The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 270: God's Favor with Ezra (2025)
10 snips
Sep 27, 2025 Ezra's devotion to understanding and teaching God's law earns him divine favor. The discussion examines the significance of hypocritical fasting and how true worship reflects justice and mercy. Highlights include Ezra's journey with his returnees, the royal decree supporting temple rebuilding, and the prophetic promise of restoration for Jerusalem. Fr. Mike emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and community care, exploring how former fasts can transform into joy-filled celebrations of faith.
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Episode notes
Recognize God's Hand In Blessings
- The king granted Ezra's requests because 'the hand of the Lord was upon him.'
- Fr. Mike stresses recognizing God's presence when blessings arrive, not crediting only human skill.
Ritual Without Justice Is Hollow
- Zechariah warns that public rituals can be empty if hearts are hardened against justice and mercy.
- Fr. Mike highlights God's prior prophets called for right judgment and care for the vulnerable, not mere outward fasting.
Ezra's Priestly Lineage And Return Wave
- Fr. Mike recounts Ezra's lineage linking him back to Aaron and the priesthood.
- He situates Ezra as leader of the second wave of return to Jerusalem, between Zerubbabel and Nehemiah.
