Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 62: The Christ (2025)
Release Date: March 3, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Reading Covered: Paragraphs 436 to 440 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

1. Introduction: Journey Through the Catechism

Fr. Mike Schmitz welcomes listeners to Day 62 of "The Catechism in a Year," emphasizing the podcast's mission to explore God's plan of goodness through Scripture and Catholic tradition. He introduces the day's focus on Jesus the Christ, covering paragraphs 436 to 440 of the Catechism.

2. Understanding the Title "Christ"

• Definition and Origin:

  • Christ originates from the Greek "Christos", translating the Hebrew "Messiah" or "Moshiach", both meaning "anointed one". (Fr. Mike Schmitz [03:15]).
  • The title Christ became uniquely associated with Jesus because He perfectly fulfilled the divine mission that the term signifies.

• Significance of Anointing:

  • In the Old Covenant, kings, priests, and prophets were anointed to signify their roles. Jesus, as the Messiah, fulfills all these roles simultaneously, making Christ a proper title exclusive to Him. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [05:20]).

3. The Threefold Office: Priest, Prophet, King

• Jesus as High Priest:

  • Jesus fulfills the priestly role by not only standing at the altar but by being the ultimate sacrifice Himself. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [10:45]).

• Jesus as Prophet:

  • He embodies the prophetic voice, speaking God's truth and guiding His people, yet His mission transcends traditional prophetic roles by intertwining with His redemptive work.

• Jesus as King:

  • Unlike earthly kings, Jesus' kingship is manifest in His humility and sacrificial love, as epitomized by His crucifixion. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [15:30]).

4. Messianic Fulfillment in Jesus

• Historical Context:

  • Jesus' birth to Joseph and Mary placed Him within the Messianic lineage of David, aligning with the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [08:00]).

• Divine Mission:

  • His baptism by John marked the anointing by the Holy Spirit, revealing His divine mission to the world. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [09:50]).

• Acceptance of Messiahship:

  • While many contemporaries viewed the Messiah as a political liberator, Jesus redefined this role by embracing a path of suffering and redemption. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [20:10]).

5. The Role of the Trinity in Jesus’ Mission

• Unity of the Trinity:

  • Fr. Mike underscores the inseparable unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Jesus' mission. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:25]).

• Interrelation in Anointing:

  • Father—the one who anoints, Son (Jesus)—the one anointed, and Holy Spirit—the anointing itself, work in perfect harmony to fulfill the Messiah's mission. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [13:40]).

6. The Paradox of the Messiah’s Kingship

• Suffering Servant:

  • Jesus embodies the paradox of a king who serves and sacrifices Himself for humanity, contrasting earthly notions of power and authority. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:55]).

• Revelation through Suffering:

  • His suffering and resurrection reveal the true nature of His kingship, demonstrating a kingdom built on love, sacrifice, and redemption rather than political might. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [19:45]).

7. Implications for Christians

• Participation in the Threefold Office:

  • Christians are called to share in Jesus' roles as priest, prophet, and king, extending His mission into their daily lives through service, proclamation, and righteous living. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [21:00]).

• Living the Mystery:

  • Embracing the paradox of Jesus' kingship encourages believers to find strength in vulnerability and purpose in service. (Fr. Mike Schmitz [22:15]).

8. Key Quotes and Insights

• On the Title "Christ":

  • "Christ is not just a title; it's the fulfillment of God's promise, encapsulating Jesus' roles as priest, prophet, and king." (Fr. Mike Schmitz [04:30]).

• On Jesus' Mission:

  • "He did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Fr. Mike Schmitz [19:30]).

• On the Trinity's Unity:

  • "The Trinity is always a unity, united in being, in their wills, and in their actions." (Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:10]).

• On Suffering and Kingship:

  • "The true meaning of His kingship is revealed only when He is raised high on the cross." (Fr. Mike Schmitz [20:50]).

9. Conclusion: Embracing the Journey Together

Fr. Mike expresses gratitude for the community's perseverance through the reading plan, emphasizing the collective journey in understanding and living out Jesus' mission. He encourages ongoing prayer and mutual support as they continue to explore the Catechism together.

Prayer Highlights:

• A guided prayer at the beginning encourages listeners to recognize Jesus as the Christ and to embrace His roles in their lives.

  "Oh God, help us to call upon His name. Help us to see that Jesus is the Christ, that He is the Messiah..." (Fr. Mike Schmitz [07:50]).

Final Thoughts

This episode delves deep into the profound identity of Jesus as the Christ, exploring the rich tapestry of His roles and the theological implications for believers. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines Scripture, tradition, and personal insight, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of Jesus' divine mission and its relevance to their faith journey.

For those following along, Fr. Mike invites listeners to engage fully with the reading plan and to participate actively in the community through prayer and mutual support. As they traverse the Catechism of the Catholic Church together, each episode builds a more profound connection with their faith and with God’s everlasting plan of salvation.