The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Episode: Day 229 – Shepherds of Israel
Date: August 17, 2025

Episode Overview

In Day 229, Fr. Mike guides listeners through readings from Jeremiah 6, Ezekiel 34 & 35, and Proverbs 14:25-28, focusing on the poignant theme of shepherds and leadership—especially the role and failure of spiritual leaders, the hope of God as the true shepherd, and the call for personal reflection and repentance. The episode weaves together scriptural criticism of false leadership, the promise of divine care, and practical encouragement for listeners to embrace truth and dignity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Role and Failure of Shepherds

• Jeremiah 6 and Ezekiel 34 both deliver harsh critiques of leaders (shepherds) who have abandoned their responsibilities:
  • Leaders feed themselves at the expense of the flock, neglecting the weak and the lost (Ezekiel 34).
  • The people suffer when leadership is corrupt or self-serving, leading to scattering and destruction.
  • This theme is connected to Proverbs 14:28, highlighting that the glory of leadership lies in the flourishing of the people.

Quote:
"[Priests and leaders] have only taken care of themselves. Gosh, you guys, here we are. [...] Not wanting to be the false shepherd. Not wanting to be the shepherd that only cares about themselves, but doesn’t care for the people of God, the sheep who are lost."
—Fr. Mike, (07:50)

2. Ezekiel 34: God as the True Shepherd

• God condemns false shepherds but promises to personally seek out and care for His sheep:
  • "I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out ..." (paraphrased, Ezekiel 34:11).
  • This is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who fulfills the promise as the Good Shepherd.
• Fr. Mike emphasizes both the conviction (the challenge for anyone in authority) and consolation (God’s unfailing care).

Quote:
"He asks that question: are you just feeding yourself? Are you just taking care of yourself? Or are you actually giving your life so the sheep can have life?"
—Fr. Mike, (10:12)

3. Peace, Peace, When There Is No Peace: The Danger of False Prophets

• Jeremiah 6:14 is explored—false prophets minimize spiritual wounds, proclaiming superficial comfort instead of truth.
  • Fr. Mike likens it to trying to heal a serious wound with a mere gesture.
  • Suggests courage is required to name the truth and not pretend all is well.

Quote:
"They have healed the wound of my people lightly. They basically said, 'Yeah, I know things are bad, but ... throw them a bone.' [...] The word of consolation they give is saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace."
—Fr. Mike, (15:52)

• The real call is to admit need, reject self-deception, and be honest in personal prayer and relationship.

4. Shame: Its Role and Redemption

• Jeremiah 6:15—Not knowing how to blush—leads Fr. Mike to discuss shame.
  • He distinguishes between toxic shame (which hides us) and positive shame (which protects our dignity).
  • Positive shame reminds us of our worth and the intrinsic goodness we’re meant to protect.
• The experience of shame can be a sign of remaining innocence and dignity, not just brokenness.

Quote:
"The only reason I feel pain is because something good in me has been wounded. There is still good in you. There is still so much good in you."
—Fr. Mike, (23:25)

5. Proverbs: Leadership and Community

• Proverbs 14:28 is interpreted as evidence that leadership’s value lies in the people entrusted to them.
• Leaders (parents, priests, teachers, etc.) are reminded: if they fall, those under their care struggle too.

Quote:
"In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people, a prince is ruined. This is that role of the king or prince, the one who’s been entrusted. That’s the whole thing, right? [...] It’s possible to lose God’s people."
—Fr. Mike, (06:12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Shepherds and Self-Sacrifice:
  "Are you just feeding yourself? Are you just taking care of yourself? Or are you actually giving your life so the sheep can have life?"
  —Fr. Mike, (10:12)

• On God’s Rescue:
  "'I myself will seek out my sheep.' And we know that Jesus Christ has fulfilled that. He has fulfilled that promise. And especially when he reminds us he is the Good Shepherd."
  —Fr. Mike, (12:15)

• On False Healing:
  "They’ve healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace."
  —Fr. Mike, (15:52)

• On Shame and Dignity:
  "That pain of shame, to recognize: the only reason I feel pain is because something good in me has been wounded. There is still good in you."
  —Fr. Mike, (23:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:04] – Introduction & Readings
• [01:35] – Jeremiah 6: Warning Against False Prophets
• [05:40] – Ezekiel 34: Indictment of False Shepherds & God’s Promise
• [09:55] – Personal Reflection: Shepherds, Responsibility, & St. Augustine
• [12:00] – The Promise & Fulfillment in Christ (Good Shepherd)
• [15:35] – Jeremiah 6: False Healing, Self-Deception, & Asking for Help
• [20:25] – Reflection on Shame: Positive and Toxic
• [24:01] – Encouragement & Closing Prayer

Conclusion

Fr. Mike deeply intertwines ancient prophecy with present-day realities, calling listeners—especially those in leadership (in family, Church, or community)—to reflect on whether they are truly serving God’s people or self. He reassures that even when human leaders fail, God Himself seeks, rescues, and dignifies His flock, inviting all to honesty, humility, and the knowledge that, even in brokenness, each person is worth loving. The episode closes with a heartfelt encouragement to seek help, embrace vulnerability, and remember one’s God-given dignity.

"You are still beautiful. You are still worth loving."
—Fr. Mike, (24:25)