The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Episode Summary: Day 165: The Lover and the Beloved

Release Date: June 14, 2025

Introduction and Acknowledgments

[00:00 - 00:46] Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by expressing gratitude to supporters of the Ascension podcast. He highlights the transformative impact of the podcast on listeners' lives and explains how financial contributions enable the creation of free, authentically Catholic digital content.

Notable Quote:

Fr. Mike Schmitz: "We make authentically Catholic podcasts and videos and other digital content to help people know the Catholic faith and grow closer to God. And we do it all for free." [00:19]

Scripture Readings Overview

[00:46 - 02:11] Jeff Cavins introduces the day's readings, which include:

• First Kings 15-16
• Second Chronicles 16-17
• Song of Solomon 4

He emphasizes the use of the Great Adventure Bible Timeline to understand the context and sequence of events, recommending listeners obtain the Great Adventure Bible for better comprehension.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Cavins: "With the timeline that Jeff put together shows so clearly... that Ahab becomes like one of the worst ones that we get to hear from." [23:40]

Detailed Scripture Readings

First Kings 15-16 & Second Chronicles 16-17

[02:11 - 16:41] A comprehensive reading of the selected chapters from First Kings and Second Chronicles is presented. The passages cover the reigns of King Asa of Judah and Nadab of Israel, highlighting:

• Asa's initial devotion and subsequent reliance on political alliances over God.
• The decline of Asa's faithfulness leading to personal and national challenges.
• The rise of King Ahab in Israel, noted for his profound evil and idolatry, particularly his association with Jezebel and the worship of Baal.

Key Themes:

• Faithfulness vs. Political Alliances: Asa's shift from reliance on God to seeking support from Syria.
• Moral Decline: The introduction of Ahab as a ruler who increases Israel's sins, contrasting Asa's earlier righteousness.
• Prophetic Warnings: Jehu's prophetic declaration against Baasha's house due to their evil deeds.

Notable Quote:

Fr. Mike Schmitz: "He walked in all the sins which his father did before him... as David." [02:27]

Reflection on Song of Solomon Chapter 4

[16:41 - 22:15] The episode transitions to Song of Solomon Chapter 4, where the beauty and mutual respect in the relationship between the lover and the beloved are poetically depicted. Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into a theological reflection inspired by Pope John Paul II's "Theology of the Body".

Key Insights:

• Mutual Respect and Consent: The beloved has the agency to accept or reject the lover's advances, symbolized by the lover knocking on the door and the beloved deciding whether to open it.

• Dignity and Self-Mastery: Emphasizing that the woman remains the master of her own mystery, ensuring that intimacy is consensual and respectful.

• Symbolism of a Locked Garden: Represents self-possession and the choice to engage willingly in a loving relationship.

Notable Quotes:

Fr. Mike Schmitz: "He can knock and he waits... she can always refuse because she remains... the master of her own mystery." [20:24]

Fr. Mike Schmitz: "You first approach your bride as sister. You first approach your bride as one who exists for love, for her own sake." [21:39]

Lessons from King Asa's Reign

[22:32 - 25:34] Fr. Mike reflects on King Asa's life, drawing parallels to contemporary faith journeys:

• Consistency in Faith: Asa's long period of righteousness contrasted with his final years of faltering faith when he relied on political alliances rather than God.

• Importance of Perseverance: The necessity to maintain faithfulness throughout one's life, not just at the beginning.

Key Points:

• Impact of Decisions: Asa's alliance with Syria initially provided relief but ultimately led to moral and spiritual decline.

• Consequences of Distrust: Moving away from reliance on God brought about turmoil and personal afflictions for Asa.

Notable Quote:

Fr. Mike Schmitz: "He can spend so much of our lives being faithful. We have to not just start well, not just run well. We want to finish well." [25:24]

Preparing for Future Lessons: Introduction of Elijah

[23:40 - 26:44] Fr. Mike encourages listeners to keep track of the timeline and characters, especially as the prophet Elijah is introduced in upcoming episodes. He underscores the importance of understanding the historical and prophetic context to fully grasp the narrative of salvation history.

Key Insights:

• Understanding Kings and Prophets: Recognizing the interplay between royal histories and prophetic messages enhances comprehension of biblical events.

• Anticipating Challenges: The forthcoming introduction of Elijah signals significant developments in the biblical story, particularly concerning the moral state of Israel.

Notable Quote:

Fr. Mike Schmitz: "None of the kings in the north are going to be good. They're all going to be false and unfaithful to the Lord." [23:40]

Closing Reflections and Encouragement

[26:10 - 26:44] Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reinforcing the day's lessons:

• Faithfulness Throughout Life: Emulating Asa's early devotion while avoiding his later mistakes.

• Engagement with Scripture: Utilizing tools like the Great Adventure Bible Timeline to deepen understanding.

He encourages listeners to continue their journey with dedication and anticipates the continued exploration of biblical narratives in upcoming episodes.

Notable Quote:

Fr. Mike Schmitz: "We have to not just start well, not just run well. We want to finish well." [25:24]

Conclusion and Prayer

[26:38 - 26:44] The episode wraps up with a prayer for the listeners and an invitation to join in the next day's reflection.

Notable Quote:

Fr. Mike Schmitz: "I'm praying for you. Please, Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow." [26:38]

Summary

In Day 165 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through a deep exploration of First Kings 15-16, Second Chronicles 16-17, and Song of Solomon 4. The episode emphasizes the importance of sustained faithfulness, mutual respect in relationships, and the profound lessons drawn from biblical kings' lives. By intertwining historical narratives with theological reflections, particularly drawing from Pope John Paul II's teachings, Fr. Mike offers listeners actionable insights to apply in their spiritual journeys. The introduction of future prophetic voices, like Elijah, sets the stage for continued engagement with the Bible's rich tapestry of stories and lessons.