Summary of "Day 200: The Confession of Sins" from The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
The Catechism in a Year podcast, hosted by Ascension and led by Fr. Mike Schmitz, takes listeners through a comprehensive exploration of the Catholic Catechism over 365 daily episodes. On Day 200: The Confession of Sins, released on July 19, 2025, Fr. Mike delves deeply into the sacrament of confession, elucidating its significance, the essential components of genuine penitence, and the transformative power it holds within the Catholic faith.
Introduction to the Sacrament of Confession
Fr. Mike begins by reflecting on the journey so far, expressing gratitude for reaching the 200th day of the podcast. He sets the stage for the day's topic by introducing the sacrament of healing—also known as the sacrament of forgiveness or reconciliation. He emphasizes that confession is not merely an act of ritual but a profound encounter with God's mercy and a pathway to spiritual healing.
"We have been talking about the sacrament of healing, sacrament of forgiveness, the sacrament of reconciliation." [04:30]
The Acts of the Penitent
Building on the previous day’s discussion about contrition, Fr. Mike outlines the three essential acts that the penitent must engage in during confession:
- Contrition: Genuine sorrow for sins and a firm resolution to turn away from sin.
- Confession of Sins: The act of disclosing one's sins to a priest, which requires honesty and openness.
- Satisfaction (Penance): Making amends for the harm caused by sin, which can involve restitution, prayer, or acts of mercy.
He underscores that confession is not just about seeking forgiveness but also about recognizing and addressing the consequences of one’s actions.
"Contrition, that sorrow for sins and a determination to resolve, to turn away from sin..." [09:15]
The Importance of Confessing All Mortal Sins
Fr. Mike references the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), specifically paragraphs 1455-1460, highlighting the necessity of confessing all mortal sins. He explains that mortal sins—grave offenses committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent—must be confessed to receive absolution and reconcile with God and the Church.
"Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of penance as the Council of Trent [emphasizes]." [12:45]
He uses analogies to illustrate this point, comparing withholding sins to a patient not revealing their ailments to a doctor, thereby preventing true healing.
"If the sick person is too ashamed to show his wound to the doctor, the medicine cannot heal what it does not know." [16:30]
Understanding Mortal and Venial Sins
Fr. Mike delineates the differences between mortal sins and venial sins:
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Mortal Sins: Require confession if one wishes to receive Holy Communion. These sins involve grave matter, full knowledge of their gravity, and deliberate consent (CCC 1855).
"If I steal from Bob, I owe Bob 50 bucks... I have to make restitution as much as I possibly can." [20:10]
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Venial Sins: Lesser sins that, while not severing one's relationship with God, still harm one's spiritual well-being. Regular confession of venial sins is encouraged to strengthen one’s conscience and spiritual life.
He emphasizes that while God’s mercy is vast, confessing sins fosters a deeper relationship with Him and the Church community.
The Role of Penance in Healing
Fr. Mike elaborates on satisfaction (penance) as a means to heal the soul post-absolution. He explains that penance is not punitive but remedial, designed to restore the sinner and strengthen their spiritual resilience. Drawing parallels with physical therapy, he illustrates how penance helps individuals recover from the wounds caused by sin.
"The penance the confessor imposes must take into account the penitent's personal situation and must seek his spiritual good." [35:50]
He discusses practical examples of penance, such as prayers, acts of mercy, and self-denial, tailored to correspond with the nature of the confessed sins.
"If you've been wounded in the area of lust, then your penance should work on the area of love." [42:15]
Encouragement to Embrace Confession Fully
Fr. Mike passionately encourages listeners to fully engage in the sacrament of confession, highlighting the transformative power it holds. He addresses common apprehensions, such as the fear of confessing particularly embarrassing sins, reminding listeners of God's boundless mercy and the priest’s role as a mediator of that mercy.
"If I confess all these other mortal sins, but I knowingly withhold even one, ultimately I'm really placing nothing before God's mercy." [50:05]
He stresses the importance of honesty and completeness in confession, likening it to fully returning home in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
Notable Quotes and Reflections
Throughout the episode, Fr. Mike shares insightful quotes from the Catechism and Church Fathers to reinforce his points:
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St. Augustine: "Whoever confesses his sins is already working with God. God indicts your sins. If you also indict them, you're joined with God." [58:20]
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Council of Trent: Emphasizing the necessity of confessing all mortal sins for true absolution and reconciliation.
Conclusion and Application
Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating the dual aspect of confession: absolution removes the sin, but penance addresses its consequences, both external and internal. He likens this process to surgery followed by physical therapy—while the initial problem is fixed, ongoing effort is required to regain full strength and functionality.
"Absolution takes away the sins. We're healed. But oftentimes we experience the consequences of our sins. And that's what the penance is for." [1:05:40]
He encourages listeners to approach confession with a sincere heart, ready to embrace both forgiveness and the necessary steps toward healing and improvement.
"The next time you go to confession, you and I can experience just absolute grace, freedom, no fear, and be able to lay down every one of our sins before our Heavenly Father." [1:07:30]
Fr. Mike closes with a heartfelt prayer, urging listeners to seek God's mercy and the transformative grace of the sacrament.
Key Takeaways
- Confession is Essential: It is a foundational sacrament for reconciliation with God and the Church, especially for mortal sins.
- Honesty and Completeness: Full disclosure of known mortal sins is necessary to receive genuine absolution and mercy.
- Penance as Healing: Penance serves as a means to restore and strengthen the soul, addressing both the consequences of sin and fostering spiritual growth.
- God’s Mercy and Human Cooperation: While God's mercy is infinite, it requires our active participation and honest confession to effect true transformation.
- Personal Application: Listeners are encouraged to approach confession with openness, ready to embrace both forgiveness and the steps needed for spiritual healing and improvement.
Final Thoughts
In Day 200: The Confession of Sins, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a profound exploration of the sacrament of confession, blending theological insights with practical guidance. He emphasizes the sacrament's role in personal transformation and reconciliation, urging Catholics to engage deeply and sincerely with this sacred practice. Through his thoughtful explanations and relatable analogies, Fr. Mike demystifies confession, highlighting its essential place in the Catholic faith as a means to encounter God's unwavering love and mercy.