Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Day 87: Christ’s Life as Offering
Introduction
In Day 87 of Ascension’s "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound mystery of Christ’s life as a perpetual offering to the Father. Through a detailed exploration of paragraphs 606 to 612 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Fr. Mike elucidates how every aspect of Jesus Christ’s existence embodies His unwavering love and obedience to God’s salvific plan. This episode offers listeners a deeper understanding of the sacrificial nature of Christ’s life, His role as the Lamb of God, and the significance of the Eucharist.
Main Themes
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Christ's Life as an Offering to the Father (Paragraphs 606-607)
Fr. Mike begins by highlighting that the entirety of Christ's life—from the Incarnation to His final moments—constitutes a sacrificial offering to the Father. He emphasizes that Jesus did not come to fulfill His own will but to accomplish the divine mission entrusted to Him.
"Christ's whole life is an offering to the Father from the first moment of the Incarnation. Everything, everything is 'I do as the Father commanded me'." [12:30]
This obedience is evident from the Incarnation itself, where Jesus responds with a "yes" of obedient love to His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, and continues this obedience throughout His ministry.
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Jesus as the Lamb of God (Paragraph 608)
Fr. Mike explores the dual role of Jesus as both the suffering servant and the Paschal Lamb. Referencing John the Baptist’s proclamation, he underscores Jesus’s sacrificial mission to atone for the sins of humanity.
"Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world... He is not only the suffering servant but also the Paschal Lamb who takes away the sins of the world." [15:45]
This duality signifies that while Jesus endures immense suffering, it is the depth of His love that transforms His suffering into a redemptive act for all.
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The Depth of Jesus' Love (Paragraph 608)
A pivotal point in the discussion is the nature of Jesus’s suffering—not for the sake of suffering itself, but as an expression of His boundless love for the Father and humanity.
"It is not the depth of Christ's suffering as much as it is the depth of his love that entered into his suffering." [20:10]
Fr. Mike stresses that Jesus’s sacrifice is a free and perfect gift, demonstrating a love that seeks to save us at any cost.
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The Last Supper and the Eucharist (Paragraphs 6:11-6:12)
Transitioning to the Last Supper, Fr. Mike explains how Jesus anticipated His own sacrifice and instituted the Eucharist as a perpetual memorial of His offering.
"The Eucharist that Christ institutes at that moment will be the memorial of his sacrifice." [35:20]
By including the apostles in His offering, Jesus establishes them as priests of the new covenant, entrusting them to perpetuate this sacred memorial through the sacraments.
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Agony in Gethsemane (Paragraph 612)
The episode culminates with a reflection on Jesus’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He confronts the impending suffering and death with profound obedience and love.
"In his agony in the garden of Gethsemane, making Himself obedient unto death, Jesus prays, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.'" [50:55]
Despite His anguish, Jesus submits to the Father’s will, embracing His role in the redemptive plan fully and willingly.
Key Insights
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Total Offering of Jesus’s Life: Every moment of Jesus’s existence is a testament to His commitment to God’s salvific plan. From His obedience in everyday actions to the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, His life exemplifies total self-giving.
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Significance of the Eucharist: The Eucharist is not merely a ritual but a profound participation in Christ’s sacrifice. By attending Mass, believers become partakers in this eternal offering, strengthening their bond with God.
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Love Over Suffering: Jesus’s suffering is not a display of enduring pain but a powerful manifestation of His love. It is His love that transforms suffering into a means of salvation for humanity.
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Obedience as Love: Jesus’s obedience to the Father is the highest form of love, showcasing a model for believers to emulate in their own lives.
Conclusion
Day 87 of "The Catechism in a Year" offers a compelling exploration of Christ’s life as a continuous offering to the Father. Fr. Mike Schmitz beautifully articulates how Jesus’s obedience, love, and sacrifice culminate in the Eucharist, inviting believers to partake in this divine mystery. The episode serves as a profound reminder of the depth of Christ’s love and the transformative power of embracing God’s will in our own lives.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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"Christ's whole life is an offering to the Father from the first moment of the Incarnation. Everything, everything is 'I do as the Father commanded me'." [12:30]
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"Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world... He is not only the suffering servant but also the Paschal Lamb who takes away the sins of the world." [15:45]
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"It is not the depth of Christ's suffering as much as it is the depth of his love that entered into his suffering." [20:10]
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"The Eucharist that Christ institutes at that moment will be the memorial of his sacrifice." [35:20]
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"In his agony in the garden of Gethsemane, making Himself obedient unto death, Jesus prays, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.'" [50:55]
Invitation to Listen
Fr. Mike concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to participate in the Eucharist and embrace the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice in their daily lives. He emphasizes that "The Catechism in a Year" is not just about gaining knowledge but about experiencing a heart-changing conversion rooted in understanding and love.
"It's not just about data. It's about conversion. It's about... my heart has more space to love God because of his grace and because I'm getting to know who he is in a deeper way." [Closing Remarks]
Listeners are invited to join in this journey of faith, deepening their relationship with God through the teachings of the Catechism and the living tradition of the Catholic Church.