Podcast Summary: Day 222: Idolatry and Adultery (2025)
Podcast Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Release Date: August 10, 2025
Duration: 20-25 minutes
Scriptural References: Isaiah 65; Ezekiel 23-24; Proverbs 13:21-25
Translation: Revised Statement Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition
Reading Plan Inspiration: The Great Adventure Bible Timeline by Jeff Cavins
1. Introduction
Fr. Mike Schmitz welcomes listeners to Day 222 of the "Bible in a Year" podcast, provided by Ascension. He outlines that today's readings will delve into themes of idolatry and adultery, drawing from Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Proverbs. The focus is on understanding how these scriptures interweave to reveal God's expectations and the consequences of deviating from His path.
2. Scripture Readings and Summaries
Isaiah 65
Fr. Mike begins with Isaiah 65, transitioning from the "Book of Woes" (chapters 1-39) to the "Book of Consolation." In this chapter, God expresses His frustration with a rebellious nation that has turned away from Him, engaging in idolatrous practices and moral decay. However, amidst the condemnation, there is a promise of restoration and the creation of a new heavens and a new earth where Jerusalem will be a place of joy and peace.
Notable Quote:
"For like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands." (Isaiah 65:22) [Timestamp: 05:45]
Ezekiel 23
Ezekiel 23 presents a vivid allegory of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representing Samaria and Jerusalem. Both cities are depicted as harlots who engage in unfaithfulness by allying with foreign nations (Assyria and Babylon), symbolizing idolatry and abandonment of God. Their actions lead to their downfall, serving as a warning against covenant unfaithfulness.
Notable Quote:
"And you shall surrender your harlotries and your adulterous acts." (Ezekiel 23:32) [Timestamp: 14:10]
Ezekiel 24
In Ezekiel 24, the prophet is commanded by God to enact a personal act of symbolic mourning: the death of his wife. This event is intended to serve as a sign to the people of Israel about their impending judgment. Additionally, the chapter includes the "boiling pot" allegory, illustrating the total devastation that will befall Jerusalem due to its persistent sin and idolatry.
Notable Quote:
"I will judge you, says the Lord God." (Ezekiel 24:20) [Timestamp: 18:30]
Proverbs 13:21-25
Proverbs 13 offers practical wisdom contrasting the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. It emphasizes the importance of discipline in nurturing children and highlights how misfortune pursues sinners while prosperity favors the righteous.
Notable Quote:
"He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." (Proverbs 13:24) [Timestamp: 22:15]
3. Reflections and Insights
Discipline vs. Abuse
Fr. Mike delves into Proverbs 13:21-25, particularly focusing on the saying, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." He clarifies that this metaphor advocates for discipline, not abuse, emphasizing the balance between correction and compassion. Fr. Mike shares his personal experience with positive discipline in his upbringing, contrasting it with abuses others may have faced. He underscores that true discipline stems from love and aims to guide, not harm.
Notable Quote:
"He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." (Proverbs 13:24) [Timestamp: 22:15]
Idolatry as Adultery
Transitioning to Ezekiel 23, Fr. Mike explains the profound metaphor equating idolatry with adultery. He highlights that just as a marriage relationship demands exclusivity, so does the covenant between God and His people. Betraying God by turning to idols is akin to marital infidelity, severing the intimate bond intended by their Creator.
Notable Quote:
"There are relationships that do not tolerate rivals... the relationship of a husband and wife that doesn't tolerate any single rival." [Timestamp: 25:30]
Boiling Pot Allegory
In discussing Ezekiel 24, Fr. Mike breaks down the "boiling pot" allegory, representing the destruction and purification of Jerusalem. He interprets the imagery as God's method of dealing with persistent sin—initial attempts at cleansing prove insufficient, leading to complete judgment. This symbolizes the inevitability of divine justice when rebellion continues unabated.
Notable Quote:
"I would have cleansed you, but you were not cleansed." (Ezekiel 24:13) [Timestamp: 20:50]
Ezekiel’s Wife and Prophetic Mourning
Fr. Mike recounts the poignant moment in Ezekiel 24 when the prophet's wife dies, and he is instructed not to mourn openly. This act serves as a prophetic message to the people of Israel: just as Ezekiel does not mourn publicly for his wife, the nation will show no sorrow for the destruction of God's sanctuary. It underscores the depth of their corruption and the severance of their relationship with God.
Notable Quote:
"Do not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of mourners... you shall pine away and your iniquities and groan to one another." (Ezekiel 24:23) [Timestamp: 24:40]
4. Practical Applications and Takeaways
Fr. Mike synthesizes the day's readings by emphasizing the critical themes of fidelity, discipline, and the consequences of turning away from God. He encourages listeners to examine their own lives for forms of idolatry—anything that competes with their relationship with God. Additionally, he advocates for balanced discipline in personal and communal settings, ensuring that it stems from love and a desire for growth rather than control or harm.
He also reflects on the nature of God's relationship with humanity, portraying it as a marriage that requires exclusivity and wholehearted devotion. The destruction described in Ezekiel serves as a solemn reminder of the fragility of this relationship and the dire outcomes when it is compromised.
5. Closing Prayer and Benediction
Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for His persistent call to return and expressing gratitude for His gentle yet firm guidance. He prays for God to work in the hearts of the listeners, bringing them back to His love and ensuring they live in harmony with His Word. The prayer encapsulates the episode's themes, seeking divine assistance in overcoming idolatry and embracing disciplined living.
Notable Quote:
"Lord God, thank you for your strength... do whatever it takes to bring us back to your heart today." [Timestamp: 29:50]
6. Final Reflections
In his final remarks, Fr. Mike reiterates the importance of understanding God's expectations and the profound relationship He desires with His followers. He reflects on the journey through the prophetic books, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to guiding His people despite their failings. Fr. Mike encourages continuous engagement with Scripture to deepen one's faith and alignment with God's will.
Notable Quote:
"God continues to call out to his people and think about the goodness of God." [Timestamp: 31:10]
Conclusion
Day 222 of "The Bible in a Year" with Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a deep exploration of idolatry and adultery as metaphors for spiritual unfaithfulness. Through the lenses of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Proverbs, listeners gain insights into the significance of maintaining a pure, disciplined relationship with God and the dire consequences of neglecting this sacred bond. Fr. Mike's reflections provide practical applications, urging believers to identify and eliminate modern-day idols, embrace righteous discipline, and cherish their divine relationship with unwavering devotion.