The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 249 – Prayer of Judith (2025)
Date: September 6, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Scripture: Jeremiah 37–38, Judith 8–9, Proverbs 17:5–8
Episode Overview
This episode plunges listeners into pivotal moments from both Jeremiah and Judith in the Old Testament, drawing out the themes of faithful endurance and trust in God amidst suffering and desperation. Fr. Mike explores Jeremiah’s imprisonment and his prophetic integrity, the introduction and character of Judith, and her powerful prayer – a model of praise, humility, and trust. The episode also features reflections on Proverbs’ wisdom about compassion and integrity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Proverbs Reflection: Compassion and Integrity
[21:31]
- Fr. Mike highlights the dangers of mocking the poor or rejoicing at others’ misfortunes.
- "He who mocks the poor insults his Maker. ... When we rejoice in the failings of others or in the calamity of others, that is a weakness in our own character."
— Fr. Mike [21:35] - He invites listeners to honestly reflect on times they might have taken pleasure in the suffering of others, whether in personal relationships or broader contexts like politics and celebrity culture.
2. Jeremiah’s Suffering and Faithfulness
[23:00]
- Jeremiah faces suspicion and brutality from his own people and leaders:
- Accused of desertion and thrown in prison, then cast into a cistern filled with mire.
- Zedekiah the king privately consults Jeremiah but is fearful and indecisive, torn between political pressures and the prophet’s message.
- Fr. Mike draws parallels between Jeremiah “sinking in the mire” and Christ’s willingness to share in the suffering of his people.
- "The prophet Jeremiah, he allowed himself to suffer with the people. … He’s an image of Christ in that."
— Fr. Mike [24:01] - Ebed-melech’s act of compassion in rescuing Jeremiah is highlighted as a moment of courage and right action.
- "What a gift. Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian, a hero who comes and rescues Jeremiah... for whatever reason, Zedekiah listens to him. It's so good."
— Fr. Mike [24:50] - Fr. Mike notes the impending doom looming over Jerusalem, with Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian army a constant threat.
3. The Introduction and Character of Judith
[25:35]
- Fr. Mike describes Judith as an exemplary figure—beautiful, prudent, discerning, virtuous, and deeply devoted to God.
- "Judith is ... she's the bomb.com, like she is. She's incredible."
— Fr. Mike [25:52] - He emphasizes that her wisdom is rooted not just in knowledge, but in a heart rightly disposed towards God.
- "Your heart's disposition is right. ... Real wisdom is not just knowing the facts."
— Fr. Mike [26:31]
4. Judith Rebukes the Elders and Teaches Trust
[27:11]
- Facing siege, the city’s leaders plan to give God “five more days” before surrendering—a timeline to force God’s hand.
- Judith calls out the folly of putting God to the test, reminding the elders of God’s sovereignty and their own limits.
- "You can’t give God a timeline. ... How many of us want to give God a timeline? All of the time. ... As if we can bribe God into helping us."
— Fr. Mike [27:31] - The elders acknowledge her wisdom and ask her to pray for divine intervention.
5. The Prayer of Judith: Model of Praise and Petition
[29:05]
- Judith, before acting, humbles herself and offers an earnest, beautiful prayer during evening incense, referencing God's past faithfulness and asking for strength and deliverance.
- Fr. Mike focuses on the depth of praise and humility in her words.
- "If you ever want to give God praise, it's that. … It's being able to talk to God, saying, ‘Here's who you are’."
— Fr. Mike [29:56] - Her prayer’s major points:
- God’s power doesn’t depend on numbers or human might.
- God is the helper of the oppressed, upholder of the weak, protector of the forlorn, and Savior of those without hope.
- Judith doesn’t simply ask for help—she lavishes praise and acknowledges God’s glory first.
- Fr. Mike notes the connection between the names Judith and Judah, suggesting that Judith “means praise”—fitting for the tone and content of her prayer.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Jeremiah's Suffering:
"These people were suffering, the city was suffering … and Jeremiah didn’t exempt himself from that suffering."
— Fr. Mike [24:07] -
On Wisdom and the Heart:
"We have reduced wisdom to knowledge and we’ve reduced knowledge to data … but Judith is not wise because she’s learned so much. She’s wise because her heart is right."
— Fr. Mike [26:31] -
On Giving God an Ultimatum:
"You can’t give God a timeline. … Our temptation is, ‘Okay, God, you need to help me by this point, and if you don’t…?’"
— Fr. Mike [27:31] -
On the Nature of Praise in Prayer:
"One of the things that we have is prayers of praise and thanksgiving. … This prayer of Judith is not simply intercession, not just 'Hey, I’m about to do this thing, I really need help.' It is full of praise, it is full of thanksgiving."
— Fr. Mike [29:05] -
On Perseverance in Faith:
"You made it to today—day 249—and that’s not small, it’s not little, that’s pretty important—and so are you."
— Fr. Mike [31:08]
Important Timestamps
- 00:04 – Introduction and reading plan outline
- 01:30–16:52 – Scripture readings: Jeremiah 37–38, Judith 8–9, Proverbs 17:5–8
- 17:00 – Opening prayer and blessings for the community
- 21:31 – Reflection on Proverbs and personal integrity
- 23:00 – Jeremiah’s suffering, faithfulness, and Christlike witness
- 25:35 – Introduction and praise for Judith’s character
- 27:11 – Judith’s rebuke to the elders and teaching on trusting God’s timing
- 29:05 – The prayer of Judith: a model of praise, humility, and intercession
- 31:08 – Encouragement to listeners for their perseverance
The Language & Tone
Fr. Mike speaks with warmth, sincerity, and a pastoral heart—inviting listeners to reflect deeply while affirming them along their journey. He is reverent yet colloquial at moments (“she’s the bomb.com”), making scriptural figures relatable without diminishing their biblical gravity. The tone is uplifting, grateful, and rooted in encouragement, especially towards those attempting to follow the Bible in a year.
Summary
Day 249 centers on two models of faith under trial: Jeremiah, who chooses suffering and solidarity with his people for God’s sake, and Judith, who fearlessly calls her leaders to greater trust and offers a prayer that blends intercession with adoration. Fr. Mike challenges listeners to check their own hearts for integrity and humility, be wary of testing God, and embrace praise as an essential part of prayer. Through these readings and reflections, listeners are reminded that—even amid hardship and uncertainty—God remains faithful, and so are the “cloud of witnesses” who have walked this path before.
"You made it to today—day 249—and that’s not small. ... That’s pretty important—and so are you."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [31:08]