The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Episode: Day 60: God Sends His Only Son

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode Title: Day 60: God Sends His Only Son
• Release Date: March 1, 2025
• Description: Fr. Mike Schmitz leads listeners through the Catholic Catechism over 365 episodes, offering explanations, insights, and encouragement. This episode focuses on the foundational beliefs about Jesus Christ, emphasizing His historical reality and centrality in Christian catechesis.

Introduction

In Day 60: God Sends His Only Son, Fr. Mike Schmitz celebrates reaching the two-month milestone of their journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He introduces the day's reading plan, which covers paragraphs 422 to 429 from Chapter Two: I Believe in Jesus Christ, His Only Son: Our Lord. Fr. Mike sets the stage by highlighting the episode's focus on understanding the foundational beliefs about Jesus Christ and the importance of catechesis in conveying these truths.

Reading and Discussion

Paragraphs 422 to 429 outline the Good News that God has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as a pivotal aspect of Christian faith. Fr. Mike emphasizes the historical grounding of Christianity, stating, “Christianity is a historical religion. It is deeply rooted in history” (00:20). He underscores that the existence and actions of Jesus are verifiable through historical context, reinforcing the authenticity of His divine claims.

Key Themes

1. Historical Reality of Jesus

Fr. Mike delves into the historical aspects of Jesus Christ, affirming the certainty of His existence and divine mission. He references the Catechism's detailed account of Jesus' life, birth, and crucifixion under notable historical figures like King Herod the Great and Emperor Caesar Augustus. Fr. Mike remarks, “The resurrection demonstrates that Jesus was telling the truth when he testified to his own being” (04:45), emphasizing the tangible evidence of Jesus' divinity.

2. Centrality of Christ in Catechesis

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Catechesi Tridenti, a document by Pope John Paul II, which highlights Christ’s central role in catechesis. Fr. Mike quotes, “At the heart of catechesis is Christ” (15:30), reflecting on how understanding Jesus is fundamental to teaching and living the faith. He explains that catechesis is not merely about conveying information but fostering a deep communion with Christ.

3. The Role and Call of Catechists

Fr. Mike addresses the profound responsibility of catechists, emphasizing that teaching Christ requires a deep personal relationship with Him. He cites, “Whoever is called to teach Christ must first seek the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus” (28:10). This entails a willingness to sacrifice and embody Christ-like virtues, enabling catechists to authentically share the Gospel.

4. Transmission of Faith

The episode highlights the importance of passing on the Christian faith through proclamation of Jesus Christ. Fr. Mike references the Apostles' fervor in evangelization: “The first disciples burned with the desire to proclaim Christ” (12:50). He stresses that catechesis aims to lead others to faith in Jesus, continuing the mission of the early Church.

Notable Quotes

1. On Historical Christianity:

   “Christianity is a historical religion. It is deeply rooted in history.”
   — Fr. Mike Schmitz (00:20)

2. On the Resurrection:

   “The resurrection demonstrates that Jesus was telling the truth when he testified to his own being.”
   — Fr. Mike Schmitz (04:45)

3. On Catechesis and Christ:

   “At the heart of catechesis is Christ.”
   — Fr. Mike Schmitz (15:30)

4. On the Role of Catechists:

   “Whoever is called to teach Christ must first seek the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.”
   — Fr. Mike Schmitz (28:10)

5. On Transmission of Faith:

   “The transmission of the Christian faith consists primarily in proclaiming Jesus Christ in order to lead others to faith in Him.”
   — Fr. Mike Schmitz (12:50)

Insights and Reflections

Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the immense honor and responsibility of being a catechist. He acknowledges the "high call" to not only understand Christ intellectually but to embody His teachings and love in daily life. This embodiment facilitates genuine evangelization, as catechists become living testimonies of the faith they teach.

He emphasizes that catechesis is a transformative process, aiming to place individuals into a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By doing so, it aligns believers with God's eternal design and fosters a community grounded in prayer, learning, and mutual support.

Fr. Mike also shares his excitement and gratitude for the supportive community participating in the podcast, highlighting the collective journey and the shared goal of nurturing faith.

Guided Prayer

The episode begins and culminates with a guided prayer, setting a contemplative tone for the study. Fr. Mike invites listeners to pray for a deeper knowledge and love of God, and the ability to effectively communicate and represent Christ’s teachings. The prayer emphasizes reliance on the Holy Spirit to empower believers in their spiritual and catechetical missions.

Future Directions

Fr. Mike outlines the upcoming structure of their journey through the Catechism:

1. Article 2: Christ’s Principal Titles – Christ, Son of God, and Lord.
2. Article 3: The Chief Mysteries of His Life – Incarnation and Paschal Mystery.
3. Articles 4 & 5: Death and Resurrection.
4. Articles 6 & 7: Glorification.

This structured approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of Jesus Christ’s life, mission, and divine nature, building a solid foundation for listeners to deepen their faith.

Conclusion

In Day 60: God Sends His Only Son, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines theological exposition with practical insights, emphasizing the historical and relational aspects of Jesus Christ. He calls catechists to a profound personal connection with Christ, enabling them to effectively transmit the faith. This episode serves as a pivotal point in the 365-day journey, reinforcing the centrality of Christ in catechesis and preparing listeners for deeper exploration of Jesus' life and mission in the days to come.

Quotes Reference:

• [00:05] Introduction by Fr. Mike Schmitz
• [00:20] Historical roots of Christianity
• [04:45] Resurrection as a testament to Jesus' divinity
• [12:50] Transmission of faith through proclamation
• [15:30] Centrality of Christ in catechesis
• [28:10] The role and call of catechists