Fr. Mike explores the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing living in the moment and embracing life's cycles. He discusses King Solomon's achievements and the importance of adhering to divine laws. The podcast delves into the contrast between wisdom and folly, urging listeners to seek understanding amidst life's challenges. It highlights the necessity of introspection and warns against the dangers of desire and foolish choices, all while celebrating the value of kindness and mutual support in our journeys.
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insights INSIGHT
Good Start Doesn't Guarantee Good End
Solomon's life shows even the wisest can end in folly by turning away from God.
Obedience and faithfulness matter more than a good start in life.
insights INSIGHT
Start With The End In Mind
Focusing only on beginnings leads to foolish living without end goals.
Wisdom requires living intentionally with the end in mind to avoid ruin.
insights INSIGHT
Value Living With End In Mind
The day of your death is better than your birth to live wisely with the end in mind.
This perspective helps us live with clarity and purpose, not folly.
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Ecclesiastes is a philosophical and theological reflection on human existence and the meaning of life. It is presented through the voice of Qohelet (the Preacher), who questions the doctrine of retributive justice and observes that human endeavors are often futile and temporary. The book emphasizes the inevitability of death, the limitations of human wisdom, and the dangers of materialism and hedonism. It concludes by advising readers to fear God and keep His commandments as the foundation of true happiness and purpose[2][3][4].
1 Kings
Anonymous (traditionally attributed to Jeremiah)
1 Kings continues the narrative from 2 Samuel, detailing the end of David's reign and the succession of Solomon. It chronicles Solomon's wise and prosperous reign, including the construction of the Jerusalem Temple, and his later apostasy. The book also describes the division of Israel into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and the early history of these two kingdoms. The narrative is interpreted history, aiming to explain the reasons for the exile of Israel and Judah, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's law and the consequences of disobedience. Key themes include God's judgment on disobedience, the fulfillment of prophetic words, and God's continued commitment to His people despite their failures[1][2][5].
Fr. Mike delves deeper into the lessons Ecclesiastes teaches us today about living wisely by keeping the end in mind, enjoying the present moment, and not worrying too much about other people's opinions of us. Today's readings are 1 Kings 9, Ecclesiastes 6-7, and Psalm 7.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) 
