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

Episode: Day 24: Tears of Joy
Date: January 24, 2026

Episode Overview

In Day 24 of The Bible in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz invites listeners to immerse themselves in the emotional heart of the Joseph story, as the narrative in Genesis reaches the climactic reunion between Joseph and his brothers and, finally, with his father Jacob (Israel). Alongside the readings from Genesis 45–46, Job 37–38, and Proverbs 4:20–27, Fr. Mike’s reflection explores the profound topic of “tears of joy”—the blend of gratitude, relief, and the awareness of life’s fragility that sometimes brings us to weep even in moments of greatest happiness.

Key Scripture Readings

• Genesis 45–46: Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, forgives them, and invites Jacob’s entire family to Egypt amid famine. Joseph and Jacob’s tearful reunion.
• Job 37–38: Elihu recounts the majesty of God, and then God speaks to Job from the whirlwind, challenging Job’s understanding of creation.
• Proverbs 4:20–27: An exhortation to keep one’s heart and ways aligned with wisdom.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Emotional Climax: Joseph Reveals Himself (Genesis 45)

• Joseph’s Outpouring of Emotion:

  • Joseph cannot contain himself—his weeping is so loud it is heard throughout Pharaoh’s house.
  • He reassures his stunned brothers, “It was not you who sent me here, but God. And he has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his house.” (Genesis 45:8)
  • Joseph urges his brothers to bring their father and families to Egypt for safety.

• Family Reunification:

  • The passage details Joseph’s reunion with Benjamin—incredibly moving since it is their first meeting as brothers.
  • The ultimate emotional peak follows when Joseph and Jacob (Israel) are at last reunited in Egypt.

Notable Quote

"He fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept. And Benjamin wept upon his neck." (Genesis 45:14, read at 03:10)

“Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.” (Genesis 46:30, read at 11:00)

2. Reflecting on Tears of Joy (Fr. Mike’s Commentary)

• Why Do We Cry When We Are Happy?

  • Fr. Mike reflects on why tears accompany joyful reunions:
    • “Why would we cry when good things are happening?... We weep because we know it could have been otherwise.” (16:40)

• The Fragility of Life & God’s Providence:

  • Joseph’s story encapsulates how life could have taken a very different, much more tragic path.
  • “We weep out of joy, but also knowing how fragile we are and knowing that if the Lord is not with us, that fragility means death.” (17:10)
  • Moments of reunion and forgiveness remind us that God can redeem even deeply broken circumstances.

• Applying to the Listener:

  • Fr. Mike invites each listener to consider where their own heart may be broken, either with “tears of joy” or from unresolved sorrow.
  • The episode becomes interactive as he encourages everyone to pray for each other and to recognize that this Bible journey is a shared, communal experience.
  • “What breaks your heart today? What joy breaks your heart today?... Where's your heart being broken today? This is something definitely worth talking to the Lord about and actually praying for each other about.” (18:10)

Memorable Moment

“When God is with us... there's room in our life for tears, and there's room in our life for joy, and there's room in our lives for joyful tears.” (17:45)

3. The Awesomeness of God’s Creation (Job 37–38)

• Elihu’s and God’s Speeches:
  • Elihu describes the thunderous majesty of God.
  • God answers Job from the whirlwind, asking a series of rhetorical, awe-inspiring questions (“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?”) to humble human presumption.

Notable Verse

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?... Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38:2-4, read at 13:45)

4. Wisdom from Proverbs

• Keep Your Heart with Diligence:
  • The brief passage encourages attentiveness to God’s Word and vigilance over one’s heart and actions.

Key Proverb

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23, read at 16:00)

Important Timestamps

• 00:04–02:30: Episode setup, reading plan, and encouragements
• 02:30–15:10: Scripture readings: Genesis 45–46, Job 37–38, Proverbs 4:20–27
• 15:10–18:50: Fr. Mike’s reflection: The meaning of joyful tears, the story’s emotional context, and an invitation to reflection and prayer

Final Reflection

Fr. Mike closes by expressing gratitude for the Scripture and for all listeners walking this journey together. He encourages praying for each other, highlighting that even in challenging or confusing passages, God continues to speak and draw us into the story.

Notable Farewell

“We need to pray for each other because we're not journeying alone. I am praying for you. My name is Father Mike. Cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (18:50)

Summary At a Glance

• Main Theme: The transformative power of reconciliation and the deeply human experience of "tears of joy" in God’s salvation story.
• Key Scriptures: Genesis 45–46 (Joseph and family reunion), Job 37–38 (God’s sovereignty and creation), Proverbs 4:20–27 (guarding one’s heart).
• Reflection: Joyful tears come from the awareness that life could have been otherwise, but God’s providence brings healing, reunion, and hope. Fr. Mike urges listeners to pray for each other and recognize the fragility—and beauty—of life under God’s care.