Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 79 — Jesus’ Transfiguration and Messianic Acts (2026)

Date: March 20, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)
Reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 554–560

Overview:

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the mysteries of Jesus’ Transfiguration and his messianic entry into Jerusalem, focusing on how these events serve as a foretaste of the Kingdom of God and reveal the nature of Christ’s kingship. He ties together the themes of glory, humility, and voluntary suffering, showing how Jesus establishes his kingdom not by force but through love, humility, and sacrifice. This episode brings listeners to the threshold of Holy Week, inviting them to reflect on Jesus’ passion revealed through these pivotal moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Transfiguration as a Foretaste of the Kingdom

• Fr. Mike begins by explaining that the Transfiguration is a “foretaste of the kingdom”—a glimpse of the divine glory Jesus possesses and the glory believers are called to share ([02:05]).
• The event follows Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus’ revelation that he must suffer, die, and rise again.
• The mystery reveals both Jesus’ divinity and the necessity of the cross:
  • “The glory that we will behold him with for eternity, God willing, if we make it to heaven, is the glory that he always has. It’s glory that’s revealed.” ([02:43])
• The appearance of Moses and Elijah ties the law and the prophets to Christ; the Father’s voice and the cloud indicate the Trinity is present.

2. The Paradox of Glory and Suffering

• Fr. Mike emphasizes that as Jesus reveals His glory, He simultaneously predicts His Passion.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “As Jesus discloses His divine glory, he also reveals that he has to go by way of the cross. So it’s this combination that is—well, I mean, it seems insulting for me to say it’s genius because it’s like, oh, you’re calling God a genius? Okay, Einstein—but it really is beautiful. It’s so powerful.” ([04:12])
• The juxtaposition: Christ’s Transfiguration, then the foreshadowing of suffering, mirrors how believers are called to embrace both resurrection glory and redemptive suffering.

3. Jesus’ Ascent to Jerusalem and Messianic Acts

• Jesus’ decision to enter Jerusalem is deliberate, knowing it will lead to His Passion ([06:36]).
• He is welcomed as a king, but His entry is marked not by majesty and force but by peace, humility, and fulfillment of prophecy.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Jesus conquers the daughter of Zion, a figure of his Church, neither by ruse nor by violence, but by the humility that bears witness to the truth.” ([07:42])
• The acclamation of the crowds—“Hosanna” (“save” or “give salvation”)—echoes the praise of the poor and children, relating the event to the Church’s liturgy and the Sanctus at Mass.
• Jesus’ entry inaugurates the events of Holy Week, entering as king but with the humility that leads to the cross.

4. Theological Connections: Baptism, Resurrection, and Mission

• Jesus’ baptism is the mystery of first regeneration (our baptism); the Transfiguration points to the second (our resurrection) ([09:56]).
• Quote from Catechism/Byzantine Liturgy (highlighted by Fr. Mike):
  • “You were transfigured on the mountain, and your disciples...beheld your glory, O Christ our God, so that when they should see you crucified, they would understand that your passion was voluntary and proclaim to the world that you truly are the splendor of the Father.” ([13:04])
• Fr. Mike underscores that Jesus is not a passive victim but willingly goes to his death for the sake of salvation.

5. The Invitation to Suffering and Glory

• The path Jesus walks (from Transfiguration to Calvary) models the Christian journey: moments of glory, but also calls to sacrificial love and suffering.
• Drawing on Aquinas and Augustine, Fr. Mike illustrates that, as with Peter on the mountain, disciples must descend and embrace toil, service, and even scorn ([15:46]):
  • Quote: “Life goes down to be killed, bread goes down to suffer hunger, the way goes down to be exhausted on his journey... And you refuse to suffer.”

6. The Power and Humility of Christ’s Kingship

• The essence of Christ’s victory is humility and truthfulness rather than force.
• Memorable Reflection:
  • “Jesus, his mission to get what he wants, which is your heart and my heart—the way he goes about that is, by giving, he gets by giving.” ([18:34])
• Fr. Mike invites listeners to embrace humility and share in Christ’s redemptive path, encouraging them to bring their agonies and shames with Christ through to resurrection and glory.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “Even the Transfiguration is a foretaste of the kingdom. Even that glory that he had on the mountain, as his glory is revealed, he has the glory always, right, but the glory is revealed on the mountain.” ([02:38])
• “So as Jesus discloses His divine glory, he also reveals that he has to go by way of the cross. So it’s this combination that is... beautiful. It’s so powerful.” ([04:12]) — Fr. Mike
• “Jesus conquers the daughter of Zion, a figure of his Church, neither by ruse nor by violence, but by the humility that bears witness to the truth.” ([07:42]) — citing Catechism, para. 559
• “He’s the sacrifice. But he offers himself. He’s not the unwilling victim. He’s not being pulled about by this world. He voluntarily entered into Jerusalem.” ([14:10])
• “The way he goes about that is, by giving, he gets by giving.” ([18:34]) — Fr. Mike
• “Help me to neither be afraid of agony nor to be embarrassed by shame, but to cling to you... so as to live with you in your resurrection and in your glory.” ([19:13])

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:05 — Introduction; summary of previous episode
• 02:05 — The Transfiguration as a foretaste of the Kingdom
• 04:12 — The paradox of revealed glory and the prediction of the Passion
• 06:36 — Jesus’ deliberate ascent to Jerusalem
• 07:42 — Catechism on Christ’s humility as king (para. 559)
• 09:56 — The link between Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration with regeneration and resurrection
• 13:04 — Byzantine liturgy prayer / Voluntary nature of Jesus’ Passion
• 15:46 — Aquinas and Augustine on the descent from glory to suffering
• 18:34 — Reflection on humility and how Christ wins hearts
• 19:13 — Final prayer and invitation for listeners

Conclusion

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s exploration of the Transfiguration and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem draws out the twin themes of glory and suffering, showing how both are essential to Christ’s messianic mission and to the journey of every Christian. Jesus is revealed as king, but a king who rules through humility, voluntary suffering, and love. By meditating on these Catechism paragraphs, listeners are invited to embrace both the joy of resurrection and the call to walk the path of sacrifice alongside Christ.

“We don’t walk that path alone. Jesus walks it with us. He walked it before us, but he walks it with us by giving us his Holy Spirit, so that we are never alone.” ([17:07]) — Fr. Mike

Practical Takeaway:
Reflect on how Christ’s glory and humility shape your own path of discipleship. Embrace moments of suffering or shame as opportunities to cling more fully to Jesus, knowing that his resurrection is also promised to you.