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

Episode: Day 31 – The Meaning of Faith (2026)

Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Date: January 31, 2026
Readings: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 222–231

Overview

This episode examines the implications of faith in one God, as outlined in Paragraphs 222–231 of the Catechism. Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the profound, practical consequences that belief in the one true God has on every aspect of a person’s life. He breaks down the Catechism’s “bullet points” on living out faith in the one God and encourages listeners to reflect deeply on how these truths call them to action and relationship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Consequences of Faith in One God [2:30]

• Fr. Mike sets the foundation:
  “Believing in the only God, the only one who exists, and loving him with all our being has enormous consequences for our whole life.” [02:40]

• Summary of implications:

  • Coming to know God’s greatness and majesty
  • Living in thanksgiving
  • Knowing the unity and true dignity of every human being
  • Making good use of created things
  • Trusting God in every circumstance

2. Coming to Know God’s Greatness and Majesty [4:15]

• Reverence and humility before God:
  “God, you are God and I am not... Even when God reveals himself, He remains a mystery beyond words. St. Augustine, ‘If you understood him, it would not be God.’” [04:25]

• Endless mystery:
  Fr. Mike emphasizes we are always growing in understanding because God is endlessly knowable.
  “He is capital M, Mystery.” [04:55]

3. Living in Thanksgiving [5:20]

• Dependence and gratitude:
  “If God is the only one, right? If God is, and he alone is, everything we have, everything we are, comes from him.” [05:32]

• Scripture reference:

  • 1 Corinthians: ‘What do you have that you did not receive?’ [05:40]

• Reflection:
  Fr. Mike encourages continual gratitude, noting that even breath is a gift from God.

4. Knowing the Unity and True Dignity of All Men [6:02]

• Common origin, intrinsic dignity:
  “We belong literally to one family of the human race. And because we have God as our source... every human being has dignity... not an imparted dignity... it is a true dignity that is innate, intrinsic in every human being.” [06:20]

5. Making Good Use of Created Things [7:10]

• Attachment/disattachment:
  Faith leads us to use creation to draw closer to God, and avoid what distances us from Him.

  • Quote from St. Nicholas of Flue:
    “My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from you. My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to you. My Lord and my God, detach me from myself to give my all to you.” [07:45]

• Opening to God’s will:
  Blessings and crosses each play a role in bringing us close to God.

6. Trusting God in Every Circumstance [8:35]

• In adversity and abundance:
  “If God is good, if God is truth, if God is love, then we can trust God in every circumstance, even in adversity.” [08:42]

  • Prayer of St. Teresa of Jesus:
    “Let nothing trouble you. Let nothing frighten you. Everything passes. God never changes. Patience obtains all. Whoever has God wants for nothing. God alone is enough.” [09:05]

• Humility in prosperity:
  Fr. Mike notes that people are tempted to turn from God not only in adversity but also in good times.
  “In adversity, but also in abundance, do we substitute that abundance for the Lord?” [09:50]

7. Catechism In Brief (Summary Section) [10:30]

• Oneness of God:

  • Deuteronomy 6: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.”
  • Tertullian: “If God is not one, he is not God.”

• God is both knowable and unknowable:

  • St. Augustine: “If you understood him, it would not be God.”

• Essence of God:
  “God's very being is truth and love.” [11:05]

8. Personal and Spiritual Encouragement [12:00]

• Fr. Mike’s reflections:
  “Please bring me back. Bring me home. Bring me back to your heart. Because there are consequences for your existence. There are consequences for believing in you and loving you with all our heart.” [12:48]

• Commitment to prayer:
  “We're praying with each other. We pray for each other. I am praying for you. Please pray for me.” [13:22]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He is capital M, Mystery.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz [04:55]
• “It is a true dignity that is innate, intrinsic in every human being.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz [06:32]
• St. Nicholas of Flue’s prayer:
  “Take from me everything that distances me from you... Detach me from myself to give my all to you.” [07:45]
• St. Teresa of Jesus’ prayer:
  “Let nothing trouble you... God alone is enough.” [09:05]
• “How often in adversity, how often in our lives, even not only in adversity but also in abundance, do we substitute that abundance for the Lord?” — Fr. Mike Schmitz [09:50]
• St. Augustine:
  “If you understood him, it would not be God.” [11:15]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & context: 00:05
• Consequences of faith in one God: 02:30
• Coming to know God’s greatness and majesty: 04:15
• Living in thanksgiving: 05:20
• Unity & dignity of all people: 06:02
• Use of created things & St. Nicholas prayer: 07:10
• Trusting God in all circumstances: 08:35
• St. Teresa of Jesus prayer: 09:05
• Catechism in brief summary: 10:30
• Fr. Mike’s encouragement & closing reflection: 12:00

Episode Tone

Throughout, Fr. Mike maintains his characteristic warmth, enthusiasm, and accessibility, combining reverence for deep theological truths with encouragement and practical application for daily living. The tone is both worshipful and conversational, making lofty doctrine approachable and directly relevant.