Podcast Summary: "The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)"

Episode: Day 23: We Believe (2025)
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Duration: 15-20 minutes

Introduction

In Day 23 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the foundational aspects of Catholic faith as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, specifically paragraphs 163 to 169. This episode bridges the conclusion of Article 1: I Believe and the commencement of Article 2: We Believe, emphasizing the personal and communal dimensions of faith.

Faith as the Beginning of Eternal Life

Fr. Mike begins by exploring paragraphs 163 to 165, highlighting faith as the inception of eternal life. He references St. Basil to illustrate that faith allows believers to "taste in advance the light of the beatific vision" (00:05), positioning faith as a precursor to the ultimate goal of seeing God face-to-face. Quoting the Catechism, he notes:

"Faith makes us taste in advance the light of the beatific vision, the goal of our journey here below" ([00:05]).

This perspective aligns with C.S. Lewis’s depiction in The Great Divorce, where faith is portrayed as living in heaven despite earthly hardships. Fr. Mike underscores the reality that faith often operates in darkness, facing challenges like evil, suffering, and personal doubts, which can test and potentially shake one’s belief.

Faith in a Broken World

Addressing the struggles believers face, Fr. Mike acknowledges:

"Faith is often lived in darkness and can be put to the test" ([00:05]).

He discusses how the presence of evil and suffering appears to conflict with the Good News, creating temptations against faith. To navigate these trials, Fr. Mike encourages turning to the "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in the Letter to the Hebrews, citing Abraham and the Virgin Mary as exemplars who maintained faith amidst adversity.

Transition to Communal Faith: "We Believe"

Moving into paragraph 166, Fr. Mike transitions from the individual affirmation "I believe" to the communal declaration "We believe." He emphasizes that while faith is a personal response to God’s initiative, it is not an isolated act. This communal aspect is vital, as no one can believe or live entirely alone. He articulates:

"Faith is a personal act, the free response of the human person to the initiative of God who reveals himself. But faith is not an isolated act" ([00:05]).

Using the analogy of building a chair without tools, he illustrates the impossibility of believing alone, highlighting our dependence on others and the legacy of faith passed down through generations.

The Church: Mother and Teacher of Faith

Fr. Mike delves into the role of the Church in nurturing and sustaining faith. He explains that the Church is our mother, a source of faith and eternal life received through baptism. Quoting Faustus of Ries, he clarifies:

"We believe the Church as the mother of our new birth and not in the Church, as if she were the author of our salvation" ([00:05]).

The Church acts as both teacher (magisterium) and maternal figure, guiding believers in faith and life. Fr. Mike underscores the interconnectedness of believers within the Church, forming a "great chain of believers" where each link supports and is supported by others.

Personal and Communal Acts of Faith

In emphasizing the dual nature of faith, Fr. Mike reiterates that "I believe" is intrinsically linked to "we believe." This interconnectedness means that personal faith is continually reinforced by the faith of the community. He encourages believers to recognize their role within the broader Church community, stating:

"I cannot believe without being carried by the faith of others, and by my faith I help support others in the faith" ([00:05]).

This reciprocal relationship ensures that faith is both received and transmitted, maintaining the vitality and continuity of the Catholic belief system.

Conclusion and Reflection

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reinforcing the importance of both personal and communal expressions of faith. He invites listeners to embrace their role within the Church, contributing to the collective faith journey. Summarizing the key teachings, he reflects on the profound gift of faith and the enduring support provided by the Church community.

Notable Quotes

• Faith as Eternal Life:

  "Faith makes us taste in advance the light of the beatific vision, the goal of our journey here below."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([00:05])

• Faith in Darkness:

  "Faith is often lived in darkness and can be put to the test."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([00:05])

• Communal Faith:

  "Faith is not an isolated act."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([00:05])

• Church as Mother:

  "We believe the Church as the mother of our new birth and not in the Church, as if she were the author of our salvation."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([00:05])

Final Thoughts

Day 23 of The Catechism in a Year offers a deep and insightful exploration of faith's dual dimensions—personal and communal. Fr. Mike Schmitz eloquently navigates the challenges of maintaining faith in a troubled world while highlighting the indispensable role of the Church and community in sustaining and transmitting belief. This episode serves as a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of individual faith journeys within the larger tapestry of the Catholic Church.

Stay Connected:
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