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

Episode: Day 54: The Fall of Man (2026)
Date: February 23, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Source: Ascension

Overview of the Episode

This episode focuses on the Catechism’s foundational teaching regarding the Fall of Man and the origin, nature, and consequences of sin. Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through paragraphs 385–390 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, exploring why evil and suffering exist despite a good God, the meaning of original sin, and how only the revelation of Jesus Christ brings true understanding and hope amidst the mystery of evil.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Universal Question of Evil and Suffering

Timestamps: 00:30–02:15

• Fr. Mike frames the episode around humanity’s universal experience and confusion about evil:

  “God made us free, and yet we experience suffering. God made us good, yet we experience suffering. God is good, and yet where does evil come from?” (00:33)

• He underscores that the Catechism insists there is no simple answer:

  “There’s no part of the Christian message that is not, at least in part, an answer to the problem of pain, right, to the problem of evil.” (01:07)

2. Understanding the Mystery of Evil

Timestamps: 02:15–04:10

• Drawing from St. Augustine, Fr. Mike notes the depths of the mystery:

  “St. Augustine said, ‘I sought whence evil comes. And there was no solution.’ And his own painful quest would only be resolved by his conversion to the living God.” (03:00)

• Evil is not a “thing” in itself, but a privation—a distortion or absence of good.

3. The Reality, Not Simply the Psychology, of Sin

Timestamps: 04:15–08:45

• Sin is not merely a developmental flaw, psychological weakness, or social defect.

  “Sin is rebellion against God...the source of all evil is a rejection of that relationship, is a refusal to live in right relationship with the source of all good. And that’s just so profound.” (06:10)

• It is, fundamentally, relational:

  “Every sin, the source of all evil, is a rejection of that relationship, is a refusal to live in right relationship with the source of all good.” (06:25)

4. Sin, Grace, and Redemption

Timestamps: 08:45–12:50

• The doctrine of original sin can only be understood when contrasted with Jesus as the source of grace:

  “We must know Christ as the source of grace in order to know Adam as the source of sin.” (08:55)

• Sin entered through one man (Adam), but life and grace entered through another (Jesus):

  “Through the sin of one man, death entered the world. But also through one man, Jesus Christ, life has entered the world. Grace is possible and redemption is real.” (11:15)

5. The Catechism’s Teaching: Sin as a Personal and Primeval Event

Timestamps: 12:50–18:30

• Catechism affirms the historical reality of the Fall, even if Genesis uses figurative language:

  “The account of the Fall in Genesis chapter three uses figurative language, but affirms a primeval event, a deed that took place at the beginning of the history of man.” (17:35)

• Without knowledge of God’s plan, sin is misunderstood:

  “Without the knowledge revelation gives of God, we cannot recognize sin clearly and are tempted to explain it as merely a developmental flaw, a psychological weakness, a mistake, or the necessary consequence of an inadequate social structure…” (from Catechism, quoted at 14:40)

• The Church insists on the integrity of the doctrine of original sin:

  “The Church...knows very well that we cannot tamper with the revelation of original sin without undermining the mystery of Christ.” (18:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of sin:

  “Sin is not an accident. Sin is not a broken rule… When we say yes to obeying the commandment, we’re not saying yes to the rule. We’re saying yes to the person who gave the rule.” (13:40)

• Why original sin matters:

  “If I don’t understand original sin, I will never understand my need for salvation. If I don’t understand my brokenness, I will never, ever understand why God Himself had to become one of us in order to redeem all of us.” (17:45)

• On hope:

  “No matter how deeply sin goes, grace is still the winner, that grace still conquers.” (11:51)

• Encouragement to listeners:

  “You did today, though, and that is awesome. I am so grateful that we have each other.” (22:22)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:33 | Introduction of the central problem: Where does evil come from? | | 03:00 | Quoting St. Augustine on the mystery of evil. | | 06:10 | Sin described fundamentally as rebellion and relationship. | | 08:55 | Only in Christ do we fully understand sin and grace. | | 11:15 | Adam brings death; Christ brings life. | | 13:40 | Sin as personal rejection, not just rule-breaking. | | 14:40 | Catechism warns against reducing sin to psychology or social issues. | | 17:35 | Genesis recounts a real historical event—though in figurative language. | | 18:15 | The Church’s insistence on the doctrine of original sin as foundational to faith in Christ. | | 22:22 | Fr. Mike encourages perseverance and unity among listeners. |

Flow and Tone

The episode maintains a compassionate and pastoral tone, with Fr. Mike engaging listeners personally (“He loves you so much, you guys”), emphasizing the depth of Catholic teaching while affirming the realities of human brokenness—and the greater reality of redemption in Christ. He encourages listeners on their journey, making dense theology approachable and relevant to everyday faith.

Next Steps & Preview

• Tomorrow’s episode will explore the fall of the angels, further depth on original sin, and the consequences of sin for all of humanity.
• Listeners are encouraged to continue the journey, to pray for one another, and to rejoice in the gift of grace even amid struggle.

Summary prepared for those seeking comprehensive understanding without having heard the episode.