Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Day 105: It Is Finished

Overview

In Day 105 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the poignant and transformative events of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, death, and resurrection as narrated in the Gospel of John (chapters 19–21). Accompanied by reflections on Proverbs 6:16-22, Fr. Mike provides listeners with a deep understanding of salvation history, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the profound implications of these scriptures for contemporary faith and life.

Scripture Readings

• Gospel of John (John 19–21): These chapters chronicle the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry, detailing His trial before Pilate, the crucifixion, death, and miraculous resurrection. Key moments include Jesus' interactions with Pilate, His final words on the cross, the piercing of His side, and His post-resurrection appearances to His disciples.

• Proverbs 6:16-22: This passage lists six things the Lord hates and seven that are an abomination to Him, followed by admonitions to adhere to parental teachings and commandments. It serves as a moral compass, emphasizing integrity and righteousness.

Reflections and Discussions

Fr. Mike begins by expressing gratitude for the community's support and the podcast's expansion to platforms like YouTube and translations into various languages. He emphasizes the mission to make the Word of God accessible and transformative for a broader audience.

Crucifixion and Sacrifice

Fr. Mike highlights the significance of Jesus being portrayed as the true Lamb of God. He draws parallels between the crucifixion of Jesus and the sacrificial lambs of the Temple, emphasizing that Jesus' death was a willing sacrifice to atone for humanity's sins.

“In John chapter 19, there's a minor point... Jesus is wearing a priestly garment as he offers up the sacrifice of the Lamb himself to the glory of the Father.” [15:30]

He underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as the piercing of Jesus' side (John 19:34) and the absence of any broken bones during His crucifixion, referencing Exodus' sacrificial rites.

Mary Magdalene and the Beloved Disciple

Fr. Mike discusses the role of Mary Magdalene, highlighting her unwavering faith and presence at the tomb. He also explores the identity of the "disciple whom Jesus loved," connecting this figure to all believers and emphasizing the universal call to discipleship.

“From the cross, what does Jesus do from the cross? He gives his mother to be the mother of every disciple.” [40:20]

Empowerment and Forgiveness

A significant portion of the reflection centers on Jesus empowering His disciples to forgive sins, a foundational aspect of Christian ministry. Fr. Mike connects this to James 5, illustrating the immediate application of this authority by early Christians.

“Jesus gives the disciples the power to forgive sins. On the evening of that day... receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven.” [55:10]

Restoration of Peter

One of the most moving segments is the restoration of Peter after his denial of Jesus. Fr. Mike explores the depths of Jesus' forgiveness, highlighting the transformation from Peter's grief to his renewed mission.

“Jesus wants us to love him like he loves us, that self-sacrificial love. Even when we don't... He accepts it, which is so remarkable because he doesn't just meet us and accept us. He restores us.” [1:10:45]

He emphasizes the Greek word "agape," representing selfless, unconditional love, and contrasts it with "philia," or brotherly love, illustrating Jesus' desire for a deeper, sacrificial love from His followers.

Key Insights and Themes

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Fr. Mike meticulously connects Jesus' life and death to Old Testament prophecies, underscoring the divine orchestration of salvation history.

2. Dual Nature of Christ: He reflects on Jesus' fully divine and fully human nature, particularly during the crucifixion, where Jesus experiences human suffering while fulfilling His divine mission.

3. Universal Discipleship: The transformation of Peter serves as a powerful testament to the theme of restoration, demonstrating that Jesus' call extends to all, regardless of past failings.

4. Empowerment through the Holy Spirit: The granting of the Holy Spirit to the disciples signifies the continuation of Jesus' mission through His followers, empowering them to enact forgiveness and spread the Gospel.

5. Self-Sacrificial Love: The distinction between "agape" and "philia" love emphasizes the ideal of loving Jesus with a selfless, sacrificial heart, mirroring His love for humanity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “In John chapter 19, there's a minor point... Jesus is wearing a priestly garment as he offers up the sacrifice of the Lamb himself to the glory of the Father.” [15:30]

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “From the cross, what does Jesus do from the cross? He gives his mother to be the mother of every disciple.” [40:20]

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “Jesus gives the disciples the power to forgive sins. On the evening of that day... receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven.” [55:10]

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “Jesus wants us to love him like he loves us, that self-sacrificial love. Even when we don't... He accepts it, which is so remarkable because he doesn't just meet us and accept us. He restores us.” [1:10:45]

Conclusion

Day 105 of "The Bible in a Year" offers a profound exploration of the climax of Jesus' earthly mission. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines scripture readings with insightful reflections, bringing to life the themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and restoration. By connecting the Old and New Testaments, he provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how Jesus' death and resurrection fulfill divine prophecy and continue to shape the lives of believers today. This episode not only recounts historical events but also invites listeners to reflect on their personal faith journeys, encouraging a deeper, more sacrificial love for Christ and a commitment to His mission.

Looking Ahead

Fr. Mike concludes by preparing listeners for the upcoming episodes, which will transition back to the Old Testament with First Samuel 9 and 10, continuing the journey through the Bible's rich narrative tapestry.

Note: The timestamps provided are approximate and based on the structure of the transcript.