Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 6: Knowing God With Certainty

Introduction

In Day 6 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 44 through 49 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode serves as an "in brief" review, encapsulating the key teachings covered in the first six days. Fr. Mike emphasizes the nature of human beings as inherently religious and explores the certainty with which God can be known.

Review of Previous Days

Fr. Mike begins by acknowledging the completion of Chapter One of Section One, Part One of the Catechism, marking significant progress in the 365-day journey. The "in brief" section consists of six concise bullet points that summarize the foundational concepts discussed over the past two days. These points highlight that humans are religious by nature and vocation, created by God, and destined for communion with Him to achieve true happiness and fulfillment.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Nature and Vocation of Humanity

   • Nature: Fr. Mike explains that human nature is a composite of body and soul, making us both material and spiritual beings. This duality underscores our inherent capacity for communion with God.
   • Vocation: Derived from the Latin vocare, meaning "to call," vocation signifies our divine calling to live in relationship with God. Fr. Mike emphasizes that our very existence is purposeful, reflecting God's intention and love.

2. Joy Through Unity with God

   • Fr. Mike references St. Augustine’s assertion:

     "When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrow or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete." (Timestamp: 15:30)

   • He distinguishes between fleeting happiness and enduring joy, the latter being an abiding sense of well-being rooted in our union with God. Even amidst life's challenges, true joy remains constant when we are united with the Divine.

3. Certainty of Knowing God

   • Creation and Conscience: By observing the natural world and listening to our conscience, humans can attain a certain knowledge of God's existence. Fr. Mike asserts that these avenues provide a rational foundation for faith.
   • Faith and Reason Compatibility: Addressing the common misconception that faith and science are incompatible, Fr. Mike explains that they address different dimensions of truth. Science explores the "what" and "how," while faith delves into the "who" and "why." Thus, they complement rather than contradict each other.

4. Objective vs. Subjective Truth

   • Fr. Mike distinguishes between objective truths, which are universal and unchanging, and subjective truths, which are personal and variable. He underscores that objective truths, such as the existence of God, provide a stable foundation for meaning and purpose in life.
   • He highlights the crisis of meaning in modern society, attributing it to a loss of belief in an objective creator, which erodes the sense of ultimate purpose and value.

5. Language and Analogical Speaking about God

   • Using the analogy of language acquisition, Fr. Mike explains that while human language is limited, it allows us to describe and understand God through metaphors and analogies. Although our words cannot fully capture God's infinite nature, they enable meaningful communication about the Divine.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:

  "Father in heaven, we give you praise. We ask you to please open our minds, open our hearts, to receive your truth." (Timestamp: 04:20)

• St. Augustine:

  "When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrow or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete." (Timestamp: 15:30)

• Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes:

  "Without the Creator, the creature vanishes." (Timestamp: 25:45)

Insights and Reflections

Fr. Mike emphasizes the intrinsic longing humans have for deeper meaning and connection with the Divine. He reassures listeners that understanding the Catechism is a progressive journey that will reveal profound truths about faith and existence. By integrating reason and revelation, he advocates for a holistic approach to knowing God, one that honors both scientific inquiry and spiritual insight.

He also addresses the practical aspect of learning and internalizing faith teachings, likening it to language acquisition. Just as proficiency in a language requires practice, so does deepening one's understanding of God's truths through continuous study and reflection.

Conclusion

Day 6 of The Catechism in a Year serves as a crucial checkpoint, reinforcing foundational beliefs about human nature, the certainty of God's existence, and the harmonious relationship between faith and reason. Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages listeners to remain committed to the journey, promising that subsequent episodes will delve deeper into the Catechism's teachings, offering clarity and profound spiritual growth.

"Stick with us because I'm promising you we're going to get deeper and deeper into this, and things are going to become not more and more muddy, they'll be maybe sometimes more complex, but also so much more profound." (Timestamp: 45:20)

Fr. Mike concludes with a heartfelt invitation to continue exploring the Catholic faith, highlighting the transformative potential of embracing the Catechism in one's daily life.

Encouragement for Listeners

Fr. Mike extends his prayers and support to listeners, acknowledging the challenges of engaging with theological content. He expresses confidence that perseverance will lead to a richer and more meaningful understanding of God and the Catholic faith.

"Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike, and I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." (Timestamp: 47:50)

This episode lays a strong foundation for the Catechism journey, intertwining theological insights with practical reflections, and setting the stage for deeper exploration in the days to come.