Podcast Summary: "The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)"

Episode: Day 362: Our Daily Bread
Release Date: December 27, 2024
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Produced by: Ascension Press

Introduction

In the penultimate episode of "The Catechism in a Year," Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound depths of the Lord's Prayer, specifically focusing on the petition, "Give us this day our daily bread." As Day 362 approaches the culmination of this year-long spiritual journey, Fr. Mike emphasizes the multifaceted significance of this simple yet deeply meaningful plea.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Childlike Trust in God
   Fr. Mike begins by highlighting the essence of childlike trust embedded in the petition. He references paragraph 2828 of the Catechism, which states, "Give us the trust of children who look to their Father for everything is beautiful." This underscores the importance of approaching God with complete confidence and reliance, much like a child trusts a parent.

   Fr. Mike Schmitz [06:15]:
   "Give us the trust of children who look to their Father for everything and is beautiful. That's amazing."

2. Daily Bread – Beyond Physical Sustenance
   While the phrase "daily bread" might initially evoke thoughts of physical nourishment, Fr. Mike expands its meaning to encompass spiritual sustenance. Drawing from paragraph 2837, he explains that bread signifies more than just food; it represents the Word of God and the Eucharist, essential for spiritual life.

   Fr. Mike Schmitz [15:45]:
   "Give us this day our daily bread... and by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

3. Trust and Responsibility
   The petition is not solely about receiving but also about giving. Fr. Mike emphasizes that asking for daily bread comes with the responsibility to recognize and address the needs of others. This mutual dependence fosters a sense of community and solidarity.

   Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:30]:
   "If we're going to have a heart like the Father, then we have to have a heart like the Father... Can God work through me in this way that they can be cared for because I have a heart like my Father?"

4. Integration of Prayer and Action
   Referencing St. Benedict’s motto "ora et labora" (pray and work) and St. Ignatius of Loyola’s exhortation, Fr. Mike underscores the balance between relying on divine providence and taking personal responsibility.

   Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:10]:
   "Pray as if everything depended on God and work as if everything depended on you."

5. Eucharistic Significance
   The episode culminates in a profound revelation of the Eucharist's role in daily life. Fr. Mike connects the petition to receiving the Body of Christ, highlighting its centrality in Catholic faith and practice.

   Fr. Mike Schmitz [50:25]:
   "Literally, you've been praying every time you pray that prayer for the Eucharist. Give us this day our super essential bread."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [01:03]:
  "I know the maybe ridiculousness of those last two little notes of you can get a reading plan or you can follow or subscribe because here we are, day 362. You guys, you're almost there. You are almost across the finish line. Amazing."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [20:40]:
  "Our bread is the one loaf for the many in the Beatitudes. Poverty is the virtue of sharing."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [45:50]:
  "This word 'daily' is a Greek word, epiusios... it refers directly to the bread of life, the body of Christ, the medicine of immortality, without which we have no life within us."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [55:30]:
  "The Eucharist is our daily bread. The power belonging to this divine food makes it a bond of union..."

Insights and Reflections

• Holistic Understanding of Needs:
  Fr. Mike encourages listeners to view "daily bread" as encompassing both material and spiritual needs, fostering a balanced approach to well-being.

• Active Faith:
  The discussion highlights the synergy between prayer and action, advocating for a faith that not only seeks God's provision but also actively participates in alleviating others' needs.

• Eucharistic Centrality:
  Emphasizing the Eucharist as the "super essential bread," Fr. Mike reinforces its foundational role in sustaining and uniting the faithful.

• Invitation to Deeper Communion:
  For non-Catholic listeners contemplating full communion with the Church, the episode serves as an evocative call towards embracing the Eucharist more fully.

Conclusions

As Day 362 approaches the end of this transformative journey through the Catechism, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a rich tapestry of theological insights woven around the simple plea for "daily bread." By unpacking its layers—from childlike trust and responsible giving to the profound mystery of the Eucharist—this episode not only elucidates a fundamental prayer but also invites listeners into a deeper, more engaged faith.

Fr. Mike's heartfelt exhortation to trust in God's providence while actively participating in the well-being of others serves as a poignant reminder of the Catholic call to live out one's faith both in prayer and in everyday actions.

Final Thoughts

For those following along or new listeners seeking an enriching spiritual journey, Day 362 stands as a compelling reflection on reliance, responsibility, and the sustaining grace of the Eucharist. As Fr. Mike aptly concludes, "Let that prayer fan that flame of love, that flame of desire for Jesus in the Eucharist to a raging inferno that all of us might just desire Jesus more and more in the Eucharist."

Join the Journey:
To continue exploring the depths of the Catechism and strengthen your understanding of the Catholic faith, subscribe to "The Catechism in a Year" podcast on your preferred podcast platform and follow the daily episodes with Fr. Mike Schmitz.