The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 16: The Suffering of Job (2026)
35 snips
Jan 16, 2026 Fr. Mike explores the profound mystery of suffering through the lens of Job's trials. He delves into Jacob's flight from Laban and the tensions surrounding Rachel's theft of household gods. The engaging storytelling includes Jacob's transformative encounter with God, where he earns the name Israel. Also discussed are Job's poignant challenges to his friends about the nature of suffering, and insights from Proverbs on honoring God and understanding divine discipline. The conversation highlights the importance of community support during difficult times.
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Jacob's Two Decades Of Labor
- Jacob recounts twenty years of labor, hardship, and being cheated by Laban yet protected by God.
- Fr. Mike presents this as evidence that God saw Jacob's affliction and intervened.
Jacob's Nighttime Wrestling
- Jacob wrestled with a man all night and left with a new name, Israel, after being blessed.
- Fr. Mike reads Jacob's encounter as a pivotal moment where God changes his identity and gives him a limp.
Why Wrong Answers Feel Convincing
- Explanations for suffering can be tempting because they feel convincing and partly true.
- Fr. Mike highlights that convincing but incomplete beliefs often mislead our pastoral response.
