Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 30: God Is Who Is
Episode Details
- Title: Day 30: God Is Who Is
- Release Date: January 30, 2025
- Podcast: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Organization: Ascension
Introduction
In Day 30 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Paragraphs 212-221 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode, titled "God Is Who Is," explores three profound divine attributes: Existence, Truth, and Love. Fr. Schmitz meticulously guides listeners through these concepts, intertwining Scripture and tradition to illuminate the nature of God.
Key Topics and Discussions
1. God Alone is (Existence)
Fr. Schmitz begins by emphasizing the uniqueness of God’s existence:
- Scriptural Foundation: The Catechism underscores that "God alone is existence", meaning that all that exists does so in relation to Him.
- Philosophical Insight: He references the idea of God as the "fullness of being and of every perfection", without origin or end, highlighting that everything else is contingent upon Him.
Notable Quote:
"Everything that exists only exists in relation to Him, which is just incredible." (05:30)
2. God is Truth
Next, the discussion shifts to God’s nature as Truth:
- Biblical References: Fr. Schmitz cites Psalm 119 and 2 Samuel to illustrate that "God is truth" and that His promises are unbreakable.
- Theological Implications: He explains that God’s truthfulness means He cannot deceive nor be deceived, establishing His trustworthiness and faithfulness.
Notable Quote:
"If God is truth, his promises always come true." (12:45)
3. God is Love
The episode culminates with an exploration of God’s identity as Love:
- Historical Context: Using references from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the Apostle John, Fr. Schmitz illustrates God’s unwavering love for His people.
- Trinitarian Reflection: He beautifully connects the Trinity to the concept of love, describing it as an "eternal exchange of love" among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Human Connection: Emphasizing that humans are made in God’s image, Fr. Schmitz encourages listeners to participate in this divine communion of love.
Notable Quote:
"God Himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And he has destined us to share in that exchange." (28:15)
Insights and Reflections
Fr. Schmitz offers deep reflections on each attribute:
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Existence: He marvels at the concept that all of creation is contingent upon God, fostering a sense of awe and dependence on the Creator.
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Truth: By highlighting God’s unerring truth, Fr. Schmitz reassures listeners of God's reliability, contrasting it with the deceit introduced by the Tempter in Genesis.
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Love: The most profound aspect, according to Fr. Schmitz, is the Trinitarian nature of God’s love. He posits that understanding God as love implies our destiny to engage in mutual love, mirroring the divine relationship within the Trinity.
Practical Application: Fr. Schmitz encourages believers to trust in God’s truth and love, allowing these attributes to guide their lives and relationships.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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On God’s Unique Existence:
"God alone is existence. He is existence itself, and everything that exists only exists in relation to him." (07:20)
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On God as Truth:
"God is truth and in him there is no darkness." (14:10)
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On God’s Faithfulness:
"His promises will always come true." (18:35)
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On God’s Love:
"God is love. By sending his only Son and the Spirit of love in the fullness of time, God has revealed his innermost secret." (35:50)
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On the Trinitarian Love:
"God Himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And he has destined us to share in that exchange." (28:15)
Conclusion
In this enriching 20-minute episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully unpacks fundamental aspects of God's nature as presented in the Catechism. By focusing on Existence, Truth, and Love, he not only elucidates theological concepts but also invites listeners to a deeper personal relationship with God. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, reaffirming trust in God’s truth and love, and setting the stage for forthcoming discussions centered on the life and purpose God has envisioned for each individual.
Final Reflection: Fr. Schmitz leaves listeners inspired to embrace God's attributes, encouraging communal support and prayer as essential tools for living out these divine truths.
End of Summary