Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 208: Completing the Earthly Pilgrimage

Introduction

In Day 208 of Ascension’s "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 1520 to 1525 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Titled "Completing the Earthly Pilgrimage," this episode explores the profound and transformative effects of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, emphasizing its role in preparing individuals for their final journey and uniting them more deeply with Christ's Passion.

Guided Prayer

Fr. Mike begins the episode with a heartfelt prayer, acknowledging the suffering and trials many listeners face. He prays for God's presence not only in joyous moments but also during times of suffering, illness, and the approach of death. This prayer sets a contemplative tone, inviting listeners to seek divine comfort and strength in their darkest hours.

Notable Quote:

“Lord God, be there in our failures, in our falls, be there in our sufferings, in our weakness.”
[00:05]

Catechism Reading: Paragraphs 1520-1525

Fr. Mike reads and explains the selected paragraphs, highlighting the effects of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick:

1. Gift of the Holy Spirit: The sacrament bestows peace, strength, and courage to endure serious illness or old age. It renews trust and faith in God, fortifying individuals against despair and discouragement.

   Quote:

   “This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one.”
   [10:45]

2. Union with the Passion of Christ: Recipients are united more closely with Christ's suffering, allowing their own suffering to participate in His redemptive work.

   Quote:

   “By the grace of this sacrament, the sick person receives the strength and the gift of uniting himself more closely to Christ's Passion.”
   [15:30]

3. Ecclesial Grace: The Church intercedes on behalf of the sick, reinforcing their connection to the body of Christ and contributing to the sanctification of the Church and the good of all humanity.

   Quote:

   “The sick who receive this sacrament... contribute to the sanctification of the Church and to the good of all men.”
   [20:10]

4. Preparation for the Final Journey: The sacrament prepares individuals for their passage from earthly life to eternal life, often through the reception of viaticum (Holy Communion at the moment of death).

   Quote:

   “The anointing of the sick completes our conformity to the death and resurrection of Christ... fortifies the end of our earthly life like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father's house.”
   [25:50]

Fr. Mike’s Insights and Discussions

Fr. Mike expands on the Catechism's teachings, providing personal reflections and theological insights:

• Suffering as Transformation: He emphasizes that suffering, while inherently difficult, is transformed through Christ's redemptive power. Instead of viewing suffering as meaningless, Catholics are called to unite their pain with Christ’s Passion, finding purpose and spiritual growth in their trials.

  Quote:

  “Jesus Christ has transformed suffering and into power, right? He's transformed suffering to something useful.”
  [30:20]

• Cultural Attitudes Toward Death: Drawing from Dr. Peter Kreeft, Fr. Mike discusses contemporary Western tendencies to avoid contemplating death. He underscores the importance of acknowledging mortality as a pathway to deeper faith and reliance on God.

  Quote:

  “We don't typically, in the west do that. We typically kind of put it off to the side. And yet it's the thing that is guaranteed.”
  [35:15]

• Grace in Everyday Suffering: Fr. Mike extends the discussion beyond imminent death, encouraging listeners to seek the sacrament in everyday struggles and illnesses. By doing so, believers can cultivate a resilient faith that sees God’s presence in all facets of life.

  Quote:

  “Whatever inconvenience you have in your life, whatever suffering or sickness... God can use it all, and he wants to be part of it.”
  [45:00]

Apostolic Pardon: A Plenary Indulgence

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to explaining the Apostolic Pardon, a powerful prayer associated with the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick:

• Definition and Power: The Apostolic Pardon is a plenary indulgence granted to those in danger of death, removing all temporal consequences of sin through the Church’s authority.

  Quote:

  “The apostolic pardon is such a powerful prayer... it removes all temporal consequences due to sin.”
  [50:30]

• Practical Application: Fr. Mike encourages listeners to request the Apostolic Pardon for themselves or their loved ones during the sacrament, highlighting its profound spiritual benefits.

  Quote:

  “If your loved one is in danger of death, ask the priest if he can extend the apostolic pardon to that dear loved one who is dying.”
  [55:10]

• Importance of Community: He reiterates the communal aspect of suffering and prayer, emphasizing that both the individual and the Church benefit spiritually from the sacrament.

  Quote:

  “We live in this community. Here we are, day 208. We're just listening to this podcast. And yet... God can use it all, and he wants to be part of it.”
  [60:00]

Practical Applications and Encouragement

Fr. Mike offers actionable advice and heartfelt encouragement:

• Seek the Sacrament Regularly: Whether facing minor illnesses or terminal conditions, Catholics are urged to participate in the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to receive its blessings.

• Embrace Suffering with Faith: View personal trials as opportunities to grow closer to Christ and contribute to the Church’s sanctification.

• Utilize the Apostolic Pardon: Actively request this blessing during the sacrament to aid in the purification and preparation for eternal life.

  Quote:

  “What incredible gift to be able to ask for. Incredible gift for the priest to be able to offer an incredible, incredible gift to that dying person.”
  [65:00]

Conclusion

Fr. Mike concludes Day 208 by celebrating the journey listeners are undertaking through the Catechism. He acknowledges the challenges of discussing death and suffering but highlights the hope and strength found in the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. His final words are a blend of encouragement and personal connection, fostering a sense of community and shared faith among listeners.

Quote:

“I am proud of you. I am praying for you as well. Please pray for me.”
[70:00]

Key Takeaways

• The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick provides spiritual strength, peace, and courage in times of illness and aging.
• Suffering is transformed through union with Christ's Passion, contributing to personal sanctification and the Church's holiness.
• The Apostolic Pardon offers a plenary indulgence for those at the point of death, removing temporal consequences of sin.
• Embracing and participating in this sacrament fosters a deeper relationship with God, especially during life’s most challenging moments.
• Community support and prayer play crucial roles in navigating suffering and preparing for the final journey.

Final Thoughts

Day 208 of "The Catechism in a Year" offers a profound exploration of the end-of-life sacraments, encouraging Catholics to embrace their faith's teachings on suffering, death, and eternal life. Fr. Mike Schmitz's compassionate guidance helps listeners understand and apply these sacred truths, fostering a resilient and hopeful spiritual journey.

Stay Connected

To continue your journey through the Catechism, subscribe to "The Catechism in a Year" podcast on your preferred platform and follow the reading plan available at ascensionpress.com/ciy.