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

Episode: Day 275 — Esther Becomes Queen
Date: October 2, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)

Overview

This episode continues the journey through salvation history, focusing on the completion of the wall in Jerusalem under Nehemiah, the introduction of Esther as queen in Persia, and a brief reflection on Proverbs. Fr. Mike emphasizes the realness of the biblical stories and invites listeners to consider personal applications, especially the dignity of one’s vocation, the dangers of distraction, and God’s ability to work through broken systems and unjust circumstances.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflection on Proverbs 21:1-4 and the Weighing of Hearts

• Scripture Read: Proverbs 21:1-4

• Main Insight:

  • “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
    • The verse highlights human relativism and the temptation to do “what is right in our own eyes,” recalling the era of the Judges.
    • Fr. Mike stresses the gift of objective truth and justice present in God's Word, guiding faithful discernment.

• Quote:

  • “Gosh, so incredible. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes...that sense of relativism...and yet the Lord weighs the heart.” (20:09)

2. Nehemiah 6–7: Completion of the Wall and the Power of Persevering in One's Vocation

• Scripture Read: Nehemiah 6–7

• Events Covered:

  • Nehemiah faces repeated plots and intimidation (by Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and others) but refuses distraction.
  • The wall is completed in 52 days, a testimony to divine help.
  • Lists of returned exiles highlight the historicity and communal achievement.

• Major Insights:

  • Dignity and Focus in Work:
    • Nehemiah’s response to attempted distractions becomes a model for all vocations—staying focused on the task God has entrusted:
      • “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” (22:37)
    • Fr. Mike applies this to daily life, affirming the value of any God-given work: raising a family, teaching, custodial work, etc.
  • Courage in Fear:
    • Nehemiah refuses to hide in the temple, seeing through attempts to make him sin out of fear:
      • “For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking their hands will drop from the work and it will not be done. But now, O God, strengthen my hands.” (23:38)
    • Praying for strength in the face of intimidation to pursue one’s mission.

• Quotes:

  • “How many times do people try to get us to stop doing exactly what we know God wants us to do?... We can have this answer. The answer of Nehemiah: I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” (22:43)
  • “Human work has so much dignity. It has dignity because it’s humans who do it. And as we said before, us humans made in God’s image and likeness.” (23:00)

3. Esther 1–2: The Introduction of Esther and the Reality of Injustice

• Scripture Read: Esther 1–2

• Events Covered:

  • King Ahasuerus’ excessive feasts and the deposition of Queen Vashti for refusing his drunken summons.
  • The search for a new queen results in Esther’s selection after a year-long process of beautification.
  • Mordecai’s loyalty and discovery of a plot to assassinate the king, saving Ahasuerus' life.

• Major Insights:

  • Ancient Injustice through a Modern Lens:
    • Fr. Mike condemns the objectification and utilitarian view of women depicted in the Persian court, emphasizing Christian teaching on equal dignity.
    • He notes, “Ahasuerus is not to be emulated,” describing the king’s actions as products of power-drunk and systemic injustice.
    • Employs humor to underline the absurdity of the king’s actions:
      • “Gentlemen, and you thought it took a long time for your wives to get ready. Am I right? Okay, sorry.” (25:35)
  • God’s Providence in Broken Systems:
    • Though Esther and others are caught in an unjust system, God works through them to bring about salvation.
    • Christian perspective enables us to name such injustice as evil and to anticipate God’s action within brokenness.

• Quotes:

  • “It’s so clear in our Judeo-Christian heritage that men and women are created equal in dignity.” (25:39)
  • “Esther is going to be brought into this broken system so God can do something great even in the midst of brokenness.” (26:10)
  • “We are all living in broken systems. We’re all living in a broken world. But God can do something with us in this broken world, in this broken system, to have his will accomplished.” (26:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Faithfulness:

  • “Thank you for not perfection, but thank you for perseverance. Perseverance. So much more than perfection, faithfulness. So much more than anything else we need.” (19:25)

• On Suffering and Dignity:

  • “Every one of those names...is an individual that is either living forever with God or forever without God...every person is a part of this story, just like you and I are part of this story.” (21:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:04 — Episode Introduction; Recap of readings
• 20:09 — Reflection on Proverbs; theme of right vs. true righteousness
• 21:00 — Nehemiah’s list of exiles; dignity in remembrance
• 22:37 — Nehemiah’s perseverance: “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down”
• 23:38 — Nehemiah’s prayer for strength in the face of fear
• 25:35 — Esther’s year-long preparation and commentary on gender injustice
• 26:10 — God’s action in “broken systems” via Esther
• 26:45 — Application to our own lives; God’s will in a broken world

Final Takeaways

• God’s Word is a light for discernment and faithful living, not just for biblical heroes but for every listener’s unique situation.
• Whether faced with distraction, intimidation, or injustice, we’re called to steadfastness and faithfulness in our God-given roles.
• The history of salvation, as shown in Nehemiah and Esther, proves God works through courageous, real people—even within deeply flawed systems.
• The equal dignity of every person, especially highlighted against the backdrop of ancient injustice, is central to Christian understanding.

Fr. Mike ends with encouragement and a heartfelt request:
“I am praying for you. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (27:00)