Day 116: The Church Is Holy (2025)
1Digest
This podcast episode explores the holiness of the Catholic Church, clarifying that its holiness stems from its union with Christ and the Holy Spirit, not the perfection of its members. Father Mike Schmitz explains that the Church's purpose is the sanctification of humanity and the glorification of God, a process illustrated through the Mass and the ongoing pursuit of holiness. He emphasizes the constant need for repentance and renewal within the Church, using the parable of the wheat and weeds to illustrate this ongoing purification. The episode highlights the crucial role of love (charity) as the essence of holiness, drawing on St. Teresa of Lisieux's teachings. Finally, it discusses the importance of saints as models and intercessors, emphasizing that the ultimate judgment will be based on love in action, not mere adherence to religious practices.
Outlines
The Holiness and Purpose of the Church
Father Mike Schmitz explains the inherent holiness of the Church, despite imperfections, due to its union with Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Church's purpose is the sanctification of humanity and glorification of God, achieved through ongoing striving for personal holiness and love in action. This includes acknowledging sin and the need for constant repentance and renewal within the Church.
Love, Saints, and the Ultimate Judgment
The episode explores love as the essential element of holiness, drawing on St. Teresa of Lisieux. Saints are presented as models and intercessors, inspiring believers and demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit. The podcast concludes by emphasizing that the ultimate judgment will be based on love, highlighting the importance of effective love in action.
Keywords
Sanctification
The process of becoming holy; a state of being set apart for God's purpose. Achieved through grace and active participation in the life of the Church.
Holiness
The state of being set apart for God, characterized by purity, righteousness, and devotion. A quality inherent in God and imparted to believers.
Catholic Church
The universal Christian Church, founded by Jesus Christ, seeking to spread the Gospel and bring salvation to the world.
Holy Spirit
The third person of the Holy Trinity, the source of spiritual gifts and grace, guiding and empowering the Church's members.
Love (Charity)
The theological virtue of love for God and neighbor; the driving force behind Christian life and the essential element of holiness.
Repentance
A turning away from sin and a commitment to a life of holiness. Essential for personal and communal purification within the Church.
Saints
Individuals recognized for their exceptional holiness and devotion, serving as models and intercessors for the Church.
Grace
God's freely given gift of love and salvation, enabling believers to live a holy life.
Q&A
How can the Church be considered holy if it contains sinners?
The Church's holiness derives from its union with Christ and the Holy Spirit, not the perfection of its members. It's a community of sinners striving for holiness.
What is the primary purpose of the Church's activities?
The Church's actions aim at the sanctification of humanity in Christ and the glorification of God.
What role do saints play in the life of the Church?
Saints serve as models of holiness and intercessors, inspiring believers and demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit.
How does St. Teresa of Lisieux's understanding of love relate to the Church's holiness?
St. Teresa emphasizes love as the heart of the Church, essential for its mission and the holiness of its members.
What is the ultimate criterion for judgment?
The ultimate judgment will be based on love in action, not just feeling or emotion.
Show Notes
Fr. Mike examines the next characteristic of the Church, the Church is holy, and he emphasizes two important ideas. The first is that the Church is unfailingly holy only because of God’s gracious gift to us. The second is that each and every one of the activities of the Church are for two purposes: the sanctification of men in Christ and the glorification of God. We conclude with a reminder from St. Therese on the importance of charity, that love of God is the “vocation which includes all others.” Today’s readings from the Catechism are paragraphs 823-829.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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