The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode: Day 8: God Forms His People (2025)

Release Date: January 8, 2025
Host: Father Mike Schmitz
Podcast by: Ascension

Introduction

In Day 8 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 59 to 64 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode, titled "God Forms His People," explores God's deliberate and gradual revelation to humanity, focusing on His formation of the people of Israel through patriarchs, prophets, and covenants. Father Mike emphasizes the importance of understanding God's staged revelation both in the grand narrative of salvation history and in our personal spiritual journeys.

Opening Prayer and Setting the Stage (00:00 - 05:00)

Father Mike begins the episode with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to reflect on how God reveals Himself in stages, not only in the overarching timeline of history but also within our personal lives. He encourages introspection on how our understanding of God evolves over time, highlighting that this gradual revelation fosters a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.

Father Mike: "God reveals himself in stages, not only in the macro level, but also in our own hearts and our own lives." (04:30)

Understanding the Stages of Revelation (05:01 - 15:00)

Father Mike discusses the concept of stages of revelation, outlining the progressive manner in which God introduces Himself to humanity. He traces this revelation from Adam and Eve, through Noah, Abraham, and Moses, leading up to the ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ.

Father Mike: "There are stages of revelation. He made himself known in the beginning, Adam and Eve. He made himself known to Noah and especially a covenant with him... and then God makes himself fully known to us through Jesus." (12:15)

He explains that this structured revelation allows humanity the freedom to respond to God’s call, fostering genuine belief and relationship rather than coerced acceptance.

Abraham: The Father of a Multitude (15:01 - 25:00)

Focusing on paragraphs 59-64, Father Mike elaborates on God’s choice of Abraham as a pivotal moment in salvation history. Abraham is portrayed as the father of a multitude of nations, a trustee of God’s promises, and the progenitor through whom all nations would be blessed.

Father Mike: "The people descended from Abraham would be the trustees of the promise made to the patriarchs... prepared for that day when God would gather all his children into the unity of the Church." (20:45)

He emphasizes that Abraham's story is integral to understanding the formation of Israel as God's chosen people and the foundation upon which the Catholic Church is built.

Formation of Israel and the Role of the Prophets (25:01 - 35:00)

Father Mike transitions to how God formed Israel, freeing them from slavery in Egypt and establishing the Covenant of Mount Sinai through Moses. This covenant included the giving of the Law, which was intended to help Israel recognize and serve God as the Provident Father and Just Judge.

Father Mike: "Through Moses, God gave them his law so that they would recognize him and serve him as the one living and true God." (28:10)

He also highlights the significant role of the prophets in shaping the people of God, calling them to purification and preparing them for the coming of the Messiah. These prophets not only guided Israel but also planted the seeds for the universal salvation through Jesus Christ.

Embracing the Legacy of the Saints (35:01 - 45:00)

In reflecting on Old Testament figures, Father Mike points out that patriarchs, prophets, and certain other Old Testament figures are honored as saints within the Church's liturgical traditions. Although they are not commonly referred to with the title "Saint," their lives and testimonies are revered as part of the Communion of Saints.

Father Mike: "The patriarchs, prophets and certain other Old Testament figures have been and always will be honored as saints in all the Church's liturgical traditions." (37:55)

He underscores the importance of these figures as clouds of witnesses who inspire and guide the faithful, drawing a direct line from their steadfast faith to the fulfillment found in Jesus.

God’s Purpose in Gradual Revelation (45:01 - 55:00)

Father Mike explores why God opts for a gradual revelation, proposing that it preserves human free will, allowing individuals to choose to believe and love Him freely rather than out of obligation or fear. This slow unveiling respects the autonomy of humanity and nurtures a more profound and sincere relationship with God.

Father Mike: "Maybe it's more important to God that we trust him than we simply believe that he exists." (50:25)

He reflects on how if God had revealed Himself all at once, humanity might not have the liberty to genuinely choose Him, thereby nullifying the depth of our commitment and love.

The Role of the Poor and Humble (55:01 - 65:00)

Discussing paragraph 64, Father Mike emphasizes that the poor and humble of the Lord bear the hope of salvation. He highlights the exemplary lives of holy women like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Judith, Esther, and particularly Mary, as models of humility and hope.

Father Mike: "The purest figure among them is Mary... God works through the poor and the humble, those who are willing to bear the hope." (60:10)

He relates this to the Catholic wedding rite, where the bride is blessed to emulate these holy women, symbolizing the continuation of God's work through the humble and obedient.

Conclusion and Reflection (65:01 - 80:00)

As the episode draws to a close, Father Mike revisits the concept of stages of revelation, both historically and personally. He reinforces the idea that God's gradual revelation is a testament to His desire for a genuine relationship with humanity, where belief is rooted in trust and love.

He calls listeners to remain open and receptive to God's continuous revelation in their lives, urging them to nurture their relationship with Him through faith and obedience.

Father Mike: "God keeps revealing himself to us in little ways, in these micro ways, in the ways that change our hearts." (78:20)

Key Takeaways

• Stages of Revelation: God reveals Himself progressively, respecting human free will and fostering genuine relationships.
• Abraham's Significance: As the father of many nations, Abraham's story is foundational to understanding the formation of Israel and the Catholic Church.
• Role of Prophets: Prophets guide, purify, and prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah, emphasizing universal salvation.
• Legacy of the Saints: Old Testament figures are honored within the Church, serving as spiritual inspirations.
• Humility and Hope: The poor and humble are pivotal in bearing the hope of salvation, exemplified by holy women in Scripture.
• Personal Reflection: Embrace openness to God's ongoing revelation in personal life, fostering a deeper, trust-based relationship.

Final Prayer

Father Mike concludes with a prayer, asking for the grace to remain hopeful and steadfast in faith, especially during challenging times. He prays for the strength to continue walking with God, inspired by the examples of the patriarchs, prophets, and holy women.

Father Mike: "Lord God, give us the hope to not stop walking... help us to have hearts open to you, minds that want to know you so we can have a relationship with you." (79:45)

Looking Forward

Father Mike invites listeners to join him in the next episode, where he will explore Jesus as the mediator and the fullness of all revelation, further unraveling the culmination of God's revelation plan.

Subscribe and Follow:
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platforms and follow the reading plan at ascensionpress.com.

Note:
The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Parental discretion is advised.