Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 21: Walking with God

Introduction On Day 21 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and produced by Ascension, listeners delve into the profound narratives of Joseph from Genesis and reflections from the Book of Job and Proverbs. This episode, released on January 21, 2025, continues the journey through the Bible, emphasizing themes of integrity, resilience, and the unwavering presence of God even in the midst of adversity.

Scripture Readings Fr. Mike guides listeners through a thoughtful selection of scriptures:

• Genesis 39-40: The story of Joseph in Egypt.
• Job 31-32: Job's declaration of innocence and Elihu's rebuke.
• Proverbs 3:33-35: Wisdom on divine blessings and discipline.

Joseph’s Trials and Triumphs (Genesis 39-40) Fr. Mike narrates the continued saga of Joseph, highlighting his unwavering faith and righteousness despite severe trials:

• Joseph’s Rise in Potiphar’s House: Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph gains favor in Potiphar’s household. (Genesis 39:2-6)

  "The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man... the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake." (00:04-02:30)

• Temptation and False Accusation: Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph, who steadfastly refuses, citing his loyalty to Potiphar and his reverence for God. (Genesis 39:7-12)

  "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" (03:15)

• Imprisonment and Divine Favor: Despite his innocence, Joseph is imprisoned but continues to earn favor by managing the prison effectively. (Genesis 39:20-23)

  "The Lord was with him... and the Lord made it prosper." (14:45)

• Interpreting Dreams: In prison, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker, demonstrating his God-given wisdom. (Genesis 40)

  "The three branches are three days. Within three days, Pharaoh will lift your head and restore you to your office." (17:50)

Integrity and Righteousness (Job 31) Fr. Mike transitions to the Book of Job, where Job asserts his integrity amidst suffering:

• Job’s Declaration: Job meticulously lists his righteous actions and pleads his case before God, maintaining his innocence despite immense suffering. (Job 31:32-40)

  "I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I look upon a virgin?" (23:32)

• Themes of Accountability and Divine Justice: Job emphasizes personal accountability and the righteousness that should accompany one’s actions.

Elihu’s Rebuke (Job 32) The episode continues with Elihu’s introduction:

• Elihu’s Perspective: Fr. Mike narrates Elihu’s frustration with Job and his friends for not providing satisfactory answers, asserting the importance of divine wisdom over human understanding. (Job 32)

  "The Spirit within me constrains me... I must speak that I may find relief." (35:15)

Proverbs on Divine Favor and Discipline (Proverbs 3:33-35) Fr. Mike reflects on Proverbs, highlighting the contrast between the fates of the wicked and the righteous:

• Divine Blessings: The righteous inherit honor, while fools face disgrace, emphasizing the moral underpinnings of divine justice. (Proverbs 3:33-35)

  "The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous." (38:55)

Reflections and Insights Fr. Mike draws parallels between Joseph and other biblical figures, especially highlighting Joseph’s consistent righteousness despite dire circumstances:

• Joseph as a Model of Virtue: Joseph embodies unwavering faith and integrity, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience. Fr. Mike remarks:

  "Joseph is a phenomenal example for all of us... he lived like a victor, right? He lived walking with the Lord, and the Lord was with him." (42:10)

• Consolation in Adversity: Emphasizing that God’s presence remains constant, even when situations are challenging, mirroring Job’s experience of suffering without abandoning faith.

  "In all situations and all circumstances, the Lord is with us." (55:20)

• Christian Assurance: Fr. Mike reassures listeners of the fullness of revelation in Catholic Christianity, underscoring that God remains faithful and present through all trials.

  "We can know with absolute confidence that the Lord is still with us." (60:45)

Conclusion and Looking Ahead Fr. Mike concludes by setting the stage for upcoming episodes, promising deeper explorations into Joseph’s continued journey and the insights Elihu will provide:

• Future Episodes: Anticipation builds for Elihu’s contributions and the introduction of significant new characters in the Book of Job.

  "Find out more about Joseph tomorrow and the next couple days...someone really important is going to show up in the book of Job." (74:30)

• Encouragement for Listeners: Fr. Mike encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their faith, drawing inspiration from Joseph and Job to navigate their own challenges with grace and trust in God.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" – Joseph (03:15)
• "The Spirit within me constrains me... I must speak that I may find relief." – Elihu (35:15)
• "In all situations and all circumstances, the Lord is with us." – Fr. Mike Schmitz (55:20)
• "We can know with absolute confidence that the Lord is still with us." – Fr. Mike Schmitz (60:45)

Final Prayer The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for His word and asking for the grace to live faithfully, mirroring the virtues of Job and Joseph.

"We thank you for heroes, people who are faithful like our friend Job. We thank you for heroes, people who are faithful like Joseph... in Jesus name. Amen." (72:10)

Closing Thoughts Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s presence in every aspect of life, encouraging listeners to trust in His divine plan. He sets an inspiring tone for the continued exploration of Scripture, inviting listeners to deepen their understanding and relationship with God through the ongoing podcast journey.

Stay Connected Listeners are encouraged to follow along with the reading plan, subscribe to the podcast for updates, and engage with the community through the provided links and contact methods.

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Day 21's episode, offering a comprehensive overview of the discussions, key themes, and spiritual insights shared by Fr. Mike Schmitz. Whether you're following along or catching up, this summary provides a meaningful glimpse into the transformative journey through the Bible.