Summary of The Catechism in a Year Podcast Episode: Day 90 - "Christ Descended into Hell"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Publisher: Ascension
• Episode: Day 90: Christ Descended into Hell
• Release Date: March 31, 2025
• Duration: 15-20 minutes

Introduction

In Day 90 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast series, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Article Five of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, specifically examining paragraphs 631 to 637. This episode, titled "Christ Descended into Hell," explores the profound theological implications of Jesus Christ's descent into the realm of the dead, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of this pivotal event in Christian doctrine.

Opening Remarks and Acknowledgments

Fr. Mike begins the episode with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the listeners' support through prayers and financial contributions. He emphasizes that these donations enable Ascension to produce free, authentic Catholic content aimed at helping individuals grow closer to God and understand the Catholic faith comprehensively.

“We make authentically Catholic podcasts and videos and other digital content to help people know the Catholic faith and grow closer to God every day.” (00:00)

Overview of Day 90: Paragraphs 631-637

Fr. Mike outlines that on Day 90, listeners will explore paragraphs 631 to 637 of the Catechism, which discuss Christ's descent into hell. He reiterates the foundational belief that Jesus truly experienced death, possessing both body and soul, yet remained free from corruption.

“It is day 90. We’re reading paragraphs 631 to 637. It is article five. And if you’re following along with your reading plan in following along in any catechism, you can see Article 5 is he descended into hell.” (01:15)

Christ’s Experience of Death

The discussion begins with affirming that Jesus experienced death fully, including the separation of body and soul. However, unlike ordinary death, Christ’s soul was preserved, aligning with the Catechism’s assertion that He remained incorrupt.

“We hear stories every day about how those shows have transformed people's lives... you are a significant part of that.” (00:30)

The Descent as Savior

Fr. Mike explains that Jesus descended into hell not merely as a passive recipient of death but actively as the Savior. His mission was to proclaim the good news to the spirits imprisoned there, as referenced in 1 Peter 3:18-19.

“He descended there as Savior, proclaiming the good news to the spirits imprisoned there.” (05:20)

Understanding "Hell" and the Abode of the Dead

The term "hell" in this context refers to the abode of the dead, known in Hebrew as Sheol and in Greek as Hades. This place is characterized by the deprivation of the vision of God, a state applicable to all the dead—both righteous and evil—while they await the Redeemer.

“Such is the case for all the dead, whether evil or righteous, while they await the Redeemer.” (07:45)

Distinction Among the Souls in Hell

Fr. Mike clarifies that not all souls in hell share the same fate. He references the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to illustrate that righteous souls experience peace and rest in Abraham's bosom, while others face torment. Jesus' descent specifically aimed to deliver the just who awaited Him.

“The rich man goes to a place of torment, whereas Lazarus goes to rest in the bosom of Abraham.” (09:10)

The Purpose of Christ’s Descent

Emphasizing that Christ did not descend to damn the wicked or eradicate hell, Fr. Mike underscores that His mission was to free the righteous souls who had gone before Him. This act completed His Messianic mission, extending salvation to all who are saved across all times and places.

“Jesus did not descend into hell to deliver the damned, nor to destroy the hell of damnation, but to free the just who had gone before him.” (14:30)

Theological Implications

The descent into hell signifies the complete fulfillment of the gospel message. It demonstrates God's infinite love and the boundless extent of Jesus' redemptive mission. Christ's actions ensure that all who are saved, regardless of when they lived, share in redemption.

“The descent into hell brings the gospel message of salvation to complete fulfillment.” (17:50)

Practical Reflections and Prayer

Fr. Mike invites listeners to internalize the profound truth of Christ's descent into hell, encouraging them to live righteously and maintain a right relationship with God. He leads a guided prayer, expressing gratitude for Christ’s boundless love and His mission to rescue humanity.

“We thank you for the fact that his love knows no bounds, that even the abode of the dead is not out of bounds.” (19:30)

Conclusion

Concluding the episode, Fr. Mike reiterates the significance of Jesus' descent into hell as a testament to God's unwavering love and the comprehensive scope of divine redemption. He encourages listeners to continue their journey through the Catechism, deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith.

“He came to rescue us. Again. He comes to us to save us, just like he always does.” (25:15)

Key Takeaways

1. Authentic Experience of Death: Jesus truly experienced death, including the separation of body and soul, yet remained incorrupt.
2. Mission as Savior: Christ's descent into hell was an active mission to proclaim the good news to the imprisoned spirits.
3. Nature of Hell: The abode of the dead is a state of separation from God, applicable to all souls awaiting the Redeemer, but experiences within vary between the righteous and the wicked.
4. Purpose of Descent: The descent aimed to deliver the just who awaited Christ, completing His redemptive mission across all times and places.
5. Theological Significance: This act underscores the completeness of the gospel message and God's limitless love for humanity.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz: “We make authentically Catholic podcasts and videos and other digital content to help people know the Catholic faith and grow closer to God every day.” (00:00)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz: “Jesus did not descend into hell to deliver the damned, nor to destroy the hell of damnation, but to free the just who had gone before him.” (14:30)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz: “The descent into hell brings the gospel message of salvation to complete fulfillment.” (17:50)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz: “He came to rescue us. Again. He comes to us to save us, just like he always does.” (25:15)

Final Thoughts

Day 90 of The Catechism in a Year offers a profound exploration of a central tenet of Catholic faith—the descent of Christ into hell. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully elucidates the theological nuances, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how this event fits into the broader narrative of salvation and divine love. This episode not only reinforces foundational beliefs but also invites personal reflection on the depths of Christ’s sacrifice and the boundless nature of His love.

For those embarking on or continuing their journey through the Catechism, this episode serves as an essential guide to comprehending the intricate tapestry of Catholic doctrine and its relevance to personal faith and salvation.