Podcast Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 64: The Lord
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Introduction

In Day 64 of The Catechism in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound theological significance of the title "Lord" as it pertains to Jesus Christ. This episode, spanning approximately 30 minutes, offers listeners an in-depth exploration of biblical linguistics, doctrinal assertions, and personal reflections that illuminate the divine lordship of Jesus within the Catholic faith.

Exploring the Title "Lord" (00:05 - 15:30)

Fr. Mike begins by contextualizing the title "Lord" within both the Old and New Testaments. He explains that in the original Hebrew scriptures, the sacred name of God revealed to Moses is "Yahweh," a name so holy it was seldom spoken aloud, only uttered once by the high priest (paragraph 4:46). When the scriptures were translated into Greek, this name became "Kyrios," meaning "Lord." This translation not only preserved the sanctity of the original name but also made it accessible for broader understanding.

Notable Quote:

"The ineffable name of the Lord God that God revealed to Moses in the burning bush is the name Yahweh... It was translated in Greek as the name Kyrios, which means Lord." (00:45)

Fr. Mike emphasizes that the title "Lord" in the New Testament carries dual significance—it denotes both honor and sovereignty. While it can be used as a respectful address in everyday situations (e.g., "Lord, my servant is dying"), its attribution to Jesus transcends mere honorific usage. He cites the encounter of Thomas with the risen Christ, where Thomas exclaims, "My Lord and my God," highlighting the divine nature of Jesus (paragraph 4:48).

Notable Quote:

"As St. Thomas says, 'My Lord and my God,' and that combination... gives us a new connotation of love and affection that remains proper to the Christian tradition." (10:15)

Jesus as Lord: Sovereignty and Divinity (15:31 - 25:45)

Delving deeper, Fr. Mike discusses how Jesus embodies divine sovereignty through His actions and titles. He references paragraph 4:47, illustrating how Jesus demonstrated His authority over nature, illness, demons, death, and sin—acts that affirm His lordship and divinity. Miracles such as calming storms, multiplying food, and raising the dead are presented as tangible proofs of Jesus's sovereign power.

Notable Quote:

"Throughout his public life, he demonstrated his divine sovereignty by works of power over nature, illnesses, demons, death, and sin." (16:50)

Fr. Mike further explores the implications of acknowledging Jesus as Lord in a believer's personal life. Recognizing Jesus's dominion extends to all aspects of one's existence—past, present, and future. This acknowledgment fosters a relationship where believers submit their lives to His lordship, finding peace and purpose in His divine governance.

Notable Quote:

"If Jesus is the Lord of my life, it means he has dominion over my past, present, and future." (22:10)

Theological Affirmations and Church Teaching (25:46 - 30:00)

Shifting to ecclesiastical teachings, Fr. Mike cites paragraphs 4:49 and 4:50, which affirm that the Church has always recognized Jesus's lordship as synonymous with His divinity. He references Gaudium et Spes, emphasizing that the purpose of human history is centered in Jesus Christ, underscoring the necessity of submitting to His lordship over any earthly authority.

Notable Quote:

"From the beginning of Christian history, the assertion of Christ's lordship over the world and over history has implicitly revealed that we should never submit our freedom in an absolute manner to anything or anyone else other than God." (28:35)

Fr. Mike also highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in recognizing and proclaiming Jesus as Lord. He underscores that the confession "Jesus is Lord" is empowered by the Holy Spirit, making it a deeply personal and spiritual declaration.

Notable Quote:

"No one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." (29:50)

Personal Reflections and Community Prayer (30:01 - End)

In the concluding segment, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to internalize and live out the confession of Jesus as Lord. He shares a heartfelt prayer, inviting the community to collectively acknowledge Jesus's sovereignty and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in embodying this truth.

Prayer Excerpt:

"Jesus Christ is Lord. He is Lord of the living, He's Lord of all... we declare together as this catechism in a year community, we declare that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father, now and always. Amen." (29:30)

Fr. Mike wraps up by urging listeners to pray for one another, fostering a supportive community that genuinely embraces and practices the lordship of Jesus in their daily lives.

Summary of Key Points

1. Linguistic Roots: The title "Lord" (Kyrios) originates from the Greek translation of the Hebrew "Yahweh," preserving the sacredness of God's name while making it accessible.

2. Dual Significance: "Lord" serves both as a respectful address and a declaration of Jesus's divine sovereignty.

3. Christ’s Sovereignty: Jesus's miracles and authoritative actions affirm His role as Lord, with dominion over all aspects of existence.

4. Theological Affirmations: Church teachings emphasize that Jesus is Lord, underscoring the necessity of supreme devotion and submission to Him over any earthly authority.

5. Holy Spirit’s Role: The proclamation of Jesus as Lord is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, making it a personal and spiritual affirmation.

6. Community and Prayer: Embracing Jesus's lordship involves communal prayer and mutual support within the faith community.

Conclusion

Day 64 of The Catechism in a Year offers a comprehensive examination of the title "Lord," unraveling its historical, linguistic, and theological dimensions. Fr. Mike Schmitz eloquently bridges scripture and tradition, guiding listeners to a deeper understanding and personal embrace of Jesus Christ's divine lordship. This episode not only educates but also inspires believers to live out their faith with a profound acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord in every facet of their lives.

Recommended for Further Listening:

• Day 63: The Son of God
• Day 65: The Holy Spirit

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