The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 28: The Burning Bush (2025)
Release Date: January 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In Day 28 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into pivotal scriptures from Exodus, Leviticus, and Psalms to explore themes of divine calling, worship, and the enduring relationship between God and His people. Through these readings, Fr. Mike offers profound reflections that bridge ancient texts with contemporary faith experiences, emphasizing the transformative power of understanding Scripture.

Scripture Readings

1. Exodus Chapter 3

Fr. Mike begins with the compelling narrative of Moses at the burning bush—a seminal moment where God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. This chapter sets the stage for God's intervention in history, highlighting His awareness of Israelite suffering and His commitment to their liberation.

2. Leviticus Chapters 2 and 3

The discussion transitions to Leviticus, focusing on the laws of cereal and peace offerings. These passages illuminate the prescribed methods of worship and sacrifice, underscoring the importance of intentional devotion and the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

3. Psalm 45

Concluding the readings, Psalm 45 serves as a royal wedding ode, celebrating divine kingship and the beauty of righteous leadership. This psalm ties together themes of glory, justice, and the enduring nature of God's throne.

Reflections and Insights

God’s Call and Presence

[05:20] Fr. Mike Schmitz:

"This is one of the things for us, it's so good, it's so necessary for us to know that this is true. To know that when we cry out to the Lord, and it doesn't seem like there's any answer, remember, this has been hundreds and hundreds of years of the people of Israel being Blessed by the Lord..."

Fr. Mike emphasizes God's unwavering attentiveness to His people's pleas, reassuring listeners that divine blessings persist even amid unfulfilled prayers. He draws parallels between the Israelites' enduring faith during their slavery and believers' experiences today, fostering a sense of hope and persistence in faith.

Understanding Biblical Names and Lineage

[15:45] Fr. Mike Schmitz:

"There's a number of scholars who refer to them as the same person because he will be referred to kind of like Jacob in Israel... it's not completely unusual for people, characters in the Bible to have more than one name."

Addressing potential confusions in the biblical narrative, Fr. Mike clarifies the identities of key figures like Jethro and Zipporah, explaining the commonality of multiple names for individuals in Scripture. This insight aids listeners in navigating the complexities of biblical genealogies and character relationships.

The Purpose of Deliverance

[22:10] Fr. Mike Schmitz:

"The Lord God, he's setting his people free for their own sake, but he's also setting them free so that they can Become a people who is free to worship him as he's asking them to worship Him."

Highlighting the dual purpose of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, Fr. Mike underscores that freedom is bestowed not merely for the removal of oppression but to enable a life devoted to worshiping God. This reflection invites listeners to contemplate the deeper intentions behind divine interventions in their lives.

Transition from Ancient Worship to the Mass

[27:30] Fr. Mike Schmitz:

"...knowing that God has asked in ancient times, his people to worship Him... In this final age, in this age of the Church, this age of the Holy Spirit, this age of Christianity, that He's asked us to worship him in the Mass."

Connecting Old Testament practices to New Testament traditions, Fr. Mike draws a seamless line from ancient sacrificial offerings to the contemporary celebration of the Mass. This continuity illustrates the evolving yet consistent nature of worship within the Christian faith.

Guided Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to express gratitude for God's Word and presence. He encourages mutual prayer support, fostering a sense of community and collective faith journey.

Prayer Highlights:

"Father in heaven, we thank you once again. We thank you for your word... We declare you are good. We declare that you are Faithful, we receive your love, and we rest in your peace."

Key Takeaways

• Divine Attention: God is acutely aware of and responds to the suffering and prayers of His people, even in times when answers seem delayed.

• Purposeful Freedom: Deliverance from oppression is intended not only to end suffering but to establish a community capable of genuine worship.

• Continuity of Worship: Ancient forms of worship, such as sacrificial offerings, find their fulfillment and continuation in the Christian practice of the Mass.

• Faith Community: The journey of faith is supported through mutual prayer and collective support, emphasizing the importance of community in personal spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Day 28 of "The Bible in a Year" offers a rich tapestry of scriptural exploration and spiritual reflection. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges the historical context of Exodus and Leviticus with the lived experiences of modern believers, fostering a deeper understanding of worship and divine purpose. This episode serves as a profound reminder of God's enduring presence and the transformative power of engaging with Scripture.

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