Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode: Day 264: Preaching Without Practice (2025)
Date: September 21, 2025
Readings: Matthew 22, 23, 24; Proverbs 19:17–20

Overview

This episode centers on the themes of religious hypocrisy and integrity as Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes in Jerusalem. Fr. Mike explores how Jesus teaches through parables, addresses controversial topics (like resurrection and taxes), and openly calls out religious leaders for failing to practice what they preach. The reflection ties Jesus’ words to the modern Christian experience, highlighting the necessity of living out one’s faith authentically—not just in word but also in deed.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Context Setting (00:04–02:00)

• Fr. Mike reminds listeners they are deep into the Gospel of Matthew, now focused on Jesus’ final teachings and encounters in Jerusalem.
• Emphasis on how hearing Jesus’ words directly in the gospel provides unique insight:
  "It's just so good to be able to just see Jesus and hear Jesus speak and just watch him how he lives." (00:56–01:04)

2. The Parable of the Wedding Feast (02:30–06:00)

• Jesus describes a king inviting many to a wedding feast, but the invited reject him—symbolic of the religious leaders’ response to Jesus and John the Baptist.
• Fr. Mike unpacks the enigmatic “wedding garment”:
  • The garment represents “the dispositions necessary for admission to the kingdom.”
  • Possible interpretations: baptism (being clothed in Christ), genuine conversion, or proper inner disposition.
  • Memorable analogy:
    "Being in a church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in a garage makes you a car." (06:00)

3. The Question about Resurrection (Sadducees Challenge Jesus) (06:00–08:00)

• The Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, pose a hypothetical about marriage in the afterlife.

• Jesus responds that heavenly existence is different—no marriage—and argues resurrection from the very scripture the Sadducees accept.

• Fr. Mike highlights Jesus’ skillful use of scripture the Sadducees acknowledge, showing His authority and wisdom.

  “It’s so brilliant that Jesus quotes from one of those first five books when he answers the Sadducees …which is just really incredible.” (07:55)

4. On Authority, Hypocrisy, and Integrity (08:00–12:00)

• Jesus acknowledges the authority of the Pharisees (“Moses' seat”) but exposes their hypocrisy:
  “So practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.” (Matthew 23:2-3)
• Fr. Mike’s reflection:
  • Authority is real and to be honored, but not blindly imitated when corrupted.
  • He connects the "Moses seat" to Church authority: priests, bishops, the papacy.
  • Christians are called to discern teachings versus behaviors.
• Notable quote:

  “They’ve been given authority, and they don’t always live that way. …So, listen to their teaching. But some of their behaviors are not honorable. …Don’t live like them.” (09:25)

5. Jesus’ Strong Words: Condemning Hypocrisy (12:00–15:00)

• Jesus harshly rebukes the Pharisees, calling them “blind guides” and “whitewashed tombs.”
• Fr. Mike pushes back against a ‘soft’ or ‘milquetoast’ image of Jesus:
  “Jesus was not soppy or sappy. Jesus was not weak. He was meek, yes, and humble of heart. But meek is not weak.” (13:45)
• Important clarification on judgment:
  • While only God can judge hearts, Jesus commands us to discern actions:

  “We have to judge the fruits, we have to actually look at people’s actions, especially if they’re telling us to do something, and evaluate that. Is that something I should be doing? Are they living an evil life? Are they living a holy life?” (14:15)

• Jesus’ harshness is a form of loving correction, not condemnation.

6. Heaven, Hell, and the Stakes of Faithful Living (15:00–17:00)

• Fr. Mike notes Jesus talks about hell more than anyone else in Scripture: “No one talks more about hell in the entire Bible than Jesus. No one.” (16:15)
• Both heaven and hell are real outcomes; living faith authentically is crucial.
• Parallels with St. Paul’s fear of being disqualified despite preaching to others (1 Cor 9:27).
• The call: Seek grace every day and strive to say “yes” to God fully.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Hypocrisy and Leadership

• Fr. Mike (09:25):
  “They’ve been given authority, and they don’t always live that way. …So, listen to their teaching. But some of their behaviors are not honorable. …Don’t live like them.”

On True Christian Identity

• Fr. Mike (06:00):
  “Being in a church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in a garage makes you a car.”

Jesus on Judging Fruit

• Fr. Mike (14:15):
  “We have to judge the fruits, we have to actually look at people’s actions, especially if they’re telling us to do something, and evaluate that…”

Meekness vs. Weakness

• Fr. Mike (13:45):
  “Jesus was not soppy or sappy. Jesus was not weak. He was meek, yes, and humble of heart. But meek is not weak. …Meekness is not weakness.”

On The Reality of Hell

• Fr. Mike (16:15):
  “No one talks more about hell in the entire Bible than Jesus. No one.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:04 – Introduction, context, and reading schedule
• 02:30 – Parable of the Marriage Feast explained
• 06:00 – Meaning of the wedding garment and authenticity in faith
• 06:50 – The Sadducees and the resurrection: Jesus’ authoritative answer
• 08:00 – On religious authority, hypocrisy, and proper response
• 12:00 – Jesus’ condemnation of hypocrisy and clarification about judgment
• 13:45 – Reflection on Jesus’ meekness (not weakness)
• 15:00 – Discussion on the reality of heaven and hell, and the importance of living out one’s faith

Conclusion

Fr. Mike’s message is direct: Jesus expects integrity from those who claim to speak for God. The episode encourages listeners to discern the difference between authentic faith and empty religiosity, to respect authority but not imitate corruption, and to remember that following Christ requires both belief and action. The call is to pray for grace to truly live what we profess—because, as Fr. Mike echoes St. Paul, even those who teach are in daily need of God’s mercy.

Final Prayer: A request for help in accepting God as He reveals Himself, not just as we wish Him to be, and to love Him with all heart, mind, soul, and strength. (17:30)

Useful For:
Anyone seeking to understand Jesus’ teaching on hypocrisy, Church authority, authenticity in the Christian life, and the seriousness with which Jesus speaks about eternal destiny. This episode is especially relevant for those wrestling with the failures of religious leaders and questions about living one’s faith genuinely.