Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 20: Stepping in Faith
Release Date: January 20, 2025
Introduction
In Day 20: Stepping in Faith of Ascension's The Catechism in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, listeners embark on an insightful exploration of faith as outlined in paragraphs 142 to 149 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike delves deep into understanding the essence of faith, its various dimensions, and its practical application in the lives of believers. This episode is part of a comprehensive 365-episode journey through the Catechism, designed to illuminate the Catholic faith's core teachings and encourage a profound relationship with God.
Main Discussion Points
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Transition to the Chapter on Response (Paragraphs 142-149)
Fr. Mike introduces listeners to a new chapter titled "The Response," emphasizing that God's revelation is not merely for awareness but calls for an active response. This response is characterized by faith, which fosters a personal relationship with God.
"The adequate response to this invitation is faith." [03:15]
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Defining Faith Beyond Intellectual Belief
A significant portion of the discussion centers on differentiating between mere belief in God and truly believing God. Fr. Mike argues that faith transcends intellectual acknowledgment—it involves a heartfelt trust and a complete submission of one's intellect and will to God's revealed truth.
"Faith is not merely intellectual faith... it's much more core to what we call saving faith." [10:45]
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Levels of Faith: Intellectual, Emotional, and Volitional
Drawing from Dr. Peter Kreeft's insights, Fr. Mike outlines three levels of faith:
- Intellectual Faith: Recognizing God's existence as a fact.
- Emotional Faith: Harboring a trust and feeling towards God.
- Volitional Faith: Actively submitting one's intellect and will to God.
He emphasizes that true, saving faith lies in the volitional level, where belief manifests in deliberate actions aligning with God's will.
"Saving faith has to be lived out in my actions and in my choices." [14:30]
Scriptural Examples of Faith
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Abraham: The Father of Faith
Fr. Mike highlights Abraham's exemplary faith as depicted in the Letter to the Hebrews. Abraham's unwavering trust in God, even when called to leave his homeland without knowing his destination, epitomizes the essence of faith.
"Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness because he was strong in his faith." [07:50]
Key Points:
- Obedience without complete knowledge.
- Living as a stranger and pilgrim in the promised land.
- Offering his only son in sacrifice out of faith.
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Mary: The Perfect Embodiment of Obedient Faith
Mary is presented as the quintessential model of obedience and faith. Fr. Mike recounts the Annunciation, where Mary accepts God's plan with complete trust, despite the uncertainties it entails.
"Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." [12:20]
Key Points:
- Acceptance of the angel Gabriel's message without full disclosure of the future.
- Continual submission to God's will throughout her life.
- Veneration by the Church as the purest realization of faith.
Insights on Faith and Its Practice
Fr. Mike stresses that true faith requires more than acknowledgment—it demands an active response. This response is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to align their intellectual understanding and personal will with God's divine plan. He underscores that faith is a journey of continuous trust and obedience, mirroring the lives of Abraham and Mary.
"We can only do that by the power of your Holy Spirit...send us your Holy Spirit so that we can respond as you're calling us to." [05:50]
Fr. Mike also touches upon the challenges of faith, such as taking steps based on incomplete information, and reassures listeners that this reliance on God is a testament to genuine faith, not blind recklessness.
Conclusion
As Day 20 concludes, Fr. Mike reinforces the significance of embodying faith through both belief and action. He encourages listeners to emulate the steadfastness of Abraham and Mary, integrating faith into every aspect of their lives. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God's grace and the Holy Spirit's guidance to live out their faith authentically.
"Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." [19:55]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- "The adequate response to this invitation is faith." [03:15]
- "Faith is not merely intellectual faith... it's much more core to what we call saving faith." [10:45]
- "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness because he was strong in his faith." [07:50]
- "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." [12:20]
- "We can only do that by the power of your Holy Spirit...send us your Holy Spirit so that we can respond as you're calling us to." [05:50]
- "Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." [19:55]
Final Thoughts
Day 20: Stepping in Faith offers a profound reflection on the nature of faith, urging believers to move beyond mere acknowledgment to a life fully committed to God's will. Through scriptural examples and theological insights, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides listeners with a clear understanding of how faith operates within the Catholic tradition and how it can be actively practiced in daily life.
Listeners are encouraged to continue this journey through the Catechism, deepening their understanding and relationship with God over the year-long series.