Day 29: Knowing the Name of God (2025)
Digest
This podcast episode explores the profound implications of God's self-revelation, focusing on the name Yahweh (YHWH) and its meaning as "I AM WHO I AM." It examines the reactions of Moses, Isaiah, and Peter to encounters with God's holiness, highlighting humanity's inherent insignificance before God's glory. The episode contrasts this awe-inspiring holiness with God's unwavering mercy and faithfulness, exemplified by His covenant with Israel and Jesus' sacrifice. Father Mike Schmitz emphasizes the importance of understanding theological concepts within their historical and narrative context, illustrating God's consistent presence throughout human history. Finally, the podcast connects Jesus' declaration "I AM" to His claim of divinity and co-equality with the Father and the Holy Spirit, solidifying the doctrine of the Trinity.
Outlines
God's Revelation and Human Response
Father Mike Schmitz introduces the day's Catechism reading (paragraphs 205-211) and discusses God's self-revelation as Yahweh (YHWH), exploring the meaning of "I AM WHO I AM" and the reactions of Moses, Isaiah, and Peter to God's holiness, emphasizing humanity's insignificance before God's glory.
God's Mercy, Faithfulness, and the Importance of Narrative
The podcast explores God's attributes of mercy and faithfulness, contrasting them with human unfaithfulness, and highlights the importance of understanding theological truths within their historical and narrative context, using the example of God's relationship with Israel and Jesus' sacrifice.
Jesus' Claim of Divinity and the Trinity
The episode connects Jesus' declaration "I AM" to His claim of divinity and co-equality with the Father and the Holy Spirit, explaining its significance in understanding the doctrine of the Trinity.
Keywords
Yahweh (YHWH)
The Hebrew name of God, meaning "I AM WHO I AM," signifying God's eternal self-existence, presence, and covenant relationship.
Ineffable
Describes God's nature as too great or sacred to be fully expressed in words.
Theophany
A visible manifestation of God, such as the burning bush, revealing God's power and presence.
Mercy
God's compassionate and forgiving nature, extending grace and pardon.
Trinity
The Christian doctrine of one God in three co-equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
God's Holiness
The awe-inspiring and transcendent nature of God, highlighting human insignificance.
Divine Revelation
God's communication of Himself and His will to humanity.
Covenant
A sacred agreement or promise between God and His people.
Jesus Christ
The Son of God, central figure of Christianity, whose "I AM" statements affirm His divinity.
Q&A
What is the significance of God revealing His name as Yahweh (YHWH) to Moses?
The revelation of Yahweh ("I AM WHO I AM") signifies God's self-existence, eternal presence, and covenant relationship with His people; a paradoxical revelation both revealing and concealing the divine mystery.
How does the podcast explain the seemingly contradictory aspects of God's nature—holiness and mercy?
God's holiness is awe-inspiring and humbling, leading to a sense of human insignificance, while His mercy and faithfulness are demonstrated through forgiveness and unwavering love.
How does Jesus' declaration "I Am" connect to the concept of the Trinity?
Jesus' "I AM" statements directly link Him to the divine name Yahweh, claiming co-equality and co-eternity with the Father, affirming the doctrine of the Trinity.
Show Notes
We can learn a lot about the nature of God from his Divine Name revealed in Scripture. When God said to Moses, “I am who I am,” this was a revelation of a name as well as a refusal of a name. Fr. Mike explains how this mystery reveals truths about God: he is infinitely above all things; we cannot comprehend him, yet he draws close to us. This Divine Name expresses the steadfast, faithful, unchanging love of God for his people, even when we betray and abandon him. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 205-211.
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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