Podcast Summary: Day 65 – Why the Word Became Flesh

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Ascension
• Episode Title: Day 65: Why the Word Became Flesh (2025)
• Release Date: March 6, 2025

Introduction

In Day 65 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into Article 3 of the Apostles' Creed, specifically examining the profound mystery of the Incarnation—the moment when the Son of God became man. This episode focuses on answering the pivotal question: “Why did the Word become flesh?”

Main Discussion Points

1. Exploring the Incarnation:

Father Mike begins by grounding listeners in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), specifically paragraphs 456 to 463, which outline the reasons behind the Incarnation. Using the Foundations of Faith approach, he provides a structured and color-coded pathway to understanding this central tenet of Catholic belief.

2. The Four Reasons Why the Word Became Flesh:

Father Mike presents and elaborates on the four reasons the Church offers for the Incarnation, each rooted in the CCC:

• a. To Save Us by Reconciling Us with God (Paragraph 457):

  The primary purpose of the Word becoming flesh is salvation. Father Mike emphasizes this by quoting the Nicene Creed, "for us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven," highlighting that Jesus' descent was a direct act of reconciliation between humanity and God.

  "The Word became flesh for us in order to save us by reconciling us to God who loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins." (00:15)

• b. So We Might Know God's Love (Paragraph 458):

  The Incarnation makes God’s love tangible. Through Jesus, God’s love is not just an abstract concept but a manifest reality that believers can experience and understand deeply.

  "The Word became flesh so that thus we might know God's love." (00:35)

  Father Mike references John 3:16 to illustrate this, reminding listeners of the universal nature of God's love: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son..."

• c. To Be Our Model of Holiness (Paragraph 459):

  Jesus serves as the ideal model of holiness. By living a life of impeccable virtue, Jesus provides a blueprint for believers to emulate in their own spiritual journeys.

  "The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness." (01:10)

  He cites Jesus' teachings, such as "I am the way and the truth and the life..." to emphasize the importance of following Jesus' example.

• d. To Make Us Partakers of the Divine Nature (Paragraph 460):

  The Incarnation enables believers to share in God's divine nature. This profound union is foundational to understanding the transformative power of baptism and the new creation believers become through the Holy Spirit.

  "The Word became flesh to make us partakers of the divine nature." (01:45)

  Father Mike references saints like Irenaeus, Athanasius, and Thomas Aquinas to deepen the theological foundation of this concept.

3. Reflections on the Incarnation:

Father Mike reflects on the mystery of the Incarnation, explaining that it is the “enfleshment of God”—Carne in Spanish—and underscores its significance in bridging the divine and human realms.

4. Communal and Personal Dimensions:

While emphasizing the communal aspect of the Incarnation—“God did this for everyone”— Father Mike also highlights its personal relevance. He encourages listeners to internalize the four reasons, making them applicable to their individual spiritual lives.

"The Word became flesh for you in order to save you by reconciling you with God." (02:30)

5. The Power of Baptism:

Touching upon baptism, Father Mike connects the granting of the Holy Spirit and the concept of becoming a new creation to the broader theme of sharing in the divine nature.

6. Scriptural and Theological Insights:

Father Mike weaves in scriptural references from St. Paul's letters and theological insights from Church Fathers to reinforce the teachings on the Incarnation and its implications for salvation and personal holiness.

"Belief in the true incarnation of The Son of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith." (03:20)

Notable Quotes

• Father Mike Schmitz (00:15):

  "The Word became flesh for us in order to save us by reconciling us to God who loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins."

• Father Mike Schmitz (00:35):

  "The Word became flesh so that thus we might know God's love."

• Father Mike Schmitz (01:10):

  "The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness."

• Father Mike Schmitz (01:45):

  "The Word became flesh to make us partakers of the divine nature."

• Father Mike Schmitz (02:30):

  "The Word became flesh for you in order to save you by reconciling you with God."

Personal Reflections and Applications

Throughout the episode, Father Mike shares personal anecdotes and emotional reflections, conveying his gratitude for the listeners' support and community. He emphasizes the transformative power of understanding the Incarnation, urging listeners to internalize the four reasons and apply them to their faith journeys.

He also uses illustrative examples, such as the Pinocchio analogy, to explain the profound connection between humanity and divinity achieved through the Incarnation.

Conclusion

Father Mike concludes Day 65 with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to seek a deeper understanding of God’s love and the mystery of the Incarnation. He reiterates the personal and communal significance of the Word becoming flesh, urging listeners to embrace this foundational belief as they continue their journey through the Catechism.

"Have this in mind among yourselves. Which is yours in Christ Jesus..." (04:15)

Father Mike expresses his gratitude for the community’s support and encourages ongoing prayer and reflection, reinforcing the episode’s message of God’s unending love and the transformative gift of the Incarnation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Incarnation is central to Catholic faith, explaining why God became man.
• There are four primary reasons for the Word becoming flesh: salvation, knowing God’s love, modeling holiness, and sharing in the divine nature.
• The Incarnation has both communal and personal implications for believers.
• Understanding the theological foundations enriches one’s spiritual journey and relationship with God.

Final Thought: Father Mike Schmitz invites listeners to embrace the mystery of the Incarnation, encouraging a deepened faith and a closer relationship with God through the profound truths outlined in the Catechism.