The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Episode: Day 167: Viaticum

Release Date: June 16, 2025

Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Producer: Ascension

Overview

In Day 167 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into pivotal narratives from the Old Testament, focusing on 1 Kings chapters 19 and 20, 2 Chronicles chapter 20, and Song of Solomon chapter 6. This episode explores themes of despair, divine provision, faith, and the intricate interplay between human weaknesses and God's unwavering guidance.

Scripture Readings

Fr. Mike begins by outlining the day's readings:

• 1 Kings 19-20: Chronicles Elijah's flight from Jezebel, his encounter with God at Mount Horeb, Elisha's call, and King Ahab's military campaigns.
• 2 Chronicles 20: Details King Jehoshaphat's reliance on God amidst a formidable invasion.
• Song of Solomon 6: Poetic dialogues celebrating love and beauty.

Key Discussions

1. Elijah's Despair and God's Provision

Fr. Mike reflects on Elijah's profound despair after his monumental victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Despite his triumph, Elijah admits his own frailty:

"Elijah is so discouraged after his victory, he even recognizes his own weakness. He says, 'It is enough now, O Lord, take my life, for I'm no better than my fathers.'" [15:30]

This moment underscores human vulnerability even amidst divine success. Fr. Mike draws parallels to contemporary experiences of post-victory letdowns, highlighting the importance of recognizing ongoing divine purpose beyond our immediate achievements.

2. The Meaning of Viaticum

Introducing the concept of viaticum, Fr. Mike explains its significance as the "last bread" received by a person on their final journey, often administered to those nearing death. He metaphorically applies this to Elijah's situation:

"'Viaticum essentially means bread for the journey or bread for the way, food for the journey. In that sense, you are not done.'" [22:45]

This analogy serves as a reassurance that despite moments of doubt or weariness, God's plan extends beyond our current understanding, providing sustenance for the ongoing journey.

3. Hearing God in the Quiet

Elijah's encounter with God at Mount Horeb is a central theme. After dramatic natural phenomena—wind, earthquake, and fire—God's presence is found in a "still, small voice":

"'He wasn’t in the wind. He wasn’t in the earthquake. He wasn’t in the fire. He was in the still, small voice.'" [35:10]

Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner quietude to listen for God's guidance amidst life's chaos, encouraging believers to turn down the metaphorical "noise" to better discern divine communication.

4. Elisha's Commitment

The calling of Elisha marks a significant transition. Elijah's gesture of casting his mantle over Elisha signifies the passing of prophetic authority. Elisha's decisive action—killing the oxen and committing fully to his new role—illustrates unwavering commitment:

"'He is burning his bridges, saying, I can’t go back to becoming a farmer. I am now a disciple of Elijah.'" [50:25]

This act serves as a powerful metaphor for total dedication to God's call, illustrating the transformative journey from ordinary life to devoted service.

5. Ahab's Mistakes and Consequences

Fr. Mike discusses King Ahab's military successes aided by divine intervention but contrasts them with his moral failures, particularly his leniency towards Ben Hadad, the king of Syria:

"'Ahab gives Ben Hadad mercy, which was not what he was supposed to do. He should not have shown him mercy.'" [1:05:40]

This narrative highlights the tension between worldly victories and spiritual integrity, warning against compromising one's values despite external successes.

6. Jehoshaphat's Faith and Victory

Shifting focus to 2 Chronicles 20, Fr. Mike narrates King Jehoshaphat's response to a massive invasion. Faced with overwhelming odds, Jehoshaphat seeks divine assistance through prayer and worship:

"'The spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel... Fear not and be not dismayed... the battle is not yours, but God's.'" [1:20:15]

The ensuing victory, achieved through collective faith and praise rather than direct combat, underscores the power of communal trust in God. Fr. Mike draws parallels to modern struggles, emphasizing that reliance on divine strength can lead to miraculous outcomes beyond human capabilities.

Insights and Applications

Fr. Mike synthesizes the day's discussions, emphasizing that both Elijah and Jehoshaphat exemplify profound faith amidst adversity. Key takeaways include:

• Humility in Victory: Recognizing personal limitations even after significant achievements fosters deeper reliance on God.
• Continuous Journey: The concept of viaticum reminds believers that their spiritual journey extends beyond visible milestones, encouraging ongoing growth and trust.
• Listening in Silence: Actively seeking quiet moments to hear God's whisper can lead to clearer spiritual guidance.
• Total Commitment: Elisha's decisive break from his past symbolizes the transformative power of fully embracing one's divine calling.
• Integrity Over Success: Ahab's failures serve as a cautionary tale about prioritizing moral values over transient victories.
• Communal Faith: Jehoshaphat's story illustrates the strength found in unified worship and collective trust in God's providence.

Conclusion

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reinforcing the enduring relevance of these biblical narratives. He encourages listeners to internalize the lessons of trust, humility, and unwavering faith, assuring them that God's purpose transcends their immediate circumstances. As the journey through the Bible continues, each episode builds upon these foundational principles, guiding listeners toward a more profound understanding of Scripture and its application in daily life.

Notable Quotes:

• "Elijah is so discouraged after his victory, he even recognizes his own weakness. He says, 'It is enough now, O Lord, take my life, for I'm no better than my fathers.'" [15:30]

• "'Viaticum essentially means bread for the journey or bread for the way, food for the journey. In that sense, you are not done.'" [22:45]

• "'He wasn’t in the wind. He wasn’t in the earthquake. He wasn’t in the fire. He was in the still, small voice.'" [35:10]

• "'He is burning his bridges, saying, I can’t go back to becoming a farmer. I am now a disciple of Elijah.'" [50:25]

• "'Ahab gives Ben Hadad mercy, which was not what he was supposed to do. He should not have shown him mercy.'" [1:05:40]

• "'The spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel... Fear not and be not dismayed... the battle is not yours, but God's.'" [1:20:15]

Reflections and Prayers

Fr. Mike concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to offer their lives, victories, and defeats to God, reaffirming the transformative power of embracing His word and purpose.

Stay Connected

To follow along with your own Bible in a Year reading plan, visit Ascension Press. Subscribe to "The Bible in a Year" podcast to receive daily insights and reflections.

May your journey through the Scriptures deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith. God bless.