The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 326 – Envy and Jealousy (2025)
Date: November 22, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Source Material: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2534-2543
Episode Overview
This episode explores the Tenth Commandment—“You shall not covet anything that is your neighbor’s”—with a deep dive into the realities of envy and jealousy. Fr. Mike Schmitz unpacks the differences between these two often-confused emotions, illustrates their dangers in the spiritual life, and provides practical and pastoral guidance for cultivating a heart free from covetousness. Drawing from both personal anecdotes and the Catechism, Fr. Mike’s tone is engaging, honest, and encouraging.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Context: Final Commandment, Final Heart Check
- Fr. Mike highlights how the Ninth and Tenth Commandments “are kind of the interiorizing, right? The heart of the Commandment.” (04:10)
- These commandments address the roots of sin—the desires and intentions of the heart—rather than only outward actions.
The Tenth Commandment: Coveting and Its Roots
- The Tenth Commandment forbids "coveting the goods of another as the root of theft, robbery, and fraud, which the Seventh Commandment forbids.” (05:00)
- Covetousness covered by the Tenth Commandment is seen as a catalyst for a multitude of sins—connecting even to violence (Fifth Commandment) and idolatry (First through Third Commandments).
- “Everything we do, every good and every evil, flows from the human heart.” (08:30)
The Disorder of Covetous Desires
- Natural desires (like hunger or warmth) are good but become disordered if they “exceed the limits of reason and drive us to covet unjustly what is not ours...” (09:15)
- Fr. Mike relates this to modern life—how treats that were once rare (like pizza and a movie night) become routine and less appreciated in abundance.
- Memorable moment: Fr. Mike’s childhood memory of video rental and pizza as a major treat vs. today’s constant access. (12:40)
When Desire is Not Wrong
- “It's not a violation...to desire to obtain things that belong to one's neighbor, provided this is done by just means.” (14:45)
- Fr. Mike explains legitimate desire: You can want what your neighbor has if you pursue it honestly (buying, working for it).
- He draws a line between healthy aspiration and sinful covetousness.
Jealousy vs. Envy: Key Distinctions
- Jealousy: Can at times be legitimate—“God says that I am a jealous God...he’s jealous of your heart.” (16:10)
- Example: A married person's exclusive love.
- Jealousy can also be destructive if it crosses into possessiveness or violence.
- Envy: Always a sin. “Envy is sadness at the good fortune...or blessings of another. Basically, envy is: I would be happy if you didn't have what you have.” (17:30)
- Fr. Mike uses vivid analogies:
- Jealousy: Like theft (“I want what you have for myself”).
- Envy: Like vandalism (“I don’t even want it; I just don’t want you to have it”). (21:10)
- Fr. Mike uses vivid analogies:
The Spiritual Danger of Envy
- “By the envy of the devil, death entered the world.” – Book of Wisdom (18:55)
- Fr. Mike: “That's what envy is… I know I can't have it. I want to make it so you can't have it.” (19:05)
- Envy leads to “hatred, detraction, calumny, joy caused by the misfortune of a neighbor and displeasure caused by his prosperity.” (20:30) – citing St. Gregory the Great
Battling Envy and Cultivating Humility
- Envy is linked to pride; the antidote is humility and goodwill toward others.
- “We must struggle against that envy by exercising goodwill...” (22:15)
- St. John Chrysostom: “Would you like to see God glorified by you? Then rejoice in your brother’s progress and you will immediately give glory to God…” (23:30)
- Fr. Mike suggests actively praying for and celebrating the blessings and successes of others.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On the roots of envy and jealousy:
- “The Tenth Commandment concerns the intention of the heart. And with the ninth, it summarizes all of the precepts of the law.” (05:50)
- “Everything we do, every good and every evil, flows from the human heart.” (08:30)
On desire:
- “Desires are good in themselves, but what happens is they exceed...the limits of reason.” (09:20)
- “When is it enough? When is enough enough?… We just keep moving the goalposts.” (10:15)
Childhood reminiscence:
- “Remember when that kind of thing was a big deal?...Now everyone has a movie theater in their pocket…What used to be…‘I’m so grateful for this’ is just a Wednesday afternoon.” (12:45)
On jealousy:
- “God says that I am a jealous God…He's jealous of your heart…For husbands and wives to be…jealous of one another…that’s legitimate.” (16:20)
- “There are times when jealousy is OK…other times when jealousy is not…” (16:45)
On envy:
- “Envy is sadness at the good fortune…of another. I would be happy if you didn't have what you have.” (17:30)
- “Envy is less like theft and more like vandalism.” (21:10)
- “Nothing gets me more mad than that…to just break it for the sake of breaking it.” – Fr. Mike’s father (21:40)
On conquering envy:
- “Would you like to see God glorified by you? Then rejoice in your brother’s progress and you will immediately give glory to God…” – St. John Chrysostom (23:30)
- “So often we are sad at the success of others…We must struggle against envy by praying for them…that praises God.” (24:00)
Important Timestamps
- 04:10 — Fr. Mike on the “interiorizing” nature of the 9th and 10th Commandments
- 05:00–06:00 — Catechism’s summary on coveting and connection to other commandments
- 12:40 — Fr. Mike’s childhood memory about the rarity of treats
- 16:10 — Explaining “jealousy” through God’s relationship with his people
- 17:30 — Defining “envy” and why it’s uniquely dangerous
- 19:05 — “Envy as the diabolical sin” and the devil’s envy
- 21:10 — Analogy: Jealousy as theft, envy as vandalism
- 23:30 — St. John Chrysostom’s advice for conquering envy
- 24:00 — Practical exhortation to pray for and rejoice in others’ blessings
Closing Thoughts
Fr. Mike closes by encouraging listeners to recognize these patterns of envy and jealousy within their own hearts and to actively combat them by rejoicing in others’ blessings, practicing humility, and seeking transformation rather than just information:
“We must struggle against envy by praying for them and praying God gives them even greater blessings. …That’s the kind of hearts God wants for us. And that’s the kind of hearts we’re made to have.” (24:10)
He wraps up with his signature warmth:
“I’m praying for you. Please pray for me. My name’s Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (25:00)
Summary Table: Main Concepts
| Concept | Jealousy | Envy | |----------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Definition | Wanting what belongs to you/how you’re loved | Sorrow at another’s blessings/success | | Legitimate Use | Sometimes legitimate (God, spouses) | Never legitimate; always a sin | | Danger | Can turn into possessiveness or violence | Can produce hatred, calumny, and spiritual harm| | Remedy | Ordered love, boundaries | Humility, goodwill, rejoicing in others |
For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Tenth Commandment and its practical implications in daily life, this episode offers clarity, relatable examples, and a call to interior transformation.