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

Episode: Day 45: Summary of Creation
Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction

In Day 45 of Ascension's The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into a comprehensive summary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, specifically focusing on paragraphs 3:15 to 3:24. This episode encapsulates the profound themes of creation, the Trinity, divine providence, and the mystery of evil, providing listeners with deep insights into the Catholic faith.

Opening Prayer

Fr. Mike begins the episode with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God's guidance and thanking Him for His continuous revelation through Scripture and Church tradition. This sets a contemplative tone for the discussions that follow.

Notable Quote:
"Father in heaven, we give you praise and thanks... We trust in you this day and we love you."
[00:05]

Summary of Creation

Fr. Mike emphasizes that God alone created the universe freely and directly, without any assistance. This creation is not arbitrary but a deliberate act of love to communicate His glory, truth, goodness, and beauty to His creatures.

• God as the Sole Creator:
  God’s act of creation, described using the Hebrew word B A R A (ex nihilo), signifies creation out of nothing. No creature possesses the infinite power to create in this manner.

• Purpose of Creation:
  The universe exists to proclaim God’s glory and to enable His creatures to share in His divine attributes.

Notable Quote:
"God created this world because he desired, because he is love. He desired to be able to share that love with free creatures he made in his image and likeness."
[10:15]

The Trinity and Creation

Fr. Mike discusses the role of the Trinity in creation, highlighting that while the Father is primarily attributed with creation, the Son and the Holy Spirit are equally involved. This underscores the unity and indivisibility of the Trinity in the act of creation.

• Unity in Diversity:
  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit act as one divine principle in creation, each person of the Trinity working in harmony.

Notable Quote:
"Where the Son is, there is the Father and the Holy Spirit. We recognize that the Trinity is one in being, with three divine persons, yet they're not separated."
[20:45]

Divine Providence

Divine providence is portrayed as God's guiding hand that directs all creatures toward their ultimate end with wisdom and love. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to place their trust in God's providence, especially in times of uncertainty and suffering.

• Filial Trust:
  Jesus invites believers to trust Him as a filial child trusts a loving parent, reinforcing the personal relationship between God and His followers.

Notable Quote:
"Christ invites us to filial trust in the providence of our heavenly Father... Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about you."
[30:30]

The Mystery of Evil

A significant portion of the episode addresses the existence of evil and suffering. Fr. Mike acknowledges that while evil is a profound mystery, the Christian message offers solace and understanding.

• Permitting of Evil:
  God permits both physical and moral evil to preserve human free will and to allow for the possibility of greater goods that emerge from suffering.

• Redemption through Christ:
  Jesus Christ's suffering and resurrection showcase God's power to transform evil into a source of redemption, without negating the inherent evil of such acts.

Notable Quote:
"There is not a single aspect of the Christian message that is not in part an answer to the question of evil."
[40:00]

Key Insights and Conclusions

• God's Continuous Presence:
  Unlike deism, God remains actively involved in sustaining the universe, highlighting His immanence alongside His transcendence.

• Purposeful Creation:
  Every element of creation reflects God's desire to communicate His divine nature and invite humans into a relationship with Him.

• Trust Amidst Suffering:
  Believers are encouraged to maintain trust in God's plan, even when facing inexplicable suffering, relying on the assurance that God can bring good from evil.

• Eternal Perspective:
  Faith assures that, ultimately, God’s plans will manifest fully in eternal life, providing a comprehensive understanding beyond current human comprehension.

Notable Quote:
"In my sorrow and my grief, I'm going to draw close to you because you have revealed ultimately that you don't stay away from my grief."
[50:20]

Closing Thoughts

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reaffirming the transformative power of faith in navigating the complexities of creation and evil. He invites listeners to embrace their journey of faith wholeheartedly, trusting in God's unwavering love and providence.

Final Quote:
"Pick up your cross today and follow after the Lord... I trust you."
[59:45]

Looking Ahead

The episode wraps up with a preview of the next day’s topic on angels, connecting it to the recent discussions on creation and emphasizing the integral role angels play in God's divine plan.

Conclusion

Day 45 of The Catechism in a Year serves as a profound reflection on the nature of God's creation, the mystery of evil, and the assurance of divine providence. Fr. Mike Schmitz eloquently guides listeners through these complex theological concepts, offering clarity and encouragement for their faith journey.