Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Day 358: Who Art in Heaven

Episode Overview

In Day 358 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the profound meaning behind the phrase "Who art in heaven" from the Our Father prayer. This episode, released on December 23, 2024, explores the duality of God's transcendence and immanence, offering listeners a deeper understanding of their relationship with God and the concept of heaven within the Catholic faith.

Understanding "Who Art in Heaven"

Fr. Mike begins by clarifying that the expression "Who art in heaven" is not a reference to a distant location but rather an affirmation of God's majestic presence. He emphasizes that this phrase signifies God's transcendence and holiness, rather than implying physical distance.

"Our Father who art in heaven does not mean that God is in a place or a space far away... it means He's Majestic." (05:30)

God's Immanence and Transcendence

Exploring the nature of God, Fr. Mike explains that God's majesty does not equate to being remote. Instead, it highlights His ability to transcend human understanding while remaining imminently present in the lives of believers.

"Because he is thrice holy that he is so close to the humble and contrite heart." (09:15)

He reassures listeners that God's holiness brings Him closer to those who seek Him with humility, fostering a personal and intimate relationship despite His divine nature.

The Significance of Heaven in the Catholic Faith

Heaven is portrayed not just as an eternal destination but as the true homeland of believers. Fr. Mike discusses how sin has separated humanity from this divine homeland, yet through Christ's redemptive work, reconciliation is possible.

"Sin has exiled us from the land of the covenant, but conversion of heart enables us to return to the Father, to Heaven." (15:45)

This reconciliation signifies that while believers live on earth, their ultimate citizenship and destiny lie in heaven.

The Lord's Prayer and Its Implications

Fr. Mike breaks down the Lord's Prayer, focusing on the significance of addressing God as "Our Father." He explains that this form of address fosters a sense of belonging and communion with the Holy Trinity.

"The Lord's Prayer brings us into communion with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." (22:10)

He highlights that praying to the Father inspires believers to develop a will aligned with God's and cultivates a humble and trusting heart.

The Role of Conversion of Heart

A pivotal theme in this episode is the concept of conversion of heart. Fr. Mike emphasizes that true transformation comes from aligning one's will with God's and seeking to embody His virtues.

"In truth, it’s about transformation... it’s about hearing. This is what prayer is like so that you and I can become people of prayer." (30:20)

This conversion enables believers to rise above their earthly existence and participate in the heavenly dwelling promised by Christ.

Connecting Heaven and Earth Through Christ

Fr. Mike elucidates how Jesus Christ serves as the bridge between heaven and earth. Through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, Christ reconciles the two realms, allowing believers to ascend to heaven alongside Him.

"In Christ, then heaven and earth are reconciled... He causes us to ascend there with him by his cross, resurrection and ascension." (38:05)

This reconciliation underscores the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and the ongoing relationship between believers and the divine.

Concluding Insights

As the episode draws to a close, Fr. Mike reinforces the immediacy of God's presence in the lives of believers. He urges listeners to recognize that God is not a distant observer but an active, loving presence intimately involved in their daily lives.

"God is not distant. God is not absent. Our Father who art in heaven... He is with you right now." (45:50)

He concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to embrace God's presence and aspire to eternal communion with Him.

Key Takeaways

• Transcendent Presence: "Who art in heaven" signifies God's majestic and transcendent nature, not physical distance.

• Imminent Relationship: God's holiness brings Him into a close, personal relationship with the humble and contrite.

• Heaven as Homeland: Believers are destined for heaven, their true homeland, reconciled through Christ.

• Communion Through Prayer: The Lord's Prayer fosters communion with the Holy Trinity and inspires personal transformation.

• Christ as the Bridge: Jesus Christ reconciles heaven and earth, enabling believers to ascend to their eternal dwelling.

• Immediate Presence: God is actively present in the lives of believers, encouraging a continual awareness of His proximity.

Notable Quotes

• "Our Father who art in heaven does not imply that he can't hear anything or he's just watching." (07:45)

• "Praying to our Father should develop in us the will to become like him and foster in us a humble and trusting heart." (25:30)

• "Conversion of heart enables us to return to the Father because of what Jesus has done in his cross, death and resurrection and ascension." (32:10)

• "Where I am, you also may be. Here is the words of God for you that where I am, you also may be." (40:25)

Final Thoughts

Father Mike Schmitz masterfully unpacks the theological depth of the Our Father prayer, offering listeners a richer appreciation of their faith and their relationship with God. By blending scriptural insights with practical applications, he guides believers toward a transformative understanding of God's eternal presence and the promise of heavenly communion.