: Highlights the call to turn away from sin and return to the Father.
• Sacrament of Penance: Focuses on personal and communal steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction.
• Sacrament of Confession: Emphasizes the necessity of confessing sins to a priest.
• Sacrament of Forgiveness: Underlines the grace of pardon and peace granted by God through the priest’s absolution.
• Sacrament of Reconciliation: Points to the restoration of the sinner’s relationship with God and the Church.

Importance of the Sacrament Post-Baptism

Fr. Mike discusses why Penance and Reconciliation are vital even after baptism, referencing St. Paul’s teachings. Baptism unites believers with the Trinity and incorporates them into God’s family, but human nature’s frailty means sin persists. Consequently, the sacrament serves as an essential means of healing and maintaining communion with God and the Church.

He quotes:

“The new life received in Christian initiation has not abolished the frailty and weakness of human nature... this is the struggle of conversion directed toward holiness and eternal life, to which the Lord never ceases to call us.” (14:26)

The Dual Miracle of Confession

A key insight from the episode is the concept of the "double miracle" in confession:

1. Conviction of Sin: Recognition and acknowledgment of one's sins, overcoming the numbness that sin can induce.
2. Conviction of God's Mercy: Assurance of God’s willingness to forgive and restore, reinforcing the believer’s faith in divine mercy.

Fr. Mike explains:

“The double miracle, the second miracle is we've been convicted by God's mercy. ... we've been convicted by the truth, the belief that God wants to forgive us of our sins.” (Approx. 25:00)

Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation

Fr. Mike distinguishes between forgiveness and reconciliation, providing practical examples:

• Forgiveness: Letting go of a debt or offense without necessarily restoring the relationship. For instance, forgiving someone for a financial mishap but choosing not to trust them again with a loan.

• Reconciliation: Restoring a broken relationship, as emphasized in scripture:

  “...if you have something against your brother, go first and be reconciled with him...” (Matthew 5:24)

He elaborates that while forgiveness is mandatory ("We have been commanded to forgive"), reconciliation depends on the circumstances and the nature of the relationship.

The Role of Concupiscence

Fr. Mike introduces the concept of concupiscence—the innate inclination towards sin resulting from original sin. He explains that despite baptism's transformative power, humans remain susceptible to sin due to concupiscence. However, through the grace received in the Sacrament of Penance, believers can combat these inclinations and strive for holiness. He states:

“With the help of the grace of Jesus, we can prove ourselves in the struggle of Christian life.”

Conclusion and Encouragement

In concluding the episode, Fr. Mike offers heartfelt encouragement. He reassures listeners that no matter how broken they feel, God and the Church never abandon them. The sacrament of reconciliation is portrayed as a path to continual healing and a reminder of God's unwavering call to holiness. Fr. Mike emphasizes:

“God never ceases to call us to holiness... even in the midst of our brokenness... God never ceases to call us.” (Approximately 40:00)

He urges listeners to persevere in their spiritual journey, highlighting that the Church, through love and prayer, continually works for each believer's conversion and healing.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Introduction and Gratitude:
  "This is day 195... Thank you so much for being part of this and thank you for being part of the production of this podcast with your prayers and financial gifts." (00:02)

• Dual Miracle of Confession:
  "The miracle is I've been convicted by my sin... the conviction of God's mercy." (25:00)

• Call to Holiness:
  "God never ceases to call us to holiness... He never ceases to call you." (40:00)

Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s exploration of Penance and Reconciliation in this episode offers a deep and compassionate understanding of these sacraments. By intertwining theological insights with practical applications, he provides listeners with both the knowledge and the encouragement needed to engage meaningfully with their faith journey. This episode underscores the perpetual need for conversion and the Church's role in fostering reconciliation and healing within the believer's life.