Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 75: Jesus’ Infancy and Hidden Life

Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Release Date: March 16, 2025
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 5:27–5:34

Introduction

In Day 75 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound mysteries surrounding Jesus' infancy and his hidden life. This episode offers listeners a deep exploration of the Catechism's sections on Jesus’ early years, providing theological insights and reflections aimed at enhancing understanding of Catholic faith and tradition.

Mysteries of Jesus' Infancy

Fr. Schmitz begins by outlining the four key mysteries of Jesus' infancy:

1. Circumcision (Paragraph 5:27)
2. Epiphany (Paragraph 5:28)
3. Presentation in the Temple (Paragraph 5:29)
4. Flight into Egypt (Paragraph 5:30)

1. Circumcision (5:27)

Jesus' circumcision on the eighth day symbolizes his inclusion in Abraham's covenant and foreshadows his baptism. Fr. Schmitz emphasizes:

"Jesus' circumcision is the sign of his incorporation into Abraham's descendants… It prefigures the circumcision of Christ, which is baptism." (05:30)

This act underscores Jesus' obedience to Jewish law and his mission to fulfill Israel's worship throughout his life.

2. Epiphany (5:28)

The Epiphany celebrates Jesus' revelation as the Messiah to the Gentiles, highlighted by the visit of the Magi. Fr. Schmitz explains:

"The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God, and Savior of the world." (15:45)

The Magi's gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolize the recognition of Jesus' divine mission by non-Jewish nations, reflecting the universal scope of salvation.

3. Presentation in the Temple (5:29)

This event portrays Jesus as the firstborn son dedicated to the Lord, with Simeon and Anna prophesying his role as the Savior. Fr. Schmitz notes:

"The presentation of Jesus in the temple shows him to be the firstborn son who belongs to the Lord… Simeon declares, 'Now, Lord, you can let your servant go in peace.'" (22:10)

This moment signifies the fulfillment of God's promise and the acknowledgment of Jesus' divine mission by Israel.

4. Flight into Egypt (5:30)

The flight into Egypt and the massacre of the innocents reveal the conflict between light and darkness. Fr. Schmitz reflects:

"Christ's whole life was lived under the sign of persecution… His departure from Egypt recalls the Exodus and presents him as the definitive liberator of God's people." (28:50)

This narrative underscores the opposition Jesus faced from the onset of his mission, mirroring the struggles between good and evil.

Mysteries of Jesus' Hidden Life

Beyond his infancy, Fr. Schmitz explores the lesser-known aspects of Jesus' life characterized by labor, obedience, and silence.

1. Life of Labor (5:31)

Jesus' manual labor as a carpenter exemplifies the dignity of work:

"A daily life spent without evident greatness, a life of manual labor… no work is beneath the Lord." (35:20)

This challenges believers to view their own work as sanctified and honorable, reflecting Jesus' humble service.

2. Life of Obedience (5:32)

Jesus' unwavering obedience to his earthly parents prefigures his total submission to God:

"Jesus' obedience to his mother and legal father fulfills the fourth commandment perfectly and was the temporal image of his filial obedience to his Father in heaven." (40:15)

This demonstrates the profound trust and dedication inherent in true obedience, extending to both earthly and divine authority.

3. Life of Silence

The majority of Jesus' life is marked by silence and ordinary events, fostering a deep connection with the everyday experiences of humanity. Fr. Schmitz emphasizes:

"The hidden life at Nazareth allows everyone to enter into fellowship with Jesus by the most ordinary events of daily life." (45:30)

This aspect of Jesus' life invites believers to find holiness in the mundane.

Key Insights and Reflections

Fr. Schmitz intertwines theological exposition with personal reflections, encouraging listeners to apply these mysteries to their own lives. He highlights the significance of:

• Silence: Embracing moments of quiet to deepen one’s relationship with God.
• Family Life: Valuing the sacredness and love within family relationships.
• Work: Performing everyday tasks with a sense of purpose and sanctity.

He draws parallels between Jesus' life and the believer's journey, urging listeners to recognize and embrace their divine missions:

"God has placed a mission in your life… Just as Jesus lived a life of total consecration to his mission, so too can we be wholly dedicated to ours." (1:05:00)

Notable Quotes

• On Circumcision and Baptism:

  "Jesus' circumcision is the sign of his incorporation into Abraham's descendants… It prefigures the circumcision of Christ, which is baptism." (05:30)

• On the Epiphany:

  "The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God, and Savior of the world." (15:45)

• On Obedience:

  "Jesus' obedience to his mother and legal father fulfills the fourth commandment perfectly and was the temporal image of his filial obedience to his Father in heaven." (40:15)

• On Work:

  "No work is beneath the Lord. Here is the Lord Jesus… for essentially 30 years of his life, Jesus spent day in and day out a life of manual labor." (35:20)

• On Mission:

  "God has placed a mission in your life… he had total consecration to this mission that flowed from his relationship to his Father." (1:05:00)

Conclusion

Day 75 of The Catechism in a Year provides a comprehensive exploration of Jesus' early life, highlighting the theological significance of his infancy and hidden years. Fr. Mike Schmitz invites listeners to draw inspiration from Jesus' obedience, labor, and silent strength, encouraging them to live out their own faith with dedication and purpose. This episode not only deepens understanding of Catholic teachings but also fosters a personal connection to the divine mission each believer is called to fulfill.

Note: For those interested in following along, the Ascension edition of the Catechism is recommended, and a free catechism reading plan is available at ascensionpress.com/city. Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform to continue this enlightening journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church.