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

Episode: Day 9: The Fullness of Revelation (2026)
Date: January 9, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Coverage: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 65–73

Episode Overview

In this ninth episode of "The Catechism in a Year," Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the profound teaching that Jesus Christ is the mediator and fullness of all revelation. Fr. Mike breaks down how God’s self-disclosure has culminated—once for all—in His Son. The focus is on distinguishing between public and private revelation, understanding their roles, and reflecting on the finality and sufficiency of Christ as God’s definitive Word. The episode concludes with an "in brief" summary and practical insight for listeners seeking to grasp the completeness and ongoing understanding of Catholic revelation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Progressive Revelation through Salvation History (01:35–03:30)

• Fr. Mike recalls how previous episodes traced God’s gradual self-revelation:
  • To Adam and Eve, and after their fall, through covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets.
  • Today’s segment focuses on God revealing Himself fully in Jesus Christ.

2. Jesus Christ: Mediator and Fullness of Revelation (03:35–05:15)

• Fr. Mike reads and discusses the Catechism:
  • “God has said everything in his Word. That word. Word is capitalized. The W is capitalized because we know that Jesus is the Word made flesh.” (03:50)
• Cites Hebrews 1:1-2—God spoke “in many and various ways… but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.”
• Emphasizes: After Christ, there is “no further public Revelation”—Jesus is the unsurpassable, definitive Word.

3. St. John of the Cross on the Fullness of Christ (05:30–07:00)

• Fr. Mike quotes the Catechism and St. John of the Cross’ commentary:
  • “In giving us his Son, his only Word… he has no more to say, because what he spoke before to the prophets in parts he has now spoken all at once by giving us the all who is his Son.” (05:45)
  • To seek “some other novelty” beyond Christ is not only foolish but also offensive, as it diverts the heart from the fullness found in Jesus.

4. Finality of Public Revelation and Its Gradual Understanding (07:10–09:50)

• Fr. Mike stresses the Church’s teaching:
  • “There will be no further revelation.” (07:15)
• Yet, revelation, though complete, has not been made fully explicit:
  • It “remains for Christian faith gradually to grasp its full significance.” (07:35)
  • Compares this to doctrinal development, such as the Church’s growing understanding of the Trinity and Church Councils (e.g., Acts 15, early Church wrestling with circumcision) (08:20).

5. Nature and Role of Private Revelations (09:55–13:30)

• Clarifies the distinction:
  • Private revelations may be recognized and approved, but “they do not belong… to the deposit of faith. It is not their role to improve or complete Christ’s definitive revelation, but to help live more fully by it.” (10:10)
  • Faithful are not obligated to believe even approved private revelations.
• Quotes Pope Benedict XVI (2010, Verbum Domini 14):
  • “Ecclesiastical approval… means that its message contains nothing contrary to faith and morals… It is a help which is proffered, but its use is not obligatory.” (11:00)
• Fr. Mike recounts how private revelations like Marian apparitions at Fatima or the Divine Mercy message deepen piety but do not add to the faith.

6. Balance and Charity in Responding to Private Revelations (13:35–15:10)

• References Pope Benedict XIV (1700s):
  • It is permissible to “give no heed” to private revelations, but this should be done “modestly, not without reason and without contempt.” (13:50)
• Fr. Mike reflects:
  • “You can disagree, you can differ from this, but you probably should do it with a good reason and never with contempt.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the uniqueness of Christian revelation:
  “Strictly speaking, Christianity is not a religion of the book… We are a religion of the Word.” (06:55)
• On craving novelty in faith:
  “Living with the desire for some other novelty… C.S. Lewis wrote about this—the next big thing… that impulse is in us.” (08:10)
• Personal anecdote—wanting a different answer:
  Fr. Mike’s gym class story highlights our tendency to want a different answer than the one already given. (09:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:35 — Recap: the stages of revelation in salvation history
• 03:35 — Introduction of today’s theme: The fullness of revelation in Christ
• 05:30 — St. John of the Cross excerpt on Christ as the final Word
• 07:10 — Explanation of the completion (yet unfolding understanding) of revelation
• 09:55 — Clarification of private vs. public revelation
• 11:00 — Pope Benedict XVI on private revelation (Verbum Domini 14)
• 13:35 — Wise counsel on responding to approved private revelations (Pope Benedict XIV)

In Brief: Catechism Section Summary (CC 65–73) (14:30)

• God’s love is the source and summit of revelation.
• God’s plan unfolded gradually through covenants and prophets, but reaches fulfillment in Jesus, God’s definitive Word.
• No further public revelation is to be expected before Christ’s return.
• Private revelations may enrich spirituality but are never binding or corrective of the faith.

Episode Tone & Closing Reflections

Fr. Mike combines reverence, practical teaching, and relatable humor. He encourages listeners to marvel at the sufficiency of Christ, reflect on their desires for novelty, and approach private revelations with discernment and charity.

Final encouragement:
“I am so grateful to be walking with you here… I am praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (15:15)