Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 21: Believing God

Episode Overview

In Day 21 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the nature of faith as outlined in paragraphs 150 to 155 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Titled "Believing God," this episode explores the dual nature of faith as both a divine gift and a human act, emphasizing the personal adherence and free assent required to fully embrace God's revelation. Through scriptural references and theological insights, Fr. Mike guides listeners to a deeper understanding of what it means to believe in God, the Trinity, and the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Introduction to Faith as Personal Adherence

   • Fr. Mike begins by highlighting the significance of the 21st day in the reading plan, moving past the initial "grindy" aspects to more profound theological concepts.
   • Quote [00:00]: “Faith is first of all a personal adherence of man to God.”

2. Faith as Both Grace and Human Act

   • Divine Gift: Faith is described as a supernatural virtue infused by God, a gift that enables individuals to believe and trust in Him.
     • Quote [10:35]: “Faith is a gift of God, a supernatural virtue infused by Him.”
   • Human Cooperation: Despite being a gift, faith requires active participation—free assent and cooperation from the believer.
     • Quote [17:50]: “Believing is possible only by grace and the interior helps of the Holy Spirit... it is an authentically human act.”

3. Faith in the Trinity

   • Emphasizes that Christian faith is not merely belief in a general sense but specifically in the Trinity: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
   • Scriptural Foundations: References St. Paul’s letters and St. John's writings to underscore the interconnectedness of believing in Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
     • Quote [05:20]: “Jesus Christ is the only one who knows him and can reveal Him.”

4. Faith and Human Freedom

   • Fr. Mike clarifies that faith does not contradict human freedom or reason but is an exercise of both.
     • Quote [24:10]: “Trusting in God and cleaving to the truths he has revealed are contrary neither to human freedom nor to human reason.”
   • Understanding Freedom: Contrasts contemporary notions of freedom with the Church’s understanding that true freedom is the power to do what is right.

5. Total Commitment to God’s Truth

   • Highlights the importance of wholly trusting in God without selectively believing based on personal preferences.
     • Quote [22:45]: “It is right and just to entrust oneself wholly to God and to believe absolutely what he says.”
   • St. Augustine's Insight: References Augustine's perspective on the impossibility of partial belief in the Gospels.

6. The Role of Prayer in Faith

   • Encourages listeners to nurture their faith through prayer, emphasizing that faith grows through both personal effort and divine assistance.
     • Quote [25:30]: “Pray into faith... Pray by faith and pray for faith.”

Notable Insights and Conclusions

• Faith as a Dynamic Relationship: Fr. Mike illustrates that faith is not a static state but a dynamic relationship involving trust, adherence, and active participation.

• Integration of Scripture and Tradition: The episode underscores how the Catechism integrates Sacred Scripture with Sacred Tradition, providing a comprehensive understanding of faith.

• Encouragement for Struggling Believers: Recognizing that absolute belief can be challenging, Fr. Mike invites listeners to pray for the gift of faith, fostering a supportive community of believers.

Closing Reflections

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reaffirming the call to trust God wholly and to seek continual growth in faith. He emphasizes the importance of mutual prayer and support among the podcast community, fostering an environment where listeners can deepen their understanding and commitment to the Catholic faith.

Final Quote [28:15]: “It is right and just to entrust oneself wholly to God and to believe absolutely what he says. If you struggle, pray for the gift of faith.”

Next Episode Teaser

Fr. Mike hints at the forthcoming discussion on how faith can achieve certainty, addressing common perceptions and misunderstandings about the nature of faith. He encourages listeners to prepare for a deeper exploration of faith's relationship with reason and certainty.

Additional Resources

Listeners are encouraged to follow along with the reading plan provided by Ascension Press and to subscribe to the podcast for daily notifications. For personal study, downloading the Ascension edition of the Catechism is recommended, aligning with the Foundations of Faith approach that the podcast follows.

Contact and Support

For more information or to engage with the community, visit ascensionpress.com/city and consider subscribing to the podcast through your preferred platform.

This summary encapsulates the essence of Day 21's episode, offering a comprehensive guide to Fr. Mike Schmitz's exploration of faith as both a divine gift and a human endeavor. It serves as a useful tool for those seeking to understand the foundational aspects of Catholic belief without having listened to the full episode.