Summary of "Day 363: Forgive Us Our Trespasses" from The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Podcast

In Episode Day 363 of Ascension's The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves deeply into the profound petition from the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." This episode explores the theological, spiritual, and practical dimensions of forgiveness, challenging listeners to embrace this fundamental Christian virtue with both understanding and action.

1. Understanding the Petition

Fr. Mike begins by highlighting the duality of the forgiveness petition. He emphasizes that it not only requests God's forgiveness but also sets a stringent prerequisite for receiving it: our willingness to forgive others.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [05:20]: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. It asks a lot. Not only does it ask the Lord God to forgive us fully, but it demands that we are forgiven to the degree that we are willing to forgive those who have hurt us."

This dual request underscores the interconnectedness of divine and human forgiveness, illustrating that our relationship with God is intrinsically linked to our relationships with others.

2. The Depth and Challenge of Forgiveness

Addressing the inherent difficulty in this teaching, Fr. Mike acknowledges the struggle many face in truly forgiving others. He references CS Lewis to illustrate the common resistance to forgiveness, especially when deep wounds are involved.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:45]: "Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until you have something to forgive."

He underscores that genuine forgiveness is not a superficial gesture but a profound transformation that requires inner change and divine assistance.

3. The Role of God's Help in Forgiveness

Fr. Mike emphasizes that human effort alone is insufficient to achieve the level of forgiveness Christ calls for. He invokes Scripture to show that true forgiveness is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:30]: "Only the Spirit by whom we live can make ours the same mind that was in Christ Jesus."

This highlights the necessity of relying on God's grace to transcend personal limitations and truly forgive those who have wronged us.

4. The Parable of the Merciless Servant

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Parable of the Merciless Servant, which Fr. Mike uses to illustrate the expectations of forgiveness within the Christian covenant.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [17:50]: "So also my Heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

He breaks down the parable to demonstrate the vastness of God's forgiveness compared to human shortcomings, emphasizing that our forgiveness of others should reflect the boundless mercy we've received.

5. Practical Steps to Achieve Forgiveness

Fr. Mike offers a structured approach to forgiveness, guiding listeners through acknowledging the offense, assessing the true impact, and releasing the debt.

• Acknowledge the Hurt: Recognize the pain and the debt owed by the wrongdoer.
• Assess the Impact: Honestly evaluate how the offense has affected one's life and relationships.
• Release the Debt: Choose to forgive, not necessarily to reconcile, but to free oneself from the burden of unforgiveness.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [30:15]: "I'm simply not going to make you pay me back."

This framework provides a practical pathway for listeners struggling with the concept of forgiveness, making the abstract concept more accessible.

6. Avoiding Self-Deception and Embracing Wretchedness

The discussion transitions to the importance of self-examination and recognizing one's own faults as a precursor to seeking and granting forgiveness. Fr. Mike addresses common misconceptions about self-worth and the false narratives that hinder true repentance and forgiveness.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [40:10]: "If I were honest with myself, we'd be able to look at ourselves and say, actually, there's plenty of wretchedness."

He cautions against falling into complete despair or self-righteousness, advocating for a balanced understanding of one's brokenness and God's unwavering mercy.

7. Conclusion: Forgiveness as a Witness to Divine Love

Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating that forgiveness is not merely a moral obligation but a testament to the supremacy of love over sin. He encourages listeners to embody this love through prayer and sacramental life, particularly highlighting the importance of the Eucharist in sustaining a forgiving heart.

Fr. Mike Schmitz [50:00]: "Forgiveness bears witness that in our world, love is stronger than sin."

Key Takeaways

• Interconnectedness of Forgiveness: Our relationship with God is deeply tied to our willingness to forgive others.
• Divine Assistance is Essential: True forgiveness is empowered by the Holy Spirit, transcending human limitations.
• Practical Forgiveness: A structured approach can aid in the often complex process of forgiving others.
• Self-Examination: Recognizing one's own faults is crucial in the journey towards genuine forgiveness.
• Witness to Love: Forgiveness serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of divine love over sin.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On the Challenge of Forgiveness:

  "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. It asks a lot." [05:20]

• On Human Effort and Divine Grace:

  "Only the Spirit by whom we live can make ours the same mind that was in Christ Jesus." [12:30]

• On the Merciless Servant Parable:

  "So also my Heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." [17:50]

• On Practical Forgiveness:

  "I'm simply not going to make you pay me back." [30:15]

• On Self-Examination:

  "If I were honest with myself, we'd be able to look at ourselves and say, actually, there's plenty of wretchedness." [40:10]

• On Forgiveness as Witness:

  "Forgiveness bears witness that in our world, love is stronger than sin." [50:00]

This episode serves as a profound exploration of forgiveness, challenging believers to align their hearts with the divine call to forgive, thereby deepening their relationship with God and others.