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

Episode: Day 313 – Ownership of Goods (2025)

Date: November 9, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Sections Covered: Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 2401–2406

Overview of the Episode’s Main Theme

This episode marks the beginning of the discussion on the Seventh Commandment—“You shall not steal”—and delves into Catholic social teaching on the ownership of goods. Fr. Mike explores the tension and harmony between the right to private property and the universal destination of goods, highlighting the Church’s perspective on stewardship, justice, and charity. The teaching presents a nuanced and profound vision that challenges simplistic views on private ownership and redistribution, calling Catholics to see themselves not only as owners, but as stewards of the gifts God entrusts to them.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Seventh Commandment: More Than "Don't Steal"

• [02:10] Fr. Mike sets the stage for a deeper understanding:

  “You thought this was all going to be about ‘You shall not steal’, and that’s it. Just, hey, don’t take what belongs to someone else. Yes, that’s there, but it is so, so much more.”

• Beyond prohibiting theft, the commandment calls for justice and charity in how we handle material goods.
• Catholic social teaching offers a “paradox”, not a compromise, between individual rights and communal responsibility.

2. Catholic "Both-And": Paradox, Not Contradiction

• [03:25]

  “It’s not right to private property versus the universal destination of goods. … It’s always both of those things. So this is not a compromise. This is a paradox.”

• The Church affirms two seemingly opposing truths:
  • The right to private property
  • The universal destination of goods (all resources are intended to meet all human needs)

3. Definitions and Essential Principles

• Universal Destination of Goods
  • Defined via FOCUS:

    “The whole of the world's resources are made to satisfy the whole of the world's needs.” ([08:22])

  • All goods are meant for everyone’s benefit, not the exclusive possession of a few.
• Right to Private Property
  • Arises from human dignity, freedom, and agency.
  • Legitimate ownership provides security, dignity, and care for families.

4. Holding the Two Principles in Tension

• [11:24] Fr. Mike acknowledges the difficulty for those with different economic leanings:

  “Those of us who are, like, serious capitalists… will be challenged by this. ... Others who just want to give it all away will be challenged by the fact that… you also have a right to private property.”

• Both capitalism (if unchecked) and communism (in denying private property) fail to do justice to the Church’s integrated vision.

5. Stewardship Over Ownership

• [14:25]

  “The ownership of any property makes its holder a steward of providence with the task of making it fruitful and communicating its benefits to others, first of all, to his family.”

• Christians are invited to view and use their resources as stewards, not absolute owners.
• Stewardship encompasses:
  • Material goods (money, home, property)
  • Immaterial goods (time, talents, skills, compassion)

6. Practical Applications and Personal Reflection

• Fr. Mike shares examples (envelope system for giving, hospitality) illustrating stewardship in everyday life ([15:25]).
• Christians are called to reserve “the better part” for guests, the sick, and the poor, echoing biblical commands from the Old Testament ([18:22]).
• Reflecting on how to view one’s time, intelligence, and resources:

  “Do I see myself as the owner of my stuff… or do I see myself as the steward of my stuff and the steward of my time?” ([16:55])

7. Challenge to Live Differently

• The episode closes with a call to embrace stewardship:

  “Am I an owner or am I a steward? … Has my stuff been entrusted to me so I can bless the maximum number of people?” ([20:00])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Both-And Paradox:

  “We have to hold these things in tension because these are two truths and they are goods that are held in tension. … They’re not contradictory. They are paradoxical.” – Fr. Mike [05:17]

• Steward over Owner:

  “The ownership of any property makes its holder a steward of providence…” – Fr. Mike, reading CCC 2404 [14:34]

• On Personal Challenge:

  “I think everyone’s going to be challenged… Whether you lean towards capitalism or communism, the Catechism will check both instincts.” – Fr. Mike [11:53]

• Sharing Resources:

  “What part of my material goods belongs not to me, but to those who need them?” – Fr. Mike [18:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:10] – The “Catholic both-and” approach to social teaching
• [03:25] – Paradox of private property and universal destination of goods
• [08:22] – Defining “universal destination of goods”
• [11:24] – Tension between economic ideologies and Church teaching
• [14:25] – Stewardship: property holders as stewards, not mere owners
• [15:25] – Practical example: envelope system for giving
• [16:55] – Stewardship of time and talents, not just material goods
• [18:22] – Scriptural roots and the Old Testament practice of leaving goods for the poor
• [20:00] – Summary challenge: “Am I an owner or am I a steward?”

Conclusion

Fr. Mike urges listeners to reconsider their relationship with their possessions—not as merely owners with rights, but as stewards tasked with serving God and the common good. The teachings of the Catechism unite respect for private property with an obligation toward justice, charity, and solidarity, challenging all Catholics to view their material and immaterial resources through the lens of providence and stewardship.

End of Episode Summary