Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 73: Christ’s Life Is Mystery

Episode Information:

• Title: Day 73: Christ’s Life Is Mystery
• Release Date: March 14, 2025
• Podcast: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Duration: 15-20 minutes

1. Introduction and Encouragement

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode with a warm greeting and commendation to listeners for reaching Day 73 of the catechism journey. He emphasizes the importance of forming a habit through consistent study, noting, “90 days make a habit. Some people say 30, some people say 60. We are well on our way to that 90 days to make a habit” (00:05).

2. Recap of Previous Episode

Fr. Mike briefly recaps the previous day's study on Mary, highlighting her role as the Mother of God, her perpetual virginity, and her virginal motherhood within God's plan. This sets the stage for delving deeper into the mysteries of Christ’s life.

3. Introduction to Today’s Topic: Mysteries of Christ’s Life

Today’s focus is on the mysteries of Christ’s life, introducing the idea that Jesus’s entire earthly existence is enveloped in divine mystery. Fr. Mike states, “Christ's whole life is a mystery, not a mystery that needs to be solved like a puzzle, but a mystery to be dived into and marinated in” (00:05).

4. Understanding “Mystery” in the Context of Christ’s Life

Fr. Mike clarifies that in Church terminology, a mystery is not something to be unraveled intellectually but a profound reality to be contemplated and entered into spiritually. He compares it to the Mystery of the Trinity, emphasizing its depth and the infinite nature of God.

5. Exploration of Christ’s Life as a Mystery

Paragraphs 512 to 521 of the Catechism are the focus, where Fr. Mike unpacks how the Creed addresses only specific aspects of Christ's life—the Incarnation and the Paschal Mystery—leaving His public and hidden life as profound mysteries.

• Revelation of the Father: Jesus is the revelation of God the Father. Fr. Mike cites, “Whoever has seen Him has seen the Father” (15:10).

• Mystery of Redemption: While redemption is often associated with the Cross, Fr. Mike highlights that it permeates every aspect of Jesus’s life. He explains, “This mystery of redemption is at work throughout Christ’s entire life” (15:50).

• Mystery of Recapitulation: Jesus’s life mirrors and perfects the history of humanity, especially the obedience and trust in God, contrasting with Israel’s disobedience. He shares, “As St. Irenaeus said, Jesus procured for us a shortcut to salvation” (16:20).

6. Characteristics Common to Jesus’ Mysteries

Fr. Mike identifies three primary characteristics:

1. Revelation of the Father: Jesus embodies the fullness of God's revelation.
2. Mystery of Redemption: His entire life is a testament to God's redemptive plan.
3. Mystery of Recapitulation: Jesus’s life mirrors and perfects human history and experience.

7. Participation in the Mysteries of Jesus

Fr. Mike emphasizes that believers are called to communion in these mysteries. This involves:

• Receiving Christ’s Riches: “All Christ's riches are for every individual and are everybody's property” (20:10).
• Jesus as Our Model: Jesus lived not for Himself but as an example for us to follow.
• Living in Christ: Through grace, we are empowered to live as Jesus lived, embodying His teachings and actions.

He beautifully quotes, “Christ enables us to live in Him all that He Himself lived, and He lives it in us” (21:30).

8. The Role of the Gospel Writers

Fr. Mike reflects on why the Gospels omit detailed accounts of Jesus’s hidden life. He explains that the apostles focused on aspects that fortify faith in Jesus as the Christ and Son of God, ensuring believers understand the traces of His mystery in his earthly actions and experiences.

9. The Mystery of Redemption Throughout Christ’s Life

Delving deeper, Fr. Mike illustrates how redemption is woven into every facet of Jesus’s existence:

• Incarnation: By embracing poverty, Jesus enriches us spiritually.
• Hidden Life: His obedience and submission at Nazareth atone for human disobedience.
• Teaching (Word): His words purify listeners, showcasing divine authority.
• Healings and Exorcisms: Manifesting God’s power by healing infirmities and bearing diseases.
• Resurrection: Justifies believers, completing the redemptive act initiated on the Cross.

He poignantly states, “Christ entered into every aspect of our human experience from birth to death, past death to resurrection. In doing that, he redeems all of it” (16:50).

10. The Mystery of Recapitulation

Fr. Mike explains that recapitulation involves Jesus redoing human history but in perfect obedience. By experiencing life’s trials and triumphs, He restores humanity’s original vocation. He references St. Irenaeus to support this theological concept.

11. Reflections on Salvation

In a thought-provoking moment, Fr. Mike shares a quote from Dr. Michael Barber: “Salvation is being saved from being unchristlike.” He expands that salvation not only reconciles us with God but also transforms us to embody Christ-like virtues, participating in the mysteries Jesus accomplished.

12. Concluding Prayer

Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, asking God to help believers:

• Praise and thanksgiving.
• Participate in the mysteries of Christ.
• Receive the Holy Spirit to live out Jesus’s life daily.

13. Preview of Next Episode

He wraps up by previewing the next episode, which will delve into the Mysteries of Jesus’s Infancy and Hidden Life, including:

• Preparations for His public ministry.
• The role of John the Baptist.
• The Liturgy of Advent and the Christmas Mystery.

Fr. Mike expresses his excitement and encourages listeners to continue their journey, ending with a blessing: “I am praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Encouragement for Habit Formation

   • “90 days make a habit. Some people say 30, some people say 60. We are well on our way to that 90 days to make a habit.” (00:05)

2. Christ as Revelation of the Father

   • “Whoever has seen Him has seen the Father.” (15:10)

3. Mystery of Redemption in Christ’s Life

   • “This mystery of redemption is at work throughout Christ’s entire life.” (15:50)

4. Participation in Mysteries Through Christ

   • “Christ enables us to live in Him all that He Himself lived, and He lives it in us.” (21:30)

5. Reflection on Salvation

   • “Salvation is being saved from being unchristlike.” (19:50, approximate based on context)

Key Insights and Conclusions:

• Holistic Redemption: Redemption is not confined to Jesus’s death but is an ongoing mystery present throughout His life, impacting every aspect of human existence.

• Deep Communion: Believers are invited into a profound relationship with Jesus, participating in His life and mysteries through grace.

• Model of Holiness: Jesus serves as the perfect model, embodying divine virtues that believers are called to emulate.

• Mystery as Contemplation: Understanding Christ’s life as a mystery encourages believers to engage deeply with their faith, embracing the incomprehensible aspects of divine action.

This episode serves as a profound exploration of the intertwined mysteries of Christ’s life, encouraging listeners to deepen their understanding and participation in the Catholic faith through the rich tapestry of the Catechism.