The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Day 287: The Gratitude of Children

Date: October 14, 2025
Reading: Paragraphs 2214–2220, Catechism of the Catholic Church

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the duties of children—both minors and adults—toward their parents, as outlined in the Catechism’s discussion on the Fourth Commandment. The conversation revolves around the themes of gratitude, respect, and the ongoing responsibilities that children have for their parents throughout life. Fr. Mike’s reflections are convicting and empathetic, encouraging listeners to embrace both honesty about family wounds and gratitude for the gifts received through family.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Divine Fatherhood as the Source of Human Fatherhood

• "[00:45] The Divine fatherhood is the source of human fatherhood. This is the foundation of the honor owed to parents."
  All fatherhood finds its source in God, framing the respect children owe parents (both minor and adult) as rooted in something sacred, not merely cultural or social.

2. Gratitude as the Foundation for Respect

• Respect for parents flows from a deep gratitude for their gift of life and ongoing sacrifice:
  • "[02:00] Respect for parents derives from gratitude toward those who, by the gift of life, their love and their work, have brought their children into the world and enabled them to grow in stature, wisdom and grace."
• The Catechism, citing Sirach, drives home the question:
  • “What can you give back to them that equals their gift to you?”

3. Acknowledgment of Imperfection and Brokenness

• Fr. Mike acknowledges familial imperfections:
  • "[13:30] Every human being is a dysfunctional human being. Every family is a dysfunctional family. ... We're all imperfect, okay? That being said, there is still so much to be grateful for."
• Listeners are encouraged to practice both honesty (not denying real wounds or wrongs) and gratitude for any good received, even if imperfect.

4. Docility & Obedience While Growing Up

• Filial respect is concretely expressed through obedience and docility while children live under their parents’ roof.
  • "[16:05] As long as a child lives at home with his parents, the child should obey his parents in all that they ask of him, when it is for his good or that of the family."
• This obedience extends to teachers and those entrusted by parents, but not when conscience recognizes a command as morally wrong.

5. Ongoing Respect Beyond Obedience for Grown Children

• Obedience ceases with emancipation, but respect does not:
  • "[18:40] Obedience towards parents ceases with the emancipation of the children. Not so respect, which is always owed to them. This respect has its roots in the fear of God..."
• Adult children are called to:
  • Anticipate parents’ wishes
  • Seek their advice
  • Accept just admonitions

6. Material and Moral Support in Old Age

• The Catechism commands adult children to provide material and moral support to parents as much as possible, particularly in old age, illness, loneliness, or distress (Sirach 3:12-16 highlighted).
  • "[22:10] As much as they can, they must give them material and moral support in old age and in times of illness, loneliness, or distress."

7. Practical Encouragement and Conviction

• Fr. Mike links the teachings to everyday life, sharing personal stories of missed opportunities to reach out to his parents.
• He challenges listeners to take concrete steps—call, text, or reach out to a parent or sibling after listening:
  • "[28:30] If you can, after you press stop today ... give them a call or give them a text."
• He warns of the spiritual hazard of busyness:
  • "[27:55] The greatest spiritual enemy of our time is busyness. The enemy of holiness in our time is busyness."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Foundational Perspective:
  • "Divine fatherhood is the source of human fatherhood, and this is the foundation of honor owed to parents." (Fr. Mike, 12:00)
• On Universal Imperfection:
  • "Every human being is a dysfunctional human being. Every family is a dysfunctional family. ... We're all imperfect, okay?" (Fr. Mike, 13:30)
• The Irreplaceability of Parental Gifts:
  • "Even if they haven't given me what I wanted. And even if they haven't given me maybe even what I needed, what they did give is irreplaceable." (Fr. Mike, 15:20)
• On Respect and Obedience:
  • "Obedience ceases... but not so respect, which is always owed to them." (Fr. Mike, 18:40)
• On Practical Love:
  • "If you can, after you press stop today ... give them a call or give them a text." (Fr. Mike, 28:30)
  • "The greatest spiritual enemy of our time is busyness. The enemy of holiness in our time is busyness." (Fr. Mike, 27:55)
• On Family as the Original Community:
  • "We belong to each other. And in almost, in very rare exceptions, the most critical place, the original place where we belong to each other is in the family." (Fr. Mike, 01:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] – Episode introduction and prayer
• [01:24] – Reading of Catechism paragraphs 2214–2220
• [12:00] – Divine fatherhood & respect for parents as adults
• [13:30] – The reality of imperfection in all families
• [16:05] – Children’s obedience while at home
• [18:40] – The enduring duty of respect after emancipation
• [22:10] – Providing material/moral support to aged parents (Sirach citation)
• [27:55] – The spiritual danger of busyness
• [28:30] – Personal challenge to act in gratitude

Actionable Takeaway

Fr. Mike ends with a heartfelt invitation: Don’t let gratitude and respect remain concepts—act on them. After listening, reach out to your parents, siblings, or another loved one. The duty to honor our parents and family does not expire but is a lifelong call that transforms us, leading from mere knowledge to true Christian love in action.

Praying for you. Please pray for me. God bless.