Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 361: The Kingdom and Will of God Release Date: December 26, 2024

Introduction

In Day 361 of Ascension's "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves deep into the profound themes of God's Kingdom and His Divine Will, as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) paragraphs 2816–2827. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of the Lord's Prayer, specifically focusing on the petitions "Thy kingdom come" and "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Through insightful explanations, theological reflections, and practical applications, Fr. Schmitz illuminates the essence of living a life aligned with God's divine plan.

1. Understanding the Ephemeral and Eternal Kingdom

Fr. Mike Schmitz begins by unpacking the Greek term "basileia," translated as "kingdom," "kingship," or "reign" (00:01:40).

• Multiple Meanings of "Basileia":
  • Basileksip: As an abstract noun, conveying the concept of kingship.
  • Basileia: As a concrete noun, referring to the tangible kingdom of God.
  • Basileia: As an action noun, denoting the reign or active rule of God.

"It could be translated as kingship, Thy kingdom come, Lord Jesus, your kingship let that come down. Or your kingdom, that concrete noun, or thy reign come." (00:03:30)

Fr. Schmitz emphasizes that God's Kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope. It is realized through Christ's incarnation, death, resurrection, and is perpetuated in the Eucharist. However, its ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's second coming.

2. The Kingdom of God in the Present World

Exploring paragraph 2818, Fr. Schmitz highlights how the Kingdom of God interacts with our current existence.

• Incarnation and Eucharist:
  • The Kingdom is brought near through Christ's incarnation.
  • In the Eucharist, believers partake in the Kingdom's presence.

"The kingdom of God has been coming since the Last Supper and in the Eucharist, it is in our midst." (00:08:50)

• Active Mission:
  • The desire for God's Kingdom compels the Church to engage actively in the world.
  • Serving the poor and advocating for justice are expressions of this Kingdom.

"Through our prayer, through our taking care of the poor... when we give of ourselves for others, God is glorified." (00:10:45)

Fr. Schmitz underscores that praying for the Kingdom is not passive yearning but an active invitation to manifest God’s reign through our actions.

3. Aligning Human Will with Divine Will

Delving into "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," Fr. Schmitz discusses the transformative power of surrendering one's will to God.

• Jesus as the Model of Prayer:

  • Jesus exemplified perfect obedience, praying "not my will be done, but Thy will be done."

  "It is so important that C.S. Lewis... said... those who say to God, thy will be done, and those to whom God says, in the end, thy will be done." (00:27:15)

• Human Inability and Divine Assistance:

  • Humans are inherently incapable of fully aligning with God’s will on their own.
  • Through unity with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, believers can surrender and follow God's will.

  "We are radically incapable of this... but united with Jesus and with the power of His Holy Spirit, we can surrender our will to him." (00:24:50)

• Practical Surrender:

  • Placing personal desires under God's dominion.
  • Embracing both known and unknown aspects of God's plan.

  "I place my will under his dominion, putting it under his reign... God, Thy reign come. I don't even know what I want, but I surrender it." (00:23:30)

4. The Role of the Eucharist in Manifesting the Kingdom and Will

Fr. Schmitz connects the petitions to the Eucharist, emphasizing its central role in the faith.

• Eucharist as Source and Summit:

  • The Eucharist embodies the Kingdom's presence on earth.

  "This petition is taken up and granted in the prayer of Jesus, which is present and effective in the Eucharist." (00:19:45)

• Power of Communal Prayer:

  • The Holy Mass serves as a powerful collective prayer for God's Kingdom and Will.

  "The power of the Church's prayer in the name of her Lord above all in the Eucharist." (00:20:10)

Fr. Schmitz articulates that the Eucharist is not merely a ritual but a profound participation in God’s salvific plan, where His Kingdom is simultaneously celebrated and actualized.

5. Practical Applications and Call to Action

Highlighting the importance of discerning and acting upon God's will, Fr. Schmitz provides practical guidance.

• Discernment and Action:

  • Prayer aids in discerning God's will.
  • Believers are called to act with courage and endurance to fulfill it.

  "Through prayer, we can discern what is the will of God and obtain the endurance to do it." (00:26:20)

• Unity with Christ:

  • Embracing Christ’s obedience as a pathway to fulfilling God’s plan.

  "United with Jesus and with the power of His Holy Spirit, we can surrender our will to him and decide to choose what His Son has always chosen." (00:24:30)

Fr. Schmitz encourages listeners to integrate prayer with tangible actions, ensuring that the yearning for God's Kingdom translates into everyday acts of love, justice, and mercy.

6. Concluding Reflections

In wrapping up, Fr. Schmitz reiterates the significance of perseverance and mutual support within the faith community.

"My prayer right now for all of us is to have that wisdom that we can discern by God's grace. What is his will, God, what is it you want me to do? And then to have the courage and the endurance to start his will, to do his will and to continue to do his will." (00:28:00)

He emphasizes the importance of communal prayer and support, urging listeners to keep praying for one another as they strive to align their lives with God's divine plan.

Key Takeaways

• Dual Focus: Balancing the anticipation of God's ultimate Kingdom with active participation in His present mission.
• Prayerful Alignment: Emulating Jesus' model of prayer by surrendering personal will to God's divine will.
• Eucharistic Presence: Recognizing the Eucharist as a central manifestation of God's Kingdom and a source of spiritual empowerment.
• Active Discipleship: Engaging in prayer and concrete actions to advance justice, peace, and the common good in the world.
• Community and Support: The essential role of communal prayer and mutual support in sustaining faith and perseverance.

This episode of "The Catechism in a Year" serves as a profound reminder of the Christian call to live out God's Kingdom and will, transcending mere belief to embodying a life of obedience, service, and unwavering faith.