The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 261: Ornate Souls (2024)
Sep 17, 2024
Fr. Mike discusses the challenge of maintaining a virtuous soul after cleansing it of sin. He highlights Jesus’ parables and the necessity of filling our emptiness with a relationship with God. The conversation dives into the significance of humility, mercy, and the authority of figures like John the Baptist in the face of skepticism. Miracles are examined, showcasing varied reactions and the importance of active faith. Listeners are encouraged to engage deeply with the teachings to cultivate spiritual growth and recognize the presence of good and evil.
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Greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven
- John the Baptist is praised as the greatest born of women by Jesus, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
- Baptism raises us to be children of God, granting greater status beyond even John the Baptist.
Miracles Don't Guarantee Faith
- Despite Jesus' many miracles, many people including cities remain unrepentant and demand signs.
- Seeing miracles alone does not guarantee faith or conversion; many saw but did not change.
Meaning of 'Empty, Swept, and Ornate' Soul
- An emptied soul after sin is swept may appear ornate but remains vulnerable without filling it with virtue.
- Ornate means decorated for appearances rather than true goodness inside, risking worse spiritual states upon evil's return.