Summary of "Day 96: The Church’s Ultimate Trial" from The Catechism in a Year Podcast
The Catechism in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and produced by Ascension, offers a comprehensive journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In Day 96: The Church’s Ultimate Trial, released on April 6, 2025, Fr. Schmitz delves into the profound and sobering topics of the Church's final trial before Christ’s second coming, exploring themes of persecution, deception, the Antichrist, and the ultimate judgment.
1. Introduction and Context
Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by expressing gratitude to supporters, emphasizing Ascension’s commitment to providing free, authentic Catholic content. He outlines the podcast’s unique approach, inspired by the Foundations of Faith method, which makes understanding the Catechism accessible through a structured, color-coded reading plan.
Key Points:
- Purpose of the Series: To read and understand the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 daily episodes.
- Day 96 Focus: Concludes the discussion on Jesus Christ the Son and sets the stage for exploring the Holy Spirit in the next episode.
2. The Church’s Final Trial Before Christ’s Return
Fr. Schmitz introduces the central theme of Day 96: the Church’s ultimate trial preceding the second coming of Christ. He underscores the gravity of this period, where the stakes are described as eternal—“life and death, eternal life and eternal death” (00:07:15).
Notable Quote:
"The stakes are heaven, right? The stakes are life and death, eternal life and eternal death."
—Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:07:15]
3. Persecution and Religious Deception
The episode elaborates on the types of challenges the Church will face, emphasizing persecution and religious deception. Fr. Schmitz explains that this trial will test the faith of many believers, unveiling iniquity through deceptive religious movements that offer false solutions.
Key Points:
- Nature of Persecution: Accompanies the Church’s earthly pilgrimage, revealing deep-seated sin and opposition.
- Religious Deception: Presents apparent solutions at the cost of abandoning the truth, leading to apostasy.
Notable Quote:
"The persecution that accompanies her pilgrimage on earth will unveil the mystery of iniquity in the form of a religious deception, offering men an apparent solution to their problems at the price of apostasy from the truth."
—Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:14:30]
4. Understanding the Antichrist and Pseudo Messianism
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to defining and understanding the Antichrist. Fr. Schmitz describes the Antichrist not as a single individual but as a pervasive ideology known as pseudo Messianism, where society glorifies alternatives to God and Christ.
Key Points:
- Antichrist’s Deception: Manifests whenever secular solutions claim to achieve Messianic hope within history.
- Pseudo Messianism: The false promise that peace and salvation can be realized through human efforts rather than divine intervention.
Notable Quote:
"The supreme religious deception is that of the Antichrist, a Pseudo Messianism by which man glorifies himself in place of God and of his Messiah come in the flesh."
—Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:25:45]
5. The Church’s Rejection of Secular Messianism
Fr. Schmitz emphasizes the Church’s stance against millenarianism and secular messianism. He clarifies that true Messianic fulfillment is eschatological, occurring only with Christ’s return, not through historical or political triumphs.
Key Points:
- Church’s Position: Rejects attempts to substitute God with political, cultural, or technological solutions.
- Final Victory: The Kingdom of God will be realized through Christ’s death and resurrection, not through human ascendancy.
Notable Quote:
"The kingdom will be fulfilled then, not by a historic triumph of the Church through a progressive ascendancy, but only by God's victory over the final unleashing of evil..."
—Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:32:10]
6. The Final Judgment: Day of Reckoning
The podcast transitions to discussing the Last Judgment, where Christ will judge the living and the dead. Fr. Schmitz explains that this judgment will reveal each person’s true disposition, actions, and acceptance or rejection of God’s grace.
Key Points:
- Revelation of Hearts: “The conduct of each one and the secrets of hearts will be brought to light” (paragraph 678).
- Culpable Unbelief: Those who reject God’s grace and do not act with love towards others will be condemned.
Notable Quote:
"On the last day Jesus will say, truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me."
—Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:35:50]
7. Personal Application and Call to Repentance
Fr. Schmitz urges listeners to heed these teachings by leading lives of repentance and acceptance of God’s grace. He emphasizes the urgent need to say "yes" to grace, avoiding the temptation to replace God with worldly solutions.
Key Points:
- Repentance: Recognizing and turning away from sin is crucial.
- Acceptance of Grace: Embracing God’s love and resisting idolatry ensures eternal salvation.
Notable Quote:
"My prayer is, my brothers and sisters, right now that all can change. It all can change with one decision. It all can change with this moment."
—Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:39:20]
8. Highlighted Insights and Reflections
Throughout the episode, Fr. Schmitz intertwines theological insights with practical exhortations, urging listeners to remain vigilant against deceptions and steadfast in their faith.
Key Reflections:
- Idolatry as Ultimate Rejection: Any form of idolatry, whether political, educational, or technological, is tantamount to turning towards the Antichrist.
- Final Test: The upcoming trials are depicted as the ultimate test of the Church’s fidelity to Christ.
- The Role of Grace: Emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace in overcoming temptations and affirming faith.
Notable Quote:
"By rejecting grace in this life, one already judges oneself, receives according to one's works, and can even condemn oneself for all eternity by rejecting the spirit of love."
—Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:42:55]
Conclusion
In Day 96, Fr. Mike Schmitz delivers a powerful and contemplative exploration of the Church's final trial before the second coming of Christ. By dissecting the nature of persecution, deception, and the Antichrist, he calls believers to a profound personal and communal reflection. The episode serves as both a theological deep dive and a spiritual exhortation, encouraging Catholics to remain steadfast in faith, reject idolatry, and fully embrace God's grace to secure eternal salvation.
Fr. Schmitz closes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to commit to repentance and support one another in their spiritual journeys, reinforcing the communal aspect of faith amidst impending trials.
Final Prayer Excerpt:
"Father, in heaven, we trust in you and we thank you. We praise your name, we give you glory. We ask that you please reveal to your reveal to our hearts your heart. Reveal the depth of your love for us to us and help us to say yes to you..."
—Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:43:30]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Day 96, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a clear understanding of the Church's ultimate trial, the perils of deception, and the imperative of unwavering faith and grace.