The Catechism in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode: Day 294: Homicide (2025)
Date: October 21, 2025
Reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2268–2269

Overview

This episode explores the Catholic Church’s teaching on homicide as articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike Schmitz unpacks the grave moral weight of intentional and indirect killing, the unique seriousness of violating close personal bonds through homicide, and the complex moral landscape surrounding indirect and unintentional death. He emphasizes the underlying call to uphold the dignity and sanctity of human life, referencing scriptural roots and contemporary examples.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Intentional Homicide and the Fifth Commandment (00:45–03:18)

• Direct and Intentional Killing:
  • The Fifth Commandment strictly forbids the direct and intentional killing of an innocent human being, labeling it "gravely sinful."
  • “The murderer and those who cooperate voluntarily in murder commit a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance.” (Fr. Mike quoting the Catechism, 02:13)
• Grave Crimes & Broken Bonds:
  • Infanticide (killing children), fratricide (sibling), parricide (parent), and the murder of a spouse are especially grave due to the natural bonds they violate.
• No Justification through Public Authority or Eugenics:
  • No pursuit of eugenics, public health concerns, or directives from authorities can justify murder.
  • “Concern for eugenics or public health cannot justify any murder, even if commanded by public authority.” (Fr. Mike quoting the Catechism, 02:45)

Memorable Quote:

“The most immediate application of the commandment, ‘Thou shalt not take innocent human life.’”
– Fr. Mike Schmitz (08:00)

2. Indirect Homicide and Societal Complicity (03:18–07:00)

• Indirect Killing and Grave Responsibility:
  • The church forbids actions intended to bring about someone’s death indirectly; exposing someone to mortal danger without grave reason is forbidden.
  • “The fifth commandment forbids doing anything with the intention of indirectly bringing about a person's death.” (04:00)
• Neglecting Efforts to Remedy Social Evils:
  • Reference to societal acceptance of “murderous famines” without earnest attempts to remedy them is condemned as a grave injustice.
  • Fr. Mike draws on contemporary famine as an example, highlighting how corrupt governance or usurious practices indirectly cause death.
  • “The acceptance by human society of murderous famines without efforts to remedy them is a scandalous injustice and a grave offense.” (Catechism, quoted at 05:00)
• Economic Sins Leading to Death:
  • Those whose greed or financial exploitation (“usurious and avaricious dealings”) result in hunger and death are culpable for indirect homicide.

Memorable Quote:

“Those who, because of their usurious or avaricious dealings—‘I’m here to make more money, I’m here to just use people up’—they are guilty of this. That is a grave, grave sin.”
– Fr. Mike Schmitz (06:30)

3. Unintentional Killing and Moral Culpability (07:00–11:00)

• Accidents and Manslaughter:
  • Unintentional killing (e.g., accidents) is generally not considered morally imputable.
  • “Unintentional killing is not morally imputable… But, one is not exonerated from grave offense if, without proportionate reasons, he has acted in a way that brings about someone’s death—even without the intention to do so.” (07:45)
• Gravity of Negligence or Recklessness:
  • If reckless or negligent behavior leads to unintentional death (e.g., reckless driving, driving under the influence), moral responsibility is incurred.
  • “If I was reckless in my driving and it involved an unintentional killing, I could be more morally imputable.” (08:45)
• Moral Deliberation Required:
  • Fr. Mike urges listeners to reflect honestly on their own behavior and on policy or cultural norms that may tolerate or indirectly cause death.

Memorable Quote:

“Unintentional killing is not morally imputable, but I’m not exonerated if decisions I made place the responsibility on me—even if I didn’t intend to take another person’s life.”
– Fr. Mike Schmitz (09:10)

4. Pastoral Sensitivity and God’s Mercy (11:00–13:00)

• Invitation to Mercy:
  • Fr. Mike gently acknowledges that some listeners may have directly or indirectly participated in killing and invites them to receive God’s mercy.
  • “If you are someone who, yes, you had killed someone—whether intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly—the Lord wants to offer you his mercy.” (11:40)
• Preparing for the Next Topic (Abortion):
  • Briefly previews the next episode’s focus on abortion and encourages listeners to prepare with both conviction and an openness to mercy.

Noteworthy Quotes & Timestamps

• “The murderer and those who cooperate voluntarily in murder commit a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance.”
  (Catechism quoted by Fr. Mike, 02:13)
• “Concern for eugenics or public health cannot justify any murder, even if commanded by public authority.”
  (Catechism quoted by Fr. Mike, 02:45)
• “The acceptance by human society of murderous famines without efforts to remedy them is a scandalous injustice and a grave offense.”
  (Catechism quoted by Fr. Mike, 05:00)
• “Unintentional killing is not morally imputable… but one is not exonerated from grave offense if, without proportionate reasons, he has acted in a way that brings about someone’s death.”
  (Catechism quoted by Fr. Mike, 07:45)
• “If you are someone who, yes, you had killed someone—whether intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly—the Lord wants to offer you his mercy.”
  (Fr. Mike Schmitz, 11:40)

Summary Table of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Theme | Highlights | |------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:45–03:18| Grave Sin of Direct/Intentional Homicide | Fifth Commandment, special bonds, no justification| | 03:18–07:00| Indirect Killing & Societal Responsibility | Famines, economic injustice, indirect homicide | | 07:00–11:00| Unintentional Homicide & Culpability | Accidents vs. Negligence, personal reflection | | 11:00–13:00| Mercy for All & Next Episode Preview | Pastoral invitation, abortion topic preview |

Concluding Thoughts

Fr. Mike’s discussion is anchored in a deep reverence for human life and a profound pastoral sensitivity. He calls listeners to recognize both personal and collective responsibility for the direct or indirect taking of life while consistently affirming the ever-present opportunity for repentance and mercy.

Tone:
Serious, compassionate, instructive, rooted in scripture and Church teaching.

For reflection or further study, listeners are encouraged to review Catechism paragraphs 2268–2269. Tomorrow’s episode will address the sensitive subject of abortion, continuing this theme of the dignity of human life and God’s mercy.