Podcast Summary: Day 42 – The Work of Creation

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Day 42: The Work of Creation
• Release Date: February 11, 2025

Overview: In Day 42 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 290 to 298 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode explores the profound theological understanding of creation, emphasizing the role of the Holy Trinity, the purpose behind creation, and the concept of creation ex nihilo (out of nothing).

1. Introduction to Day 42

Fr. Mike begins by highlighting the significance of today's reading, which focuses on the foundational aspects of creation as presented in the Catechism. He underscores the importance of understanding God's role in creation to comprehend our own identity and destiny.

“In Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides you through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 episodes, providing explanation, insight, and encouragement along the way.” (00:05)

2. The Holy Trinity and Creation

Fr. Mike emphasizes that creation is a collective work of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He elucidates how each Person of the Trinity contributes uniquely to the act of creation.

• Father: The eternal God who initiates creation.
• Son (Word): As stated in the Gospel of John, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made through him.” (Paragraph 291)
• Holy Spirit: The Giver of life and the Creator Spirit, who sustains all that exists.

“Creation is the common work of the Holy Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working together in the creation of the world.” (28:10)

3. Creation for the Glory of God

A central theme of the episode is that the universe was created not for God's necessity but for His glory and to communicate His goodness to humanity.

• Glory Not Increase: God did not create to augment His glory but to “show it forth and to communicate it” (Paragraph 291).
• Communication of Goodness: Reflecting God's love and wisdom, creation serves as a medium to share His divine life with us.

“God creates out of nothing, something that reveals his glory, not to add to his glory, but to reveal his glory and to communicate it to us.” (14:35)

4. The Mystery of Creation: Wisdom and Love

Fr. Mike delves into the motivations behind creation, highlighting God's wisdom and love as the driving forces.

• Wisdom: God’s creative acts are rooted in His infinite wisdom, ensuring order and purpose in creation.
• Love: Creation is an expression of God’s love, desiring creatures to share in His being.

“He wanted to make his creatures share in his being, wisdom and goodness.” (26:45)

5. Creation Ex Nihilo (Out of Nothing)

A pivotal theological concept discussed is creation ex nihilo, affirming that God created the universe out of nothing, without relying on pre-existing materials.

• Unique to Judeo-Christian Tradition: Unlike other creation myths where gods create from pre-existent matter, God’s creation is a free act of will.
• Scriptural Affirmation: Scriptures such as Romans 4 and 2 Maccabees reinforce the belief that God alone has the power to create from nothing.

“God creates freely out of nothing. As Saint Theophilus of Antioch said, if God had drawn the world from pre-existent matter, what would be so extraordinary in that?” (35:20)

6. Current Implications: Creation and Recreation Today

Fr. Mike connects the theological principles of creation to contemporary life, illustrating how God's creative power continues to work in the world and in individuals.

• Recreation: Just as God created the world, He can recreate hearts and lives, offering spiritual renewal and transformation.
• Sustenance: God continually upholds and sustains creation, ensuring its ongoing existence and harmony.

“Creation and recreation is a thing that's happening right now... God can raise up your dry bones and my dry bones. He can bring us back to life.” (54:10)

7. Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by reinforcing the central messages:

• Unified Creation: The Holy Trinity collaborates in the act of creation, reflecting an eternal exchange of love.
• Purpose of Creation: The universe exists to manifest and communicate God’s glory and goodness.
• Infinite Power: God's ability to create and recreate underscores His omnipotence and unwavering commitment to His creation.

He encourages listeners to reflect on God's continuous work in their lives and the world, urging prayer for those who seek faith.

“God can give the light of faith to those who do not yet know Him... let's keep praying.” (1:05:30)

Notable Quotes:

• “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (12:15)
• “Creation is not some kind of divine emanation. It is a choice. It is the decision that God himself wills creation to exist outside of Himself.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (18:40)
• “God did not create to increase his glory, but to show it forth and to communicate it.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (24:22)
• “He creates freely out of nothing and does not need any help, thus affirming His supreme sovereignty.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (35:50)

Reflection: Day 42 offers a deep theological exploration of creation, inviting listeners to appreciate the intricate relationship between God's nature and His creative acts. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges ancient doctrine with contemporary faith, providing listeners with a richer understanding of their Catholic identity and the divine purpose underlying existence.

Next Episode Teaser: Fr. Mike hints at the upcoming discussion on “what kind of world God creates,” promising further insights into the sustaining and purposeful nature of creation.

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to follow or subscribe to the podcast for daily updates and to engage with the reading plan available at ascensionpress.com/ciy. Additionally, Fr. Mike invites prayers for loved ones and himself, fostering a communal spirit of support and faith.

Final Thought: Understanding creation through the lens of the Catechism not only enriches one's faith but also strengthens the connection to God's enduring love and wisdom. Fr. Mike Schmitz’s guidance offers a transformative journey through the depths of Catholic teaching, one day at a time.