In this fourth and final pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we learn how to take everything we’ve absorbed this year and apply it to our relationship with God through prayer. Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to talk about how to pray, some common obstacles to prayer, and some of the incredible fruits of prayer that await us if we put the next thirty-seven days of guidance into action.
The Catechism in a Year – Day 327 – Poverty of Heart
Where should we find consolation? It’s essential to remember that our ultimate goal and true source of happiness is God. With this in mind, Fr. Mike emphasizes the need to detach ourselves from worldly possessions and strive to be channels of God’s grace. By doing so, when we receive blessings, we can in turn become a blessing to others. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2544-2557.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/c1aeSJlQkuM?si=h19GjL4gyvYW6Mky
The Catechism in a Year – Day 326 – Envy and Jealousy
Envy is “the diabolical sin,” says St. Augustine. Christians should better understand this capital sin, its manifestations, and the temptation toward envy of God and neighbor. In this episode, Fr. Mike considers jealousy and envy, noting man’s desire to covet and lust. He explains that the tenth commandment develops and completes the ninth. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2534-2543.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/la8zwBCAdnw?si=Wwlh44wl63kZ-48D
The Catechism in a Year – Day 325 – Battling for Purity
As Fr. Mike suggests, the battle for purity is never more difficult than in our own day. With God’s grace, we can prevail and find freedom from our temptations. Fr. Mike explains that we win this battle through chastity, purity of intention, purity of vision, and prayerful reliance on the Lord. He tells us how to pray for a pure gaze that allows us to see our brothers and sisters as God sees them. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2520-2533.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/cdga0HtlPpM?si=iIjsWrrE3Iw9anta
The Catechism in a Year – Day 324 – The Ninth Commandment
What does covetousness mean? Today, we launch into the ninth commandment, which deals with carnal concupiscence. This commandment addresses the tension between the “flesh” and the “spirit.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that purity of heart and temperance are crucial to overcoming lust of the flesh. The more we obey God, the more our hearts see others as God sees them. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2514-2519.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/67oGpP38NlA?si=hsgHH7QsoCcoxiGP
The Catechism in a Year – Day 323 – Truth, Beauty, and Sacred Art
Have you ever been moved by beauty? As we conclude our journey through the eighth commandment, we learn that beautiful art points us to the truth and perfection of God. Lastly, Fr. Mike reminds us that this commandment encourages us to always walk in the light and bear witness to Christ in all we say and do. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2500-2513.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/X4zWR_drjHw?si=vwtC5V7LIOTacKC1
The Catechism in a Year – Day 322 – Respect for Truth
Charity dictates who we reveal the truth to. We learn today that the “right to the communication of truth is not unconditional.” Fr. Mike explains that this means we ought to examine what facts we reveal to others prudently. Fr. Mike highlights the role of mass media in disseminating the truth and the importance of guarding ourselves against gossip. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2488-2499.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/T-ic6yaxFlo?si=_2pHWMZ5_a0KCKMu
The Catechism in a Year – Day 321 – Offenses Against Truth
What does it mean to live out the truth? This theme carries over as we continue our evaluation of the eighth commandment. We learn the Catechism’s teachings on ways we violate truth, degrees of gravity based on circumstances, and the duty of reparation. Fr. Mike discusses each offense and offers resonating examples to reflect on. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2475-2487.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/mDfTLxOtx9M?si=5o-QDf5FSH8wYBt6
The Catechism in a Year – Day 320 – The Truth
We begin our dive into the eighth commandment: “You shall not bear false witness.” The Catechism defines truth, identifies the importance of truth, and reflects on martyrdom. Fr. Mike unpacks all of this information and reminds us that our duty as Christians is to live in the truth and bear witness to the truth in what we say and how we act. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2464-2474.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/IsM68W_SKlE?si=dXLQ4ks1X1wcuGY7
The Catechism in a Year – Day 319 – Summary of the Seventh Commandment
We have reached the In Brief section, or nugget day, on the seventh commandment. Father Mike reiterates that the right to private property comes from our dignity as humans, and the Church has a duty to weigh in on economic or social matters where that dignity is threatened. He challenges us to ask ourselves, do we see Jesus in “the distressing disguise of the poor” and just walk by him, or do we respond to him? Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2450-2463.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/VoEGntoBG1M?si=30-gpGXooYu_NaEx