Day 364: Deliver Us from Evil (2024)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Published: Sun Dec 29 2024

Toward the end of the Lord’s Prayer, we implore God to protect us from temptation and from the evil one. Fr. Mike clarifies what we mean when we ask God not to “lead us into temptation” and emphasizes the importance of discerning between trials and temptations. Lastly, we review the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, known as the final doxology. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2846-2856.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode: Day 364: Deliver Us from Evil

Release Date: December 29, 2024

Introduction

In the 364th episode of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves deep into the concluding sections of the Lord’s Prayer, specifically focusing on the petitions “Lead us not into temptation” and “Deliver us from evil”, as well as the final doxology “For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever”. This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of these prayers, offering insights into their theological significance, practical applications, and spiritual implications for believers.

Exploring the Final Petitions

1. “Lead us not into temptation” (02:15)

Fr. Mike begins by addressing a common misconception surrounding the petition “Lead us not into temptation”. He clarifies that this plea does not imply that God tempts believers. Instead, it translates more accurately to “do not allow us to enter into temptation” or “do not let us yield to temptation”.

Clarifying God’s Role: Fr. Mike emphasizes that God cannot be tempted by evil and does not tempt anyone (02:25). This assertion aligns with James 1:13, which states that God “cannot be tempted by evil”.
Spiritual Discernment: The petition implores the Holy Spirit to grant discernment and strength to differentiate between trials, which are essential for spiritual growth, and temptations, which lead to sin and death (04:30).
Origen’s Insight: Quoting the early Church Father Origen, Fr. Mike notes, “God does not want to impose the good, but wants free beings”, highlighting the purposefulness of temptation in revealing one’s true inclinations and fostering self-knowledge (07:45).
Decision of the Heart: He further explains that “Lead us not into temptation” reflects a decision of the heart, urging believers to align their hearts with the Holy Spirit to avoid falling prey to sin (12:10).

2. “Deliver us from evil” (19:50)

Transitioning to the next petition, “Deliver us from evil”, Fr. Mike explores its profound implications in the spiritual battle between good and evil.

Personification of Evil: He clarifies that evil in this context refers to Satan, the evil one, rather than abstract malevolence (20:05). This aligns with biblical descriptions of Satan as “a murderer from the beginning, a liar and the father of lies”.
Collective Prayer for Humanity: Fr. Mike underscores that this petition is not merely a personal plea but a collective intercession for the entire human family, seeking deliverance from all forms of evil past, present, and future (24:20).
Victory Through Christ: Highlighting Revelation 12, he recounts how Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death achieved victory over Satan, casting him out and offering liberation to believers (28:35).
Saint Ambrose’s Teaching: Citing Saint Ambrose, Fr. Mike explains that entrusting oneself to God instills the confidence and protection against the deceitful tactics of the devil (32:15).

3. Final Doxology: “For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever” (37:00)

Concluding the petitions, Fr. Mike examines the final doxology, a declaration of adoration and thanksgiving.

Reaffirmation of God’s Sovereignty: This doxology restates the first three petitions—the glorification of God’s name, the coming of His reign, and the power of His saving will—as an affirmation of God’s unending kingdom, power, and glory (37:15).
Contrast with Worldly Claims: He points out that “the ruler of this world” has falsely claimed these titles, but through Christ, they are rightfully restored to God the Father (39:00).
Anticipation of Salvation’s Completion: Fr. Mike reflects on how this prayer anticipates the ultimate fulfillment of salvation when “God will be all in all”, encapsulating the hope and future glory promised to believers (42:30).

Practical Implications and Spiritual Encouragement

Fr. Mike offers practical advice for integrating these petitions into daily prayer life:

Daily Perseverance: He encourages listeners to pray for final perseverance, a steadfast commitment to God until the last moments of earthly life, trusting in His strength to overcome any final temptations (46:15).
Communal Solidarity: Emphasizing the interconnectedness of the Church, Fr. Mike notes that praying these petitions unites believers in a shared spiritual battle, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support (48:50).
Continuous Prayer: He highlights that prayer is the battleground where the fight against evil is waged and won, urging believers to maintain constant vigilance through regular prayer (52:10).

Notable Quotes

Fr. Mike Schmitz (07:45): “God does not want to impose the good, but wants free beings. There's a certain usefulness to temptation, and then that is true.”
Fr. Mike Schmitz (19:50): “In this petition, evil is not an abstraction, but refers to a person. Satan, the evil one, the angel who opposes God.”
Fr. Mike Schmitz (32:15): “One who entrusts himself to God does not dread the devil. If God is for us, who is against us?”
Fr. Mike Schmitz (42:30): “By praying in this way, she anticipates in humility of faith the gathering together of everyone and everything in him who has the keys of death and Hades, who is and who was and who is to come.”

Conclusion

In this illuminating episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides a comprehensive theological and practical exploration of the concluding petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. By dissecting the meanings behind “Lead us not into temptation” and “Deliver us from evil”, he equips listeners with a deeper understanding of their faithful journey, emphasizing the importance of discernment, professional strength, and continuous prayer in overcoming spiritual challenges. The episode not only reinforces foundational Catholic teachings but also inspires believers to actively engage in their spiritual battles with confidence and solidarity.

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and integrate its teachings into daily life, The Catechism in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a guided, insightful, and encouraging journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church.