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

Episode: Day 28 – The Burning Bush (January 28, 2026)

Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Podcast by: Ascension

Overview of the Episode

In Day 28 of "The Bible in a Year," Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through some of the most iconic and formative passages in the Old Testament, focusing primarily on Exodus 3—the story of Moses and the burning bush. The episode also covers Leviticus chapters 2 and 3, which describe ancient offerings, and Psalm 45, an ode to a royal wedding. Through Scripture readings, thoughtful reflection, and prayer, Fr. Mike explores God's intimate call to Moses, what it means for God to see and respond to suffering, and the importance of worship in the life of God's people.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Call of Moses at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3)

• Context: Moses, after fleeing Egypt, is tending his father-in-law's flock near Horeb, the mountain of God.

• Theophany: God appears to Moses in a burning bush that is not consumed.

• Key Dialogue:

  • God's Initiation:
    “Moses, Moses.”
    “Here am I.”
    “Do not come near; put off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
    [04:50-05:20]
  • Identity of God:
    “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
    [05:30]
  • Divine Concern:
    “I have seen the affliction of my people… and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings.”
    [05:50]
  • The Mission:
    “Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring forth my people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.”
    [07:00]

• Moses’ Humility and Doubt:

  • Moses responds, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh...?”
  • God assures, “But I will be with you.”
  • Moses seeks God’s name; God reveals himself as “I AM WHO I AM.”

  Memorable quote:
  “Say this to the sons of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ … This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”
  – Reading of Exodus 3:14-15, [07:40]

• Promise of Deliverance and Worship:

  • God promises to deliver Israel from Egypt and bring them to a land “flowing with milk and honey.”
  • Notably, God highlights the purpose: “When you have brought forth the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God upon this mountain.”
    [07:10, see Reflection below]

2. Ancient Worship and Offerings (Leviticus 2-3)

• Cereal Offerings (Leviticus 2):

  • Offerings involve fine flour, oil, and frankincense.
  • Altars are to be free from leaven and honey; all offerings must include salt as “the salt of the covenant with your God.”
  • Priests receive a portion as holy food.

• Peace Offerings (Leviticus 3):

  • Peace offerings are made with animals (herd/flock/goat), always “without blemish.”
  • Ritual includes laying hands, sacrifice, blood, and burning fat portions.
  • “All fat is the Lord’s…eat neither fat nor blood. It shall be a perpetual statute.”
    [11:00-13:00]

• Relevance:
  Fr. Mike encourages listeners to appreciate these detailed rituals as the way God prepared his people for worship—setting the stage for worship in the age of the Church (the Mass).

3. Psalm 45 – Royal Wedding Ode

• Themes:
  A majestic love song, extolling the king’s beauty, grace, and blessing.
  Key verses:
  • “You are the fairest of the sons of men. Grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.”
    [15:30]
  • “Your divine throne endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity.”
    [16:00]
• Spiritual Resonance:
  The Psalm’s imagery hints at the deep joy and eternal nature of God’s kingship—a hint at Christ and the Church.

4. Fr. Mike’s Reflections and Insights

• Faithfulness Amid Affliction:
  • Fr. Mike underscores how God is present and attentive, even in prolonged suffering. Israel's centuries of slavery did not mean God had abandoned them.
  • “God has heard their cry the entire time, God has loved every one of them the entire time … Even if one of His blessings hadn’t yet been their freedom from slavery, this is so important for all of us.”
    [18:30]
• Purpose of Freedom:
  • God sets his people free not merely for freedom’s sake, but “so you can worship.”
  • “This is key. This is absolutely critical. … I’m setting you free so that you can become a people who is free to worship Him as he’s asking.”
    [20:30]
• Worship and Obedience:
  • The call to worship, as detailed in Leviticus, remains central—God gives specific instructions on worship, both then and now.
  • “It’s absolutely critical that we do what He’s asked us to do because He’s made us to worship him this way.”
    [22:00]

5. Memorable Moments and Listener Encouragement

• Names and Consistencies:
  • Fr. Mike addresses the apparent confusion in Exodus between the names “Reuel” and “Jethro,” explaining biblical convention of multiple names (like Jacob/Israel or Simon/Peter).
    [17:00]
• Powerful Assurance:
  • “Just because God has not answered this prayer doesn’t mean He’s not answering any prayers... He is continually with them, continually helping and blessing them, even though they were in incredibly awful circumstances.”
    [18:50]
• Communal Support:
  • Fr. Mike asks listeners to pray for one another and for himself, highlighting the communal element of the journey through Scripture.
    [24:00]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro and Today’s Readings: 00:04–03:50
• Exodus 3 (Burning Bush) Reading: 03:50–08:30
• Leviticus 2-3 (Offerings) Reading: 08:35–14:30
• Psalm 45 Reading: 14:35–16:50
• Guided Prayer: 16:55–18:00
• Reflection on Exodus 3 (God’s Attention, Moses’ Mission): 18:10–21:00
• Significance of Worship and Offerings: 21:05–23:00
• Encouragement and Closing Thoughts: 23:05–25:00

Notable Quotes

• On God’s Presence in Suffering:
  “God has heard their cry the entire time, God has loved every one of them the entire time … Even if one of His blessings hadn’t yet been their freedom from slavery, this is so important for all of us.”
  – Fr. Mike, [18:30]

• On the Ultimate Purpose of Israel’s Freedom:
  “I’m setting you free not just because slavery is bad, not even just to bring you back to the promised land. I’m setting you free so you can worship.”
  – Fr. Mike, [20:30]

• On the Call to Worship:
  “It’s absolutely critical that we do what He’s asked us to do because He’s made us to worship him this way.”
  – Fr. Mike, [22:00]

Episode Tone and Style

Fr. Mike delivers the episode in his signature energetic, approachable, and compassionate tone. He balances reverence for Scripture with relatable, down-to-earth illustrations and encouragement, empowering listeners to trust and follow God in their own lives—especially through difficult circumstances.

Summary

Day 28 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast offers a transformative look at God’s call to Moses and the deeper meaning of freedom: to worship God as he desires. Fr. Mike connects Israel’s ancient experiences to Christian life today, highlighting God’s faithfulness, the richness of worship, and the importance of persevering prayer. With thoughtful exegesis and heartfelt encouragement, this episode both grounds listeners in the biblical narrative and inspires them along their own journeys of faith.