The Commandments
Welcome to Part 3, Section 2 of the Catechism in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz. We'll continue our discussion on our "Life in Christ," or How We Live. In this second section, Fr. Mike will be focusing on The Commandments. To find the Reading Plan from Ascension, visit https://hallow.com/ciyplan
58 sessions
1Day 270: The Ten CommandmentsGod reveals himself and his glory through the Ten Commandments. We begin exploring the Ten Commandments as shown in the Catechism and learn about how these laws are not meant to limit us, but set us free from the slavery of sin. Fr. Mike reminds us that the Commandments are truly a gift from God and reflects his love for us. Today’s readings are the Ten Commandments and Catechism paragraphs 2052-2063.10 Commandments
2Day 271: Love of GodWe continue our overview of the Ten Commandments by looking at the two parts: love of God and love of neighbor. Together they form a “coherent whole,” and there is a unity between the two. While the Catechism shows us our obligation to follow the Commandments, it also reminds us that, “What God commands, he makes possible by his grace.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that even though it may be challenging at times, we are not alone. Jesus is here to help us keep his Commandments. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2064-2082.CCC #2064-2082
3Day 272: You Shall Worship the Lord Your God“You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” Taking a look at the first commandment, we see how we are called to love and worship God above all else. The Catechism also lists the ways in which we may potentially fall into sins against faith, hope, and charity. Fr. Mike elaborates on these violations and reminds us that while it may seem overwhelming, God loved us first, and we must trust in him. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2083-2094.CCC #2083-2094
4Day 273: Him Only Shall You ServeHow can we serve God? The Catechism identifies ways in which we can keep the first commandment through adoration, prayer, sacrifice, and promises and vows. Fr. Mike relates these to us and identifies how we can truly worship and serve the Lord throughout our daily lives. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2095-2103.CCC #2095-2103
5Day 274: Social Duty of ReligionThe social duty of religion and the right to religious freedom are presented to us in the Catechism. We examine what it means to have respect for other religions and the freedom, within limits, to exercise our convictions. Fr. Mike makes it clear that it is our calling as Christians to evangelize and bring our Catholic Christianity to the public square. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2104-2109.CCC #2104-2109
6Day 275: Superstition, Idolatry, and MagicSuperstition, idolatry, divination, and magic are all things we can encounter in our daily lives, and, with Fr. Mike, we unpack how they break the First Commandment. Fr. Mike reiterates that superstition represents an “excess of religion” and can affect the worship we offer to God. He points out that we can be superstitious even in our Catholic practices. He also explains that idolatry consists of divinizing anything that is not God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2110-2117.CCC #2110-2117
7Day 276: Irreligion and AtheismWe continue our examination of the First Commandment, unpacking irreligion and atheism. Fr. Mike highlights the different elements of irreligion, namely tempting God in words or deeds, sacrilege, and simony. He emphasizes that the sin of tempting God is easy to fall into when we are deeply troubled or afraid. Fr. Mike also spends time unpacking the many different aspects of atheism, and its impact on our world today. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2118-2126.CCC #2118-2126
8Day 277: Agnosticism and Graven ImagesAs we reach the conclusion of the section on the first commandment, we end by taking a closer look at agnosticism and graven images. Fr. Mike unpacks the different forms that agnosticism can take. He also examines the veneration of images, and its relation to the first commandment. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2127-2141.CCC #2127-2141*
9Day 278: The Second CommandmentWe begin our examination of the second commandment, to not take the Lord’s name in vain. Fr. Mike emphasizes that God has revealed his sacred name to us, and it is our duty to treat that name with reverence. He also emphasizes just how easy it is for us to take the Lord’s name in vain in our day and age, and how vitally important it is for us to treat his holy name with respect. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2142-2149.CCC #2142-2149
10Day 279: False OathsTogether, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the second commandment. Fr. Mike emphasizes that an oath engages the Lord’s name, and the Lord is the Lord of truth. We, therefore, have a duty as Christians to respect God’s name in matters of truth. He also emphasizes that everything we say is either in conformity to truth or in opposition to truth. Today’s readings are paragraphs 2150-2155.CCC #2150-2155
11Day 280: The Christian NameWhat does it mean to bear the Christian name? The Catechism reminds us that in Baptism, we are given our Christian name, which is sacred. Our name represents the dignity of each of us and depicts how God loves us each uniquely. Fr. Mike explains that each time we make the Sign of the Cross, we call upon the Lord to bear witness to what we are about to do. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2156-2167.CCC #2156-2167
12Day 281: Keep Holy the Lord’s DayWe begin exploring the Third Commandment and learn about rest and worship concerning the Lord’s Day. The Catechism points out that God models what he wants for us as he also rested on the seventh day. Fr. Mike explains the importance of prioritizing rest for ourselves because we are free and no longer enslaved people. The Catechism describes how we are to keep the Lord’s Day holy with “outward, visible, public, and regular worship ‘as a sign of his universal beneficence to all.’” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2168-2176.CCC #2168-2176
13Day 282: The Sunday ObligationWhy are Catholics obligated to attend Mass every Sunday? The Catechism teaches us today about the centrality of the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Sunday Mass is at the heart of our worship because it is the participation in the representation of the Paschal Mystery. He invites us to honor the Sunday obligation out of love for Jesus. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2177-2183.CCC #2177-2183
14Day 283: The Day of RestWe 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.CCC #2184-2195*
15Day 284: The Fourth CommandmentThe 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.CCC #2196-2200
16Day 285: The Nature of the FamilyIn 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.CCC #2201-2206
17Day 286: The Family and SocietyThe 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.CCC #2207-2213
18Day 287: The Gratitude of ChildrenGratitude 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.CCC #2214-2220
19Day 288: The Duties of ParentsBeing 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.CCC #2221-2231
20Day 289: Family, Society, and the KingdomWhile 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.CCC #2232-2237
21Day 290: The Duties of CitizensAs 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.CCC #2238-2243
22Day 291: The Political Community and the ChurchWe 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.CCC #2244-2257*
23Day 292: Respect for Human LifeWe 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.CCC #2258-2262
24Day 293: Legitimate DefenseIs 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.CCC #2263-2267
25Day 294: HomicideContinuing 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.CCC #2268-2269
26Day 295: The Wound of AbortionTogether, 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2270-2275.CCC #2270-2275
27Day 296: The Sin of EuthanasiaWe 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2276-2279.CCC #2276-2279
28Day 297: The Cross of SuicideFr. Mike explains that we are stewards of the life that God has entrusted to us, not owners. 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.CCC #2280-2283
29Day 298: Respect for OthersWe 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2284-2287.CCC #2284-2287
30Day 299: Respect for HealthFr. Mike emphasizes the importance of caring for our health while also explaining that we cannot idolize our health and bodies as an absolute good. If we do idolize health, it can greatly distort the way we view the dignity of those around us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2288-2291.CCC #2288-2291
31Day 300: Science, Bodily Integrity, and the DeadThe Catechism looks at matters relating to scientific research, bodily integrity, and the dead with the lens of the dignity of the human person. Fr. Mike helps us navigate the Catechism’s teachings by acknowledging science and technology as a good while emphasizing restrictions and conditions to ensure respect for the dignity of persons. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2292-2301.CCC #2292-2301
32Day 301: PeacePeace is not simply an absence of war. Fr. Mike breaks down the Catechism’s teachings about peace as the "work of justice and the effect of charity.” We learn that to cultivate true peace, we must do more than avoid anger, hatred, and harm to our neighbor; we must actively work toward becoming agents of peace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2302-2306.CCC #2302-2306
33Day 302: WarThe Church urges us to pray and work for peace to avoid the evils and injustices of war. Because we live in a broken world, the Church also offers guidance on approaching war. Fr. Mike breaks down just war theory and the criteria of legitimate defense by military force under principles of moral law. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2307-2317.CCC #2307-2317
34Day 303: Summary of the Fifth CommandmentThe Church offers us a consistent ethic of life from the moment of conception until death. In today’s “Nugget Day,” we review the main takeaways from our readings about the fifth commandment. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2318-2330.CCC #2318-2330*
35Day 304: Male and FemaleWhy did God create us male and female? We begin our journey through the sixth commandment by learning about the meaning of human sexuality and the complementarity between men and women. Fr. Mike underscores the significance of the body in revealing our sexuality and our vocation to love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2331-2336.CCC #2331-2336
36Day 305: The Call to ChastityWe are all called to the virtue of chastity, which integrates our sexuality within the fullness of our person. Chastity trains us in freedom, teaching us how to direct and guide our desires. Fr. Mike explains that this virtue requires sustained effort and leads to self-mastery and peace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2337-2345.CCC #2337-2345
37Day 306: Gift of SelfWhat are the different types of chastity? We learn chastity is "a school of the gift of the person." Mastering ourselves enables us to gift ourselves to another. Fr. Mike explains that chastity bears fruit in the form of true friendship. He explains that God calls everyone to this virtue, no matter his vocation. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 2346-2350.CCC #2346-2350
38Day 307: Offenses Against ChastityWhat is God's intended purpose for our sexuality? We confront several significant transgressions that hinder this design. These offenses include lust, the consumption of pornography, and engagement in prostitution. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 2351-2356.CCC #2351-2356
39Day 308: Same-Sex AttractionFr. Mike guides us through the Catechism’s discussion of same-sex attraction. He highlights that all of the Church’s teachings on sexuality stem from her embrace of God’s intended and revealed purpose for sex. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2357-2363.CCC #2357-2363
40Day 309: Faithful and Fruitful MarriageMarried love has an “innate language” of total and mutual self-giving. This language expresses itself in the marital act of sexual intimacy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2364-2372.CCC #2364-2372
41Day 310: The Gift of a ChildChildren are a gift from God. Children have integrity and rights. With these key principles in mind, Fr. Mike reviews the Catechism’s teachings about marriage, family, child bearing, sterility, and adoption. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2373-2379.CCC #2373-2379
42Day 311: Adultery and DivorceThe Catechism goes into detail about offenses against the dignity of marriage. The two topics we look at are adultery and divorce. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2380-2386.CCC #2380-2386
43Day 312: Polygamy, Incest, and Free UnionThe Catechism continues on with other offenses against the dignity of marriage and concludes our look at the sixth commandment. Polygamy, incest, sexual abuse, and free union are reviewed in detail. Fr. Mike highlights that these sins are grave, but God gives hope to all of us experiencing wounds or guilt. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2387-2400.CCC #2387-2400*
44Day 313: Ownership of GoodsBeginning our look at the seventh commandment, the Catechism focuses on the universal destination of goods and the private ownership of goods. Fr. Mike helps us understand that at first glance, these concepts may seem contradictory, but upon closer inspection, they are paradoxical. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2401-2406.CCC #2401-2406
45Day 314: Goods of OthersWhat does it mean to have respect for the goods of others? Fr. Mike unpacks the Catechism’s answer to this question and what it teaches about the seventh commandment in regards to respect for persons and their goods. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2407-2414.CCC #2407-2414
46Day 315: The Church’s Social DoctrineTogether, with Fr. Mike, we examine both our respect for the integrity of creation as well as the Church’s broader social doctrine. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2415-2425.CCC #2415-2425
47Day 316: Labor and Social JusticeWork is both a gift and a duty. Today, we explore how labor can impact man’s dignity and unite us to Jesus, the carpenter. Fr. Mike emphasizes that work should not be ordered towards economic gain, but rather, it should be ordered toward man’s dignity and the human community. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2426-2436.CCC #2426-2436
48Day 317: International Justice and SolidarityInternationally, there is often a large gap in the resources between countries. The Catechism explains the justice and solidarity that should exist among all nations, rich and poor. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2437-2442.CCC #2437-2442
49Day 318: Love for the PoorThe Church’s charity for the poor is a “part of her constant tradition.” Fr. Mike unpacks how the poor are the “true treasure of the Church.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2443-2449.CCC #2443-2449
50Day 319: Summary of the Seventh CommandmentWe 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2450-2463.CCC #2450-2463*
51Day 320: The TruthWe 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2464-2474.CCC #2464-2474
52Day 321: Offenses Against TruthWhat 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2475-2487.CCC #2475-2487
53Day 322: Respect for TruthCharity 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2488-2499.CCC #2488-2499
54Day 323: Truth, Beauty, and Sacred ArtHave 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2500-2513.CCC #2500-2513*
55Day 324: The Ninth CommandmentWhat 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2514-2519.CCC #2514-2519
56Day 325: Battling for Purity 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. CCC #2520-2533*
57Day 326: Envy and JealousyEnvy is “the diabolical sin,” says St. Augustine. 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.CCC #2534-2543
58Day 327: Poverty of HeartWhere 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2544-2557.CCC #2544-2557*