Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode Title: Day 19: Joseph and His Brothers (2026)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)
Date: January 19, 2026
Main Theme: The onset of Joseph’s story—family, favoritism, jealousy, and God’s providence amid brokenness. Genesis 37, Job 27–28, and Proverbs 3:25–27.

Episode Overview

This episode marks the beginning of the saga of Joseph, focusing on the root of jealousy, the brokenness this breeds in families, and the hope of God’s wisdom and providence even amidst human failure. Fr. Mike reads the day’s assigned Scripture passages and offers his signature reflections and prayers, inviting listeners to see these ancient struggles mirrored in our own lives and to counter resentment with gratitude.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Joseph’s Story

• Genesis 37 initiates Joseph’s narrative: At age 17, Joseph is his father Jacob's (Israel’s) favorite, which is visually represented by the "coat of many colors."
• Sibling rivalry intensifies:
  • Joseph gives a bad report of his brothers to Jacob, further fueling tensions (00:50).
  • Jacob’s overt favoritism stirs deep envy and hatred among the brothers (01:28).
  • Joseph’s prophetic dreams—where both natural and family symbols bow before him—compound the hostility (02:06).
    • Notable Quote:

      “Here comes the dreamer… let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits…” (04:47, Genesis 37:19–20, read by Fr. Mike)

2. Themes of Brokenness, Jealousy, and Resentment

• Fr. Mike’s key reflection:
  • The word "brokenness" continues to emerge in salvation history.
  • The transformation of jealousy into active resentment is central to the reading.
    • Notable Quote:

      “But here's what we have. We have Joseph being 17 years old...And what happens is because Israel loves their little brother more than them. Here is jealousy, here is envy. And this is kind of the key, isn't it?” (13:58)

• Resentment's danger:
  • Innocent injustice (Jacob’s favoritism) warps into sin (brothers’ plot).
  • Fr. Mike warns that left unchecked, resentment can lead to drastic actions—even violence.
    • Notable Quote:

      “Jealousy distorted into envy, distorted into resentment could lead us to do anything.” (16:10)

3. Echoes of Brokenness in Our Lives

• Scripture as a family mirror:
  • We read these stories not just to condemn ancient people, but to understand our own hearts.
    • “We read these stories so we know our family tree, but also so we know our own hearts. Because this is where God not only reveals his heart to us in his Word, it also reveals our hearts to ourselves.” (17:30)
• Call to self-examination:
  • Fr. Mike encourages recognizing the first hints of jealousy, naming them, and redirecting them through honest truth and gratitude.

4. Wisdom, Integrity, and the Search for Meaning (Job 27–28)

• Job’s continued integrity:
  • In his suffering, Job refuses falsehood, clings to righteousness, and rejects empty hope.
    • “As long as my breath is in me and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips will not speak falsehood and my tongue will not utter deceit.” (06:14, Job 27:3–4)
• The search for wisdom:
  • The true value of wisdom is contrasted with earthly treasures.
    • “Where shall wisdom be found? … The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” (09:32–12:02; Job 28:12–28)
  • Fr. Mike notes that wisdom cannot be acquired by human means or bought; God alone is its source.

5. Practical Guidance from Proverbs

• Proverbs 3:25–27 offers practical encouragement:
  • Do not be afraid of sudden disaster; God protects.
  • Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due.
    • “The cure for resentment, the cure for jealousy and envy, is gratitude.” (19:55)

6. Concluding Reflection and Prayer

• Fr. Mike’s prayer:
  • Invites gratitude as the remedy for envy and resentment (12:58, 20:10).
  • Emphasizes that all good things, including the love of others and life itself, are gifts and not entitlements.
    • “It is not something that I can say is owed to me...when it's given to me, I can receive it with gratitude, but I can't demand it.” (18:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote & Context | |------------|:-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:47 | “Here comes the dreamer… let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits…” – Joseph’s brothers’ plot (Genesis 37) | | 13:58 | “Here is jealousy, here is envy. And this is kind of the key, isn't it?” – Fr. Mike on the dynamic in Jacob’s family | | 16:10 | “Jealousy distorted into envy, distorted into resentment could lead us to do anything.” – Fr. Mike | | 17:30 | “We read these stories so we know our family tree, but also so we know our own hearts.” – Fr. Mike | | 18:35 | “It is not something that I can say is owed to me...when it's given to me, I can receive it with gratitude, but I can't demand it.” – On gratitude over entitlement | | 19:55 | “The cure for resentment, the cure for jealousy and envy, is gratitude.” – Fr. Mike | | 06:14 | “As long as my breath is in me...my lips will not speak falsehood and my tongue will not utter deceit.” – Job’s integrity | | 09:32–12:02| “Where shall wisdom be found?...The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” – Book of Job’s conclusion on wisdom |

Important Segments with Timestamps

• Genesis reading/plot of Joseph’s fall: 00:45–06:00
• Job 27–28: 06:05–12:15
• Proverbs 3:25–27: 12:16–12:57
• Fr. Mike’s reflection on Joseph, brokenness, jealousy: 13:00–19:00
• Closing practical guidance, prayer, and encouragement: 19:00–20:30

Episode Tone and Language

• Pastoral, conversational, and engaging—Fr. Mike mixes moments of gentle humor (about family dynamics) with serious, honest reflection on difficult themes.
• Consistently calls listeners to apply Scripture personally and view the biblical family’s brokenness as a mirror for our own.

Takeaway Messages

• Human brokenness is nothing new; the Bible invites us not to judge but to recognize our own vulnerabilities.
• Unchecked jealousy and resentment, left to fester, can lead to terrible harm, but gratitude disarms envy and brings God's peace.
• Wisdom and significance are not found in possessions or status, but in right relationship with God gleaned through humility and reverence.
• Every day—and every loving relationship—is a gift, to be received with thanks, not seized as a possession.

Resources Mentioned

• Ascension Press Bible in a Year reading plan
• Great Adventure Bible Timeline (for broader narrative understanding)

Final encouragement:
"Please pray for each other. You are not alone. And yet, you know, we know that we can feel alone pretty easily...My name is Father Mike and I am so grateful that we are taking this journey together." (20:10)