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

Episode: Day 223: Responding Well (2025)

Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 223 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into a profound exploration of human responses to divine events, focusing on the concluding chapter of Isaiah and the prophetic declarations in Ezekiel. This episode intertwines scripture readings with insightful reflections and guided prayers, aiming to deepen the listener's understanding of scripture and its application in daily life.

Scripture Readings

Fr. Mike begins by outlining the day's readings:

• Isaiah 66: The final chapter of Isaiah, emphasizing God's judgment and ultimate restoration.
• Ezekiel 25-26: Prophecies against surrounding nations such as the Ammonites, Moabites, Philistines, Edomites, and Tyre.
• Proverbs 14:1-4: Contrasts wisdom and folly in building one's life.

Timestamp Reference: [00:04]

Reflection on Isaiah 66

Fr. Mike discusses the themes of judgment and restoration in Isaiah 66. He highlights God's sovereignty and the importance of humility and contrition before Him.

Notable Quote:

"He who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."
[Isaiah 66:2]
(Timestamp: 05:30)

Fr. Mike emphasizes that true worship and devotion are not about external rituals but about the heart's posture towards God. He underscores the contrast between those who honor God and those who engage in idolatry, leading to divine retribution.

Exploration of Ezekiel 25-26

Transitioning to Ezekiel, Fr. Mike examines the prophecies against neighboring nations. He explains how these declarations serve as a reminder of God's justice and the consequences of opposing His will.

Key Points:

• Ammonites and Moabites: Their rejoicing over Jerusalem's destruction is condemned, illustrating misplaced celebrations.

  Quote:

  "Therefore I am handing you over to the people of the east for a possession."
  [Ezekiel 25:9]
  (Timestamp: 15:45)

• Philistines and Tyre: Detailed prophecies highlight their impending doom due to their actions against Israel.

  Quote:

  "I will execute great vengeance upon them with wrathful chastisements."
  [Ezekiel 25:17]
  (Timestamp: 20:10)

Fr. Mike connects these prophecies to the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's unwavering commitment to His people.

Proverbs 14:1-4 Insights

The reading from Proverbs serves as a practical application of the episode's themes, contrasting wisdom and folly in constructing one's life.

Highlighted Verses:

• Verse 1: "Wisdom builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down."
• Verse 3: "The talk of a fool is a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them."
• Verse 4: "Where there are no oxen, there is no grain, but abundant crops come by the strength of the oxygen."

Fr. Mike interprets these verses as a call to build one's life on the foundation of divine wisdom, avoiding the pitfalls of foolishness that lead to destruction.

Guided Prayer and Personal Reflections

Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, asking God to illuminate the mind, align emotions with truth, and instill a love for Him that transcends understanding. He emphasizes the importance of responding appropriately to God's calls—whether in mourning or rejoicing.

Prayer Excerpts:

"Lord God, as often as your Word is confusing, we only understand it like as through a veil darkly, we just ask that you please continue to illuminate our minds."
(Timestamp: 25:50)

"Help us to love the things you love and hate the things you hate... Give us a heart like yours."
(Timestamp: 28:30)

Fr. Mike reflects on the necessity of matching one's emotional responses to God's will, highlighting the consequences when humanity fails to do so, as illustrated by the nations in Ezekiel.

Connecting Isaiah and Ezekiel: A Unified Message

Fr. Mike draws parallels between the prophecies of Isaiah and Ezekiel, showcasing a unified message of judgment, but also of hope and restoration.

Key Insights:

• Ezekiel's Warnings: The nations' inappropriate rejoicing over Jerusalem's downfall is juxtaposed with Isaiah's vision of communal mourning and ultimate rejoicing in restoration.

  Quote:

  "When our feelings, our response even does not match up with what we're called to."
  (Timestamp: 32:10)

• Isaiah's Promise: God's promise to extend prosperity and include all nations reflects the inclusive nature of salvation history.

  Quote:

  "All flesh will come to worship him."
  [Isaiah 60:6]
  (Timestamp: 35:00)

Fr. Mike emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises through Christ, highlighting the universal scope of salvation and the role of every believer in this divine narrative.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to live in accordance with God's will, responding appropriately to His commands. He underscores the importance of community and mutual prayer in sustaining one's faith journey.

Final Thoughts:

"We have to live like this to live and to realize that God has extended his blessings to us. That we have to say, okay, Lord. When there's something to mourn, let me mourn. When there's something to rejoice in, let me rejoice."
(Timestamp: 38:20)

He reaffirms his commitment to prayer and mutual support, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among the listeners.

Closing Remarks

Fr. Mike signs off with a personal touch, reaffirming his dedication to guiding listeners through their biblical journey and encouraging ongoing prayer and support.

Closing Quote:

"I am praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."
(Timestamp: 40:00)

Key Takeaways

1. Appropriate Responses Matter: The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning one's emotional and behavioral responses with God's will, as illustrated by the contrasting reactions of neighboring nations in Ezekiel and the promises in Isaiah.

2. God's Sovereignty and Justice: Through the readings, Fr. Mike highlights God's ultimate authority over nations and individuals, reinforcing the themes of judgment and restoration.

3. Wisdom in Daily Living: The Proverbs reading serves as a practical guide for building a life grounded in divine wisdom, avoiding destructive behaviors rooted in folly.

4. Inclusive Salvation Narrative: Isaiah's prophecy extends God's promises beyond Israel, embracing all nations and underscoring the universal scope of salvation through Christ.

5. Community and Prayer: The episode underscores the significance of communal support and prayer in nurturing one's faith and navigating life's challenges.

This episode of "The Bible in a Year" offers a rich tapestry of scripture, reflection, and prayer, encouraging listeners to deepen their understanding of God's Word and its transformative impact on their lives.