Episode Overview
Title: Day 8: God Forms His People (2026)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Podcast: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Date: January 8, 2026
In this episode, Fr. Mike continues the journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, focusing on paragraphs 59–64. The main theme is God's gradual revelation of Himself, particularly how He forms His people through Abraham, the patriarchs, the law, and the prophets—a process leading up to Christ as the fullness of revelation. Fr. Mike highlights that God reveals Himself both in "macro" historical stages and in each individual's unique journey.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Stages of Divine Revelation
(00:45–03:20)
- Fr. Mike situates the readings within the overall structure of the Catechism: yesterday focused on early stages (creation, Adam and Eve, Noah), today is about Abraham and the prophets, and tomorrow will be Jesus as the fullness of revelation.
- He encourages listeners to appreciate the "bit by bit" nature of God's self-revelation:
"God reveals himself in stages, not only in kind of meta stages that are macro stages, but also in our lives." (02:25)
- He connects this to personal spiritual growth, emphasizing that each person’s knowledge of God evolves through their own life stages.
2. God’s Call to Abraham & the People of Israel
(04:05–06:35)
- Reading from the Catechism, Fr. Mike summarizes how God chooses Abraham to gather humanity and how Abraham’s descendants are made trustees of the promise and called to prepare for the unity of the Church.
- The root of God's plan:
"He makes him Abraham, that is, the father of a multitude of nations…in you all the nations of the earth shall be blessed." (CCC 59, 04:20)
- The chosen people, Israel, are formed as a priestly nation through the Exodus and the Covenant at Sinai.
3. The Role of the Patriarchs, Prophets, and Old Testament Figures
(07:00–09:45)
- Fr. Mike notes the Catechism’s affirmation that patriarchs, prophets, and some Old Testament figures are honored as saints in all the Church's liturgies.
"We recognize that when it comes to...the heroes, right?...we honor them as saints, even though we don't have, you know, capital St. Period before their names." (08:08)
- He draws from Hebrews 11, the "cloud of witnesses," as the biblical source for venerating these figures.
4. The Divine Pedagogy—God’s Slow Formation of His People
(09:45–13:25)
- Fr. Mike explores God's "divine pedagogy": God intentionally reveals Himself slowly, allowing generation after generation to encounter Him in a way that respects their freedom and individuality.
- Powerful reflection:
"God’s moving slowly for our sake. You know, I often wondered why...if God revealed Himself all at once in this massively overwhelming way, I don't know if we'd be free to say yes or no to Him." (12:00)
- This gradual revelation is not just kind, but necessary for authentic relationship and the freedom to love or reject God.
5. The Prophets, the Hope of Salvation, and Holy Women
(13:30–17:00)
- Through the prophets, God formed His people in hope, pointing to a "radical redemption" and a covenant written on hearts—not only for Israel but for all nations and especially "the poor and humble of the Lord."
- Highlighted women of faith: Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Judith, Esther, and especially Mary.
"Above all, the poor and humble of the Lord will bear this hope." (CCC 64; cited at 16:00)
- Fr. Mike connects this to the nuptial blessing in Catholic weddings:
"May she be like those women whose praises are sung throughout the Scriptures..." (16:25)
- The example of these women shows how hope, suffering, bravery, and faith characterize “the poor and humble” through whom God works.
6. Personal Application and Final Reflections
(17:00–18:55)
- Fr. Mike urges listeners to be open to God’s revelation in their own lives—acknowledging that, just as with the people of Israel, God is at work “bit by bit.”
"God has taken so much time to reveal himself that we just have to say, okay, God, thank you, thank you for taking the time...in the macro way...but also in our own lives." (17:30)
- He closes with a prayer for openness, relationship, and a heart ready for God’s next step.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Divine Pedagogy:
"God takes it slow, right? There are stages of revelation…God reveals himself in stages, not only in the macro level, but also in our own hearts and our own lives."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (02:25) -
On the Veneration of Old Testament Figures:
"We honor them as saints, even though we don't have, you know, capital St. Period before their names."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (08:08) -
On the Importance of Human Freedom:
"If God revealed Himself all at once in this massively overwhelming way, I don't know if we'd be free to say yes or no to Him."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (12:00) -
On the Role of Holy Women:
"May she be like those women whose praises are sung throughout the Scriptures. May she be like those holy women whose praises are sung throughout the Scriptures…above all, Mary."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (16:25)
Segment Timestamps
- 00:45–03:20 — Overview of the stages of revelation
- 04:05–06:35 — Reading and clarifying the Catechism’s teaching on Abraham and Israel
- 07:00–09:45 — Saints of the Old Covenant and their role
- 09:45–13:25 — God’s gradual revelation and the importance of freedom
- 13:30–17:00 — The hope of the prophets and holy women; application to the nuptial blessing
- 17:00–end — Personal reflection, application, and closing prayer
Conclusion
This episode explores how God gradually revealed Himself through history, forming a people ready for the coming of Christ, and continues to reveal Himself in the lives of believers today. Fr. Mike masterfully blends explanation, spiritual encouragement, and personal challenge, reminding listeners that—just as in salvation history—God asks each of us to walk in faith step by step, always open to His unfolding plan.
"God keeps revealing himself to us in little ways, in these micro ways, in the ways that change our hearts."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz (18:40)