Understanding Faith Through the Catechism in a Year Podcast

Discovering Faith with Father Mike Schmitz

In the enlightening 'Catechism in a Year' podcast, hosted by Father Mike Schmitz and sponsored by Ascension, listeners are taken on a spiritual journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Over 365 days, this podcast aims to deepen understanding of God's plan and our place within His family, culminating in our ultimate journey towards Heaven.

Day 21 Insights

On day 21, Father Schmitz discusses paragraphs 150 to 155 of the catechism, focusing on faith as both a divine gift and a human act. This session highlights how faith is not merely an emotional feeling but an active personal commitment to God. It emphasizes that while faith is a grace from God, it also requires our free cooperation.

Faith as Grace and Human Act

Father Schmitz explains that faith is firstly a personal adherence to God. This means it involves a conscious decision to align oneself with divine will. Importantly, this alignment is described as both a gift from God (grace) and an act of free will by humans.

• Faith as Grace: It is described as a supernatural virtue infused by God Himself. This aligns with biblical teachings where Jesus tells Peter that his recognition of Jesus as Christ was revealed not by man but by the Father in Heaven (Matthew 16). Thus, faith comes from divine initiation.

• Faith as Human Act: While divinely initiated, faith requires human response. It involves an intellectual assent where one accepts divine truth through the exercise of reason and will. This aspect ensures that adhering to faith does not contradict human freedom or reason but rather complements it.

The Role of Faith in Understanding Divine Truths

The podcast also touches upon how Christian faith differs fundamentally from other types of belief systems because it involves adherence not just to any concept of god but specifically to the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believing in Christ means accepting Him not only as a historical figure but also recognizing His divine nature.

Implications for Personal Life and Freedom

One profound insight shared is that true freedom isn't about doing whatever one wants but having the power to do what one ought to do — which includes adhering faithfully to God’s revelations. This redefines freedom not as absence of restraint but as liberation through truth.

Practical Steps Towards Strengthening Faith

Father Schmitz encourages incorporating these teachings practically:

• Daily Prayer: Engaging in regular communication with God helps strengthen personal adherence to Him.
• Scriptural Engagement: Regular reading and reflection on Scripture can deepen understanding and commitment.
• Community Involvement: Participating actively in church activities can provide support and deepen one’s practical engagement with faith.
• Ongoing Education: Continual learning about one’s faith through resources like catechisms or church teachings can help clarify beliefs and practices.
• Reflective Practice: Taking time for personal reflection on how one’s life aligns with divine commands can foster greater internalization of faith principles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Catechism in a Year' with Father Mike Schmitz offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Catholic doctrine and strengthen their personal relationship with God through faith. By presenting complex theological concepts in accessible language, it invites listeners at all stages of their spiritual journey to reflect on their beliefs and grow closer to God.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj6Ytevkc14