Summary of "The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)"
Episode: Day 63: The Only Son of God
Release Date: March 4, 2025

Overview

In Day 63 of Ascension’s "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Paragraphs 441 to 445 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on "Jesus as the Only Son of God." This episode explores the significance of Jesus' divine sonship, its roots in the Old Testament, its fulfillment in the New Testament, and its profound implications for Christian faith and understanding of the Trinity.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Jesus as the Only Son of God in the Old Testament Context

Fr. Schmitz begins by contextualizing the term "Son of God" within the Old Testament, highlighting that it was a title attributed to various figures, including angels, the chosen people, children of Israel, and kings. This "adoptive sonship" signified a special, intimate relationship with God but did not necessarily denote divinity.

• Quote:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:05]:
  "The term son of God is a term that's used in the Old Testament... it signifies an adoptive sonship that establishes a relationship of particular intimacy between God and his creature.”

2. Fulfillment of Divine Sonship in Jesus Christ

Transitioning to the New Testament, Fr. Schmitz emphasizes that Jesus uniquely fulfills the title "Son of God." Unlike previous uses of the term, Jesus' sonship is intrinsic and divine, affirmed through His life, death, resurrection, and divine revelation by the Father.

• Quote:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [05:30]:
  “Only in the Paschal mystery can the believer give the title Son of God its full meaning.”

3. The Transcendent Character of Christ’s Sonship

Fr. Schmitz discusses Peter’s confession of Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" and how Jesus affirms the divine revelation behind this declaration, distinguishing His sonship from previous uses of the term.

• Quote:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [10:15]:
  “Flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father has revealed this to you.”

4. The Paschal Mystery and Manifestation of Divine Sonship

The episode underscores the Paschal Mystery—Jesus' passion, death, resurrection, and ascension—as the pivotal events that manifest His divine sonship. Post-resurrection, Jesus' glorified humanity fully reveals His divinity, as highlighted in Paragraph 445.

• Quote:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [20:45]:
  “After his resurrection, Jesus divine sonship becomes manifest in the power of his glorified humanity.”

5. The Trinity and Jesus’ Divine Sonship

Fr. Schmitz connects Jesus' sonship to the broader understanding of the Trinity, affirming the distinct yet united persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He references John 1:14 to illustrate Jesus as the Word made flesh, embodying both divinity and humanity.

• Quote:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [28:10]:
  “In John chapter one it does say, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.'”

Insights and Reflections

• Unique Revelation: While the Old Testament used "Son of God" to describe various figures, Jesus embodies a unique and intrinsic divinity that surpasses previous applications of the term.

• Apostolic Foundation: Peter’s and Paul’s declarations of Jesus as the "Son of God" lay the foundation for apostolic faith, emphasizing the divine revelation that distinguishes Jesus from all others.

• Interconnected Titles: The titles Jesus, Christ, and Son of God are interwoven, each fulfilling its meaning uniquely and collectively portraying the fullness of Jesus' identity and mission.

• Participation in Divine Sonship: Through baptism and the Eucharist, believers are invited to participate in the divine sonship, echoing the intimacy and relationship exemplified by Jesus.

Conclusion

Day 63 of "The Catechism in a Year" offers a profound exploration of Jesus as the Only Son of God, bridging Old Testament contexts with New Testament revelations. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively elucidates how Jesus fulfills and transcends previous understandings of divine sonship, anchoring this truth in the Paschal Mystery and the doctrine of the Trinity. Listeners are encouraged to deepen their understanding and profess their faith in Jesus as the unique Son of God, embracing the intimate relationship He offers.

• Final Quote:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [38:20]:
  “We get to declare that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God... it is remarkable that we get to declare that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Introduction to the Episode:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:05]:
  "You're listening to the Catechism in a Year podcast where we encounter God's plan of sheer goodness for us..."

• Paschal Mystery Significance:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [05:30]:
  “Only in the Paschal mystery can the believer give the title Son of God its full meaning.”

• Affirmation of Divine Revelation:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [10:15]:
  “Flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father has revealed this to you.”

• Manifestation After Resurrection:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [20:45]:
  “After his resurrection, Jesus divine sonship becomes manifest in the power of his glorified humanity.”

• Trinity Connection:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [28:10]:
  “In John chapter one it does say, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.'”

• Final Affirmation:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [38:20]:
  “We get to declare that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God... it is remarkable that we get to declare that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God.”

Closing Prayer

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to seek a deeper understanding of Jesus' divine sonship and to support one another in this spiritual journey.

• Closing Prayer Excerpt:
  Fr. Mike Schmitz [37:50]:
  “Lord God, we entrust ourselves to you because we know that in time you revealed yourself as the one who saves... Father, hear our prayer in the name of Jesus, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Note: This summary encapsulates the essence of Day 63's discussion on "The Only Son of God," providing listeners and readers alike with a structured and insightful overview of the episode's key teachings and reflections.