Day 113: The Temple of the Holy Spirit — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Summary

In this episode of the Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz reflects on the Church as the Temple of the Holy Spirit. He explores how the Holy Spirit is the unifying and vital force within the Church, working through various channels such as Scripture, sacraments, and charisms. Charisms, both extraordinary and simple, are gifts from the Holy Spirit meant to build up the Church and serve the world. Father Mike emphasizes the importance of gratitude, discernment, and submission to the authority of the Church's leaders to ensure these gifts serve their true purpose.

Takeaways

• 😀 The mission of the Son and the mission of the Holy Spirit are the same, and understanding this unity is crucial for Christians.
• 😀 The Holy Spirit makes the Church the Temple of the Living God, just as the Holy Spirit makes each individual Christian a temple.
• 😀 The Holy Spirit is the principle of every vital and truly saving action in the Body of Christ, working through Scripture, Baptism, Sacraments, Apostolic grace, virtues, and charisms.
• 😀 Charisms, whether extraordinary or simple, are gifts of the Holy Spirit meant to build up the Church, help people, and meet the needs of the world.
• 😀 Charisms are given not for personal glory but for the service of others, strengthening the Church and advancing God's Kingdom.
• 😀 Every Christian receives charisms, and it's important to recognize these gifts with gratitude and humility.
• 😀 The Church teaches that all charisms should be discerned, tested by the Shepherds (bishops), and used in accordance with the true spirit of charity.
• 😀 Charisms should be used to build up the Church, contribute to apostolic vitality, and aid in the holiness of the body of Christ.
• 😀 Spiritual gifts require discernment: distinguishing genuine gifts from false ones and knowing when to use them appropriately.
• 😀 The Church's Shepherds have the role of testing and guiding the use of charisms, ensuring that they serve the common good and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed in Day 113 of the Catechism in a Year podcast?

The main theme of Day 113 is the Church as the Temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing how the Holy Spirit unites and empowers the Church and its members.

What does it mean that 'the Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit'?

The Church is described as the Temple of the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit dwells within it, guiding, uniting, and strengthening its members to carry out the mission of Christ on Earth.

How does Father Mike Schmitz connect the missions of the Son and the Holy Spirit?

Father Mike highlights that the missions of the Son and the Holy Spirit are the same. Both missions are aimed at bringing salvation and fulfilling God's plan for humanity. The Holy Spirit continues the work of Christ in the Church.

What role does the Holy Spirit play in the life of the Church?

The Holy Spirit is the active principle behind every vital and saving action within the Church, including building the body of Christ, administering the sacraments, and inspiring virtues and charisms in its members.

What are charisms, and how do they function within the Church?

Charisms are special graces given by the Holy Spirit to individuals within the Church to build up the community and serve God's kingdom. They can be extraordinary or humble gifts, each intended to benefit the Church and the world.

Why are charisms important for the Church's vitality and holiness?

Charisms are crucial for the apostolic vitality and holiness of the Church because they empower individuals to contribute uniquely to the Church's mission, enabling the faithful to grow in holiness and serve both the Church and the broader world.

How should charisms be received and used within the Church?

Charisms should be received with gratitude and humility. They must be used for the common good and in accordance with the Church’s guidance, always being submitted to the authority of the Church's shepherds to ensure they are exercised properly.

What does Father Mike Schmitz mean when he refers to 'Kingdom gifts'?

Father Mike refers to charisms as 'Kingdom gifts' because these spiritual gifts are not meant for personal glory but for the building up of God's Kingdom on Earth and for the service of others.

What role does discernment play in the use of charisms?

Discernment is essential in recognizing genuine charisms and determining the right time and manner to use them. The Church’s shepherds provide guidance to ensure that these gifts are exercised for the common good, in charity, and in alignment with the will of God.

Why is it important to submit charisms to the authority of the Church?

Submitting charisms to the Church's authority ensures that they are used appropriately and in accordance with God's plan. The Church's leaders provide necessary oversight to prevent misuse and ensure that all gifts work together harmoniously for the Church's mission.