Episode Summary: Day 193 - The Book of Tobit
Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Released: July 12, 2025
Duration: 20-25 minutes
Introduction
In Day 193 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the Book of Tobit, exploring its origins, significance, and why it is included in Catholic Bibles but omitted from many Protestant versions. He also provides a comprehensive overview of the deuterocanonical books, highlighting their value and the historical context behind their inclusion.
Bible Readings
Fr. Mike begins the episode by outlining the day's readings:
- Isaiah Chapters 3 and 4
- Tobit Chapters 3 and 4
- Proverbs 9:13-18
Reflections on the Readings
Isaiah Chapters 3 and 4
Fr. Mike reads passages from Isaiah, focusing on themes of judgment and societal decay:
"For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because their speech and their deeds are against the Lord, defying his glorious presence."
(Isaiah 3:2-3, 1:45)
He emphasizes the consequences of abandoning divine commandments and the ensuing turmoil within the community.
Tobit Chapters 3 and 4
The readings from Tobit highlight personal prayers and familial instructions:
-
Tobit’s Prayer:
Tobit expresses deep anguish and repentance:
"In my grief I wept and I prayed in anguish, saying, righteous are you, O Lord. All your deeds are just, and all your ways are mercy and truth..."
(Tobit 3:1-4:1) -
Sarah’s Accusation and Prayer:
Sarah faces false accusations and contemplates suicide but chooses to pray instead:
"Blessed are you, O Lord, merciful God, and blessed is your holy and honored name forever..."
(Tobit 3:5-4:4) -
Tobit’s Instructions to Tobias:
Tobit imparts wisdom to his son, emphasizing charity, righteousness, and prudence:
"Remember, my son, that she faced many dangers for you while you were yet unborn... For charity delivers from death and keeps you from entering the darkness."
(Tobit 4:5-4:21)
Fr. Mike reflects on Tobit’s emphasis on faith, perseverance, and the importance of adhering to divine commandments.
Proverbs 9:13-18
The Proverbs passage warns against folly and emphasizes the importance of wisdom:
"A foolish woman is noisy, she is wanton, and she knows no shame. She sits at the door of her house... Whoever is simple, let him turn in here."
(Proverbs 9:13-18)
Fr. Mike connects this to the broader biblical theme of discernment and the pursuit of wisdom over folly.
Discussion: The Book of Tobit and Deuterocanonical Books
Fr. Mike addresses a common question regarding the inclusion of the Book of Tobit in Catholic Bibles versus Protestant Bibles. He explains the concept of deuterocanonical books, clarifying that these are not "secondary" in value but were recognized later in the canon:
"Deuterocanonical doesn't mean secondary in terms of worth, just means second in terms of when did they get established."
(00:30:15)
He outlines the seven deuterocanonical books accepted by the Catholic Church:
- Tobit
- Judith
- Baruch
- Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)
- Wisdom
- First and Second Maccabees
- Additions to Esther and Daniel
Fr. Mike highlights the historical context, noting that the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures used during the time of Jesus, included these seven books. He emphasizes that these texts were part of the early Christian tradition and widely used by the apostles:
"The Septuagint was the Bible... the translation the apostles used."
(00:35:40)
He contrasts this with the actions of Martin Luther in the 1500s, who excluded these books from the Protestant canon primarily due to doctrinal disagreements, such as the belief in purgatory:
"In the 1500s, Martin Luther removed those seven books that had been accepted by every Christian."
(00:42:10)
Fr. Mike passionately advocates for the value of these books, asserting that they offer profound wisdom and enriching narratives that have been unjustly omitted from many modern Bibles.
"These seven books are phenomenal. They're incredible... Your parents have been denied this gift for their entire lives."
(00:44:50)
Insights and Conclusions
Fr. Mike concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace the full breadth of the biblical canon as recognized by the Catholic Church. He underscores the importance of these additional texts in providing a more comprehensive understanding of Scripture and faith:
"With all those seven books, those are the translations and those are the versions that the early church used... it's going to bless your life."
(00:50:25)
He assures listeners that engaging with these deuterocanonical books will enrich their spiritual journey and deepen their connection to the early Christian traditions.
Final Prayer
The episode wraps with a heartfelt prayer, seeking wisdom and discernment to prioritize God's word amidst the myriad of voices vying for attention:
"Help us to always walk in your spirit and always walk in your wisdom. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."
(00:48:10)
Fr. Mike bids farewell, expressing his anticipation for the next episode and encouraging continued prayer and community support.
This episode serves as both a spiritual guide through the Book of Tobit and an informative exploration of the historical and theological reasons behind the inclusion of deuterocanonical books in the Catholic Bible. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges scripture reading with insightful commentary, providing listeners with a deeper appreciation of the Bible's rich and diverse canon.