Podcast Summary: Day 197 - Woe and Consolation

Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Episode Title: Day 197: Woe and Consolation
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Duration: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Bible Readings:

• Isaiah: Chapters 11, 12, and 13
• Tobit: Chapters 13 and 14
• Proverbs: Chapter 10, verses 13-16

1. Introduction

Fr. Mike Schmitz welcomes listeners to Day 197 of The Bible in a Year podcast. He celebrates the community's commitment, acknowledging that listeners have persevered for over 200 days. Fr. Mike introduces the day's readings, setting the stage for a deep dive into themes of judgment, hope, and divine consolation.

2. Scripture Readings

2.1. Book of Isaiah (Chapters 11-13)

Isaiah 11: The Shoot from Jesse's Stump

• Summary: Isaiah prophesies the emergence of a righteous leader from Jesse's lineage, symbolizing hope and the establishment of a peaceful kingdom.
• Notable Quote:
  “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots, and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.” (00:30)

Isaiah 12: Thanksgiving and Praise

• Summary: A hymn of praise expressing gratitude for God's salvation and deliverance.
• Notable Quote:
  “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously. Let this be known in all the earth.” (07:15)

Isaiah 13: Oracle Concerning Babylon

• Summary: A prophetic declaration of Babylon's impending destruction, emphasizing God's judgment against arrogance and wickedness.
• Notable Quote:
  “The day of the Lord is near, it will come like destruction from the Almighty.” (18:45)

2.2. Book of Tobit (Chapters 13-14)

Tobit 13: Tobit's Prayer of Thanksgiving

• Summary: Tobit offers a heartfelt prayer, praising God for His mercy and expressing hope for restoration despite current afflictions.
• Notable Quote:
  “Make his greatness known there, and exalt him in the presence of all the living, because he is our Lord and God.” (22:10)

Tobit 14: Tobit's Final Counsel and Death

• Summary: Tobit imparts final advice to his family, emphasizing righteousness and almsgiving, before passing away peacefully at an advanced age.
• Notable Quote:
  “Do what I have been doing. You can only do some things, but just because you can't do everything doesn't mean you can't do anything.” (37:55)

2.3. Book of Proverbs (Chapter 10:13-16)

• Summary: These verses contrast the outcomes of wisdom and folly, highlighting the value of understanding, knowledge, and righteous living.
• Notable Quote:
  “Wise men lay up knowledge, but the babbling of a fool brings ruin near.” (45:20)

3. Reflections and Insights

Fr. Mike delves into the juxtaposition of "Woe and Consolation" presented in the readings, drawing connections between judgment and hope.

3.1. The Duality of Isaiah

• Condemnation and Hope: Fr. Mike explains how Isaiah's prophecies balance warnings of impending judgment with promises of redemption.
• Messianic Prophecy: Highlighting Isaiah 11, he identifies the passage as a prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of the Spirit's presence in Jesus’ ministry.
  • “This is Jesus... the same Spirit of the Lord prophesied in chapter 61, and is the same Spirit of the Lord that is upon Jesus as he is preaching and proclaiming the good news.” (15:35)

3.2. Tobit's Exilic Praise

• Prayer Amidst Suffering: Fr. Mike underscores Tobit's ability to maintain faith and praise God despite exile and personal afflictions.
• Witness Through Trials: He reflects on Tobit's strategy of using his circumstances to glorify God, encouraging listeners to find ways to witness their faith even in challenging times.
  • “He says, no, acknowledge him before these nations... make his greatness known there.” (29:50)

3.3. Wisdom from Proverbs

• Contrast Between Wisdom and Folly: The Proverbs reading serves as a practical application of the day's themes, illustrating the tangible benefits of wisdom over folly.
  • “The wage of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to sin.” (49:15)

3.4. Overarching Theme: Redemption and Restoration

• Fr. Mike ties together the readings, emphasizing that even in times of judgment ("Woe"), God’s ultimate plan includes restoration and the establishment of peace and righteousness ("Consolation").
• Encouragement for the Present: He encourages listeners to remain steadfast in faith, drawing strength from the promises of God’s enduring mercy and the hope of redemption.

4. Guided Prayer

Fr. Mike leads a prayer reflecting the day's themes, focusing on gratitude, trust in God's plan, and the transformative power of His Word.

• Key Elements of the Prayer:
  • Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for God's steadfast love and salvation.
  • Trust and Fear of the Lord: Emphasizing reliance on God’s wisdom and understanding.
  • Exaltation of God’s Glory: Committing to proclaiming God’s greatness in all circumstances.
  • Personal and Communal Petition: Seeking God's guidance to live righteously and to impact those around them positively.

Notable Quote from Prayer:
"Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory. We thank you so much for this opportunity once again... God, may you be exalted in praise and glory." (59:10)

5. Concluding Reflections

Fr. Mike summarizes the profound interplay between judgment and hope found in the day's readings. He emphasizes that understanding the historical and prophetic context enriches the listener’s comprehension of Scripture.

• Historical Context of Isaiah: Differentiating between Isaiah's messages to the northern and southern kingdoms, he explains the impending judgment of Babylon as a continuation of God’s disciplined love.
• Relevance of Tobit’s Prayer: Highlighting the timelessness of Tobit’s prayer, Fr. Mike connects it to the Liturgy of the Hours, offering listeners a deeper appreciation for this often recited prayer.
• Application to Modern Life: Encouraging listeners to emulate Tobit’s faithfulness and resilience, Fr. Mike inspires them to integrate these lessons into their daily lives, fostering a deeper relationship with God.

Final Encouragement:
"Remember that even in exile, you can still praise God. Just because you can't do everything doesn't mean you can't do anything." (42:30)

6. Closing Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes with a heartfelt prayer, reiterating themes of praise, thanksgiving, and the importance of recognizing God’s hand in every aspect of life.

Notable Quote from Closing Prayer:
"God, may you be exalted in praise and glory. In Jesus name we pray. Amen." (63:20)

Overall Summary:
Day 197 of The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a rich exploration of judgment and hope through the readings of Isaiah, Tobit, and Proverbs. Fr. Mike skillfully weaves together prophetic condemnation with promises of redemption, using Tobit’s prayers and Proverbs’ wisdom to illustrate enduring faith amidst adversity. Listeners are encouraged to find solace and strength in God's Word, recognizing that even in times of “woe,” there is profound consolation and the assurance of God's unwavering presence and ultimate restoration.