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

Episode: Day 347: Contemplative Prayer (2025)
Date: December 13, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode Overview

On Day 347 of "The Catechism in a Year," Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the essence and beauty of contemplative prayer, as presented in paragraphs 2709 to 2724 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Building on previous episodes about vocal and meditative prayer, Fr. Mike delves deeply into the meaning, accessibility, and transformative power of contemplation, emphasizing both its challenges and profound simplicity. With practical encouragement and heartfelt insight, he invites listeners to “make time for God” and approach contemplative prayer with humility, courage, and an open heart.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Essence of Contemplative Prayer

• 00:50–02:30
  Fr. Mike introduces contemplative prayer using St. Teresa of Avila’s famous description:
  • “Contemplative prayer is nothing else than a close sharing between friends. It means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.”
    • Quote (Fr. Mike quoting St. Teresa):

      “It means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.” (01:20)

  • Contemplative prayer is about seeking “him whom my soul loves”—not a lofty mystical experience but an invitation for every Christian.
  • Fr. Mike stresses:

    “You are made for this. Contemplative prayer is what your human heart has been made for.” (02:10)

2. Contemplative Prayer Is Both a Gift and a Determined Response

• 03:10–04:40
  • Emphasizes that contemplative prayer is a graced form of prayer, but also requires intentionality from us.
  • Quote:

    “It is a gift of God. It's a determined response on our part. It is what you're made for.” (03:40)

  • It's not only reserved for “spiritual giants” but accessible to all who desire to make time for God.

3. Making Time for Prayer Amidst Trials and Dryness

• 10:30–13:30
  • One doesn’t undertake contemplative prayer just “when one has the time”; rather, one “makes time for the Lord with a firm determination not to give up, no matter what trials and dryness one may encounter.” (Citing CCC 2710)
  • Quote:

    “Have I made the decision to pray, or do I just kind of pray willy-nilly?” (12:05)

  • Dryness and difficulty are part of the normal path, not signs of failure.
  • Fr. Mike vulnerably shares his own need for this reminder, encouraging listeners not to be discouraged by struggles in prayer.

4. Contemplation vs. Meditation

• 14:00–15:15
  • Meditation involves engaging the mind—thinking, imagining, reflecting.
  • Contemplation is more about being in the presence of God, abiding with Him, and “letting our masks fall.”
  • Quote:

    "I'm not trying to figure something out. I am simply abiding in the presence of God Himself." (15:05)

5. Simplicity and Poverty of Spirit in Contemplation

• 17:25–18:40
  • Contemplative prayer requires humility, poverty of spirit, and receptivity.
  • Cannot be forced or manufactured—it is a grace to be received.
  • Quote:

    “It is a gift, it's a grace. It can only be accepted in humility and poverty.” (17:35)

6. The Gaze of Faith and Attentiveness

• 19:10–21:00
  • Contemplative prayer is described as “a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus,” an attentive and loving focus, compared to a peasant’s simple remark:
    • Quote (from a peasant’s testimony):

      “I look at him and he looks at me.” (19:40)

  • This gaze purifies the heart, helping us to see all things in Christ’s truth and compassion.

7. Contemplative Prayer as Silence and Union

• 22:00–23:50
  • Silence is not emptiness but the space where God speaks and we receive.
  • Words become mere “kindling that feeds the fire of love.” (23:10)
  • Quote:

    “In this silence, the Father speaks to us, His Incarnate Word… The Spirit of adoption enables us to share in the prayer of Jesus.” (22:45)

  • Solitude and silence are often uncomfortable, especially in a noisy world, but necessary for deep union with God.

8. Practical Encouragement and Invitation

• 25:00–End
  • Fr. Mike urges listeners to press pause on distractions, to “let it be quiet,” and not to fear either silence or solitude.
  • Quote:

    “Don’t be afraid of the silence, because the Lord is with you. Don’t be afraid of the solitude, because God is near.” (26:05)

  • He concludes with a sincere prayer for the listener’s growth in contemplative prayer, reinforcing that this journey is meant for transformation, not just information.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• St. Teresa of Avila (via Fr. Mike):
  “Contemplative prayer is nothing else than a close sharing between friends. It means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.” (01:20)

• Fr. Mike:
  “You are made for contemplative prayer. You're made to contemplate the one who loves you.” (02:10)

• Catechism Highlight:
  “One makes time for the Lord with the firm determination not to give up, no matter what trials and dryness one may encounter.” (11:20)

• Peasant's Wisdom:
  “I look at him and he looks at me.” (19:40)

• Fr. Mike on Practicing Contemplation:
  “Let it be quiet and let all those crazy thoughts that are drowned out by the noise, okay, there they are. But don't be afraid of the silence, because the Lord is with you.” (26:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:50 – Introduction to contemplative prayer; St. Teresa of Avila’s definition
• 03:10 – Contemplative prayer as both gift and determined response
• 10:30 – Importance of intentionality, especially in trials and dryness
• 14:00 – Distinction between meditation and contemplation
• 17:25 – Humility and poverty in receptive prayer
• 19:10 – Gaze of faith: looking at Christ, being looked at by Him
• 22:00 – Power of silence; union with God in prayer
• 25:00 – Practicing silence and solitude; practical encouragement
• 26:05 – Closing appeals and prayers

Summary in Fr. Mike’s Spirit

Fr. Mike, in his characteristic warm, passionate, and relatable style, guides listeners through the depth and accessibility of contemplative prayer. He gently challenges us to make time—not just “find time”—for God, even (and especially) when prayer feels dry or difficult. With concrete examples, encouragement, and a reminder that contemplative prayer is a loving friendship available to all, he invites us to drop our masks and rest quietly in the Presence of the One who loves us.