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

Episode: Day 89 - Jesus Christ Was Buried

Release Date: March 30, 2025
Duration: Approximately 15-20 minutes

Introduction

In Day 89 of Ascension’s "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Catechism paragraphs 624 to 630, focusing on the profound mystery of Jesus Christ’s burial. This episode explores the theological significance of Christ’s death, his descent into death, and the implications for Christian faith and salvation.

Main Discussion

1. Jesus Christ’s Sacrificial Death

Fr. Mike begins by reflecting on the nature of Jesus Christ’s death, emphasizing that, unlike humanity, Jesus was sinless and did not experience original sin, which brings about death. Despite this, Jesus chose to fully unite with humanity by entering into suffering and death:

“Jesus actually died. And I don't know if you've ever thought about that. The fact that... he actually entered into death.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [05:45]

He underscores that Jesus's death was not merely a near-death experience but an actual death, signifying the separation of body and soul, yet He retained possession of both, highlighting a unique divine mystery.

2. The Mystery of Holy Saturday

Fr. Mike elaborates on Holy Saturday, the day between Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. He describes it as a period where Christ lying in the tomb symbolizes God's great Sabbath rest following the fulfillment of humanity’s salvation. This rest signifies peace to the entire universe and serves as a bridge between Christ's persecuted state and his glorious resurrection.

“It is the mystery of Holy Saturday, when Christ lying in the tomb reveals God's great Sabbath rest after the fulfillment of man's salvation, which brings peace to the whole universe.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:30]

3. The Nature of Death and Resurrection

Exploring the Catechism further, Fr. Mike explains that death, defined as the separation of body and soul, was genuinely experienced by Jesus. However, due to His divine nature, this separation did not result in corruption:

“The dead Christ's body saw no corruption... Divine power preserved Christ's body from corruption.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [20:50]

He connects this to Old Testament promises and New Testament fulfillments, citing scriptures like Psalm 16 and Acts 2 to illustrate how Jesus’ resurrection affirmed that His body would not undergo decay, fulfilling divine prophecy.

4. Significance of Baptism

Linking back to baptism, Fr. Mike explains its symbolic connection to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Baptism symbolizes the believer’s descent into death with Christ and the emergence into new life. Immersion in water serves as a tangible reminder of Jesus’ descent into death and His subsequent resurrection.

“When we are baptized, we descend into his death too. We enter into his death so as to rise to new life with him.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [28:15]

Notable Insights and Reflections

• Divine Love and Obedience: Fr. Mike emphasizes that Jesus’s choice to undergo death was an act of profound love and obedience to the Father, highlighting the sacrificial nature of His mission.

  “You did not have to do any of this, but you did this out of love for me and out of obedience to the Father.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz [08:20]

• Unity of Body and Soul: Despite experiencing death, Jesus maintained a unity of body and soul, a mystery that underscores the divine nature and immortality of Christ.

  “For the Divine Person of the Son of God necessarily continued to possess his human soul and body, separated from each other by death.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz [17:40]

• Corruption and Resurrection: The preservation of Jesus’s body from corruption signifies His victory over death and affirms the hope of resurrection for believers.

  “He would not let your Holy One see corruption.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz [21:00]

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by summarizing the theological significance of Jesus Christ’s burial and resurrection. He reiterates the mystery of Jesus entering death to conquer it and reassures listeners of God’s faithful promises.

He leads listeners in a heartfelt prayer, thanking Jesus as the Redeemer and acknowledging His sacrifice and victory over death. The prayer encapsulates the episode's themes of gratitude, worship, and a call to emulate Christ’s love.

“Jesus Christ, you are the Redeemer. You are the Savior of the world... Help us to love you the way you deserve.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [29:10]

Fr. Mike also previews the next episode, hinting at a deeper exploration of Jesus’ descent into hell, encouraging listeners to continue their journey through the Catechism.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus’s Death as a True Death: Despite being sinless, Jesus experienced real death, separating His body and soul, yet remaining united in His divine person.
2. Mystery of Holy Saturday: Jesus lying in the tomb symbolizes God’s Sabbath rest and the completion of salvation history.
3. Promise of Resurrection: Jesus’s body was preserved from corruption, fulfilling Old Testament promises and affirming the hope of eternal life.
4. Symbolism of Baptism: Baptism reflects the believer’s participation in Christ’s death and resurrection, marking the beginning of a new life in Him.
5. Divine Love and Obedience: Jesus’s willingness to die exemplifies His immense love and obedience to God’s plan for humanity’s salvation.

Final Thoughts

This episode of "The Catechism in a Year" offers a profound exploration of Jesus Christ’s burial, highlighting the intricate connection between His death, resurrection, and the foundational beliefs of the Catholic faith. Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly bridges theological concepts with practical reflections, encouraging listeners to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Christ’s salvific work.

Listeners are left with a renewed sense of gratitude and awe for the mysteries of faith, as well as anticipation for the upcoming discussion on Jesus’ descent into hell.

For more in-depth exploration of the Catechism and daily reflections, consider subscribing to Ascension’s "The Catechism in a Year" podcast and follow along with the provided reading plan.