The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Ascension
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Sep 10, 2024 • 21min

Day 254: Judgment of Nations (2024)

Fr. Mike delves into the dramatic readings from Jeremiah, highlighting God's judgment on the nations surrounding Israel, particularly the Philistines and Moab. The emotional turmoil in Jerusalem is palpable, showcasing the suffering of its people. A strong theme of divine justice contrasts with national pride, urging listeners to reflect on their own shortcomings. With a focus on repentance and mercy, the discussion invites personal and collective spiritual growth while emphasizing the importance of genuine prayer.
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Sep 9, 2024 • 24min

Day 253: Lamentations of Jeremiah (2024)

Fr. Mike delves into Jeremiah's poignant lamentations as he witnesses Jerusalem's devastation. The struggles of Baruch highlight the search for divine comfort amidst chaos. Emphasizing both despair and hope, the discussion touches on themes of suffering, resilience, and God's eventual promise of restoration for His people. The power of prayer and lamentation is illustrated, offering listeners insight on transforming sorrow into strength and finding wisdom in biblical teachings relevant to their lives.
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Sep 8, 2024 • 26min

Day 252: Queen of Heaven (2024)

Fr. Mike discusses Israel's struggle with disbelief amidst the prophetic warnings of Jeremiah. He highlights the legacy of Judith, who celebrated victory with a powerful song of praise. The distinction between the idolatrous Queen of Heaven and the revered Mary is also examined. The podcast emphasizes the importance of praising God as a reflection of His greatness and encourages listeners to stay faithful in their worship, regardless of life's challenges.
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Sep 7, 2024 • 27min

Day 251: Judith and Holofernes (2024)

Judith, a symbol of courage and virtue, teams up with the cunning Holofernes, whose narrative takes a surprising turn. They discuss Judith's strategic deception that leads to her monumental triumph over the general, showcasing her bravery. The conversation also highlights the chaos following Gedaliah's assassination, revealing the turmoil faced by the Israelites. Themes of divine guidance, loyalty, and the consequences of betrayal resonate throughout. Listeners are inspired to draw strength from these biblical figures in their own lives.
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Sep 6, 2024 • 27min

Day 250: Final Wave of Exile (2024)

The podcast dives into the dramatic fall of Jerusalem and the rise of Gedaliah, highlighting the complex emotions of defeat and hope. It also narrates Judith's cunning strategy against Holophernes, emphasizing her intelligence and bravery. Key themes of forgiveness and wisdom from Proverbs are explored, showcasing how they nurture healthy relationships. The necessity of guarding our speech during turmoil is discussed, contrasting the experiences of Jeremiah with Judith's wise actions in the face of crisis.
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Sep 5, 2024 • 29min

Day 249: Prayer of Judith (2024)

Fr. Mike highlights the wisdom and faith of Judith, heroine of the Old Testament, and shows us how her prayer in not just a prayer of intercession, but also one of praise. The readings are Jeremiah 37-38, Judith 8-9, and Proverbs 17:5-8. 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.Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
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Sep 4, 2024 • 29min

Day 248: Cut to the Heart (2024)

Fr. Mike reflects on how we often ignore God's teachings, much like King Jehoiakim did. He highlights the unwavering loyalty of the Rechabites, drawing a stark contrast to the disobedience of others. The importance of integrity and faithfulness is emphasized through powerful stories, showing how divine messages inspire deep emotional connections. The devastating consequences faced by those who dismiss God's word serve as a stark reminder to remain steadfast in our faith.
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Sep 3, 2024 • 27min

Day 247: True Repentance (2024)

Fr. Mike explores the stark contrast between King Zedekiah's insincerity and the genuine repentance of the people in Judith. He emphasizes the themes of divine judgment and restoration found in the readings from Jeremiah. The siege of Judea unfolds as the Israelites prepare for conflict, highlighting their fervent prayers for mercy. Lessons from their struggles bring to light the importance of righteousness and self-control. Ultimately, the episode calls listeners to seek true faithfulness and to embrace God's promises, even amidst adversity.
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6 snips
Sep 2, 2024 • 27min

Day 246: Rejoice in Doing Good (2024)

Delve into Jeremiah's hopeful foretelling as he buys a field during the siege, a powerful symbol of faith in divine promises. Explore the fierce Assyrian campaigns led by General Holophernes, striking fear across the land. Gain wisdom from Proverbs on making righteous choices and the dangers of sin. Finally, witness the impact of words and the hope found in God's mercy, even amidst the darkest times. This discussion offers intriguing insights into faith, struggle, and the importance of divine promises.
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4 snips
Sep 1, 2024 • 22min

Day 245: The Faithfulness of Daniel (2024)

Fr. Mike explores the final chapter of Daniel, illustrating how he exemplifies faithfulness while living in exile. The discussion highlights Daniel's trials and unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of idol worship. The promise of a new covenant from Jeremiah offers hope and reminds listeners of God's enduring love. Additionally, there are insights on personal responsibility in faith and the need for resilience in today's cultural challenges, relating Daniel's experiences to those of contemporary believers.

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