The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 67: The Humanity and Divinity of Christ
Release Date: March 8, 2025
Podcast by: Ascension
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Introduction

In Day 67 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound mystery of the Incarnation, exploring how Jesus Christ embodies both true divinity and true humanity without compromising either nature. This episode covers paragraphs 470 to 474 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on the delicate balance maintained in Christ's dual nature.

Key Topics Covered

1. The Mystery of the Incarnation

   • Dual Nature of Christ: Jesus Christ is affirmed to be both fully God and fully man. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Christ's divinity was not absorbed by his humanity, nor did his divinity diminish when he took on human flesh.
   • Paragraph 470 Summary: The Catechism explains that the human nature of Christ was "assumed, not absorbed." This distinction counters heretical views that God’s divinity would obliterate human nature.

2. Christ’s Human Soul, Intellect, and Will

   • Human Operations: Jesus possessed a human soul with intellect and will, enabling him to think, choose, and grow in wisdom and stature (Paragraph 472).
   • Growth and Learning: Despite his divinity, Christ experienced human limitations. He learned languages and grew, highlighting his genuine participation in human experiences.
   • Union with the Divine: Although Jesus had a human intellect and will, these were united with his divine nature, allowing him to understand and express divine truths.

3. Defending Against Apollinarianism

   • Historical Context: Fr. Mike addresses the heresy of Apollinarius of Laodicea, who denied that Christ possessed a rational human soul, asserting instead that the divine Word replaced the human soul.
   • Church's Response: The Church rebuked this view, affirming that the Son of God did indeed assume a rational human soul, preserving both his divinity and humanity.

4. Expression of Divine Life Through Human Knowledge

   • Saint Maximus the Confessor’s Insight: The human nature of Christ, united with the Word, "knew and showed forth in itself everything that pertains to God" (Paragraph 473).
   • Full Understanding: Despite his human limitations, Jesus’ knowledge was enriched by his divine nature, allowing him to comprehend God’s eternal plans fully.

5. Implications for Humanity’s Redemption

   • Jesus’ Comprehensive Redemption: By assuming true humanity, Jesus entered every aspect of human life—labor, emotion, relationships—yet remained sinless.
   • Obedience and Union with the Father: Christ’s human will consistently aligned with the Father’s, exemplifying perfect obedience and love.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:00:45]:
  "When we say Jesus Christ is true God and true man, he became human without losing his divinity, and he remained divine without losing his humanity. And this is just remarkable."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:05:30]:
  "He thought with the human mind, he acted with the human will, and with a human heart he loved."
  (Referencing Gaudium et Spes)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:20:10]:
  "The human nature of God's Son, not by itself, but by its union with the Word, knew and showed forth in itself everything that pertains to God."
  (Quoting Saint Maximus the Confessor)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:35:55]:
  "It's remarkable that he wouldn't limit his intellect so that he could live like us in all things, taking the form of a slave."

Insights and Reflections

• Assumption vs. Absorption: Fr. Mike clarifies that in the Incarnation, Christ assumed human nature without allowing it to consume his divine nature. This precise theological distinction preserves the integrity of both natures.

• Human Experience and Divine Wisdom: Jesus’ genuine human experiences, including growth and learning, do not contradict his divine nature. Instead, they illustrate how divine wisdom operates within human limitations.

• Redemptive Significance: By fully embracing humanity, Jesus is uniquely positioned to redeem all aspects of human life. His obedience and suffering are not merely symbolic but are concrete acts of solidarity with human suffering.

• Mystery of the Union: While the union of divine and human in Christ is ultimately a mystery, Fr. Mike encourages believers to embrace its profundity, recognizing that this union is the foundation of Christian faith and salvation.

Concluding Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz eloquently navigates the complex theology of Christ’s dual nature, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of the Incarnation’s mystery. By grounding his discussion in the Catechism and early Church teachings, he reinforces the Catholic understanding of Jesus as both divine and human. This episode not only educates but also inspires transformation, urging believers to fall in love with a God who fully understands and participates in the human condition.

Fr. Mike closes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to reflect on and accept the profound love and mystery of Christ’s incarnation, encouraging a personal and transformative engagement with the faith.

Prayer Recap

Father in heaven, we thank you. We thank you for the mystery of the Incarnation of your Son, Jesus Christ, that second Person of the Trinity, the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. We saw his glory, the glory as of a Father's only Son. Because, Father, you so loved the world that you gave your Son, so that everyone who believed in him might not perish, but might have eternal life today. Help us to know more and more about your Son. Help us today to accept him even more fully. Help us today to be loved by him and to receive that love as we are loved by you. And receive your love. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Final Encouragement

Fr. Mike underscores the transformative journey embarked upon through the podcast series. He emphasizes that the goal is not merely to transfer knowledge but to facilitate a deep, personal transformation, fostering a loving relationship with God. Listeners are encouraged to continue their daily engagement, nurturing their faith and understanding as they move closer to their heavenly home.

Stay tuned for Day 68, where Fr. Mike will explore Christ’s human will and true body, further unraveling the mysteries of the Incarnation.