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

Episode: Day 258: The Kingdom Is Here (2025)
Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode Overview

This episode marks the beginning of the "Messianic Fulfillment" period in the Bible in a Year journey. Fr. Mike leads listeners through Matthew chapters 1–4 and Proverbs 18:17–20, providing scriptural readings, reflections, and guided prayer. The focus is on the arrival of Jesus as the fulfillment of salvation history: his genealogy, birth, early life, and the start of his public ministry. Fr. Mike dives deep into the significance of these gospel passages, illuminating connections to the Old Testament and the meaning of the "kingdom" Jesus proclaims.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction and Scope of Readings

• Messianic Fulfillment Period Begins: The readings shift from Old Testament anticipation to the arrival of Christ.
• Scripture Covered: Matthew 1–4 (genealogy, birth, Magi, flight to Egypt, John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, temptations, start of ministry) and Proverbs 18:17–20.

2. The Genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1)

• Connecting Old and New Testaments:
  Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of the genealogy—not just a list of names, but a story of God working through generations.

• Notable Women in the Genealogy:

  • Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and "the wife of Uriah" (Bathsheba) are included, each with complex, sometimes morally fraught stories.
  • “There’s something really unique about those four women who are mentioned... Here in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, we have Tamar... Ruth... Bathsheba. And I find it fascinating... stories of brokenness, and yet it’s in that brokenness that Jesus is able to—that the Father, the Holy Spirit is able to do something incredible.” (20:38)

• The Power of Brokenness:
  Fr. Mike gets emotional recounting how God’s promise is fulfilled through a lineage marked by failure, suffering, and hope:

  • “I can hardly get through the genealogy without getting choked up... Lord, this story we’ve been reading... thousands, maybe millions of people who were waiting and longing for fulfillment—finally, finally here.” (22:01)

3. Joseph’s Dilemma and Theories of His Actions (23:28)

Fr. Mike explores why Joseph resolved to quietly divorce Mary:

• Three theories from tradition:
  1. Disbelief – Joseph thought Mary was unfaithful but didn’t want her harmed.
  2. Belief and Unworthiness – Joseph believed Mary but felt unworthy to be the foster father of God’s Son.
  3. Belief and Confusion – Joseph believed, didn’t feel unworthy, but simply did not know what to do.
• “You can imagine his confusion... He’s a just man, yet he’s unwilling to expose her to shame... no one knows—we might know in heaven.”

4. Visit of the Magi and Gifts’ Significance (28:04)

• The traditional gifts to Jesus—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are deeply symbolic:
  • Gold: Kingship
  • Frankincense: Priesthood/sacrifice
  • Myrrh: Suffering and death (anointing the dead)
• “Even at the moment of his birth, Jesus is recognized on these three levels... gold for kingship, frankincense for the priest/sacrifice, and myrrh for burial.”

5. Jesus as Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies (29:21)

• Fr. Mike connects Jesus’ story to Jeremiah and Isaiah; highlights Jesus’ role in restoring the lost tribes—particularly by preaching first in Galilee of the Gentiles (Zebulun & Naphtali).
• “When Jesus is reconstituting the Kingdom... where is he going to go? He goes to the place where all the destruction began... and what does he do? He says, the Kingdom is here.”
• The Twelve Apostles reflect the re-gathering of the Twelve Tribes.

6. John the Baptist and Jesus’ Baptism (31:10)

• John’s powerful call to repentance and Jesus’ solidarity with repentant Israel.
• God the Father’s voice: “This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased.” (Scripture, 13:20)

7. Temptation in the Desert (14:30)

• Threefold temptation reflects Jesus’ mission and victory over sin.
• Jesus responds with scripture each time, modeling fidelity to God’s word.

8. Jesus Declares: The Kingdom Is At Hand (32:04)

• Central message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Scripture, 17:41 & 34:03)
• Fr. Mike: “Jesus didn’t just come to die, he came to establish the kingdom... The kingdom that was lost is now reestablished in Jesus.”

9. Calling of the First Disciples and Healing (35:50)

• Jesus calls ordinary fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, John)—the start of a new community.
• His ministry brings hope and healing to all.

10. Proverbs Reflection (37:12)

• “He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17)
• Fr. Mike highlights the importance of listening to both sides and humility in resolving conflicts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Genealogy and Brokenness:
  “Here’s Matthew who makes it so clear... these three women who are mentioned reveal stories of brokenness. And yet it’s in that brokenness that Jesus is able to—[God] is able to do something incredible with the conception of Jesus Christ, the incarnation of Jesus Christ, in time and in this place. Just amazing.” (20:38)
• On Joseph’s Dilemma:
  “Joseph would know Mary... he would know the character of Mary, that this was a woman of virtue, a woman of purity. And believing her, he would think, ‘I couldn’t possibly be the foster father of the Son of God.’” (24:45)
• On Jesus’ Mission:
  “Remember, the Assyrians came in, they destroyed the ten tribes in the north... what is Jesus doing? The first moment he makes a public declaration... he says, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.’” (29:46)
• On the Kingdom:
  “This is just incredible... here’s Jesus, who has not only fulfilled this as the king but invites you and me into being a part of that kingdom. He establishes us as part of that kingdom through baptism.” (32:33)
• On Repentance and God’s Grace:
  “We repent and turn to the Lord, away from our sins. That takes grace, of course, not just a strong will... so as always, we pray for each other. And I am praying for you. Please pray for me.” (33:40)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:04 – Introduction, reading plan overview, beginning “Messianic Fulfillment”
• 01:57 – Matthew 1: The genealogy of Jesus
• 05:35 – Birth of Jesus and role of Joseph
• 08:37 – The visit of the Magi; gifts explained
• 10:31 – Flight to Egypt and fulfillment of prophecy
• 14:12 – John the Baptist and Jesus’ baptism
• 15:38 – Temptation of Jesus in the desert
• 17:41 – Jesus begins public ministry: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”
• 19:17 – Calling the first disciples; Jesus’ healings
• 20:00 – Proverbs 18:17–20
• 20:38 – Reflection: Genealogy’s significance, inclusion of women, brokenness
• 23:28 – Joseph’s dilemma theories explained
• 28:04 – The Magi’s gifts and symbolism
• 29:21 – Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies
• 31:10 – John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism revisited
• 32:04 – The new kingdom, “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand”
• 35:50 – Call of the first disciples as re-gathering of Israel
• 37:12 – Reflections on Proverbs: humility, two sides to a story
• 38:10 – Closing prayer, walking closely with Jesus in the days ahead

Summary Flow and Tone

Fr. Mike’s tone is warm, energetic, awe-filled, and pastorally sensitive. He marvels over the fulfillment of God’s promises, presses the hope and challenge of kingdom living, and is transparently moved by the stories of brokenness leading to redemption. His scriptural insight is balanced with practical encouragement and devotion, making these ancient stories feel immediate and deeply personal.

Additional Resources

• Reading Plan, Timeline, and Resources:
  ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear

Conclusion

In this pivotal episode, Fr. Mike launches the Messianic Fulfillment period by introducing listeners to Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah whose coming answers centuries of longing and brokenness. Listeners are invited to see themselves as part of this kingdom story—called, like the first disciples, to leave behind the old and follow Christ, supported always by prayer and grace.