Summary of “Day 46: Heaven and Earth” – The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

In Day 46 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into Paragraph 5: Heaven and Earth from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Paragraphs 325 to 330). This episode explores the comprehensive nature of God’s creation, emphasizing both the visible and invisible realms, and introduces listeners to the profound reality of angels within the Catholic faith.

1. Introduction to Heaven and Earth (00:06 - 02:00)

Father Mike opens the episode by outlining the reading plan, focusing on Paragraph 5: Heaven and Earth. He highlights the Foundations of Faith approach, which utilizes a color-coded system to elucidate the Catechism’s structure, making complex theological concepts more accessible. The host encourages listeners to engage with the material daily, fostering a deeper understanding of Catholic beliefs over the course of the year.

Notable Quote:

“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.” (00:06)

2. Understanding Creation: Visible and Invisible (02:00 - 10:00)

Father Mike begins by unpacking Paragraph 5: Heaven and Earth, emphasizing that God is the creator of all that is visible and invisible. He references the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed to underline that creation encompasses the entire universe, including elements beyond human perception.

He explains that while the earth represents the tangible world inhabited by humans, heaven signifies both the physical firmament and the spiritual abode of God, angels, and saints. This duality underscores the interconnectedness yet distinct separation between the material and spiritual realms.

Notable Quote:

“The scriptural expression heaven and earth means all that exists, creation in its entirety.” (05:30)

3. The Nature and Existence of Angels (10:00 - 25:00)

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding angels. Father Mike elucidates that angels are spiritual, pure beings created by God alongside the visible creation. Drawing from Paragraph 330, he describes angels as possessing intelligence, will, personal identity, and immortality. They surpass physical creatures in perfection, reflecting God’s glory.

He references St. Augustine, who clarifies that “angel” pertains to their office rather than their nature. Angels are inherently spirits, but their role as messengers and servants of God defines them as angels.

Notable Quotes:

“From what they are, spirit from what they do, angel with their whole being.” (14:00)

“As purely spiritual creatures, angels have intelligence and will. They are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures as the splendor of their glory bears witness.” (25:00)

4. Angels’ Role and Relationship with Humans (25:00 - 35:00)

Father Mike explores the role of angels as servants and messengers of God. He emphasizes that angels are fully devoted to God's will, constantly serving Him with their entire beings. This devotion is exemplified in the concept of the guardian angel, who is assigned to protect and guide each person.

He clarifies a common misconception: humans do not become angels after death. Unlike angels, who exist purely as spirits, humans possess both a body and a soul. After death, the soul and body separate temporarily before reunion in the resurrection.

Notable Quote:

“Your guardian angel isn’t your angel, right? It’s the Lord's angel. It’s God's angel.” (30:45)

5. Human Beings: Spiritual and Corporeal Nature (35:00 - 45:00)

The discussion transitions to the unique nature of humans, who embody both spiritual and corporeal elements. Father Mike references the Fourth Lateran Council (1215), which affirms that humans share in both the spiritual and material orders through their dual composition of body and soul.

He highlights the distinctiveness of human beings compared to angels, noting that while angels serve God purely through their spiritual existence, humans have the additional dimension of physical embodiment. This dual nature allows humans to glorify God not only spiritually but also through their physical actions and creations.

Notable Quote:

“Our closest cousins may not be chimpanzees, but angels.” (40:20)

6. Reflections on Angels and Human Purpose (45:00 - 55:00)

Father Mike reflects on the theological significance of angels and their relationship to humans. He shares insights from Father Serge Thomas Bonino, who suggests that while humans are rooted in the animal world, they are also deeply connected to the spiritual realm, akin to angels. This connection underscores the potential for humans to grow in their relationship with God, mirroring the angels’ devotion.

He emphasizes that both angels and humans are created to know and love God. However, humans have the added responsibility and blessing of glorifying God through their bodies—something angels, being purely spiritual, cannot do.

Notable Quote:

“We were created to know God and to love him with everything we have.” (50:10)

7. Conclusion and Prayer (55:00 - End)

Father Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, asking God to reveal both the visible and invisible aspects of creation to the listeners. He petitions for the faith to understand and appreciate the spiritual realities that surround and sustain human existence.

Notable Quote:

“Lord God, send our angel to protect us and hear our prayers through the intercession of every great saint and every angel.” (53:30)

He reiterates the significance of recognizing God's omnipresence and the immediate presence of angels in daily life, encouraging listeners to remain mindful of the unseen spiritual world as they navigate their earthly journey.

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Creation: God’s creation encompasses both the visible and invisible realms, including spiritual beings like angels.

• Nature of Angels: Angels are purely spiritual, intelligent, and willful beings created to serve and glorify God. They possess personal identities and immortality.

• Human Uniqueness: Humans are unique in their dual nature of body and soul, allowing them to interact with both the material and spiritual worlds.

• Misconceptions Addressed: Humans do not become angels after death; instead, they await the resurrection where body and soul reunite.

• Spiritual Kinship: While rooted in the physical world, humans share a spiritual kinship with angels, reflecting the potential for profound relationship with God.

By navigating the intricate relationships between heaven and earth, visible and invisible, angels and humans, Father Mike Schmitz offers listeners a profound understanding of their place within God’s grand design. This episode not only elucidates theological concepts but also inspires believers to deepen their faith and appreciation for the divine mysteries that shape their lives.