Episode Summary: Day 197 – Forms of Penance

Podcast: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Podcast Provider: Ascension
Episode Focus: Paragraphs 1434-1439 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Duration: 15-20 minutes

1. Introduction: Journeying Through the Catechism

In Day 197 of The Catechism in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz continues his insightful exploration of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on paragraphs 1434 to 1439. He emphasizes the ongoing journey of conversion—a radical reorientation of one’s life towards God. Fr. Mike invites listeners to deepen their understanding of penance and its vital role in Christian life.

"In Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides you through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 episodes, providing explanation, insight, and encouragement along the way."
[00:05]

2. Understanding Conversion and Its Process

Fr. Mike begins by defining conversion not merely as an event but as a continuous process involving interior repentance and a heartfelt return to God. This aligns with the previous day’s discussion and sets the stage for delving into the various forms of penance that facilitate this transformation.

"Conversion is a process. It's an interior repentance, a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, all these things."
[00:05]

3. The Three Pillars of Penance: Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving

At the core of Christian penance are the three traditional forms: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Fr. Mike elucidates how each serves a distinct purpose in one's spiritual journey:

• Fasting: Represents self-denial and personal conversion.
• Prayer: Strengthens the relationship with God.
• Almsgiving: Enhances conversion in relation to others.

"Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving... express conversion in relation to oneself, to God and to others."
[Transition from introductory remarks]

Fr. Mike highlights the simplicity and profound impact of these practices, making them accessible yet deeply transformative.

"It's so simple, so straightforward, and also at the same time so powerful."
[Mid-episode]

4. Expanding Penance: Beyond the Basics

Beyond the foundational practices, Fr. Mike explores additional means of obtaining forgiveness and fostering reconciliation:

• Efforts at Reconciliation: Healing relationships with others.
• Tears of Repentance: Genuine sorrow for sin.
• Concern for Others' Salvation: Praying and acting for the well-being of others.
• Intercession of the Saints: Seeking support from those who have gone before.
• Practice of Charity: Active love that covers a multitude of sins.

"The practice of charity... covers a multitude of sins. Love is effective in the sense of S-E-R-I, it's affection, it's emotion, but also if love is going to do anything, it has to be effective."
[Discussion on paragraph 1434]

Fr. Mike underscores that love, when acted upon, becomes a powerful tool for transformation.

5. Daily Cross: Embracing Suffering and Following Jesus

One of the episode's pivotal points is the concept of "taking up one's cross each day." Fr. Mike explains that this means accepting and bearing life's challenges as part of one's penitent journey.

"Taking up one's cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way of penance."
[Explaining paragraph 1435]

He encourages listeners to see daily struggles as opportunities to grow closer to Christ, reinforcing that Jesus is always by our side in these moments.

"When we're willing to carry our cross each day and follow Jesus, that he is so close to us."
[Later in the segment]

6. Eucharist and Penance: Nourishing Continuous Conversion

Fr. Mike delves into the Eucharist's role in sustaining daily conversion. He references the Council of Trent to highlight the Eucharist as a remedy against sin and a source of strength.

"Through the Eucharist, those who live from the life of Christ are fed and strengthened. As the Council of Trent stated, it is a remedy to free us from our daily faults and to preserve us from mortal sins."
[Mid-episode]

Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of engaging with Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy of the Hours as complementary practices to Mass, providing a holistic approach to spiritual growth.

"Every sincere act of worship or devotion revives the spirit of conversion and repentance within us and contributes to the forgiveness of our sins."
[Discussing paragraph 1434]

7. The Parable of the Prodigal Son: A Blueprint for Conversion

Fr. Mike revisits the Parable of the Prodigal Son, illustrating it as a perfect representation of the conversion process. He breaks down the key stages:

• Fascination with Illusory Freedom: The son’s initial departure.
• Extreme Misery: Realizing the emptiness of his choices.
• Repentance and Decision to Return: Acknowledging his need for reconciliation.
• Father’s Generous Welcome: Experiencing God's boundless mercy.

"Only the heart of Christ, who knows the depths of His Father's love, could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way."
[Concluding thoughts on the parable]

Fr. Mike beautifully ties this narrative back to the Catechism, reinforcing that true conversion is heart-centered and always leads back to the Father's embrace.

8. Conclusion: Embracing the Heart of Conversion

In his closing remarks, Fr. Mike passionately urges listeners to return to the Lord, regardless of their personal struggles or past disappointments. He offers a heartfelt prayer, seeking strength and the grace to embody the teachings discussed.

"When were are still pressing play... there's all these things that we can do and all these things that the church even invites us or asks us to do... the heart of it is come back to the Lord."
[Final thoughts]

He leaves listeners with a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering love and an invitation to persevere in their journey of faith.

"Whenever we come back to Him, the Father rejoices over you. And he does that right now as you turn back to Him."
[Final blessings]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:05]: "Conversion is a process. It's an interior repentance, a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, all these things."

• [Mid-episode]: "Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving... express conversion in relation to oneself, to God and to others."

• [Discussion on paragraph 1434]: "The practice of charity... covers a multitude of sins. Love is effective in the sense of S-E-R-I, it's affection, it's emotion, but also if love is going to do anything, it has to be effective."

• [Paragraph 1435 explanation]: "Taking up one's cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way of penance."

• [Final thoughts on the parable]: "Only the heart of Christ, who knows the depths of His Father's love, could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way."

• [Final blessings]: "Whenever we come back to Him, the Father rejoices over you. And he does that right now as you turn back to Him."

Final Reflections

Day 197's episode serves as a profound reminder of the multifaceted nature of penance and its essential role in fostering a deep, heartfelt conversion. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines Scripture, Church teaching, and practical advice, guiding listeners to not only understand but also actively engage in their spiritual transformation. Whether grappling with personal struggles or seeking to enhance daily practices, this episode offers valuable insights into living a life aligned with God's plan of sheer goodness.

Listener's Takeaway:

Engage with the three pillars of penance—fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—and integrate additional practices such as reconciliation, charity, and taking up your daily cross to nurture a heart increasingly like Christ. Embrace the Eucharist and Sacred Scripture as sources of strength, and find inspiration in the Parable of the Prodigal Son to continually return to the Father's boundless love and mercy.

Call to Action:

Stay committed to your Catechism in a Year journey by subscribing to the podcast and utilizing the Ascension's Foundations of Faith reading plan. Let each day be an opportunity to grow closer to God and embody the teachings of the Catholic Faith in every aspect of your life.