Day 234: Freedom and Responsibility — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Summary
TLDRFather Mike Schmitz discusses man's freedom in the Catholic faith, emphasizing the power and responsibility that come with it. He explores how freedom, rooted in reason and will, shapes one's life and leads to growth in truth and goodness. The podcast highlights that true freedom is found in choosing good and being bound to God, leading to perfection and avoiding the slavery of sin.
Takeaways
- 📖 The podcast 'Catechism in a Year' aims to explore Catholic teachings through reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- 👨🏫 Father Mike Schmitz discusses the concept of human freedom and its significance in Catholic theology.
- 💡 Freedom is a gift from God, allowing humans to choose between good and evil, and comes with the responsibility to choose wisely.
- 🙏 Prayer is emphasized as a way to seek God's help in exercising freedom to do good and avoid evil.
- 🧠 Humans are rational beings with the intellect to discern good from evil and the will to choose accordingly.
- 🌳 Freedom is described as a force for growth towards maturity in truth and goodness, reaching perfection when directed towards God.
- 🚫 The abuse of freedom, by choosing to do evil, leads to the slavery of sin.
- 🌐 Freedom is exercised in relationships and requires respect for the freedom of others, as all humans are made in the image of God.
- 📉 Factors such as ignorance, fear, or habit can reduce or nullify the culpability or responsibility for one's actions.
- 🔍 The concept of天堂 (heaven) is explored in relation to freedom, suggesting that in heaven, freedom is perfected by being definitively bound to God.
Q & A
What is the main theme of the podcast episode described in the transcript?
-The main theme of the podcast episode is man's freedom, as discussed in the context of the Catholic faith and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
What is the significance of day 234 in the podcast?
-Day 234 marks the day the podcast is discussing paragraphs 1730-1738 from the Catechism, which focus on the concept of human freedom and its implications.
What does Father Mike Schmitz emphasize about freedom in the context of the Catholic faith?
-Father Mike Schmitz emphasizes that freedom is a gift from God that comes with responsibility, allowing humans to choose between good and evil, and that true freedom is found in choosing the good and just.
How does the podcast describe the relationship between freedom and responsibility?
-The podcast describes the relationship between freedom and responsibility as intrinsically linked, where the capacity to choose good or evil entails a responsibility to make those choices.
What does it mean to say that 'freedom is the power to do what is right'?
-Saying that 'freedom is the power to do what is right' means that true freedom is not just the ability to do whatever one wants, but rather the capacity to make choices that align with what is morally and ethically correct.
How does the podcast address the question of whether one can sin in heaven?
-The podcast addresses the question by explaining that in heaven, one's freedom is perfected by being definitively bound to God, thus there is no possibility of choosing evil or sinning.
What role does God's grace play in relation to human freedom according to the podcast?
-God's grace is necessary to help humans exercise their freedom correctly, as it aids in choosing good over evil and in growing in perfection.
How does the podcast define human freedom?
-Human freedom is defined as the power rooted in reason and will to act or not to act, to do this or that, and to perform deliberate actions on one's own responsibility.
What does the podcast suggest about the nature of freedom in relation to doing good?
-The podcast suggests that the more one does good, the freer one becomes, and that there is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just.
How does the podcast explain the concept of culpability or responsibility for actions?
-Culpability or responsibility for actions is explained as being tied to knowledge and will. One must know what they are doing is wrong and freely choose to do it to be considered culpable.
What does the podcast say about the role of civil authority in protecting freedom?
-The podcast states that civil authority must recognize and protect the right to freedom, especially in moral and religious matters, within the limits of the common good and public order.
Outlines
📖 Introduction to Man's Freedom
Father Mike Schmitz introduces the topic of man's freedom in the context of the Catholic faith. He explains that freedom is a gift from God, allowing individuals to choose between good and evil. This freedom comes with the responsibility to use it wisely. The podcast episode focuses on paragraphs 1730-1738 of the Catholic Catechism, which discuss the nature of human freedom and the implications it has on one's actions and moral choices.
🌟 Freedom as a Divine Gift
In this section, Father Mike delves into the concept of freedom as a gift from God, which empowers individuals to make their own choices. He emphasizes that freedom is not merely the ability to do whatever one desires, but rather the capacity to do what is right and just. The discussion highlights how freedom is integral to personal growth and maturity, and how it reaches its pinnacle when directed towards God, or beatitude.
🔗 Freedom and Responsibility
Here, Father Mike explores the correlation between freedom and responsibility. He explains that with freedom comes the duty to act responsibly, particularly in moral and religious matters. The discussion also touches on how certain factors, such as ignorance or coercion, can affect one's culpability for their actions. The concept of sin as a misuse of freedom is also introduced, leading to the idea of slavery to sin rather than true freedom.
🙏 Conclusion and Reflection on Freedom
Father Mike concludes the discussion on freedom with a reflection on the importance of understanding and accepting responsibility for one's actions. He encourages listeners to examine their conscience and consider whether their actions were chosen freely and with knowledge. The podcast ends with a prayer for guidance and strength to always choose the good, highlighting the ongoing journey towards spiritual growth and maturity.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Catechism
💡Freedom
💡Responsibility
💡Beatitudes
💡Grace
💡Intellect
💡Will
💡Sin
💡Perfection
💡Civil Authority
💡Dignity
Highlights
Father Mike Schmitz introduces the catechism in a year podcast, focusing on God's plan for humanity as revealed in scripture and Catholic tradition.
Day 234 of the podcast covers paragraphs 1730-1738, discussing man's freedom and the responsibility that comes with it.
Freedom is described as the capacity to choose between good and evil, which is a gift from God.
Freedom comes with the responsibility to live like God, using it to do good and choose the right path.
The concept that human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness is explored.
Freedom is only perfected when directed towards God or beatitude.
The idea that freedom allows humans to shape their own lives through their choices is emphasized.
The question of whether one can sin in heaven is addressed, explaining that freedom in heaven is perfected.
The more one does good, the freer one becomes, highlighting the positive relationship between goodness and freedom.
The choice to disobey and do evil is described as an abuse of freedom, leading to the slavery of sin.
Responsibility for one's actions is tied to the freedom and voluntariness of those actions.
Factors such as ignorance, inadvertence, and duress can diminish or nullify the culpability for an action.
Every directly willed act is imputable to its author, as highlighted by questioning from the Bible.
Indirectly voluntary actions, such as those resulting from negligence, are also discussed.
The importance of foreseeability and the possibility of avoiding a bad effect for it to be imputable is explained.
The concept of freedom in relation to other human beings and the natural right to be recognized as a free and responsible being is covered.
Civil authority's role in recognizing and protecting the right to freedom, especially in moral and religious matters, is highlighted.
Father Mike reflects on the excitement of discussing freedom and responsibility, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own choices.
Transcripts
[Music]
hi my name is father Mike Schmitz and
you're listening to the catechism in a
year podcast where we encounter God's
plan of sheer goodness for us revealed
in scripture and passed down to the
tradition of the Catholic faith the
catechism in the year is brought to you
by Ascension in 365 days we'll read
through the catechism of the Catholic
Church discovering our identity in God's
family as we journey together toward our
Heavenly home this is day 234 we're
reading paragraphs
1730-1738 as always I am using the
Ascension edition of the catechism which
includes the foundations of Faith
approach but you can follow along with
any recent version of the catechism of
the Catholic church you can also
download your own catechism into your
reading plan by visiting
ascensionpress.com DIY and you can click
follow or subscribe to podcast app for
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because you made it today to day two
three four day 234 we're reading
paragraph 1730 1738 about man's Freedom
yesterday we talked about that were made
for Beatitudes right we're made for that
fullness of blessing today we recognize
that we've been given freedom and and
there's something so powerful about that
because Freedom comes with
responsibility like what what I know but
but we have the capacity to choose good
we have the capacity to choose evil and
because we have the capacity to do this
we have the responsibility to do this
that makes sense the last couple days we
went through the entire article
today we're only going to do a part of
the article we might call it a particle
but I don't know what I'm saying but
we're going to talk about the reality
that because we're given freedom
we have the responsibility
to live like God we have the
responsibility to use that freedom to
exercise that Freedom by doing good by
choosing the good that means we're
responsible
I know I know
but
what a great gift tomorrow we'll talk
about human freedom in the economy of
Salvation like when it comes to freedom
and sin and threats to freedom but today
we're talking about that power we have
the capacity to choose good or evil and
so because of that because we need God's
help we need God's grace let us call
upon him now in prayer Father in heaven
we give you thanks and praise and thank
you again and thank you so much for your
goodness thank you so much
for bringing us to this day for bringing
us to this moment
thank you for giving us an intellect to
think thank you for giving us a will
that we can choose Thank you for
creating us in your image and likeness
and conferring on us this dignity and
this power
thank you for the power
to do good thank you for the power to
choose the good
help us to always always turn away from
Evil help us to always always turn
towards you and in turning towards you
and experience that beatitude experience
that blessing experience that fullness
that is you
and the fullness that comes from
choosing you
give us this power because Lord we often
find ourselves too weak to choose
give us the power to do the right in
Jesus name we pray Amen in the name of
the father and of the son and of the
holy spirit amen it is day 234 rewriting
paragraphs 1730 to 1738.
article 3 man's freedom
God created man a rational being
conferring on him the Dignity of a
person who can initiate and control his
own actions
God willed that man should be left in
the hand of his own counsel so that he
might of his own accord seek his creator
and freely attain his full and blessed
Perfection by cleaving to him
Saint ernaeus wrote man is rational and
therefore like God he is created with
free will and his master over his Acts
freedom and responsibility
freedom is the power rooted in reason
and will to act or not to act to do this
or that and so to perform deliberate
actions on one's own responsibility
by free will one shapes one's own life
human freedom is a force for growth and
maturity in truth and goodness it
attains its Perfection when directed
toward God or beatitude
as long as Freedom has not bound itself
definitively to its ultimate good which
is God there is the possibility of
choosing between good and evil and thus
of growing in Perfection or of failing
and sinning
this Freedom characterizes properly
human acts it is the basis of Praise or
blame Merit or reproach
the more one does what is good the Freer
one becomes there is no true Freedom
except in the service of what is good
and just the choice to disobey and do
evil is an abuse of freedom and leads to
the slavery of sin
Freedom makes man responsible for his
acts to the extent that they are
voluntary
progress and virtue knowledge of the
good and a thesis enhance the Mastery of
the will over its Acts
imputability and responsibility for an
action can be diminished or even
nullified by ignorance inadvertence
duress fear habit inordinate attachments
and other psychological or social
factors
Every Act directly willed is imputable
to its author thus the Lord asked Eve
after the sin in the garden what is this
that you have done
he asked Cain the same question the
prophet Nathan questioned David in the
same way after he committed adultery
with the wife of Uriah and had him
murdered
an action can be indirectly voluntary
when it results from negligence
regarding something one should have
known or done for example an accident
arising from ignorance of traffic laws
an effect can be tolerated without being
willed by its agent for instance a
mother's exhaustion from tending her
sick child
a bad effect is not imputable if it was
not willed either as an end or as a
means of an action for example a death a
person incurs in aiding someone in
danger
for a bad effect to be imputable it must
be foreseeable and the agent must have
the possibility of avoiding it as in the
case of manslaughter caused by a drunken
driver
freedom is exercised in relationship
between human beings every human person
created in the image of God has the
natural right to be recognized as a free
and responsible being all owe to each
other this duty of respect
the right to the exercise of Freedom
especially in moral and religious
matters is an inalienable requirement of
the Dignity of the human person
this right must be recognized and
protected by civil Authority within the
limits of the common good and public
order
right there we have it paragraphs at
1730 to 1738 I don't know if you guys
got jazzed up by that but I definitely
did I love this is just the concept the
reality it's not just the concept
because we live it every single day the
reality that yes we've been given an
intellect so we can know the good we can
know the true we can know the beautiful
we also have been given this will and
because we are rational beings with
Wills
we have power right we have the capacity
to choose we have freedom now so
incredible I love I love the uh even the
the definition of what freedom is
paragraph 1731 freedom is the power
right it's a capacity it's an ability
freedom is the power rooted in reason
and will right our intellects and our
will to act or not to act to do this or
that and to sort of perform deliberate
actions on one's own responsibility
that's the definition of freedom in fact
you can even make it simpler you could
Define Freedom like this you could say
freedom is not simply the ability to do
whatever you want
but freedom is the power to do what is
right right the power to do what you
ought that that is true freedom
so freedom is the power to do what I
ought it goes on to save this next line
in 1731 is such such an incredible who
says this very short sentence by free
will one shapes one's own life
you sit with that for the rest of the
week by free will one shapes one's own
life there's this quote I came across as
something like this that the child is
the father of the man
I'm trying to communicate is who we
choose to be earlier on in life is who
we ultimately end up becoming later in
life right so the child becomes the
father of the man that the girl becomes
the mother of the woman that does that
make sense by free will one shapes one's
own life that human freedom is a force
for growth and maturity and truth and
goodness it attains his Perfection with
directed towards God or beatitude now
the question comes up sometimes
paragraph 1732 answers it the question
comes up well if one of the God's gifts
for us is freedom like the ability to
choose right or wrong
then what about Heaven Can you can you
still can you still sin in heaven and if
you can't doesn't that mean that you're
no longer free in heaven if you get to
heaven it's like yeah there's no sin
there well wait a second there's sin on
Earth because we have the capacity to
either Say Yes to God or say no to God
so question
in heaven are we not free anymore
great question camper so paragraph 1732
says as long as Freedom has not bound
itself definitively to its ultimate good
which is God there is the possibility of
choosing between good and evil and thus
either growing in Perfection or failing
and sinning but there isn't that
possibility in heaven no does that mean
we don't have freedom no it means our
freedom has been perfected so if we bind
ourselves definitively to God that's
heaven right we're bound definitely to
God that we've chosen with our lives
God
in heaven we have perfect Freedom
remember freedom is not the the ability
to do whatever I want freedom is the
power to do what I ought to actually
have the capacity to say that's the good
and I get to choose it and I choose it
every time to know to know right and
wrong and to say I choose the right
every single time that is true freedom
in fact paragraph 1733 goes on to point
out the more one does what is good the
Freer one becomes
there is no true Freedom except in the
service of what is good and just that to
sin is actually not to become free to
sin is to become a slave of sin and so
in heaven you're completely free in
heaven
you've become even
Freer even more joyful because there's
no true Freedom except in the service of
what is good and just that makes sense I
hope it does because yes In Heaven There
is no sin but we're just completely free
to be constantly choosing God true the
good and the Beautiful to love each
other and to love the Lord as we're
supposed to so good and to not do that
occasionally but to do that perpetually
rooted deeply in actual real true choice
now
because we have freedom we have
responsibility paragraph 1734 highlights
this it says Freedom makes man
responsible for his acts to the extent
that they are voluntary
now we recognize that responsibility for
an action another word is culpability
right so imputability or responsibility
culpability for an action can be
diminished or even nullified
if there are things like ignorance I
didn't know
what I'm supposed to do or I didn't know
how to do it in advertence I I didn't
mean to do this this was not my
intention duress is a thing that can can
affect culpability right if I'm under
duress sometimes there's there's things
that we do out of fear or even habit
sometimes even inordinate attachments or
other psychological or social factors
they reduce our culpability so like as
it says in 1735 we're going to talk
about this more later on but
responsibility for an action can be
diminished or even nullified by those
factors
yet Every Act directly willed we are
coupled before that we are responsible
for all those actions remember that what
what is sin sin is God I know what you
want me to do I don't care I'm gonna do
my what I want to do so in order to have
a sin I have to have knowledge that this
is a sin and I have to have freedom to
be able to not choose it right so I have
the intellect I have the knowledge and I
have the will so I have full knowledge
and I have free will if that's been
affected right it could be diminished or
nullified because I didn't know or I
didn't mean to this now at the same time
and action paragraph 1736 can be
indirectly voluntary when it results
from negligence regarding something I
should have known or something I should
have done so it says example is for
example an accident arising from
ignorance of traffic laws like if you're
driving you should know the loss of the
road like I'm going through a school
zone and I just I didn't know I didn't
pay attention to any of that but you're
driving therefore it's your job to pay
attention so it's indirectly voluntary
if there's an accident because I should
have been paying attention does that
make sense always remember that in order
for a person to be culpable or
responsible for their actions they have
to have knowledge and will they have to
know it and choose it so paragraph 1737
highlights this it says a bad effect
right this the consequence here is not
imputable a person's not culpable if it
was not willed as an end or as a means
of an action so example a death a person
incurs in aiding someone in danger
you're trying to help someone and you
die in the process well you don't call
that suicide that that is I was trying
to help I was trying to save lives and
in the process my life was ended in the
process I died that's not the same thing
as as I said as ending one's own life on
purpose remember for a bad effect to be
imputable it must be foreseeable and the
person the agent the person choosing
must have the possibility of avoiding it
for me to be culpable of a bad effect is
be foreseeable and the agent has to have
a possibility of avoiding it and the
example they give as is the case of
manslaughter caused by a drunken driver
you say well at the moment like I wasn't
choosing you know the moment of
drunkenness
and driving I wasn't didn't want to hurt
anybody okay but the moment I picked up
the alcohol I'm opening myself up the
moment after drinking I'm now driving I
that that is foreseeable and that is
preventable as well so as we continue to
move forward just keep these two things
in mind because these are going to be
kind of like the the two hinges that the
door is going to swing on always in
order for someone to be culpable they
need to have knowledge and Free Will
right I need to I need to know the thing
and I need to freely choose to do the
thing for both the praise and the blame
right for both the Merit or the reproach
for both the good and the bad I need to
know and also choose so this is going to
keep this in mind in Freedom and
responsibility when I'm when I'm looking
at myself my examinations of conscience
I have to ask that question okay did I
know it or should I have known it did I
choose it or was there other factors
that were moving me and I did not I did
not choose this freely now and so that's
part of what we do at the end of every
day when we have the examination of
conscience or that Consciousness examine
or we look at ourselves and say okay
if I did this thing rightly or wrongly I
chose good or I chose evil did I know
and did I freely choose it's one of
those pieces where we have to if we're
going to exercise our freedom we also
have to be willing to take
responsibility does that make sense oh
man these paragraphs I have to tell you
I don't know if you could tell in my
voice all day today but I'm so excited
about them but I have to say that in my
excitement I don't know if it made any
sense I honestly you might just have to
go back and re-listen to the actual
content of what the catechism says from
paragraph 1730 to 1738 because it's so
good and I just got all riled up about
this and I just wanted to go nuts and so
I apologize if today was what is he
saying you are a crazy man that might be
the case and I totally understand but I
also appreciate your grace thank you for
your patience and your forgiveness and
thank you for coming back tomorrow I am
praying for you please pray for me my
name is father Mike and I cannot wait to
see you tomorrow God bless
[Music]
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