The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 299: Respect for Health (2025)
8 snips
Oct 26, 2025 Health is viewed as a divine gift; thus, caring for it is a shared responsibility. Fr. Mike discusses the dangers of elevating health to an idol, which can skew our perception of human dignity. He introduces temperance as the principle of moderation in our choices, particularly regarding food and substances. The conversation also touches on serious topics like the impact of drug misuse and societal behaviors that compromise health and safety. This insightful discussion challenges listeners to reflect on their approach to well-being.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Health Is A Gift, Not An Absolute
- Physical health is a precious gift from God that requires reasonable care for ourselves and the common good.
- Health is a good but not an absolute value and must be balanced with other moral goods.
Beware The Cult Of The Body
- Idolizing the body leads to a 'cult of the body' that favors the strong over the weak and distorts human relationships.
- Such elevation of physical perfection can pervert how we value and treat others, especially the sick and elderly.
John Paul II: Sport And Balance
- Fr. Mike recalls John Paul II as a sporty 'sportsman's Pope' who valued fitness yet warned against idolizing the body.
- This example shows the Church affirms physical good while cautioning against extremes.
