Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 7: God Reveals Himself

Episode Information

• Title: Day 7: God Reveals Himself
• Release Date: January 7, 2025
• Podcast: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Ascension

Introduction In Day 7 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 50 through 58 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode, titled "God Reveals Himself," explores the profound ways in which God discloses His nature, His plan of salvation, and His enduring covenant with humanity. Fr. Mike meticulously guides listeners through the Catechism, offering explanations, insights, and reflections that illuminate the Catholic understanding of divine revelation.

Understanding Divine Revelation Fr. Mike begins by contextualizing today's reading within the larger framework of Part One of the Catechism, which focuses on "What We Believe." Specifically, the discussion centers on Section One: Divine Revelation. He emphasizes that while humans can recognize God's existence through natural reason by observing the world and introspecting, there's a deeper layer of knowledge that only divine revelation can provide.

God's Plan of Loving Goodness The heart of the episode revolves around God's free and intentional revelation of Himself to humanity. Fr. Mike explains that through divine revelation, God shares His eternal plan of loving goodness, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This revelation is not merely informational but relational, aiming to foster a deep, loving relationship between God and humanity.

Divine Pedagogy and Gradual Revelation A significant portion of the discussion highlights the concept of divine pedagogy—the method by which God educates and prepares humanity to understand and embrace His revelation. Fr. Mike references St. Irenaeus of Lyon, noting that God reveals Himself gradually, allowing humans to become accustomed to His presence and love. This pedagogical approach ensures that revelation unfolds in a manner that humanity can grasp and respond to effectively.

Covenant with Noah and Promise of Redemption Fr. Mike delves into the covenant with Noah as outlined in the Catechism, illustrating how God, even after the disunity caused by sin, persistently seeks to save humanity. This covenant represents God's enduring commitment to all nations, preparing the ground for the eventual universal proclamation of the Gospel. The discussion underscores God's unwavering dedication to redeeming humanity, highlighting key biblical figures who exemplified living according to this covenant.

Insights and Reflections Throughout the episode, Fr. Mike draws parallels between scientific understanding and spiritual knowledge. He references Dr. Peter Kreeft’s analogy comparing the knowledge of inanimate objects, plants, animals, and humans to the knowledge of God. This comparison elucidates the necessity of divine revelation for truly comprehending God's essence, as human observation alone falls short of grasping the divine mystery.

Fr. Mike also connects the Catechism’s teachings to familiar catechetical questions from the Baltimore Catechism, reinforcing the idea that knowing, loving, and serving God leads to eternal happiness. He passionately advocates for embracing God's revelation to deepen one's relationship with Him, highlighting the transformative power of understanding His plan of loving goodness.

Notable Quotes

1. Fr. Mike Schmitz [05:30]:
   “God wants us to know Him so that we can love Him as He is, since we know that He loves us as we are.”

2. Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:45]:
   “God communicates Himself to man gradually. He prepares him to welcome by stages the supernatural revelation that is to culminate in the Person and mission of the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ.”

3. Fr. Mike Schmitz [28:20]:
   “God continues to reach out. He continues to reach out to all people at all times, in all places, including you and including me right now.”

Conclusion Day 7 of The Catechism in a Year provides a profound exploration of how God reveals Himself to humanity. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges theological concepts with relatable analogies, making the intricate teachings of the Catechism accessible and engaging. By emphasizing God's intentional and relational revelation, the episode invites listeners to deepen their understanding and love for God, inspiring them to embrace His plan of loving goodness. Fr. Mike concludes with heartfelt prayers, fostering a sense of community and shared spiritual journey among listeners.

Final Thoughts This episode serves as a compelling invitation to believers to engage more deeply with the Catechism, offering clarity on divine revelation and its significance in the Catholic faith. Fr. Mike Schmitz's insightful commentary not only elucidates the Catechism's teachings but also encourages a personal and transformative encounter with God's revealed truth.