Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 84: The Claim of Savior
Introduction
In Day 84 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, hosted by Ascension and led by Fr. Mike Schmitz, listeners delve into paragraphs 587 to 594 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Titled "The Claim of Savior," this episode explores Jesus Christ's profound declaration of His divinity and role as the Savior, examining the reactions of His contemporaries and the enduring implications for faith today. Fr. Mike Schmitz provides insightful explanations, drawing connections between Scripture, tradition, and the foundational beliefs of Catholicism.
Jesus and Israel’s Faith in the One God and Savior
Fr. Mike begins by contextualizing Jesus within the faith of the People of Israel. He emphasizes that the Israelites had been shaped over centuries to recognize and hear the voice of the one true God through prophets and sacred scriptures. When Jesus arrives, He calls for faith in Himself with the same authority as the Lord God had called faith in the Old Covenant. This parallel invitation sets the stage for both acceptance and opposition.
The Scandal of Jesus’s Claims
A central theme of the episode is the "scandal" that Jesus presented to the religious authorities of His time. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus's role in the redemption of sins and His divine authority were seen as stumbling blocks (paragraph 587). He highlights Jesus's provocative statements, such as promising to rebuild the temple in three days, which astonished and confused His listeners.
Notable Quote:
"You heard it was said. But I say to you," – Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:05]
This quote underscores Jesus's authoritative teaching method, often expanding or deepening the Law's original intent.
C.S. Lewis’s Trilemma: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord
Fr. Mike introduces C.S. Lewis’s famous trilemma, which posits that Jesus can only be one of three things: a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. He argues that Jesus does not exhibit the deceptive nature of a liar nor the disconnected sanity of a lunatic. Therefore, the only plausible conclusion is that Jesus is indeed who He claims to be—God incarnate.
Notable Quote:
"Jesus is either a liar, he wasn't God and he knew he wasn't God. He is a lunatic, he wasn't God, but he didn't know he wasn't God. Or he is the Lord." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Timestamp not specified]
Jesus’s Authority to Forgive Sins
A pivotal point in the discussion is Jesus's authority to forgive sins, which was seen as a divine prerogative and thus, by forgiving sins, Jesus was either blaspheming or revealing His divine nature (paragraphs 587-589). Fr. Mike explains that Jesus’s ability to forgive sins directly challenges the religious authorities' understanding and authority.
Notable Quote:
"If you're not for me, you're against me." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Timestamp not specified]
This statement encapsulates the gravity of Jesus's demand for total allegiance.
Miracles as Evidence of Divinity
Fr. Mike discusses how Jesus's miracles, such as healing the paralytic man in Mark 2, serve as tangible proof of His divine authority. These miraculous acts are not merely demonstrations of power but affirmations of His divine identity and mission.
Notable Quote:
"Jesus is demonstrating that he actually is the Lord himself, that he actually is God himself." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Timestamp not specified]
The Sanhedrin’s Misunderstanding and Tragic Decision
The episode delves into the tragic misunderstanding by the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious authorities, who rejected Jesus despite the clear signs of His divinity. Fr. Mike points out that their actions were driven by both ignorance and hardened unbelief, preventing them from recognizing Jesus’s true identity.
Notable Quote:
"The members of the Sanhedrin were thus acting at the same time out of ignorance and the hardness of their unbelief." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Timestamp not specified]
Fulfillment of the Law and the New Temple
Fr. Mike reiterates that Jesus did not abolish the Law of Sinai but fulfilled it perfectly, revealing its ultimate meaning and redeeming humanity from transgressions. He explains that Jesus viewed the Temple as a prefiguration of Himself and the new age of salvation, where His own body becomes the definitive temple.
Prayer and Reflection
The episode includes a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Mike, seeking God’s grace to strengthen faith, overcome doubts, and soften hearts. He emphasizes the importance of mutual prayer within the Christian community and for the conversion of Jewish brothers and sisters, recognizing their unique place as God’s chosen people.
Notable Quote:
"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." – C.S. Lewis quoted by Fr. Mike Schmitz [Timestamp not specified]
This profound statement encapsulates the ultimate significance of Jesus's identity and the Christian faith.
Insights and Conclusions
Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the episode by affirming that Jesus’s divine identity is central to Christian belief. He challenges listeners to recognize the undeniable evidence of Jesus’s divinity through His teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of prophecy. The episode reinforces the idea that faith in Jesus is not just an acknowledgment of His moral teachings but a profound acceptance of Him as God incarnate.
Closing Thoughts
In wrapping up, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to embrace the radical demands of Jesus’s call to faith. He underscores the infinite importance of Christianity, urging believers to deepen their understanding and commitment to Jesus as the Savior and Lord.
Final Quote:
"Does that make sense? That's one of the reasons we pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters... please pray for each other. And please pray for me." – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Timestamp not specified]
Through this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides a comprehensive exploration of Jesus’s claims and their implications for faith, urging listeners to reflect deeply on the foundational truths of Catholicism.