Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 34: Unity in the Holy Spirit

Episode Overview In Day 34 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 243 to 248 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on the Holy Spirit and the intricate dynamics within the Holy Trinity. Titled "Unity in the Holy Spirit," this episode explores the theological nuances surrounding the procession of the Holy Spirit, the historical schism between the Western and Eastern Churches, and the ongoing quest for ecclesial unity.

1. Introduction to the Holy Trinity

Fr. Mike begins by recapping previous discussions on the relationship between the Father and the Son, emphasizing the unique and eternal bond within the Trinity.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are revealed as distinct yet unified persons within the Holy Trinity."

He introduces the day's reading of paragraphs 243-248, which centers on how the Holy Spirit is revealed by the Father and the Son, highlighting the Spirit's divine personhood and mission.

2. Theologia and Economia

Before diving into the Holy Spirit, Fr. Mike revisits the concepts of theologia and economia discussed in the previous episode:

• Theologia: Pertains to who God is in and of Himself.
• Economia: Relates to how God reveals Himself and imparts His life to humanity.

[00:34] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Theologia and economia are both super important and very, very vital in understanding God's revelation."

3. The Holy Spirit: Divine Person and Mission

Fr. Mike explores the role of the Holy Spirit as another divine person within the Trinity, co-equal with the Father and the Son.

[02:15] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Holy Spirit is thus revealed as another Divine Person with Jesus and the Father."

He emphasizes the eternal origin of the Holy Spirit, a mystery unveiled through His mission in time—particularly through the sending of the Spirit after Jesus' glorification.

[04:00] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The sending of the Person of the Spirit after Jesus glorification reveals in its fullness the mystery of the Holy Trinity."

4. The Filioque Controversy and the Great Schism

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the historical and theological dispute known as the Filioque—the clause "and the Son" added to the Nicene Creed by the Western Church.

a. Council of Nicaea and Constantinople

Fr. Mike outlines how early ecumenical councils defined the divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, establishing that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father.

[05:30] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Council of Nicaea in 325 and Constantinople in 381 affirmed that the Holy Spirit is of one substance with the Father."

b. Introduction of the Filioque

He traces the addition of "and the Son" to the Creed, starting with Pope Leo I in 447 and its gradual inclusion in the Latin liturgy between the 8th and 11th centuries.

[09:45] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The introduction of the filioque into the Niceno Constantinopolitan creed by the Latin liturgy constitutes, even today, a point of disagreement with the Orthodox churches."

c. The Great Schism of 1054

Fr. Mike explains how theological disagreements, including the Filioque, contributed to the schism between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

[11:20] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Great Schism in 1054 split the one Church into the Western and Eastern Churches, with the Filioque being a major theological point of contention."

5. Efforts Toward Reconciliation

Despite centuries of division, Fr. Mike highlights attempts at reconciliation, notably the Council of Florence in 1438, which sought to bridge the theological gap.

[16:10] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Council of Florence proposed that both formulations of the Holy Spirit's procession are legitimate, fostering a path toward reconciliation."

He references Eastern Orthodox Bishop Kallistos Ware's perspective, emphasizing that the Filioque issue is more about semantics and emphases than fundamental doctrinal differences.

[23:55] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Bishop Callistus Ware believes the Filioque controversy is more about semantics and different emphases rather than basic doctrinal differences."

6. Affirmation of Unity through the Holy Spirit

Fr. Mike underscores that both the Eastern and Western traditions aim to uphold the mystery of the Trinity without compromising the unity of faith.

[27:30] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Both formulations—'proceeds from the Father and the Son' and 'proceeds from the Father through the Son'—are legitimate and complement each other without affecting the unity of faith."

He calls for prayer and reflection on the Holy Spirit's role in healing ecclesial divisions, expressing hope for eventual reunification.

7. Conclusion and Call to Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer for unity within the Church, invoking the Holy Spirit's guidance to mend the historical rift between East and West.

[30:00] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Let us pray for the Holy Spirit of unity to once again reunite the Church so that, like Pope John Paul II had said, the Church can breathe with both lungs—east and west."

He encourages listeners to join in praying for reconciliation and emphasizes the ongoing importance of this theological dialogue.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the Holy Trinity: The Holy Spirit is a distinct divine person within the Trinity, co-equal with the Father and the Son.

• Filioque's Significance: The addition of "and the Son" to the Nicene Creed is a longstanding theological dispute that contributed to the Great Schism between the Western and Eastern Churches.

• Historical Context: Early councils like Nicaea and Constantinople established foundational doctrines about the Trinity, while later councils like Florence attempted to heal ecclesial divisions.

• Path to Reconciliation: Theological openness and mutual understanding, supported by the Holy Spirit, are essential for overcoming historical schisms within the Church.

• Prayer for Unity: Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance to achieve full ecclesial unity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On the Holy Trinity:

  [02:15] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Holy Spirit is thus revealed as another Divine Person with Jesus and the Father."

• On the Filioque Controversy:

  [09:45] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The introduction of the filioque into the Niceno Constantinopolitan creed by the Latin liturgy constitutes, even today, a point of disagreement with the Orthodox churches."

• On Reconciliation Efforts:

  [16:10] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Council of Florence proposed that both formulations of the Holy Spirit's procession are legitimate, fostering a path toward reconciliation."

• On Bishop Ware's Perspective:

  [23:55] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Bishop Callistus Ware believes the Filioque controversy is more about semantics and different emphases rather than basic doctrinal differences."

• On Unity through the Holy Spirit:

  [27:30] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Both formulations—'proceeds from the Father and the Son' and 'proceeds from the Father through the Son'—are legitimate and complement each other without affecting the unity of faith."

• On Prayer for Unity:

  [30:00] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Let us pray for the Holy Spirit of unity to once again reunite the Church so that, like Pope John Paul II had said, the Church can breathe with both lungs—east and west."

Final Reflections

Day 34 of The Catechism in a Year offers a profound exploration of the Holy Spirit's role within the Trinity and the historical complexities that have shaped Catholic-Orthodox relations. Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly balances theological exposition with heartfelt exhortation, inviting listeners to deepen their understanding and actively participate in the Church's journey toward unity.