Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 159: Bearing Fruit

Podcast Information

• Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Producer: Ascension
• Episode: Day 159: Bearing Fruit
• Release Date: June 8, 2025
• Description: In Day 159 of "The Bible in a Year," Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Mark chapters 11 and 12 alongside Psalm 67, exploring themes of bearing fruit, spiritual integrity, and the transformative power of faith.

Introduction

At the outset of Day 159, Fr. Mike Schmitz welcomes listeners to "The Bible in a Year" podcast, emphasizing the journey through the entire Bible in 365 episodes. He highlights the unique reading plan based on Jeff Cavins' Great Adventure Bible Timeline, which provides a comprehensive understanding of salvation history. The episode focuses on Mark chapters 11 and 12 and Psalm 67, aiming to deepen listeners' understanding of how the Bible's pieces interconnect to narrate an ongoing story of salvation.

Quote:
"Using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:04]

Scripture Readings

Mark Chapters 11 and 12

Fr. Mike reads passages from the Gospel of Mark, specifically chapters 11 and 12, which recount pivotal events in Jesus' final days before His crucifixion. These chapters depict Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the cursing of the fig tree, the cleansing of the temple, and various confrontations with religious leaders.

Key Events:

• Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem: Riding a colt, crowds proclaim Him as the Son of David, shouting "Hosanna" and acknowledging the coming of God's kingdom.

  Quote:
  "Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is the kingdom of our Father David that is coming. Hosanna in the highest."
  — Narrated from Mark 11:9-10

• The Cursing of the Fig Tree: Jesus approaches a fig tree seeking fruit but finds none, leading Him to curse the tree, which subsequently withers—a symbolic act highlighting spiritual barrenness.

  Quote:
  "May no one ever eat fruit from you again."
  — Jesus [Mark 11:14]

• Cleansing of the Temple: Jesus drives out the money changers and those selling pigeons, declaring the temple a house of prayer, not a den of thieves.

  Quote:
  "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations. But you have made it a den of robbers."
  — Jesus [Mark 11:17]

• Teachings and Parables: Including the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, discussions on paying taxes, the resurrection, and the greatest commandments.

Psalm 67

Psalm 67 is read as a prayer for God's grace and blessings upon His people and the nations. It calls for universal praise and acknowledges God's guidance and salvation.

Key Themes:

• Divine Blessing: Seeking God's favor and guidance.

  Quote:
  "May God be gracious to us and bless us, and make his face to shine upon us."
  — Psalm 67

• Universal Praise: Encouraging all nations to praise and recognize God's saving power.

  Quote:
  "Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you."
  — Psalm 67:3

Reflection and Discussion

Fr. Mike Schmitz provides an insightful reflection on the readings, drawing connections between the Scripture passages and their application to contemporary faith life.

Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem and the Significance of the Colt

Fr. Mike discusses the symbolism of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling prophecy and signifying His role as the Messiah. This event marks the beginning of the Passion narrative, leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

Quote:
"We are with Jesus as he enters into Jerusalem, as he continues this journey to the cross."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:04]

The Cursing of the Fig Tree: A Lesson in Bearing Fruit

The cursing of the fig tree serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual fruitfulness. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus uses this act to teach His disciples about the importance of bearing spiritual fruit as evidence of true discipleship.

Quote:
"Whatever we ask in prayer, believe that we receive it and we will."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [Timestamp during Mark 11 reflection]

Cleansing of the Temple: Upholding Sacred Spaces

Fr. Mike emphasizes Jesus' cleansing of the temple as a call to maintain the sanctity of places devoted to God. He draws parallels to believers today, urging them to purify their lives and environments in alignment with God's purposes.

Quote:
"My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations. But you have made it a den of robbers."
— Jesus [Mark 11:17]

Confrontations with Religious Leaders: Challenging Hypocrisy

The interactions between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees highlight the tension between genuine faith and outward religiosity. Fr. Mike critiques the hypocrisy of religious leaders who prioritize tradition over true spiritual integrity.

Quote:
"Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and who have salutations in the marketplaces, and the best seats in the synagogues."
— Jesus [Mark 12:38]

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants: Accountability and Stewardship

Fr. Mike interprets the Parable of the Wicked Tenants as an allegory of Israel's failure to produce spiritual fruit, leading to God's judgment and the extension of His covenant to others. This parable underscores the responsibility of believers to steward God's blessings faithfully.

Quote:
"If you belong to me, it's great, because the reason you belong to me is because I love you. But also, the reason you belong to me is to bear fruit."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [Discussion on Parable]

Teaching on Paying Taxes: Navigating Earthly and Divine Obligations

Addressing the question of whether to pay taxes to Caesar, Fr. Mike explains Jesus' response as a balanced approach to fulfilling both civic duties and spiritual commitments. This teaching encourages believers to respect governmental authorities while maintaining primary allegiance to God.

Quote:
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
— Jesus [Mark 12:17]

Resurrection Debate with the Sadducees: Affirming Eternal Life

Fr. Mike delves into Jesus' interaction with the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection. Jesus refutes their arguments by affirming the reality of eternal life and the power of God, reinforcing foundational Christian beliefs about the afterlife.

Quote:
"He is not the God of the dead, but of the living."
— Jesus [Mark 12:27]

The Greatest Commandments: Love as the Core of Faith

Highlighting the first and greatest commandments, Fr. Mike underscores the necessity of loving God wholeheartedly and loving one's neighbor as oneself. This dual commandment encapsulates the essence of Christian ethical teaching.

Quote:
"There is no other commandment greater than these."
— Jesus [Mark 12:31]

The Widow's Offering: Exemplifying Sacrificial Giving

The story of the poor widow who gives all she has illustrates the profound value of sacrificial giving. Fr. Mike uses this narrative to encourage listeners to offer their "first and final fruits" to God, demonstrating complete trust and dependence on His provision.

Quote:
"This poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury, for they all contributed out of their abundance. But she out of her poverty has put in everything she had."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [Reflection on Widow's Offering]

Application to Modern Life

Fr. Mike ties the biblical teachings to contemporary Christian living, emphasizing the importance of:

• Bearing Spiritual Fruit: Manifesting qualities like love, peace, patience, and kindness as evidence of a life rooted in Christ.

• Integrity and Purity: Maintaining personal and communal spaces dedicated to God, free from corruption and hypocrisy.

• Sacrificial Generosity: Giving not out of excess but from genuine need and trust in God's providence.

• Balancing Obligations: Navigating responsibilities to both earthly authorities and divine commands with wisdom and discernment.

Quote:
"These are the fruits of a life lived in Christ. We can only do that with God's grace."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [Application of Bearing Fruit]

Conclusion

As Day 159 concludes, Fr. Mike Schmitz reinforces the central theme of bearing fruit in one’s spiritual journey. He challenges listeners to examine their lives, ensuring that their actions and intentions align with the teachings of Jesus. The episode serves as both a reflection on scripture and a call to authentic, fruit-filled discipleship.

Closing Prayer:

Fr. Mike leads a prayer asking for God's grace to love Him fully, forgive others, and allow His presence to transform lives. He implores listeners to offer both their first and final fruits to God, seeking to honor Him in every aspect of life.

Quote:
"Lord God, help us to give you our permission to claim us as yours. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [Closing Prayer]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Introduction to the Episode:

   • "Using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story."
     — Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:04]

2. On Bearing Fruit:

   • "Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it and you will."
     — Fr. Mike Schmitz [During Mark 11 Reflection]

3. Cleansing the Temple:

   • "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations. But you have made it a den of robbers."
     — Jesus [Mark 11:17]

4. The Widow's Offering:

   • "This poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury, for they all contributed out of their abundance. But she out of her poverty has put in everything she had."
     — Fr. Mike Schmitz [Reflection on Widow's Offering]

5. Closing Encouragement:

   • "These are the fruits of a life lived in Christ. We can only do that with God's grace."
     — Fr. Mike Schmitz [Application of Bearing Fruit]

Final Thoughts

Day 159 of "The Bible in a Year" offers a profound exploration of spiritual fruitfulness and the responsibilities of discipleship. Through a meticulous examination of Mark chapters 11 and 12, coupled with the reflective prayer from Psalm 67, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners toward a deeper understanding of living a life that truly bears the fruit of the Spirit. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of faith and the imperative to align one's life with the teachings of Jesus.