Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 206: Healing the Sick

Episode Overview In Day 206 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the profound topic of healing the sick, guided by paragraphs 1506 to 1513 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode explores the theological foundations of healing, the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, and the multifaceted reasons behind God’s allowance of suffering and illness. Through insightful explanations, scriptural references, and personal anecdotes, Fr. Mike provides listeners with a deeper understanding of how healing and suffering intersect within the Catholic faith.

Opening Prayer and Introduction The episode begins with a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Mike Schmitz, setting a contemplative tone for the discussion on healing and suffering. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s unwavering love, especially during times of pain and illness.

“Father in heaven, we love you and we know without a doubt that you love us... Help us always to trust you and help us to never stay afar from you, especially when we need you the most...” (00:05)

The Role of Healing in the Gospel Fr. Mike transitions into the main reading, highlighting how Jesus Christ’s miracles and healing acts serve as both signs of God’s love and authenticators of His divine identity. He explains that miracles, such as healing the sick, not only demonstrate compassion but also validate the truth of the Gospel message.

“The healings are not only a sign of God's love and care for the poor, care for the sick, they're also signs that he is who he says he is.” (06:45)

Invitation to Discipleship and Healing Ministry Jesus invites His disciples to follow Him by taking up their crosses, leading them to adopt a new perspective on illness and service. Fr. Mike emphasizes that this call to discipleship includes sharing in Christ’s ministry of compassion and healing.

“By following him, they acquire a new outlook on illness and the sick. Jesus associates them with his own life of poverty and service.” (10:30)

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. Fr. Mike outlines its biblical roots, historical development, and contemporary practice within the Church.

• Biblical Foundation: St. James 5:14-15 is cited as the scriptural basis, where the elders of the Church pray and anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord.

  “Are any among you sick, let them call for the elders of the Church...anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.” (17:20)

• Historical Context: The sacrament has evolved from its early practice of anointing those at the point of death, known as extreme unction, to its current application for those seriously ill.

  “From ancient times, in the liturgical traditions of both east and west, we have testimonies to the practice of anointings of the sick with blessed oil.” (22:15)

• Modern Practice: The apostolic Constitution Sacrum Anointionem redefined the sacrament, emphasizing its administration to the seriously ill through anointing with blessed oil and invoking the Holy Spirit for healing and salvation.

  “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.” (30:10)

Understanding Suffering: Multifaceted Reasons Fr. Mike delves into the various reasons why God permits suffering and illness, expanding upon traditional theological perspectives with personal insights and references to notable theologians.

1. Correction and Discipline: Suffering serves as a means for personal correction and spiritual discipline, helping individuals recognize and amend their ways.

   “God uses illness to correct us... to help us grow in maturity.” (35:50)

2. Maturity and Growth: Illness fosters spiritual and emotional maturity, cultivating virtues such as patience and grace.

   “God wants to grow us in patience, wants to grow us in grace.” (38:20)

3. Softening of the Heart: Suffering softens the heart, making individuals more compassionate and understanding towards others.

   “He wants to make us more compassionate, more patient with others.” (41:00)

4. Redemptive Suffering: Fr. Mike introduces the concept of redemptive suffering, where personal suffering is united with Christ’s own afflictions for the redemption of the Church.

   “We complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions... so that you and I can be co-workers in the salvation and redemption of the world.” (50:35)

Personal Reflections and Anecdotes Fr. Mike shares a poignant conversation with a man grappling with illness, illustrating the struggle to find meaning in suffering and the deepening of trust in God despite unanswered prayers for healing.

“He said... In my flesh I complete what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.” (55:10)

Insights from C.S. Lewis Incorporating insights from C.S. Lewis’s works, Fr. Mike explores the interplay between pain and divine purpose. He references "The Problem of Pain," "Till We Have Faces," and "A Grief Observed" to illustrate the intellectual, imaginative, and emotional dimensions of suffering.

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” – C.S. Lewis (62:40)

The Church’s Role in Healing The sacrament of the anointing of the sick exemplifies the Church’s commitment to ministering to those in need. Fr. Mike praises the dedication of priests who administer this sacrament, often at great personal sacrifice, and underscores the communal support extended to the sick.

“Our priests... will continually show up. And so let's pray for them.” (70:15)

Conclusion and Call to Prayer Fr. Mike concludes the episode by urging listeners to pray for the clergy who minister to the sick and for those who suffer alone. He expresses deep gratitude for the grace bestowed through the sacrament and the ongoing presence of Christ in moments of illness and pain.

“If you've received the anointing of the sick, it is a gift to you... I am humbled by my brothers who continually show up.” (85:20)

He ends with a final prayer, invoking God’s mercy and healing for all listeners.

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” (90:00)

Key Takeaways

• Healing as a Sign of Divine Identity: Miracles authenticate the Gospel and demonstrate God’s love.
• Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick: A vital sacrament for the seriously ill, rooted in scripture and tradition.
• Multifaceted Purpose of Suffering: Correction, growth, compassion, and redemptive participation in Christ’s suffering.
• Role of the Church and Clergy: Dedicated priests play a crucial role in administering the sacrament and supporting the sick.
• Integration of Theology and Personal Experience: Fr. Mike effectively bridges doctrinal teachings with real-life applications and personal stories.

Final Thoughts Day 206 of The Catechism in a Year offers a comprehensive exploration of healing and suffering within the Catholic faith. Through thoughtful exegesis of the Catechism, personal anecdotes, and theological reflections, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides listeners with a profound understanding of how illness and suffering can deepen faith, foster spiritual growth, and manifest God’s redemptive love.