The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 55: The Fall of the Angels (2026)
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Feb 24, 2026 A theological look at how some angels fell and what that means for creation. Short reflections on why their choice is said to be irreversible. Discussion of pride and envy as possible motives for rebellion. Consideration of God’s mercy, human freedom, and why divine providence permits evil.
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Angels Fell By Free Irrevocable Choice
- The fall of some angels was a free, irrevocable choice by created spirits who rejected God's reign.
- Fr. Mike explains angels are powerful pure spirits but not omnipotent or omniscient, and their rebellion came from freedom given by God.
Pride And Envy As Motives For Rebellion
- Pride and envy are proposed motives for Satan's rebellion, tied to the tempter's promise 'you will be like God.'
- Fr. Mike explores a theory that angels envied humans because God would make humans spirit and flesh and raise them above angels.
Irrevocability Explains Unforgivable Angelic Sin
- The angels' sin is unforgivable not because God lacks mercy but because their choice is irrevocable and they refuse repentance.
- Fr. Mike stresses God won't force return to communion, showing mercy respects freedom rather than being deficient.