Podcast Summary: Day 36 – The Nature of the Trinity

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode Title: Day 36: The Nature of the Trinity
• Release Date: February 5, 2025

Introduction

In Day 36 of Ascension’s "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound and intricate doctrine of the Holy Trinity, exploring paragraphs 253 to 256 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode serves as a continuation of the previous discussions on the Holy Trinity, aiming to deepen the listener’s understanding of one of Christianity’s most mysterious and foundational beliefs.

Overview of Today’s Episode

Fr. Mike begins by setting the stage for the day’s study, emphasizing the density and complexity of the Catechism paragraphs under discussion. He underscores the importance of using the Ascension edition of the Catechism, which features the Foundations of Faith approach—a color-coded system that aids in comprehending the Catechism's structure.

Key Points Discussed

Fr. Mike outlines three pivotal points regarding the Holy Trinity, each corresponding to a specific paragraph in the Catechism:

1. The Trinity is One (Paragraph 253):

   • Unity of the Trinity: Fr. Mike emphasizes that the Holy Trinity embodies both unity and triune nature. He clarifies, “The Trinity is one. We do not confess three gods, but one God in three persons” ([00:36]).
   • Consubstantiality: He explains that the Divine Persons share the same divine substance, ensuring that each Person—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is wholly and entirely God. He cites the 11th Council of Toledo, noting, “Each of them is God, whole and entire” ([03:10]).

2. The Divine Persons are Distinct from One Another (Paragraph 254):

   • Distinct Persons: Fr. Mike refutes the notion of God being one with three different modes or masks. He states, “The divine Persons are really distinct from one another” ([04:45]).
   • Heresies Addressed: He warns against heresies that suggest modalism—the idea that God simply changes forms rather than being three distinct Persons. Fr. Mike explains, “They are distinct from one another in their relations of origin” ([07:30]).
   • Emission of Persons: Referencing the Fourth Lateran Council, he clarifies the relationships: “It is the Father who generates, the Son who is begotten and the Holy Spirit who proceeds” ([10:15]).

3. The Divine Persons are Relative to One Another (Paragraph 255):

   • Relational Distinction: Fr. Mike discusses how the distinct Persons relate without dividing the divine unity. He articulates, “The real distinction of the Persons from one another resides solely in the relationships which relate them to one another” ([12:50]).
   • Interrelated Holiness: Drawing from the Council of Florence, he explains, “The Father is entirely in the Son and entirely in the Holy Spirit. The Son is entirely in the Father and entirely in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is entirely in the Father and entirely in the Son” ([16:00]).

Notable Insights and Discussions

Fr. Mike delves deeper into the implications of these doctrines:

• Monotheism Affirmed: He reiterates the fundamental Christian belief in monotheism, countering any misconceptions that the Trinity implies polytheism. “We are not talking about three Gods. This is absolutely... completely against what God has revealed” ([20:25]).

• Nature of Divine Love: Highlighting that the Trinity is a manifestation of divine love, Fr. Mike explains, “The depth of his identity is that he is love. That's only possible if God is three distinct persons and yet one divine being” ([22:40]).

• Eternal Relationships: He emphasizes that the relationships within the Trinity are eternal, not sequential or hierarchical. “From all eternity, God has existed. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” ([26:05]).

St. Gregory of Nazianzus’ Contribution

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the insights of St. Gregory of Nazianzus, a notable theologian:

• Mystery of the Trinity: Fr. Mike shares a poignant excerpt from St. Gregory, who acknowledges the complexity and mystery surrounding the Trinity. “I have not even begun to think of unity when the Trinity bathes me in its splendor. I have not even begun to think of the Trinity when unity grasps me” ([33:40]).

• Guarding the Faith: St. Gregory’s fervent plea for the catechumens to guard the deposit of faith underscores the importance of preserving and understanding the Trinitarian doctrine. “Above all guard for me this great deposit of faith” ([29:50]).

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reviewing the three key points:

1. The Trinity is One.
2. The Divine Persons are Distinct from One Another.
3. The Divine Persons are Relative to One Another.

He reiterates the necessity of these distinctions to uphold the true nature of God as revealed by the Church, dispelling any notions of a monolithic deity. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God’s revelation and understanding of His divine nature:

"Father in heaven, we praise you and glorify you. We know that you revealed yourself through the Son. You continue to reveal yourself and come to us in the power of the Holy Spirit. You are one God and three divine persons..." ([35:20]).

Fr. Mike expresses his gratitude to the listeners, encourages them to continue their journey through the Catechism, and looks forward to the next episode.

Key Quotes:

• “The Trinity is one. We do not confess three gods, but one God in three persons.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([00:36])
• “The divine Persons are really distinct from one another.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([04:45])
• “The real distinction of the Persons from one another resides solely in the relationships which relate them to one another.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([12:50])
• “I have not even begun to think of unity when the Trinity bathes me in its splendor.” – St. Gregory of Nazianzus ([33:40])

Final Thoughts

Day 36 of "The Catechism in a Year" offers a comprehensive exploration of the Holy Trinity, balancing theological depth with accessible explanations. Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly navigates the complexities of Trinitarian doctrine, encouraging listeners to embrace the mystery while firmly grounding their understanding in Catholic teaching. This episode not only educates but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the unity and love that define the nature of God.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe: Follow or subscribe on your preferred podcast app to receive daily notifications.
• Reading Plan: Download your own Catechism in a Year reading plan at ascensionpress.com/ciy.

Prayer: Continue to pray for understanding and guidance as you journey through the Catechism, deepening your faith and relationship with God.

God bless, and see you tomorrow on Day 37.