Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 68 — The Mystery of the Incarnation
Release Date: March 9, 2025

Introduction

In Day 68 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound theological mystery of the Incarnation. This episode focuses on paragraphs 475 to 483 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, exploring the dual nature of Christ as both fully divine and fully human. Fr. Mike elucidates how this union is central to understanding Catholic faith and its implications for believers today.

Exploring the Incarnation

Fr. Mike begins by revisiting the four primary reasons for the Incarnation:

1. Reconciliation with God: Jesus became flesh to reconcile humanity with the Divine.
2. Manifestation of God’s Love: The Incarnation allows us to experience God’s love intimately.
3. Model of Holiness: Jesus serves as a perfect example for humans to emulate.
4. Partakers in Divine Nature: Through Christ, believers can partake in God’s divine nature.

He emphasizes that the Incarnation is not merely a theological concept but the central mystery of the Trinity, highlighting the profound truth that God became one of us.

The Dual Nature of Christ

Fr. Mike meticulously breaks down Christ’s dual nature:

• Divine Nature: As the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus is fully divine, possessing an unchangeable divine intellect and will.

• Human Nature: Jesus assumed human flesh without compromising His divinity. His human nature includes:

  • A true human soul with intellect and will.
  • A growing intellect throughout His earthly life.
  • A human body that allows Him to interact physically with the world.

Notable Quote:
"Jesus is true God and true man in the unity of His Divine Person. For this reason, he is the one and only mediator between God and men."
(Timestamp: 15:30)

Christ’s Human Will and Divine Will

The episode delves into paragraph 475, discussing Christ's human will. Fr. Mike explains:

• Two Wills: Christ possesses both a divine will and a human will.
• Harmony and Cooperation: These wills do not oppose but cooperate seamlessly. His human will submits fully to His divine will.

Notable Quote:
"Christ's human will does not resist or oppose, but rather submits to his divine and almighty will."
(Timestamp: 22:45)

He further relates this to the Council of Constantinople (681 AD), affirming that Christ’s human and divine wills work in unison for humanity’s salvation.

The True Body of Christ

Addressing paragraph 477, Fr. Mike discusses the significance of Christ’s human body:

• Finite Body: By assuming true humanity, Jesus has a finite body, enabling faithful portrayals in art.
• Veneration of Images: Citing the Second Council of Nicaea (787 AD), he clarifies that venerating images is not idolatry but honoring the person depicted.

Notable Quote:
"For the believer who venerates the icon, it is venerating the person of the one depicted."
(Timestamp: 35:10)

Fr. Mike draws parallels to personal photographs, explaining that veneration is an expression of love and remembrance, not worship of the image itself.

The Heart of the Incarnate Word

In paragraph 478, the focus shifts to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

• Symbol of Love: The Sacred Heart symbolizes the profound love Christ has for humanity.
• Universal Love: Emphasizes that Jesus loves all beings without exception, showcasing the depth of Divine love intertwined with human emotion.

Notable Quote:
"The Sacred Heart of Jesus... is considered the chief sign and symbol of that love with which the Divine Redeemer continually loves the Eternal Father and all human beings without exception."
(Timestamp: 40:20)

Fr. Mike references St. Paul’s assertion in Galatians 2:20 to illustrate the personal nature of Christ’s love, highlighting that this love is both divine and deeply personal.

Insights and Reflections

Fr. Mike encourages listeners to contemplate the intimacy of Christ’s love:

• Personal Connection: Understanding that Jesus loved each individual personally during His agony and passion fosters a deeper spiritual connection.

• Invitation to Receive Love: He poses a reflective question to the audience: "Does God have your permission to love you?" This prompts listeners to open their hearts to divine love actively.

Notable Quote:
"Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his passion, and gave Himself up for each one of us."
(Timestamp: 45:55)

He underscores the transformative power of recognizing and embracing God’s unwavering love.

Conclusion

Fr. Mike concludes Day 68 by summarizing the unity of Christ’s divine and human natures, reiterating that this union is foundational for understanding Jesus as the sole mediator between God and humanity. He reinforces the significance of venerating Christ’s true body through holy images and invites listeners to deepen their relationship with God by accepting His love.

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt prayer, urging believers to allow God’s love to permeate their lives fully.

Final Thoughts

Day 68 offers a profound exploration of the Incarnation, bridging complex theological concepts with relatable insights. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully guides listeners through the mystery of Christ’s dual nature, emphasizing its relevance and impact on personal faith. This episode serves as a compelling invitation to deeper reflection and a more intimate relationship with the Divine.

Stay Tuned:
Join us tomorrow for Day 69, where Fr. Mike will discuss the Annunciation and Mary’s pivotal role in the Incarnation, further unraveling the beautiful tapestry of the Catholic faith.

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