Episode Overview

Episode Title: Day 34: Unity in the Holy Spirit (2026)
Podcast: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Date: February 3, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode centers on the unity of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity, delving into how the Holy Spirit is revealed, the theological debates surrounding the Spirit’s procession (Filioque controversy), and the implications for unity within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Fr. Mike reads and explains paragraphs 243–248 of the Catechism, explores church history, and calls for prayer for the reunification of the Church.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Revelation of the Holy Spirit

• Fr. Mike reminds listeners of the content from previous episodes regarding the revelation of the Father and the Son, setting the stage for today’s focus on the Holy Spirit (02:00).
• Quote: “Today, again, we’re going to talk about how the Holy Spirit is true God, just as the Father is true God, and just as the Son is true God.” (05:40)
• The Catechism reveals that before His Passover, Jesus promised “another paraclete,” the Holy Spirit, to be with and in the disciples—marking a new, intimate way God is present in the Church (10:40).

2. The Eternal Origin and Mission of the Holy Spirit

• The eternal origin of the Holy Spirit is revealed in His mission—sent by the Father and the Son—to guide the Church and reveal the fullness of the Trinity (11:15).
• Quote: “The Holy Spirit is thus revealed as another Divine Person with Jesus and the Father.” (11:20)
• The “age of the Church” is described as the time of the Holy Spirit’s mission in the world, making present all that Jesus made possible (14:35).

3. Historical Church Teaching: The Councils

• The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) affirmed Jesus as “of one substance” with the Father; the Council of Constantinople (381 AD) clarified key teachings about the Holy Spirit (03:55, 17:00).
• The “Filioque” controversy—the question of whether the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone or from the Father and the Son—becomes central to the episode (08:30).

4. The Filioque Controversy and East-West Division

• Fr. Mike explains the theological and historical roots of the East-West split in the Church, highlighting the 1054 Great Schism (09:40, 17:45).
• Quote: “One of the theological points that divided East and West was over what we’re going to talk about here… does the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father alone, or from the Father and the Son? That word is Filioque—'and the Son.'” (09:40)
• The Council of Florence (1438) tried to reconcile positions with formulations that both “from the Father and the Son” and “from the Father through the Son” are legitimate (19:58).

5. Legitimate Complementarity: East and West

• The Catechism explains that Eastern and Western traditions use different terminology but affirm the same basic mystery—that of the Trinity’s unity (23:10).
• Fr. Mike underscores the “legitimate complementarity” between formulas, emphasizing that rigid insistence on one formulation over the other “does not affect the identity of faith in the reality of the same mystery confessed.” (23:50)
• Quote: “There is a shorter bridge between east and west than sometimes we like to think.” (24:10)

6. Hope for Unity & Modern Perspectives

• Fr. Mike shares insights from Orthodox Bishop Kallistos Ware, who recognized that the Filioque controversy, while not trivial, is not “insoluble”—suggesting the divisions hinge more on semantics than deep theological discord (25:36).
• Quote (Bishop Ware): “The Filioque controversy… is more than a mere technicality… but it is not insoluble… the problem is more in the area of semantics and different emphases than in any basic doctrinal differences.” (25:36)
• Fr. Mike calls on listeners to pray for the unity of the Church, citing John Paul II’s vision for the Church to “breathe with both lungs, east and west” (26:40).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Trinity’s Revelation:
  “One divine being in three divine persons… in the Old Testament, [God] was still a trinity… in the age of the Church right now… not only is the Holy Spirit active… but of course the Father is everywhere.” (14:35–15:00)

• On Theological Division:
  “This is not a small thing… it is a very big thing.” (21:08)

• On East-West Relations:
  “It is very possible [for reconciliation] and we pray for the Holy Spirit of unity… so that the Church can breathe with both lungs, the east and the West.” (26:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Explaining Theologia & Oikonomia: 03:15
• Introduction to Holy Spirit’s Revelation: 05:20
• Prayer for Unity: 07:40
• Reading Catechism 243–248: 10:35–14:25
• Historical Review of Church Councils: 17:00–18:30
• Explanation of Filioque, West vs East: 19:58–21:40
• Legitimate Complementarity & Real Unity: 23:10–24:50
• Modern Theological Hope (Bishop Ware): 25:36–26:23
• Call to Prayer for Unity: 26:40–end

Tone & Language

Fr. Mike’s tone is warm, inviting, and pastoral throughout. He frequently reassures listeners (“Are you confused? I understand…”) and gently unpacks complex doctrine, highlighting points of unity, hope, and charity among Christians. His language bridges head and heart, explaining theology while guiding the listener to prayer and action.

Summary Recap

Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the profound unity of the Holy Spirit within the Holy Trinity, tracing historical and theological debates around the Filioque controversy and their enduring significance for Christian unity. By drawing on Church tradition and modern voices for reconciliation, he encourages listeners to see the “shorter bridge” between east and west and to earnestly pray for the day when the Church is fully united in Spirit and truth.