Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 35: Formation of Trinitarian Dogma

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Day 35: Formation of Trinitarian Dogma
• Release Date: February 4, 2025
• Duration: 15-20 minutes

Introduction

In Day 35 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the Formation of the Trinitarian Dogma, exploring the profound mystery of the Holy Trinity and its articulation within the Catholic Church. This episode serves as a pivotal point in the series, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of one of Christianity’s central mysteries.

Opening Prayer and Contextual Overview

The episode commences with a heartfelt prayer led by Father Mike Schmitz, invoking the Trinity:

"In order to just dive as deeply as we possibly can today, let us call upon the Trinity, Father in Heaven. We ask you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, to send your Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds..." [02:15]

This prayer sets a contemplative tone, preparing listeners to engage with the intricate theological concepts discussed.

Father Schmitz then introduces the focus of Day 35, emphasizing the action-packed nature of the few paragraphs being explored (paragraphs 249 to 252) in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He underscores the importance of understanding the Holy Trinity as foundational to Catholic faith.

Exploration of the Holy Trinity in Scripture

Father Schmitz highlights how the Holy Trinity is revealed both in the Old and New Testaments. He references:

• The Great Commission: Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, illustrating the Trinitarian formula (Matthew 28:19).

• Pauline Epistles: Specifically, 2 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Corinthians 12; and Ephesians 4, where Paul speaks of the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

"Paul's letters abstractly refer to the Trinity, but we are talking about the person of the Holy Spirit, the person of the Son, and the person of the Father." [08:30]

This scriptural foundation underscores the perennial presence of Trinitarian thought in Christian doctrine.

Formation and Articulation of Trinitarian Dogma

Father Schmitz moves on to discuss how the early Church sought to clarify and defend the doctrine of the Trinity against emerging heresies. This clarification was achieved through:

1. Early Councils: These gatherings sought to define orthodox belief and counteract heretical teachings.

2. Church Fathers: Theological insights and writings from early Christian thinkers played a crucial role in shaping Trinitarian doctrine.

3. Philosophical Terminology: To articulate the mystery of the Trinity, the Church adopted philosophical terms such as substance, person (or hypostasis), and relation. These terms helped explain how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one in essence.

"The Church used [philosophical terms] from the beginning to try to capture what is it to say that God is both Father, Son, and Holy Spirit..." [15:00]

Father Schmitz emphasizes that these terms do not confine or diminish the mystery but rather seek to convey its depth and complexity.

Deep Dive into Theological Terms

The episode provides an elucidation of the key terms used in Trinitarian theology:

1. Substance (Essence/Nature): Refers to the divine being’s unity. Father Mike cites Father John Hardin’s definition:

   "A being whose essence requires that it exists in itself. It is a being by itself or a being in itself." [18:45]

   He uses the analogy of linen and color to differentiate between substance and accident:

   • Linen (Substance): The inherent essence of the fabric.
   • Color (Accident): An attribute that does not change the linen’s fundamental nature.

2. Person (Hypostasis): Denotes the distinct persons within the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Father Mike explains:

   "Hypostasis is the bearer of the nature and the ultimate subject of all being and acting, while the nature is that through which the hypostasis exists and acts." [21:10]

   This distinction clarifies that each Person of the Trinity is fully God, yet each is distinct in relation to the others.

3. Relation: Describes how the persons of the Trinity interact and relate to one another:

   • Father: Father because of the Son.
   • Son: Son because of the Father.
   • Holy Spirit: The bond of love between the Father and the Son.

"The Father is Father because of the Son. The Son is Son because of the Father, and the Holy Spirit is that bond of love between the two of them." [24:20]

St. Augustine’s Illustrative Story

To illustrate the limits of human understanding when grappling with the Trinity, Father Mike recounts a story about St. Augustine:

A young boy is seen repeatedly trying to empty the sea into a hole with a small bucket. Observing the futility, Augustine points out the impossibility of the task. The boy responds poignantly, highlighting that just as the sea cannot fit into the hole, the infinite mystery of the Trinity cannot be fully comprehended by the finite human mind. [27:55]

This narrative encapsulates the profound mystery of the Trinity and the humility required in theological inquiry.

Acknowledging the Mystery and Limitations of Human Understanding

Father Schmitz acknowledges the ineffable nature of the Trinity:

"Infinitely beyond all that we can humanly understand..." [30:10]

He encourages listeners to embrace the mystery, recognizing that human language and philosophy are tools to approach, but not fully capture, the divine mystery.

"Lord, make up for what I lack... I trust in you. I know that you are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit..." [32:00]

This acceptance fosters a deeper relational and devotional approach to faith.

Conclusion and Call to Faithful Living

Father Mike concludes by reiterating the centrality of the Trinity in Catholic faith:

"We are called to love the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as He's revealed to us." [34:20]

He encourages listeners to continue their journey with trust and love, acknowledging the mystery while living out the faith.

Key Takeaways:

1. Scriptural Foundations: The Holy Trinity is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, with clear Trinitarian formulas evident in Jesus' teachings and Paul's epistles.

2. Historical Clarification: The early Church, through councils and theologians, developed the Trinitarian dogma to define orthodox belief and counteract heresies.

3. Theological Terminology: Concepts like substance, person (hypostasis), and relation are essential for articulating the Trinity, though they fall short of fully capturing its mystery.

4. Embracing Mystery: Recognizing the limits of human understanding fosters humility and deeper faith, encouraging believers to trust in the revealed truth of the Trinity.

5. Relational Faith: Understanding the Trinity enhances the believer’s relationship with God, emphasizing love and glorification of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Final Reflections

Day 35 of The Catechism in a Year invites listeners to ponder the profound mystery of the Holy Trinity. Through scriptural insights, historical context, and theological exploration, Father Mike Schmitz illuminates the intricate dance of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While acknowledging the limitations of human comprehension, he encourages believers to embrace the mystery with trust and love, deepening their relationship with the Triune God.

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