Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 43: Creation Is Good
Release Date: February 12, 2025

Introduction

In Day 43 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the foundational beliefs surrounding creation as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), specifically focusing on paragraphs 299 to 308. This episode explores the nature of God’s creation, His transcendence and immanence, sustenance of the universe, and the intricate relationship between divine providence and human free will. Through insightful explanations and scriptural references, Fr. Mike elucidates what it means to live in an ordered and good world crafted by a benevolent Creator.

1. God’s Creation: An Ordered and Good World

Fr. Mike begins by emphasizing that God creates an "ordered and good world" (00:52). This reflects God’s intrinsic nature as reason itself, ensuring that creation is not chaotic but harmoniously structured.

“God creates an ordered and good world. Because God creates through wisdom, his creation is ordered.” [05:16]

He references the Book of Wisdom to highlight that the universe is meticulously arranged by God’s wisdom, underscoring the intentionality behind creation. This ordered creation facilitates human understanding and scientific inquiry, rooted in the belief that the laws of nature are consistent and purposeful.

2. God’s Transcendence and Immanence

Fr. Mike explores the dual aspects of God being both transcendent and immanent (02:14). While God is infinitely greater than all creation, existing beyond its confines, He is also intimately present within every facet of the universe.

“God transcends creation and is present to it. God is infinitely greater than all his works.” [06:02]

Using Psalm 8, he illustrates God’s immense glory compared to His creation, yet emphasizes that God remains actively involved in sustaining and governing His creation.

3. God Sustains Creation

Continuing from transcendence, Fr. Mike highlights God’s role in upholding and sustaining creation. He asserts that God does not abandon His creatures but continuously sustains them in their existence and purpose.

“He upholds and sustains creation with creation. God does not abandon his creatures to themselves.” [06:43]

This sustenance extends beyond mere existence, enabling creatures to act and fulfill their destinies. Recognizing this dependence fosters wisdom, freedom, joy, and confidence in believers.

4. Divine Providence and Secondary Causes

Delving into Divine Providence, Fr. Mike explains how God orchestrates His creation towards ultimate perfection (02:29). While God is the primary cause of all that exists, He also employs secondary causes—creatures endowed with free will—to further His divine plan.

“Divine Providence means the dispositions by which God guides His creation towards its perfection.” [07:43]

He differentiates between primary causes (direct actions by God, such as creating light) and secondary causes (actions by creatures, such as the laws of physics or human decisions). This interplay respects human freedom while ensuring that God’s sovereign plan is fulfilled.

5. Human Cooperation and Dignity

Fr. Mike emphasizes the dignity bestowed upon humans through their capacity to act as secondary causes (10:13). Humans are not mere passive recipients but active participants in God’s providential plan.

“God grants His creatures the dignity of acting on their own, of being causes and principles for each other, and thus of cooperating in the accomplishment of his plan.” [17:05]

This cooperation can be both conscious and unconscious. By engaging in prayer, righteous actions, and even suffering, believers actively participate in God’s redemptive work.

“We can enter deliberately into the divine plan by our actions, our prayers, and our sufferings.” [18:43]

Fr. Mike encourages believers to embrace this role, highlighting that their contributions are vital to the realization of God’s kingdom.

6. Humility and Understanding Creation

Understanding creation requires humility and respect. Fr. Mike points out that while humans share in the divine intellect, comprehending God’s revelations through creation demands earnest effort and a humble spirit.

“Our human understanding... can understand what God tells us by means of His creation, though not without great effort and only in a spirit of humility and respect.” [05:47]

This recognition fosters a deeper appreciation for the ordered universe and the Creator, aligning human inquiry and faith.

Notable Quotes

• On God’s Goodness and Order:

  “God creates an ordered and good world. Because God creates through wisdom, his creation is ordered.” [05:16]

• On God’s Transcendence:

  “God transcends creation and is present to it. God is infinitely greater than all his works.” [06:02]

• On Divine Providence:

  “Divine Providence means the dispositions by which God guides His creation towards its perfection.” [07:43]

• On Human Dignity:

  “God grants His creatures the dignity of acting on their own, of being causes and principles for each other, and thus of cooperating in the accomplishment of his plan.” [17:05]

• On Prayer and Cooperation:

  “Prayer doesn't change God's mind. Then why would we do it?... We pray because God hears our prayers and He grants us the dignity of being causes.” [18:12]

Conclusion

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz articulates a profound understanding of creation as a testament to God's wisdom, goodness, and sovereign plan. By acknowledging both God’s transcendence and immanence, listeners are invited to recognize their essential role as active participants in divine providence. The interplay between primary and secondary causes underscores the Catholic belief in human dignity and free will, encouraging believers to engage thoughtfully and faithfully in God's redemptive mission. As Fr. Mike beautifully concludes, recognizing our capacity to cooperate with God’s plan through actions, prayers, and even sufferings affirms our integral place in His divine purpose.

Prayer to Conclude the Episode

Fr. Mike leads listeners in a heartfelt prayer, seeking God’s mercy and assistance to align daily actions with His divine providence.

“Father in heaven, we thank You for this day. We thank You for creating this good world. We know that we broke it in our original sin... Help us to say yes to You this day and every day. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.” [04:28]

Invitation

Fr. Mike wraps up by urging listeners to embrace their role in God’s plan, reinforcing the message that every action and prayer contributes to the broader tapestry of divine providence. He extends personal blessings and encourages ongoing participation in the journey through the Catechism.

“Please, please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike, and I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” [19:37]

This comprehensive exploration in Day 43 offers listeners a deeper appreciation of the Catholic understanding of creation, divine providence, and human agency, fostering a more profound connection to their faith and God’s enduring goodness.