Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 54: The Fall of Man

Episode Overview

In Day 54: The Fall of Man, released on February 23, 2025, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 385-390 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to explore the profound mystery of evil, the nature of sin, and the overarching narrative of redemption through Jesus Christ. This episode is pivotal in understanding how the Catholic faith reconciles the existence of suffering and evil with the inherent goodness of God.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Mystery of Evil and Its Origin

   Fr. Mike begins by addressing the age-old question: "Where does evil come from?" He references St. Augustine, who poignantly stated, "I sought whence evil comes, and there was no solution." (09:30). Augustine's quest for understanding evil was only fulfilled through his conversion to Christ, illustrating that comprehending evil's origin necessitates recognizing the role of divine revelation.

   • Paragraph 385 Insights: God is infinitely good, yet evil persists due to the misuse of human freedom. Fr. Mike emphasizes that evil is not a tangible entity but a privation of good—a distortion or misuse of what is inherently good (12:45).

2. Sin as Rebellion Against God

   Sin, according to Fr. Mike, is fundamentally a rejection of the relationship with God. He articulates, "Sin is rebellion against God. And we only can understand sin if we understand the fact that we're made to be in relationship with God." (16:10). This relational aspect distinguishes sin from mere mistakes or social flaws.

   • Paragraph 387 Clarification: Sin should not be misconstrued as a developmental flaw, psychological weakness, or a result of inadequate social structures. Instead, it is an abuse of the freedom granted by God to love Him and one another (22:00).

3. Original Sin and Its Consequences

   Fr. Mike elaborates on original sin, highlighting that it began with the first humans, Adam and Eve, who misused their freedom, leading to suffering and death entering the world. He states, "Through the sin of one man, death entered the world. But also through one man, Jesus Christ, life has entered the world." (28:15).

   • Paragraphs 388-389: The revelation of Jesus Christ is essential to understanding original sin. Without knowing Christ as the source of grace, one cannot fully comprehend Adam as the source of sin. This duality underscores the Catholic belief in redemption and the transformative power of grace (35:50).

4. Grace and Redemption Through Christ

   Despite the depth of sin, God's grace abounds even more. Fr. Mike quotes, "Where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more." (40:05). This highlights the Catholic doctrine that no matter how pervasive evil is, divine grace through Jesus Christ remains victorious.

   • Paragraph 385 Conclusion: Fr. Mike emphasizes that understanding the origin of evil requires focusing on Jesus, who alone conquers it. "We must approach the question of the origin of evil by fixing the eyes of our faith on him who alone is its conqueror." (45:20).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Introduction to the Episode

  • "The whole point of the next few days is going to be the fall and the reality of God made us free, and yet we experience suffering. God made us good, yet we experience suffering." (02:00)

• Understanding Sin

  • "Sin is rebellion against God... Every sin, the source of all evil, is a rejection of that relationship." (14:30)

• Original Sin and Redemption

  • "Through the sin of one man, death entered the world. But also through one man, Jesus Christ, life has entered the world." (28:15)

• Grace Overcoming Sin

  • "Where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more." (35:50)

• Encouragement to Listeners

  • "You have shown so much tenacity... keep pressing play and keep learning." (50:30)

Insights and Reflections

Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines theological exposition with practical insights, making complex doctrines accessible. By framing sin within the context of relationships—specifically, the intended relationship between humanity and God—he offers a relational understanding of morality and evil.

The discussion underscores the centrality of Jesus Christ in Catholic theology, not only as the redeemer but also as the lens through which the mysteries of sin and evil are comprehended. This Christocentric approach reinforces the idea that redemption and grace are ever-present, offering hope amidst the reality of a fallen world.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Fr. Mike concludes the episode with heartfelt encouragement, acknowledging the listeners' dedication to the 365-day journey through the Catechism. He emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, urging listeners to support one another through prayer and perseverance. "I cannot wait to see you tomorrow... God bless." (55:50)

As the series progresses, listeners can anticipate a deeper exploration of topics such as the fall of the angels, the broader consequences of sin, and the ongoing battle between good and evil, all while grounding their understanding in the unwavering love and grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ.

Stay Connected

To continue this enriching journey through the Catechism, listeners are encouraged to download the Catechism in a Year Reading Plan from ascensionpress.com/ciy and subscribe to the podcast for daily notifications and updates.

Prayer from the Episode

Fr. Mike leads a prayer invoking the Holy Spirit to help listeners comprehend the reality and depth of sin, appreciate the intended relationship with God, and walk in the light of divine grace and love.

By engaging with this episode, listeners gain a profound understanding of the Catholic perspective on sin, its origins, and the limitless grace available through Christ, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful faith journey.