Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 82: Jesus and the Law

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Ascension
• Episode: Day 82: Jesus and the Law
• Release Date: March 23, 2025
• Description: In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the intricate relationship between Jesus and the Jewish Law, exploring how Jesus fulfills and reinterprets the Old Covenant through His teachings and actions.

Introduction

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by reintroducing the podcast’s mission: guiding listeners through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 daily episodes. He emphasizes the use of Ascension’s Foundations of Faith approach, a color-coded reading plan designed to simplify and illuminate the structure of the Catechism.

“As I said, this is day 82. We're reading paragraph 577 of 582.”
— [00:05]

He invites listeners to download a free reading plan from ascensionpress.com and encourages them to subscribe for daily updates and notifications.

Contextualizing Jesus and the Law

Fr. Mike begins by reflecting on the deep connection between Jesus and the Jewish people, underscoring that Jesus Himself was Jewish and had a profound relationship with Israel.

“Jesus is the fulfillment of Judaism.”
— [00:05]

He highlights the tension that existed between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, such as the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees, who ultimately conspired with the Romans against Him. This rejection was rooted in Jesus’ self-identification as the author of the Law, granting Him divine authority that the traditional leaders could not accept.

Jesus as the Author of the Law

Fr. Mike explores the concept of Jesus asserting Himself as the ultimate interpreter and fulfiller of the Law. He draws an analogy between authorship and authority, explaining that just as an author has the right to define and interpret their work, Jesus possesses the authority to provide the definitive interpretation of the Jewish Law.

“As the author of the book, you have the authority to teach definitively.”
— [Timestamp TBD]

He emphasizes that Jesus’ mighty works and divine signs validated His authority, distinguishing Him from the traditional religious leaders who rejected His interpretations.

Fulfillment of the Law

Delving into the Sermon on the Mount, Fr. Mike examines Jesus’ declaration that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. He references the Catechism, highlighting Jesus’ commitment to observing every commandment perfectly—something no other individual could achieve.

“I have come not to abolish, but to fulfill.”
— [Timestamp TBD]

Fr. Mike underscores the importance of integral observance of the Law, citing St. James: “Whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” This principle was central to the Pharisees’ extreme religious zeal, which prepared the way for Jesus’ unprecedented fulfillment of the Law.

Jesus’ Definitive Interpretation of Specific Laws

Dietary Laws

Fr. Mike discusses Jesus’ reinterpretation of Jewish dietary laws, where He shifts the focus from external adherence to internal purity.

“Whatever goes into a man from outside cannot defile him. What comes out of a man is what defiles him.”
— [Timestamp TBD]

By declaring all foods clean, Jesus teaches that defilement comes from within, addressing the heart rather than mere outward compliance.

Sabbath Laws

He also touches on the contentious issue of Sabbath laws, noting how Jesus’ healings on the Sabbath made Him a target for religious leaders who saw His actions as violations of the Law.

“He disavowed certain human traditions of the Pharisees that were making void the word of God.”
— [Timestamp TBD]

Categorizing Old Covenant Laws

Fr. Mike categorizes the Old Covenant laws into three types to clarify which ones are still applicable:

1. Temple Laws: Regulations governing temple worship and care, which have ceased to exist with the dissolution of the physical temple.
2. Kingdom Laws: Guidelines for living within the Kingdom of Israel, which are no longer applicable as the original covenant has been fulfilled.
3. Moral Laws: Universal moral principles that remain true at all times and places, such as prohibitions against murder and adultery.

He explains that while temple and kingdom laws have been fulfilled and thus no longer in effect, moral laws continue to bind believers, underscoring their timeless relevance.

“Jesus is coming with a definitive interpretation of the law, not eliminating it, but ultimately giving it its true interpretation and fulfillment in himself.”
— [Timestamp TBD]

The Living Covenant

Fr. Mike concludes by emphasizing that Jesus established a living covenant—He is the God of the living, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This covenant brings the Old Testament to life, revealing that Jesus' fulfillment of the law does not eradicate it but rather completes its divine purpose.

“God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That we recognize that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law...”
— [Timestamp TBD]

Prayer

The episode opens and concludes with a prayer, inviting listeners to thank God for the Law and seek His grace to understand and live out the teachings of Jesus.

“Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory... Send us your grace right now so that we can know you and love you and worship you the way you've asked...”
— [00:XX]

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

Fr. Mike wraps up by reiterating the central theme: Jesus did not abolish the Law but fulfilled it, giving it a true and divine interpretation. He previews the next episode, promising an insightful discussion on Jesus and the Temple, as well as His role in affirming Israel’s faith in one God.

“Tomorrow we get to talk about Jesus and the temple... It's day 82 today and I am praying for you.”
— [End of Transcript]

Key Takeaways

• Jesus’ Authority: Jesus positions Himself as the ultimate authority over the Law, deserving recognition and acceptance.
• Fulfillment, Not Abolition: Jesus fulfills the Jewish Law, completing its purpose and providing definitive interpretations.
• Categories of Law: Distinction between temple, kingdom, and moral laws helps understand which are still applicable today.
• Living Covenant: The New Covenant established by Jesus is dynamic and life-giving, aligning with God’s enduring promises.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. “As I said, this is day 82. We're reading paragraph 577 of 582.”
   — [00:05]

2. “I have come not to abolish, but to fulfill.”
   — [Timestamp TBD]

3. “Whatever goes into a man from outside cannot defile him. What comes out of a man is what defiles him.”
   — [Timestamp TBD]

4. “God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That we recognize that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law...”
   — [Timestamp TBD]

Note: Specific timestamps for certain quotes were not provided in the transcript excerpt and are marked as TBD (To Be Determined).

This episode of The Catechism in a Year offers a profound exploration of how Jesus interacts with and fulfills the Jewish Law, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of Catholic teachings and the continuity between the Old and New Covenants. Whether you're new to the Catechism or seeking to enrich your faith, Fr. Mike Schmitz’s insightful explanations and reflections serve as a valuable guide on your spiritual journey.