The Catechism in a Year: Day 77 Summary – The Kingdom of God

Podcast Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Published by: Ascension
Episode Title: Day 77: The Kingdom of God
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Duration: 15-20 minutes

Introduction

In Day 77 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound topic of "The Kingdom of God." Building upon the discussions from the previous day, where he explored the public life and mysteries of Jesus Christ, Fr. Mike continues to unravel the intricate teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode not only elucidates the concept of the Kingdom of God but also emphasizes its significance in the life of a Catholic believer.

Recap of Previous Discussions

Fr. Mike begins by briefly recapping Day 76, where he discussed the public life of Jesus, focusing on pivotal events such as His baptism by John in the Jordan and His temptations in the wilderness. He highlights Jesus' multifaceted role as Priest, Prophet, and King, underscoring that Jesus' kingship is not passive but actively engaged in battling evil.

“He does battle with the strongman, right? He does battle with the evil one.” [00:05]

This sets the stage for today's exploration of the Kingdom of God, establishing Jesus' active role in inaugurating and sustaining His kingdom.

The Kingdom of God: An Everlasting Reign

Fr. Mike transitions into the main theme by referencing paragraphs 541-546 of the Catechism. He delineates the Kingdom of God as both a present reality and an eternal promise. Drawing parallels from Daniel's prophecy about King Nebuchadnezzar's statue, he illustrates how Jesus is the "big stone" that dismantles oppressive dynasties, establishing an everlasting kingdom.

“Jesus is that stone. Jesus established that everlasting kingdom. That kingdom is the church.” [Transcript Reference]

The Church: Seed and Beginning of the Kingdom

Central to this discussion is the identification of the Church as the seed and beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth. Fr. Mike explains that through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately His death and resurrection, Jesus gathered people into a community unified under His divine kingship.

“This gathering is his church on earth, the seed and beginning of that kingdom.” [Transcript Reference]

Inclusivity of the Kingdom

Fr. Mike emphasizes the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God. Initially proclaimed to the children of Israel, the kingdom extends its invitation to all nations and peoples. He underscores that the Kingdom belongs to the poor, the lowly, and sinners, illustrating Jesus' mission to embrace those often marginalized by society.

“The kingdom belongs to the poor and lowly, which means those who have accepted it with humble hearts.” [Transcript Reference]

The Role of the Poor and Sinners

Highlighting Jesus' solidarity with the marginalized, Fr. Mike notes that Jesus not only preaches to the poor but identifies with them, experiencing their sufferings and underscores that active love toward them is essential for anyone wishing to enter the kingdom.

“He identifies himself with the poor as often as, you did this for one of the least of my brethren, you did this for me.” [Transcript Reference]

Proclamation and Entry into the Kingdom

Fr. Mike discusses how Jesus' parables serve as a medium for proclaiming the Kingdom of God. These stories challenge listeners to reflect on their own lives, encouraging them to make radical choices that prioritize Kingdom values over worldly desires.

“To gain the kingdom, one must give everything. Words are not enough. Deeds are required.” [Transcript Reference]

He poses introspective questions to the listeners, urging them to examine whether their hearts are like hard soil or good earth, and how they have utilized the gifts and talents bestowed upon them.

“Is my heart hard soil or good earth? What use have I made of the talents that God has given me?” [Transcript Reference]

The Necessity of the Church

A pivotal point in the episode is the assertion that the Church is indispensable for living out one's faith and coming to know Christ. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus established the Church not only to save humanity through His sacrifice but also to provide a community where believers can grow and support one another in their spiritual journeys.

“We cannot live without the Church. We cannot come to know Christ without His Church.” [Transcript Reference]

Personal Reflections and Application

Fr. Mike invites listeners to engage deeply with the teachings by applying them to their lives. He reflects on the necessity of integrating faith into daily actions, emphasizing that mere verbal affirmation is insufficient without corresponding deeds.

“Words are not enough. Deeds are required.” [Multiple Instances]

He encourages a communal spirit of prayer and mutual support, acknowledging human limitations and the need for divine assistance in living out the faith authentically.

“Lord, I know that I am not strong enough. I need so much help. And I know you do, too.” [Transcript Reference]

Conclusion and Prayer

The episode culminates with a heartfelt prayer, where Fr. Mike thanks God for the gift of baptism and the initiation into the Kingdom of God through the Church. He prays for unity among believers, the strength to live out their faith through actions, and the courage to embrace the radical commitments required to truly be part of God's Kingdom.

“In our baptism, you've brought us into the kingdom. Thank you.” [Transcript Reference]

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:05]:
  “He does battle with the strongman, right? He does battle with the evil one.”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “Jesus is that stone. Jesus established that everlasting kingdom. That kingdom is the church.”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “This gathering is his church on earth, the seed and beginning of that kingdom.”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “The kingdom belongs to the poor and lowly, which means those who have accepted it with humble hearts.”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “He identifies himself with the poor as often as, you did this for one of the least of my brethren, you did this for me.”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “To gain the kingdom, one must give everything. Words are not enough. Deeds are required.”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “Is my heart hard soil or good earth? What use have I made of the talents that God has given me?”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “We cannot live without the Church. We cannot come to know Christ without His Church.”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “Lord, I know that I am not strong enough. I need so much help. And I know you do, too.”

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus' Role as King: Jesus is portrayed not as a passive monarch but as an active king who battles evil, establishing a dynamic and everlasting Kingdom of God.

2. The Church as the Seed of the Kingdom: The Church serves as the foundational community where believers are gathered, embodying the Kingdom of God on earth.

3. Inclusivity and Humility: The Kingdom of God is inclusive, welcoming the poor, the lowly, and sinners, emphasizing humility and active love as prerequisites for entry.

4. Faith Manifested in Deeds: Genuine faith necessitates action. Believers are called to translate their words into deeds, reflecting the teachings of Jesus through their daily lives.

5. Essential Role of the Church: The Church is indispensable for spiritual growth and communion with Christ, acting as the conduit through which believers experience and propagate the Kingdom of God.

6. Community and Support: Mutual prayer and support within the Christian community are vital for sustaining one's faith journey and overcoming personal limitations.

Conclusion

In Day 77 of The Catechism in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides a comprehensive exploration of the Kingdom of God, intertwining theological insights with practical applications. He invites listeners to not only understand the Kingdom intellectually but to embody its principles through humble actions and active love. By highlighting the Church's pivotal role and the necessity of deeds over mere words, Fr. Mike encourages believers to live authentically within God's everlasting kingdom, fostering a community that mirrors Christ's inclusive and sacrificial love.

Stay Connected:
To follow along with the reading plan or to download a free Catechism in a Year reading guide, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy. Subscribe to the podcast for daily updates and notifications to continue your journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from Day 77 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.