The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode 266: Son of the Father
Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension
Readings: Matthew 27–28, Proverbs 19:25–29

Episode Overview

This episode marks a climactic point in the journey through Scripture, as Fr. Mike Schmitz leads listeners through the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew. Fr. Mike reflects on the meaning of “Son of the Father” and ties together the Old Testament story, the significance of Catholic tradition, and the commissioning of all believers to continue Christ’s mission. The episode is rich with connections between Scripture, tradition, and personal faith, culminating in an impassioned call to live and share the Gospel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Scripture Readings Recap

• Matthew 27: The trial of Jesus before Pilate, Judas’s remorse and suicide, the crowd's choice of Barabbas, Jesus' crucifixion and death, and his burial.
• Matthew 28: The resurrection, the angel’s message to the women, the guards' report and cover-up, and Jesus’ “Great Commission.”
• Proverbs 19:25–29: Wisdom on prudence, justice, and the consequences for folly and wickedness.

2. Significance of the Messianic Checkpoint

• This episode completes the “Messianic checkpoint” with the Gospel of Matthew, preparing to move from exile to “the return” in the next stage of the Bible timeline (Ezra, Haggai, Zechariah, Nehemiah, Esther).
• Quote (04:55):
  "Today is the last day of the Messianic checkpoint, the Gospel of Matthew. Tomorrow we're moving on to the return… We had so much time in the exile… and we're having the return coming soon."
  — Fr. Mike

3. Faith, Relics, and Tradition

• Fr. Mike explains the presence of relics in Catholic altars—bones of saints—as a sign of the Church’s connection to early Christian worship in the catacombs and the Communion of Saints.
• In the Diocese of Duluth’s cathedral is a relic of St. Matthew, underscoring a living, historical connection to the apostle and his Gospel.
• Quote (14:54):
  "Underneath the cathedral is actually... a piece of the bone of the man who wrote the Gospel of Matthew—the tax collector who was called by Jesus, 'Come, follow me.'"
  — Fr. Mike

4. Barabbas and Jesus: “Son of the Father”

• “Barabbas” means “son of the father” (Bar = son, Abba = father), presenting a symbolic choice for the people: a guilty false son (Barabbas) and the true, innocent Son of the Father (Jesus).
• This scene echoes Old Testament themes where humanity repeatedly errs, forsaking the true gift of God for something lesser.
• Quote (18:10):
  "We have the one guilty Son of the Father... and we have Jesus who is innocent, completely innocent. What do the people want? The people want the murderer to be released—this kind of, in some ways, false Son of the Father—and are willing to give up... the actual true Son of the Father."
  — Fr. Mike

5. Interpreting Difficult Passages: “His Blood Be on Us and on Our Children”

• Fr. Mike clarifies the context: when the crowd invokes this curse, it must be read in the prophetic Jewish tradition. It should not be used to justify harm against Jewish people.
• Early Christians, many of whom remained Jewish, saw themselves within the continuity of their faith, not as founders of a new religion.
• Quote (20:17):
  "It's not a condemnation from these new Christians. It's a condemnation of a Jewish prophet... We are the people of the covenant. We are the people of Israel. And now the covenant is fulfilled."
  — Fr. Mike

6. The Cry From the Cross: “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?”

• Jesus fully enters into the human experience of abandonment, yet is never actually forsaken by the Father. This moment reassures anyone who feels alone or abandoned that even Christ experienced such pain.
• Jesus is also quoting Psalm 22—a prayer that moves from desperation to trust and hope.
• Quote (23:55):
  "When you and I have felt forsaken... Jesus allowed that to overwhelm him on the cross. There is no experience, no matter how dark, that Jesus did not allow to touch his life."
  — Fr. Mike

7. Love, Sacrifice, and Resurrection

• Fr. Mike emphasizes that it’s not the extremity of Jesus’ suffering that saves, but his perfect love: “It’s not the depth to which Jesus sacrificed that saves us. It’s the depth of his love for us that saves us.”
• The resurrection is as central as the crucifixion—his triumph over death completes the redemption.

8. The Great Commission: Our Call Today

• Jesus’ words to the disciples—“Go and make disciples of all nations… I am with you always”—are the ongoing mission for every believer, lived out both far and near, especially within our families and immediate circles.
• Quote (27:19):
  “Go make disciples in your family. Make disciples of your friends… And you are not alone. Behold, I am with you always to the close of the age, my friends. The age is not yet closed. And therefore we know that he is with us.”
  — Fr. Mike

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Relics and Catholic Tradition:
  “We intercede for one another… As we heard Jesus say two days ago, that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. Therefore, all those who die in him are still alive, right?” (13:33)

• On Understanding Early Christianity:
  “The early Christians didn’t see themselves as starting a new religion. They saw themselves as… Judaism is now fulfilled… All the stories… are fulfilled now in Jesus.” (21:06)

• On Jesus’ Love and Sacrifice:
  “It’s not the depth to which Jesus sacrificed that saves us. It’s the depth of his love for us that saves us.” (25:50)

• Personal Encouragement:
  “I am praying for you. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (29:12)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:25 – Outline of readings and transition to “the return” in the Bible timeline
• 05:45 – Start of Matthew 27: trial before Pilate, Judas, Barabbas
• 10:55 – The crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus
• 12:40 – The Resurrection and the angel’s message (Matthew 28)
• 14:45 – Reflection on relics and Catholic tradition
• 17:34 – Significance of Barabbas (“Son of the Father”)
• 20:05 – Difficult passages and Jewish-Christian context
• 23:30 – Jesus’ cry of abandonment; depth of his love
• 25:15 – Reflection on the resurrection and the Great Commission
• 27:10 – Application of the Great Commission to our lives today
• 29:12 – Farewell and blessing

Summary Conclusion

This episode stands at a crucial intersection of the Bible in a Year journey, as Fr. Mike closes the Gospel of Matthew with profound theological reflection and practical exhortation. The themes of sacrifice, love, and the call to mission are woven through scholarly insight and heartfelt encouragement. By connecting the Scriptures to early Church tradition, Fr. Mike roots our faith in both history and present reality, reminding listeners that Christ’s resurrection power and commission are just as alive today as they were on that first Easter morning.