The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 294: Homicide (2025)
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Oct 21, 2025 Dive into the gravity of homicide as various forms of killing are dissected. Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the moral weight of intentional murder and highlights the complexities of accidental deaths. He also addresses the particularly grave nature of family murders and critiques justifications for eugenics. The conversation extends to indirect actions leading to death, including societal negligence. Economic practices that perpetuate hunger are labeled as indirect homicide, urging listeners to reflect on their moral responsibilities.
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Grave Nature Of Intentional Killing
- The fifth commandment forbids direct and intentional killing as gravely sinful and labels murder as a sin that 'cries out to heaven for vengeance.'
- Fr. Mike emphasizes special gravity for infanticide, fratricide, parricide, and spousal murder because they break natural bonds.
Rejecting Eugenics And State-Ordered Killing
- Concern for eugenics or public health cannot justify any murder, even if commanded by public authority.
- Fr. Mike warns that killing for health, intellect, race, or age is always gravely sinful.
Indirect Homicide Through Policy And Neglect
- The Catechism forbids actions intended to indirectly bring about a person's death and condemns exposing someone to mortal danger without grave reason.
- Fr. Mike uses famines and blocked aid as examples of scandalous injustices that can amount to indirect homicide.
