The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 104 Summary: The Priestly Prayer of Jesus

Introduction

On Day 104 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and produced by Ascension, listeners delve deep into pivotal moments from the Gospel of John and the Book of Proverbs. This episode, titled "The Priestly Prayer of Jesus," was released on April 14, 2025, and spans John chapters 16 to 18 and Proverbs 6:12-15. Fr. Mike uses the Great Adventure Bible Timeline to guide listeners through the narrative, exploring the profound themes of Jesus’s final teachings, His sacrificial journey, and the characteristics of wickedness.

Jesus’s Farewell Discourse (John 16)

Fr. Mike begins by reading from John 16, where Jesus prepares His disciples for the imminent challenges they will face. Jesus speaks candidly about the impending persecution:

Jesus (16:1): "I have said all this to keep you from falling away."

He foretells the dispersal and suffering the disciples will endure, emphasizing that their trials are a part of His divine plan:

Jesus (16:33): "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Fr. Mike highlights Jesus’s assurance that the Holy Spirit (referred to as the Counselor) will guide and empower the disciples, ensuring they remain steadfast in the truth. Jesus’s promise of peace amidst tribulation is a cornerstone of this discourse, offering comfort and strength to believers.

Jesus’s High Priestly Prayer (John 17)

Continuing into John 17, Fr. Mike reads Jesus’s High Priestly Prayer, a profound plea for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers. This prayer underscores Jesus’s intimate relationship with the Father and His desire for unity and sanctification among His followers.

Jesus (17:20): "I do not pray for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word."

Fr. Mike emphasizes the inclusivity of Jesus’s prayer, extending His blessings and protection beyond the immediate circle of disciples to encompass all who would believe through their teachings. This prayer reflects Jesus’s deep love and His overarching plan for the Church’s mission in the world.

The Arrest and Trial of Jesus (John 18)

In John 18, the narrative shifts to the arrest and trial of Jesus, capturing the betrayal by Judas and the subsequent denial by Peter. Fr. Mike meticulously outlines these events, shedding light on the human frailties and spiritual triumphs within the story.

Betrayal by Judas:

Judas arrives with troops to arrest Jesus after betraying Him for thirty pieces of silver. Fr. Mike notes the heartbreaking nature of this betrayal, emphasizing the theme of treachery among close companions.

Peter’s Denial:

Peter, one of Jesus’s closest disciples, denies knowing Him three times under pressure. Fr. Mike reflects on Peter’s fear and the universal struggle with doubt and denial in the face of adversity.

Jesus Before Pilate:

The trial before Pontius Pilate culminates in the crowd choosing to release Barabbas over Jesus. Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” resonates deeply in today’s context of relativism and moral ambiguity.

Pilate (18:38): "What is truth?"

Fr. Mike connects this to contemporary issues, urging listeners to seek objective truth and remain anchored in their faith amidst a world rife with conflicting ideologies.

Insights from Proverbs (6:12-15)

Fr. Mike also explores Proverbs 6:12-15, which paints a vivid picture of wickedness:

Proverbs (6:12-15): "A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech... Therefore calamity will come upon him."

He interprets these verses as a caution against deceit and malice, underscoring the inevitable downfall that accompanies such traits. This passage serves as a moral guide, encouraging listeners to embody integrity and righteousness.

Reflections and Applications

Fr. Mike offers profound reflections on the day’s readings, drawing connections between Jesus’s experiences and the lives of believers today:

1. Facing Tribulation with Faith:

   • Jesus acknowledges the presence of suffering but counters it with the assurance of His victory. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to find solace in Jesus’s triumph over the world, fostering resilience in the face of personal trials.

2. The Power of Jesus’s Prayer:

   • The High Priestly Prayer highlights Jesus’s concern for the unity and sanctification of His followers. Fr. Mike emphasizes the ongoing relevance of this prayer, inspiring believers to seek unity and uphold the truth in their communities.

3. Choosing Truth Over Relativism:

   • Pilate’s rhetorical question, “What is truth?” serves as a reminder of the importance of discerning and adhering to divine truth amidst a culture that often dismisses objective truths. Fr. Mike urges listeners to anchor their beliefs in Scripture and the teachings of Jesus.

4. Replicating Jesus’s Sacrifice:

   • Reflecting on Barabbas’s release over Jesus, Fr. Mike challenges listeners to prioritize their relationship with Jesus above worldly temptations, advocating for selflessness and devotion in their spiritual journey.

Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, Fr. Mike underscores pivotal moments with impactful quotes:

• Introduction of the Readings:

  Fr. Mike (00:00): "What an incredible gift to be able to be with Jesus during the Last Supper and into His passion."

• On Jesus’s Overcoming the World:

  Jesus (16:33): "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

• On the Power of Asking in Jesus’s Name:

  Jesus (16:22): "Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in My name, He will give it to you."

• Reflection on Pilate’s Question:

  Fr. Mike: "Pilate asks this question, 'What is truth?' And that's the question of our age, right? The question of our age is relativistic."

Conclusion

Day 104 of "The Bible in a Year" offers listeners a profound exploration of Jesus’s final teachings, His unwavering commitment to His mission, and the enduring relevance of His words in today’s world. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines scripture with contemporary reflections, encouraging believers to navigate their faith journey with courage, unity, and steadfastness. Through the lens of Jesus’s prayers and trials, listeners are inspired to deepen their understanding of Scripture and embrace the transformative power of God’s Word in their daily lives.

Prayer:

Father in heaven, we thank you for your Word and for allowing us to hear the prayer of the Son on the night He was betrayed and denied. Help us to understand the depth of His love and sacrifice. Guide us to choose the true Son of the Father over all worldly temptations. May we draw closer to You each day, embracing the peace and joy that comes from knowing Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.

Fr. Mike Schmitz invites listeners to join him tomorrow for Day 105, continuing their journey through the Bible with renewed faith and insight. God bless.