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

Episode: Day 82: Jesus and the Law (2026)
Release Date: March 23, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Readings: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 577–582

Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores Jesus’ relationship to the Law of Moses within the context of the Catechism. He focuses on how Christ did not abolish the Law but fulfilled it, providing the definitive interpretation that reveals its ultimate meaning and significance. Fr. Mike also explains the different types of laws in the Old Covenant and how some are still applicable while others have been fulfilled and no longer apply in the same way.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jesus’ Relationship with Israel and the Law

• Jesus was Jewish, deeply connected with the people and traditions of Israel.
• Many Jews accepted Jesus, though religious authorities rejected him, mainly because he claimed authority over the Law.
  • “Jesus is the fulfillment of Judaism.” – Fr. Mike (02:15)

2. Jesus as the Authoritative Interpreter of the Law

• Jesus’ authority comes not just from interpretation, but from being the author of the Law itself.
  • “Christ placed himself as the author of the law… he has the authority to be able to give the definitive interpretation.” (04:10)
• This divine authority set Jesus apart from other teachers and rabbis, fueling conflict with religious leaders.

3. Function and Fulfillment of Old Covenant Laws

• The Law given to Moses (Sinai) is presented anew through Jesus, in the light of grace.
• Jesus’ famous words:

  “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (07:20, quoting Mt 5:17)

• Jesus is the only one who could perfectly keep the Law.
• The Law is one inseparable whole; breaking one part is breaking all (cf. James 2:10).

4. Integral Observance and the Pharisaic Approach

• The Pharisees championed strict, integral observance, which sometimes led to extreme zeal and even hypocrisy.
  • The Law’s perfect fulfillment could “be the work of none but the divine legislator born subject to the Law in the person of the Son.” (08:15, reading Catechism)
• In Jesus, the Law moves from tablets of stone to the heart.

5. Jesus' Fulfillment and Interpretation of the Law

• Jesus took on the curse of the Law by dying for human transgressions—fulfilling the Law for all.
  • “Jesus fulfills the Law to the point of taking upon himself the curse of the law incurred by those who do not abide by the things written in the book of the Law…” (09:15, Catechism)
• Jesus taught “as one who had authority and not as their scribes.” (09:50, Catechism quoting Mark 1:22)
• He both affirmed and perfected legal traditions, especially regarding moral teaching and Sabbath observance.

6. Types of Old Testament Laws: Temple, Kingdom, and Moral

• Temple Laws: Concerned with worship, sacrifices, the structure, and rituals of the temple.
• Kingdom Laws: Governing life in the Kingdom of Israel under the Old Covenant.
• Moral Laws: True at all times, in all places, for all people—e.g., commandments about murder, adultery.
  • “He’s fulfilling them in saying that not only do they have to reach your actions, they have to go all the way to your heart.” (14:30)
• Fr. Mike explains that while temple and kingdom laws ceased to apply after their context ended (i.e., no temple, no Old Covenant kingdom), moral laws continue because their truth is universal.

7. Practical Implications & Common Questions

• Jesus’ teaching amplifies moral law, intensifying its demands (e.g., prohibiting anger and lust, not just murder and adultery—cf. Mt 5:21–28).
• Fr. Mike addresses the common objection about cherry-picking Old Testament laws:
  • Sexual morality laws still apply because they’re moral laws.
  • Ritual/sacrificial, dietary, and fabric-mixing regulations ended with the Temple and Old Kingdom context.
  • “If there is a governmentally enacted law and there is no more government, then the law will cease to be in effect.” (16:40, analogy)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jesus’ Divine Authority:
  “He was not content to propose his interpretation alongside theirs, but taught the people as one who had authority and not as their scribes.” (09:50)

• On Law Fulfillment:
  “He did not come to abolish the law. He came to fulfill the law… It’s not dead, it is more alive than ever.” (12:15)

• On Different Types of Law:
  “There are the temple laws, there are the kingdom laws, and there are the moral laws… What I mean [by moral laws] is those laws that are true at all times, in all places, for all people.” (13:40)

• On Laws Ceasing Upon Fulfillment:
  “The laws that are no longer applicable are no longer applicable because the context in which they existed no longer exists.” (16:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:05 – Introduction and framing of today’s focus
• 02:15 – Jesus’ relationship to Israel and Judaism
• 04:10 – The meaning of authority and Jesus as Law’s true interpreter
• 07:20 – Catechism reading on Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law
• 09:15–10:30 – Jesus and his unique authority as teacher and legislator
• 12:15 – Life, continuity, and fulfillment of the Law in Christ
• 13:40 – Explanation of Temple, Kingdom, and Moral Laws
• 16:15 – Practical analogy about discontinued laws
• 18:40 – Preview of next episode (Jesus and the Temple)

Tone and Style

Fr. Mike’s approach is warm, encouraging, and explanatory. He emphasizes the historical and theological context, invites listeners to reflect, and relates complex doctrines to simple analogies (“speed limits” and “government laws”) that clarify how and why some laws no longer apply.

Conclusion

In this episode, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of Jesus’ authoritative role in interpreting and fulfilling the Old Testament Law. Fr. Mike clarifies why certain laws ended with the arrival of Christ and how the moral demands of the Law are deepened and universalized in the New Covenant. He sets up for the following episodes on Jesus and the Temple, and calls for prayerful reflection on the rich continuity between Old and New Testaments.

“Everything in the Old Testament is revealed in the New, and the New Testament is hidden in the Old.”
– Fr. Mike Schmitz (12:55)