The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode: Day 252: Queen of Heaven (2025)
Date: September 9, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)

Overview

This episode centers on the readings from Jeremiah 43–44 (the warning against going to Egypt and condemnation of idolatry), Judith 15–16 (the triumph and song of Judith), and Proverbs 17:17–20 (the nature of true friendship and folly). Fr. Mike unpacks the scriptural episodes with commentary, focusing especially on idolatry, the title "Queen of Heaven," the relationship between honor and worship, and how the faithful are called to direct all glory to God, drawing parallels between Judith and Mary.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Jeremiah 43–44: Rebellion, Exile, and Idolatry

• Context: After Jerusalem’s destruction, a remnant of Judah refuses to heed Jeremiah’s warning from God not to go to Egypt. They accuse Jeremiah of lying and forcibly take him with them. In Egypt, they fall quickly back into idolatry.
• Key Point: The people's answer to Jeremiah highlights their superstitious view—they blame their troubles on ceasing the worship of a pagan goddess, the "Queen of Heaven," equating past prosperity with pagan rituals instead of faithfulness to the Lord.
• Fr. Mike’s Reflections:
  • "They force Jeremiah to go with them. They kidnap him essentially and they say that he's lying to them, that the Lord our God did not send you to say, do not go down to Egypt to live there...and Jeremiah warns them...Because here they go to Egypt and what do they do? They turn back to idolatry. And it's just the most ridiculous thing ever. Gosh." (22:20)
  • The people wrongly conclude that neglecting pagan worship (the "Queen of Heaven") brings disaster, when in truth, "you turned away from the living God. That’s why you’re in bad shape." (23:45)

2. Who is the "Queen of Heaven"?

• Biblical Context: In Jeremiah 44, the "Queen of Heaven" refers to the goddess Ishtar/Astarte/Ashtoreth, a fertility deity detested in Israel’s tradition.
• Catholic Teaching: Fr. Mike addresses a common accusation that the Catholic title for Mary as “Queen of Heaven” is a continuation of pagan idolatry:
  • "Just because we use some same words, some similar words as are used at other times in the Bible or in the history of Judaism or in the history of Christianity, doesn't mean we're using them in the same way. Obviously, we do not consider Mary to be a goddess. Mary is simply human." (26:20)
• Theological Clarification:
  • Kingship and queenship in the Old Testament: The mother of the king (not his wives) acted as queen ("gebira").
  • For Jesus—the King—Mary, as his mother, is "queen mother."
  • In Revelation 12, John sees the crowned woman (interpreted as Mary) signifying her exalted role—but not divinity.

3. Praise, Glory, and Directing Honor to God

• Drawing a parallel from Judith’s story:
  • Judith receives immense praise for her heroic act, but she channels all honor back to God:
    • Quote from Judith’s Song: "Lord, you are great and glorious. You're wonderful in strength. You are invincible. Let all your creatures serve you, for you spoke and they were made." (28:05)
  • Fr. Mike expands: "Whenever we praise God's children, what we're doing is we're praising what he has done in them and through them. So Judith gets praised, and she directs it to God. Mary gets praised, and she directs it to God. When you and I get praised, we direct it to God because he is the Holy One." (29:10)
• Application for Listeners: The episode delivers a reminder to always redirect any honor or success in our lives back to God, just as biblical figures and saints have done.

4. Judith 15–16: The Defeat of the Assyrians and Judith's Song

• After Judith's victory, the Israelites destroy their enemies, receive blessings, and honor Judith with gifts and dances.
• Judith sings a song exalting God’s mighty deeds, highlighting God’s unique power and mercy.
  • Memorable Moment: "The Lord Almighty has foiled them by the hand of a woman." (27:30)
• Judith lives out her years in honor, and her legacy brings peace to Israel.

5. Proverbs 17:17–20: The Nature of True Friendship

• Scripture Reflection: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (21:10)
• Fr. Mike reflects on friendship:
  • "Joy is multiplied when it's shared and grief is divided when it's shared." (21:45)
  • True friends are those with whom we can share both the good and bad news, and they respond with either rejoicing or mourning as needed.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the misuse of titles:
  • “Just because we use some same words...doesn’t mean we’re using them in the same way...we do not consider Mary to be a goddess. Mary is simply human.” (Fr. Mike, 26:20)
• On the contrast between Judith and pagan idolatry:
  • "The Lord Almighty has foiled them by the hand of a woman." (Judith’s Song, 27:30)
• On re-directing praise:
  • "Whenever we praise God's children...we’re praising what he has done in them and through them. So Judith gets praised, and she directs it to God. Mary gets praised, and she directs it to God. When you and I get praised, we direct it to God because he is the Holy One." (Fr. Mike, 29:10)
• On friendship:
  • "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17, 21:10)
  • "Joy is multiplied when it's shared and grief is divided when it's shared." (Fr. Mike, 21:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:04 – Fr. Mike opens and outlines readings
• 13:00 – Reading from Jeremiah 43–44: the Jewish remnant's journey to Egypt and condemnation of idolatry
• 19:30 – Reading from Judith 15–16: Israel's victory, Judith’s praise song, and her legacy
• 21:10 – Reflection on Proverbs 17:17: friendship through adversity
• 22:20 – Analysis of the people's rejection of Jeremiah and the lure of superstition
• 23:45 – Explanation of "Queen of Heaven" in Jeremiah and in Catholic tradition
• 26:20 – Fr. Mike addresses accusations against Catholic Marian devotion
• 27:30 – Judith’s praise of God as the source of victory
• 28:05 – Highlighting Judith’s humility and redirected praise
• 29:10 – Application: Directing all our praise and honor to God

Conclusion: Takeaways for Listeners

This episode offers deep insight into idolatry, the danger of misplacing our trust, the biblical and Catholic understanding of honoring God’s chosen ones, and the authentic meaning of giving glory to God through both Scripture and personal action. Fr. Mike urges listeners to follow Judith and Mary’s example by directing all honor back to God and staying steadfast, especially when misunderstood or criticized. Friendship and community sustain us—both in joy and adversity.

Fr. Mike's parting words:
"And so praying for you. Please pray for me. That we can always, always, when we receive praise, that we can direct it to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit... My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." (End)