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

Episode: Day 23: Judah Changes (2026)
Date: January 23, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension

EPISODE OVERVIEW

On Day 23 of “The Bible in a Year,” Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through Genesis 43–44 (the ongoing story of Joseph and his brothers), Job 35–36 (Elihu’s continued discourse with Job), and Proverbs 4:10–19 (exhortations to seek wisdom). The central theme is transformation—especially the radical change in Judah’s character—and how the ongoing story of Joseph’s betrayal is now echoed by renewed brotherly love and self-sacrifice. Fr. Mike’s reflection emphasizes the hope of personal change through God’s grace, even amidst brokenness.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Scripture Readings

Genesis 43–44:

• The famine continues, and Jacob/Israel insists his sons return to Egypt for food.
• Judah steps up, taking personal responsibility for Benjamin, offering himself as surety for his safety—a stark contrast to his previous involvement in Joseph’s betrayal.
• The brothers face Joseph in Egypt; Joseph tests them further by framing Benjamin with his silver cup.
• Judah pleads passionately for Benjamin’s life, offering himself as a substitute.

[00:23–13:51] Notable narrative progression

Job 35–36:

• Elihu challenges Job’s self-righteousness, emphasizing that human actions don’t affect God the way they do people.
• God’s greatness and inscrutability are highlighted; human suffering is framed as both a mystery and a potential source of instruction.

[13:52–19:25] Theological reflections by Elihu

Proverbs 4:10–19:

• A father urges his son to pursue wisdom, shun evil, and follow the path of righteousness.

[19:26–20:35] Wisdom literature

2. Fr. Mike’s Reflection & Commentary

The Change in Judah and His Brothers

• Fr. Mike notes a clear transformation:
  • "Originally, these brothers were jealous of the love that their father had for... Joseph...They were willing to kill him...But now something must have changed." [20:43]
  • The brothers, once callous about their father’s grief, now determinedly protect their youngest brother, Benjamin.
• Judah’s Redemption:
  • Fr. Mike emphasizes the contrast between Judah’s past sin (with Tamar) and his current willingness to sacrifice for Benjamin.
  • “Here is this reality... Judah now placing his life on the line for his father, for his brother, and for his other brothers.” [22:00]
  • Judah shifts from selfishness to self-offering; he becomes a model of brotherly love and transformation.
• Hope in the Possibility of Change:
  • “If there’s anything the gospel reveals to us...it’s that yes, we are broken...but also that we can change.” [21:21]
  • Fr. Mike draws a parallel between Judah’s journey and the transformation possible in every believer, stressing that grace enables real change.
  • “None of us have to remain stuck in our sin...with God’s grace, every one of us can change.” [22:40]

A Call to Reflection and Prayer

• Fr. Mike encourages listeners to reflect on their own need for change, to bring today’s scriptures to prayer, and to intercede for one another.
• “That’s why we’re doing this Bible in a Year...because we need to be reminded...that God truly does want us, that He is communicating Himself to us...” [23:08]

MEMORABLE QUOTES & MOMENTS

• On Transformation:
  • “We don't want to be those kinds of sons. We don't want to...needlessly grieve our Father.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz [20:56]
• On Judah’s Sacrifice:
  • “Let your servant, I beg you, remain instead of the lad as a slave to my Lord, and let the lad go back with his brothers.” — Judah, Genesis 44 (read at [12:50])
• On Redemption:
  • “With God's grace, every one of us can change.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz [22:40]
• On Brokenness and Hope:
  • “The fact that we are broken and...need God's help is a present reality...What’s not as obvious is...we also can change with God’s help.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz [21:53]

TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

• 00:23 – 13:51: Genesis 43 & 44 reading (Joseph, his brothers, Judah’s appeal)
• 13:52 – 19:25: Job 35–36 reading (Elihu addresses Job)
• 19:26 – 20:35: Proverbs 4:10–19 reading (wisdom to avoid the path of the wicked)
• 20:43 – 24:06: Reflection on the transformation of Judah and the hope of change (“man, oh, man, there is something about these 12 brothers...”)
• 22:40 – 24:06: Fr. Mike’s encouragement to seek real transformation by grace and to pray for one another

CONCLUSION

Tone:
Warm, pastoral, and hopeful—the episode focuses both on honest recognition of human shortcomings and on the power of God’s grace to effect deep personal change.

Summary Flow:
Listeners journey through the raw and redemptive family drama of Genesis, with Fr. Mike drawing out spiritual lessons on repentance, transformation, and the possibility of becoming agents of reconciliation and healing in their own families and lives. The reflection closes with a prayerful invitation to openness and growth.

“I know that I’m praying for you and I ask that you please keep on praying for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you again tomorrow. God bless.” [24:00]

For listeners:
This episode powerfully illustrates how God’s Word reveals the possibility of real change—no matter how broken our history. Judah’s journey foreshadows Christ-like self-offering and invites every listener into hope, transformation, and intercessory prayer.