Summary of "Day 1: In the Beginning" – The Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Day 1: In the Beginning (2025)
• Release Date: January 1, 2025
• Duration: Approximately 10 minutes and 22 seconds of content

Introduction to the Podcast

Fr. Mike Schmitz welcomes listeners to the inaugural episode of The Bible in a Year podcast, a unique endeavor by Ascension to guide listeners through the entire Bible in 365 episodes. Utilizing Jeff Cavins' Great Adventure Bible Timeline, the podcast offers a comprehensive reading plan from Genesis to Revelation, enriched with commentary, reflection, and prayer.

• Key Points:
  • Reading Plan: Inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline.
  • Purpose: To not only read the Bible but to understand the interconnectedness of its stories within the grand narrative of salvation history.
  • Structure: Each 20-25 minute episode includes scripture readings, reflections, and guided prayers.

Scripture Readings

Genesis Chapters 1 and 2: Fr. Mike reads the first two chapters of Genesis, detailing the creation story. These chapters outline God's creation of the heavens, earth, light, sky, land, vegetation, celestial bodies, sea creatures, birds, land animals, and finally, humanity.

Psalm 19: The episode concludes with Psalm 19, a poetic reflection by David celebrating God's creation and the perfection of His laws.

Fr. Mike's Reflection and Insights

Fr. Mike delves deeply into the significance of Genesis 1 and 2, emphasizing their foundational role in both the Bible and Western civilization.

Uniqueness of the Genesis Creation Story

• Creation Out of Goodness: Unlike other ancient Middle Eastern creation myths that often depict creation as a result of violence or dominance, Genesis presents a God who creates the universe out of sheer goodness.
  • Quote [01:57]: "In the beginning, God created..."
• Creation Ex Nihilo: The Hebrew word "bara" (created) signifies creation out of nothing, underscoring God's omnipotence and benevolence.

Human Dignity and Image of God

• Imago Dei: Fr. Mike highlights that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, a concept unique to the Judeo-Christian worldview.
  • Quote [06:33]: "He created man in his own image. In the image of God, he created him male and female."
• Intrinsic Worth: This foundational belief establishes the inherent dignity and value of every human being, independent of external factors like strength, beauty, or intelligence.

Purpose of Creation: Labor, Leisure, and Love

• Labor: Humans are entrusted with stewardship over creation, mirroring God's own role as Creator.
• Leisure: The Sabbath rest instituted on the seventh day signifies the importance of rest and reflection.
• Love: The creation of Eve as a "helpmate" emphasizes companionship and mutual support.
  • Quote [07:20]: "This one at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh."

Poetic and Theological Depth of Genesis

• Macro and Micro Perspectives: Genesis 1 provides a broad overview of creation, while Genesis 2 zooms in on the creation of humanity, offering a deeper understanding of human purpose and relationship with God.
• Non-Literal Interpretation: Fr. Mike explains that the creation "days" are not necessarily 24-hour periods but rather literary devices that convey theological truths about God's orderly and purposeful creation.

Comparison with Other Creation Myths

• Contrast with Mythologies: While other cultures' myths often involve creation through conflict or exploitation, the Genesis account is characterized by peace, order, and intrinsic goodness.
• Catechism Reference: The Catechism of the Catholic Church underscores God's creation as an act of pure goodness, not necessity or servitude.

Notable Quotes

• On Human Creation and Dignity:
  • "Every human being is made in God's image and likeness. That both male and female are made in God's image and likeness. It is remarkable." [06:35]
• On Eve's Creation:
  • "When God took Eve from Adam, he did not take her from his head to lord it over him, nor from his foot to be walked upon by him, but from his side to walk with him, from beneath his arm to be guarded by him, and from near his heart to be loved by him." [07:20]
• On the Goodness of Creation:
  • "Every day of creation is good. Good, good. Day six is very good. The world that God made because He's good is good." [10:22]

Concluding Thoughts

Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of correctly understanding Genesis 1 and 2, as they set the trajectory for the entire biblical narrative and Western thought. He underscores that recognizing humanity's creation in God's image is crucial for appreciating human dignity and purpose. The episode concludes with a reminder of God's inherent goodness and a prayerful anticipation of the unfolding story of creation and its subsequent challenges.

• Preview of Next Episode: Fr. Mike hints at exploring the fall of humanity and the introduction of sin, promising to unravel how a good world became broken.
• Final Blessing: "I'm praying for you. And I will see you back here tomorrow. God bless."

Conclusion

The first episode of The Bible in a Year sets a profound and thoughtful tone for the rest of the series. By meticulously analyzing the creation narrative, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides listeners with deep theological insights and a robust foundation for understanding the Bible's overarching story. This episode not only enlightens listeners about the uniqueness of the Genesis account but also invites them to appreciate the inherent goodness and purpose embedded in the divine act of creation.