The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Day 43: Creation Is Good (2026)

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Feb 12, 2026

A reflection on how God creates an ordered, good world and stays present in every creature. A look at divine providence and how God acts as primary cause while allowing real secondary causes. A discussion of human dignity as co-causes who can cooperate with God through action, prayer, and even suffering.

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insights

INSIGHT

Creation Is Ordered And Good

God creates a world ordered by wisdom, not chaos, because God is reason itself.
Creation shares God's goodness and is meant as a gift and inheritance for humanity.

insights

INSIGHT

Primary And Secondary Causes

God is the primary cause but also allows real secondary causes, including free creatures.
Humans and angels can freely cooperate or reject God's providential plan.

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INSIGHT

Transcendent Yet Immanent God

God transcends creation yet is imminently present to every creature and detail.
He upholds and sustains all beings at every moment, enabling them to act and reach their end.

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God Creates an Ordered, Good World

01:01 • 2min

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Divine Providence and Secondary Causes

02:32 • 2min

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God’s Transcendence and Immanence

04:30 • 2min

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God Upholds and Sustains Creation

06:54 • 48sec

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Providence Guides Creation's Journey

07:42 • 2min

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Trusting God's Sovereignty in History

09:19 • 34sec

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Human Cooperation with Providence

09:53 • 7min

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Our Sufferings Participate in God's Plan

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Ishopanishad

Rama Swami

This book is Swami Rama's insightful commentary on the Ishopanishad, one of the key Upanishads in Hindu scripture. It serves as an introduction to yoga and spiritual thought in India, providing readers with a deeper understanding of these ancient teachings. The book is designed to guide readers on their spiritual journey, offering practical wisdom and philosophical insights.

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Catechism of the Catholic Church

John H. McGoey

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Philippians

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James Montgomery Boice

In this commentary, James Montgomery Boice provides a thorough and insightful analysis of the Book of Philippians. The book helps readers understand the biblical text and apply its practical message, emphasizing the themes of joy, unity, and the Christian life. Boice's commentary is designed to help both pastors and laypeople experience the exuberant joy of a well-lived Christian life as described in Philippians.

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St. Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament and one of the four canonical Gospels. It is believed to have been written by Matthew, a tax collector who became one of Jesus' twelve apostles. The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus' teachings and his role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. It is structured around five major discourses, which contain many of Jesus' most famous teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount. The Gospel of Matthew is particularly important for its presentation of Jesus as the Messiah, the King of the Jews, and the Son of God. It is a foundational text for Christian theology and has had a profound impact on the development of Christian thought and practice.

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The Book of Acts

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The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and serves as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. It chronicles the history of the early Christian church, beginning with the ascension of Jesus Christ and ending with Paul's imprisonment in Rome. The book is divided into two main sections: the first focuses on the ministry of Peter in Jerusalem and Samaria (Acts 1–12), and the second follows Paul's missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire (Acts 13–28). It highlights the transition of the gospel message from a Jewish audience to the Gentiles, the empowerment of believers by the Holy Spirit, and the growth of the church despite persecutions. The book also explores the relationship between Christians and the Roman Empire, showing how Christians could obey both God and the civil authorities.

How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308.

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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