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

Day 298: Respect for Others

October 25th, 2023  |  20 mins 49 secs

commandments, dignity, fifth commandment, integrity, respect, scandal, ten commandments, virtue

We have seen how harming ourselves or others physically is a violation of the fifth commandment, but how can causing harm to another’s virtue or integrity violate this commandment? Fr. Mike unpacks what scandal is and exactly how it is a violation of the fifth commandment. He emphasizes the gravity of scandal when it comes from those who, by nature, teach, and how vital it is for all of us, but especially teachers, to avoid contributing to scandal. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2284-2287.

Day 297: The Cross of Suicide

October 24th, 2023  |  20 mins 39 secs

The cross of suicide is a violation of the fifth commandment that, tragically, many of us have been impacted by in our world today. Fr. Mike explains that we are stewards of the life that God has entrusted to us, not owners. Our lives are precious gifts, and we have a responsibility to care for them. He also emphasizes that we should not lose hope for the eternal salvation of those who take their own lives. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2280-2283.

Listener discretion advised. This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact someone you can trust and/or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (available 24 hours everyday). You are loved, you are beautiful, and you are absolutely irreplaceable.

Day 296: The Sin of Euthanasia

October 23rd, 2023  |  21 mins 50 secs

commandments, dying, euthanasia, fifth commandment, handicapped, medical procedures, palliative care, sick, ten commandments

We continue our examination of the fifth commandment, taking a closer look at the sin of euthanasia. Fr. Mike emphasizes that whatever the motive, the action of ending a life in order to eliminate suffering is still a sin. He also emphasizes that palliative care, however, is an important and special form of charity and love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2276-2279.

Day 295: The Wound of Abortion

October 22nd, 2023  |  16 mins 41 secs

abortion, commandments, crisis pregnancy, excommunication, fifth commandment, forgiveness, mercy, ten commandments

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the wound of abortion. Fr. Mike emphasizes that all human life deserves protection, especially the unborn, but he also emphasizes the importance of God’s mercy. He explains that those who have procured an abortion are excommunicated, subject to the conditions established by Canon Law. However, the excommunication does not limit the scope of God’s mercy, but rather highlights the gravity of the sin. Fr. Mike concludes by highlighting that if abortion is a part of your story, you are encouraged to take the step towards confession and forgiveness, to be met with mercy and love and be welcomed home. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2270-2275.

Day 294: Homicide

October 21st, 2023  |  12 mins 11 secs

5th commandment, direct and intentional killing, eugenics, fifth commandment, fratricide, homicide, how we live, indirectly killing, infanticide, intentional homicide, life in christ, love of neighbor, manslaughter, murder, parricide, part 3, part three, the commandments, thou shalt not kill, unintentional killing, you shall not kill

Continuing our examination of the fifth commandment, we look at various ways in which one may sin against this commandment as it relates to homicide. The Catechism addresses three categories of homicide: direct and intentional killing, indirectly killing, and unintentionally killing. Fr. Mike explores this grave topic with resonating examples and explains the varying degrees of moral culpability. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2268-2269.

Day 293: Legitimate Defense

October 20th, 2023  |  17 mins 9 secs

5th commandment, capital punishment, crime and punishment, criminal justice system, death penalty, fifth commandment, how we live, justice, legitimate defense, life in christ, love of neighbor, love our enemies, love your enemies, love your neighbor as yourself, part 3, part three, protect, punishment, right to life, self-defense, st thomas aquinas, the commandments, thou shalt not kill, you shall not kill

Is there ever a time where legitimate defense is justifiable? The Catechism answers this question and how it relates to honoring the dignity of the human person as we dive deeper into the fifth commandment. We learn about defense of ourselves and others, principles of crime and punishment, and capital punishment. Fr. Mike also explains the Church’s current teaching on the death penalty and why it has changed over time. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2263-2267.

Day 292: Respect for Human Life

October 19th, 2023  |  15 mins 1 sec

5th commandment, anger, article 5, article five, dignity, dignity of the human being, fifth commandment, forgiveness, hatred, how we live, human life is sacred, innocent, kill, life in christ, love of neighbor, love our enemies, love your enemies, love your neighbor as yourself, murder, part 3, part three, respect for human life, the commandments, the witness of sacred history, thou shalt not kill, vengeance, you shall not kill

We begin exploring the fifth commandment: “you shall not kill." The Catechism reminds us that human life is sacred, and we must not take the life of another innocent human. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes this commandment even further as he calls us to avoid anger, hatred, and vengeance in addition to loving our enemies. By forgiving and extending to others the same love and mercy we are willing to extend to ourselves, we are respecting the dignity of that person. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2258-2262.

Day 291: The Political Community and the Church

October 18th, 2023  |  17 mins 23 secs

4th commandment, article 4, article four, dignity, fourth commandment, how we live, in brief, life in christ, love of neighbor, nugget, part 3, part three, political community, politics, respect, the commandments, totalitarian

We take a look at what the Catechism teaches about the Church in relation to political communities. Every institution has their own vision of what it means to be human, which shapes their policies. Because the Church knows the truth, that every person is made in the image and likeness of God, the Church must weigh in to ensure that the dignity of the human person is at the forefront of political decisions and policies. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2244-2257.

Day 290: The Duties of Citizens

October 17th, 2023  |  20 mins 48 secs

4th commandment, armed resistance, article 4, article four, authority, civil authorities, country, foreigner, fourth commandment, freedom, how we live, just war, justice, life in christ, love of neighbor, nation, part 3, part three, patriotism, political authorities, solidarity, st paul, the commandments, the duties of citizens, the duty of citizens, truth

As citizens of a nation, we have certain responsibilities in accordance with God’s Law. The Catechism provides parameters for contributing to society, welcoming the foreigner, refusing obedience, and resisting oppression. Fr. Mike helps us better understand our role as co-collaborators in society within the lens of our world today. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2238-2243.

Day 289: Family, Society, and the Kingdom

October 16th, 2023  |  16 mins 42 secs

citizens, discipleship, family, kingdom, loyalty, priorities, society

While family is important, the Catechism states, “The first vocation of the Christian is to follow Jesus.” This means that parents should support Christ's call for their children. Fr. Mike explains that when we deny Jesus or his teachings for the sake of our families, we are making an idol of the family. We also learn the duties of civil authorities. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2232-2237.

Day 288: The Duties of Parents

October 15th, 2023  |  28 mins 45 secs

education, evangelization, family, kids, parents, school

Being a parent is far more than just having kids. As the Catechism reminds us, the fruitfulness of married love extends to the moral and spiritual education of a couple’s children. Parents are the primary educators of their children, especially in the ways of virtue and prayer. Fr. Mike reminds us that it is also parents' privilege to evangelize their children. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2221-2231.

Day 287: The Gratitude of Children

October 14th, 2023  |  20 mins 52 secs

children, duties, gratitude, kids, parents, respect

Gratitude is the proper response of children toward their parents. Out of this gratitude comes respect. When we are children at home, this respect includes “true docility and obedience.” Fr. Mike emphasizes respect for parents doesn’t expire when we leave home as adults. Grown children are responsible for caring for and supporting their parents in their old age. As Fr. Mike stresses, this can be the simple but often overlooked phone call to mom or dad. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2214-2220.

Day 286: The Family and Society

October 13th, 2023  |  18 mins 11 secs

community, family, freedom, relationships, rights, society

The family is the foundational element of society. Fr. Mike explains how families initiate us into societal life and act as the foundation of freedom and community. Because of its indispensable importance, we learn that civil authorities are responsible for supporting and honoring the family. Familial relationships also enlighten those found in society; we see our neighbor not as an anonymous individual but as “someone.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2207-2213.

Day 285: The Nature of the Family

October 12th, 2023  |  17 mins 18 secs

children, evangelization, husbands, marriage, trinity, wives

In learning the core and fundamental definition of the family, we read today that a family is formed by a “man and a woman united in marriage, together with their children.” The Christian family is a communion of faith, hope, and love and an image of the Trinity. Fr. Mike shares how important he believes friendship and family are in spreading the Good News of the Gospel. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2201-2206.

Day 284: The Fourth Commandment

October 11th, 2023  |  22 mins 27 secs

children, family, honor your mother and father, honoring parents, loving parents, parents, respecting authority, respecting parents, the fourth commandment

The fourth commandment addresses the most universal human relationship: our relationship with our parents. Why does God command us to honor our father and our mother? Fr. Mike explains why this commandment sets the foundation for all the other commandments. He shares the 3 levels of respect and what it looks like to honor our parents despite their brokenness and imperfections. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2196-2200.

Day 283: The Day of Rest

October 10th, 2023  |  22 mins 48 secs

day of rest, holy leisure, not working on sundays, resting on sunday, sabbath, sunday

We all tend to make an idol of work. The Catechism teaches us that Sunday is a day of grace and rest from work. Fr. Mike explains what holy leisure looks like, emphasizing the importance of spending time with family, serving the poor, and taking time to meditate and pray. Resting on the Sabbath reminds us that our freedom and identity are found in the Lord. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2184-2195.