Episode Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Day 44: The Scandal of Evil

Introduction to Episode

In Day 44 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into "The Scandal of Evil," exploring one of the most profound and challenging questions in Catholic theology: If God is the Creator of an ordered and good world, why does evil exist? Released on February 13, 2025, this episode offers listeners a deep theological examination of evil's presence within God's providential plan, drawing insights from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and esteemed saints.

Main Topic: The Scandal of Evil

Fr. Mike begins by contextualizing the episode within the framework of God's providence and secondary causes. He emphasizes that while God is the primary cause of all creation, He permits secondary causes, which include the existence of evil. This dual causality sets the stage for understanding the complex relationship between divine sovereignty and the presence of evil in the world.

The Problem of Evil: Key Questions and Responses

The central question posed in this episode—and in paragraph 309 of the Catechism—is:

"If God the Father Almighty, the Creator of the ordered and good world, cares for all his creatures, why does evil exist?"
(00:00:44)

Fr. Mike underscores that the Catechism does not offer a simplistic or singular answer. Instead, it presents the entirety of the Christian faith as the comprehensive response to the existence of evil. He highlights that every aspect of the Christian message—from the goodness of creation to the redemptive work of Christ—contributes to this answer.

Moral vs. Physical Evil

A significant portion of the discussion differentiates between physical evil and moral evil:

• Physical Evil: Arises from the imperfections within creation itself, such as natural disasters or diseases. Fr. Mike uses the analogy of gravity to illustrate that certain physical evils are inherent in the natural order.

• Moral Evil: Stems from the free choices of intelligent and free creatures (angels and humans). This form of evil is considered "incommensurably more harmful" than physical evil because it involves the deliberate misuse of freedom, leading to actions that are morally reprehensible.

"Moral evil is vastly worse than physical evil. It is worse to die spiritually than it is to die physically."
(00:15:30)

God's Providence and Free Will

Central to the discussion is the concept of free will and its role in the existence of evil. Fr. Mike explains that God, in His infinite wisdom and goodness, chose to create beings capable of love and, consequently, capable of choosing against it. This freedom is essential for genuine love but unfortunately allows for the possibility of evil.

He references paragraph 312 of the Catechism to illustrate that God neither causes nor desires evil but permits it to respect the freedom He has granted His creatures. Importantly, God can bring about a greater good from the existence of evil, even moral evil, though this process may remain mysterious to human understanding.

"God permits evil because He respects the freedom of His creatures and mysteriously knows how to derive good from it."
(00:18:45)

Insights from the Saints

Fr. Mike enriches the theological discourse by incorporating profound reflections from revered saints, offering personal and communal perspectives on trusting God's plan amidst suffering:

1. St. Catherine of Siena:

   "All comes from love. All is ordained for the salvation of man. God does nothing without this goal in mind."
   (00:07:15)

2. St. Thomas More:

   "Whatever seems never so bad in sight, it shall indeed be the best."
   (00:09:50)

3. Dame Julian of Norwich:

   "All manner of things shall be well, even in the midst of brokenness."
   (00:12:30)

These testimonies highlight a steadfast belief in God's overarching goodness and His ability to orchestrate all events toward the ultimate good, even when immediate circumstances appear dire.

Application and Conclusion

Towards the episode's conclusion, Fr. Mike reflects personally on the profound nature of grappling with evil and suffering. He emphasizes the intimacy of God's presence in human suffering and the invitation to trust in His providential plan.

He concludes with a heartfelt prayer, echoing the sentiments of Julian of Norwich and other saints, beseeching God for the strength to trust Him fully, even amid the darkest valleys:

"Help me to trust you. Help me to rely on you and to know that, yes, all that comes to me, even if it's something that just breaks my heart, breaks my life... All will be well."
(00:20:10)

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Faith as Response: The Christian faith, in its entirety, serves as the answer to the problem of evil, encompassing creation’s goodness, the reality of sin, and God’s redemptive actions.

• Role of Free Will: God’s granting of free will is essential for genuine love but inherently allows the possibility of evil.

• Distinction Between Evils: Moral evil, resulting from human free will, is far more grievous than physical evil, which arises from the natural order.

• Providential Good: God can and does bring about good from evil, even if this process is not immediately apparent.

• Hope and Trust: Trust in God’s ultimate plan provides hope and consolation, as reflected in the teachings of the saints.

Conclusion

Day 44 of The Catechism in a Year podcast offers a profound exploration of one of theology's most challenging issues. Through a detailed reading of the Catechism and the incorporation of saintly wisdom, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners toward a deeper understanding of how God's providence works amidst the reality of evil. This episode serves as both an educational and spiritual resource, encouraging believers to trust in God's ultimate goodness despite the presence of suffering and evil in the world.