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

Day 257: Choose to Love (September 14, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through the conclusion of Jeremiah (chapter 52), the entire single-chapter book of Obadiah, and Proverbs 18:13–16. He reflects on the destruction of Jerusalem, the exile to Babylon, and the lasting consequences for Israel and its neighbors, highlighting the enduring importance of choosing love—especially within family and community. The episode closes with practical insight into the challenge of loving family members and choosing unity even when separation seems easier.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Summary of Today’s Readings

• Jeremiah 52: The fall and destruction of Jerusalem, the final deportation to Babylon, and a note of hope in the release of King Jehoiachin from prison after 37 years.
• Obadiah: God’s judgment on Edom (descendants of Esau) for standing by—or even rejoicing—as Israel suffered, emphasizing consequences of indifference and betrayal among family.
• Proverbs 18:13–16: Practical wisdom on patience, knowledge, and the gifts that make way for a person among the great.

2. Reflections on Jeremiah 52

• The Downfall of Zedekiah

  • Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, is captured after fleeing besieged Jerusalem.
  • Fr. Mike highlights Zedekiah’s character: “He reveals his character … There’s a time to stand and fight. There’s a time to surrender. And it seems like Zedekiah never knew when he was supposed to do what he was supposed to do.”
    (23:44)
  • The king’s sons are executed in front of him, and then he is blinded and imprisoned.
  • Fr. Mike draws out the tragic consequences of failed leadership and disobedience.

• Destruction of the Temple

  • The temple—built by Solomon—is burned, the city walls razed, and sacred vessels plundered.
  • “This incredible, impressive temple is going to be reduced to rubble now. And when it gets rebuilt, it will be a shadow of its former self.”
    (26:00)
  • Sets the stage for Ezra and Nehemiah (coming in the reading plan), where returnees must rebuild from ruins.

• Hope in Exile

  • Despite the devastation, hope glimmers through the release of Jehoiachin, a Davidic king, from prison by Evil-merodach, the new Babylonian king.
  • Fr. Mike explains, “After 37 years of being in prison … he sets him free. He takes him out of prison and gives him a place at his own table.”
    (27:07)
  • The survival of David’s line is emphasized, maintaining the hope of future restoration and messianic fulfillment.

3. Insights on the Book of Obadiah

• Edom’s Betrayal

  • Obadiah’s message is for Edom (descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin).
  • Edom is condemned for not helping Judah during its destruction, instead taking advantage or even gloating.
  • Fr. Mike contextualizes: “How easy it is for families to just drift apart … almost always it takes … a deeper intentionality for family to stay family. It’s just easier to drift apart.”
    (31:36)

• The Pain of Broken Family Ties

  • Even though Jacob and Esau reconciled personally, their descendants remained adversaries.
  • Fr. Mike notes the importance of striving to love:
    • “Maybe what should happen is we say, no, we’re family, so we’re going to choose to love each other. Well, Edom and Israel did not. And it came with a price.”
      (33:20)
  • Expands the message: choosing love, especially within families, is difficult but necessary.

4. Choosing Love as a Daily Challenge

• Application to Modern Life
  • Fr. Mike encourages listeners to examine whom they need to “choose to love” in their own lives.
  • “Who is it in your life today that you are being challenged by the Lord God to choose to love? Most likely, they’re closer than we think.”
    (34:11)
  • Emphasizes the need for God’s grace: “So we need God’s grace in order to love. We have to receive his love first.”

5. Select Memorable Quotes

• On Zedekiah’s Character:

  • “There’s a time to stand and fight. There’s time to surrender. And it seems like Zedekiah never knew when he was supposed to do what he was supposed to do.” (23:44)

• On Hope in Restoration:

  • “After 37 years of being in prison … he sets him free. He takes him out of prison and gives him a place at his own table.” (27:07)

• On Family Estrangement:

  • “How easy it is for families to just drift apart … it takes a deeper kind of healing and takes a deeper intentionality for family to stay family.” (31:36)

• On the Challenge to Love:

  • “Maybe what should happen is we say, no, we’re family, so we’re going to choose to love each other. Well, Edom and Israel did not. And it came with a price.” (33:20)
  • “Who is it in your life today that you are being challenged by the Lord God to choose to love? Most likely, they’re closer than we think.” (34:11)

Important Timestamps

• Jeremiah 52 Reading (01:00–12:15)
• Reflection on Zedekiah and Fall of Jerusalem (23:44)
• Discussion of Temple Destruction and Return (26:00)
• Release of Jehoiachin and Hope (27:07)
• Obadiah’s Message on Edom and Family (31:36–33:20)
• Calling to Choose Love (34:11)

Tone and Closing

Fr. Mike maintains a deeply pastoral, empathetic, and sometimes gently humorous tone throughout the episode, helping listeners connect historical events to the emotional and relational challenges of everyday life. His closing words encourage listeners to seek God’s grace and be proactive in loving those closest to them.

“So we need God’s grace in order to love. We have to receive his love first. And so I’m praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. Messianic checkpoint. God bless.” (34:46)