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

Episode: Day 282 - Antiochus Desecrates the Temple
Date: October 9, 2025
Scripture: 1 Maccabees 1; Sirach 1–3; Proverbs 21:29, 31

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz leads listeners into the dramatic events of the Maccabean Revolt, focusing on the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple by Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Maccabees 1). Fr. Mike also introduces the Book of Sirach, reflecting on its rich teachings about wisdom, the “fear of the Lord,” and honoring parents. The readings and reflections highlight the themes of faithfulness, resistance against oppressive forces, and the pursuit of wisdom as core tenets for God's people.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Historical Context: Maccabean Revolt and the Deuterocanonical Books

[00:04 – 02:30]

• Fr. Mike orients the audience to the current section of the Bible timeline, moving beyond exile and return toward the period of the Maccabean Revolt.

• He explains the relevance of the Deuterocanonical books, recognized in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles but not in most Protestant ones (e.g., Maccabees, Sirach).

• Fr. Mike highlights the inspiration and long-standing history of these books within Christianity.

  Quote:

  “These books are just really incredible. They are inspired, again, considered inspired from the very beginning of Christianity.”
  — Fr. Mike [00:56]

2. The Rise of Antiochus Epiphanes and Persecution of the Jews

[03:05 – 13:50]

• 1 Maccabees 1 is read, describing Alexander the Great’s death, the division of his kingdom, and the resulting rise of Antiochus Epiphanes.

• Fr. Mike details how Antiochus implemented both “hard” and “soft” totalitarianism:

  • Soft Totalitarianism: Attempts to coax Jews into assimilation (e.g., gymnasium in Jerusalem, adopting Gentile customs, removing circumcision).
  • Hard Totalitarianism: Violent persecution, desecration of the Temple, and enforcement of idolatry.

• The installation of Greek worship in the Temple (the “desolating sacrilege”) is described as the nadir of apostasy.

  Quote:

  “Imagine this: on the altar dedicated to the Lord God, they set up worship of the god Zeus. So such a distortion and just incredible fall and pressure that was placed upon those faithful Jews in Jerusalem.”
  — Fr. Mike [12:45]

Notable Segment

• [12:18] Fr. Mike recounts the horror of mothers and families being executed for keeping the covenant through circumcision—showing the severity of the persecution.

• He notes the courage of many Israelites:

  Quote:

  “But many in Israel stood firm, and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant. And they did die.”
  — Fr. Mike [13:00, quoting 1 Maccabees 1:62–63]

3. The Book of Sirach: Wisdom, Fear of the Lord, and Reverence for Parents

[14:02 – 21:50]

Introduction to Sirach

• Fr. Mike expresses his affection for Sirach, emphasizing its focus on wisdom and the “fear of the Lord.”

• He clarifies that “fear of the Lord” means taking God seriously, not being terrified of Him.

  Quote:

  “The fear of the Lord, ultimately, at the very most basic way you can say it, is taking God seriously. That's the most simple way, the simplest way I can possibly put it into words.”
  — Fr. Mike [16:48]

Wisdom and Commandments

• Sirach teaches that wisdom begins with and is completed by reverent fear of God.

• Wisdom grows through faithfulness to God’s commandments:

  Quote:

  “If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments and the Lord will supply it for you.”
  — Sirach 1:26, cited by Fr. Mike [17:56]

Patience in Trials (Sirach 2:1–6)

• Fr. Mike highlights his favorite verse from Sirach, which prepares readers for trials when serving God:
  • RSV Translation:

    “My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, remain in justice and in fear, and prepare yourself for temptation.”
    — Sirach 2:1 [18:44]

  • NAB Translation (read aloud):

    “My son, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in time of adversity. Cling to him, forsake him not. Thus will your future be great... For in fire gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation. Trust in God, and He will help you, make straight your ways, and hope in Him.”
    — Fr. Mike [19:24]

Honoring Parents (Sirach 3)

• The text stresses filial piety: honoring father and mother atones for sins and brings blessing.

• Fr. Mike reminds listeners of the fourth commandment’s promise and warns against the contemporary tendency to disregard or mock parental authority.

  Quote:

  “There is something so powerful about being reminded of the duty we owe to honoring our parents... the fourth commandment to honor one's father and mother is the only commandment that comes with a blessing, that long life may be yours.”
  — Fr. Mike [21:05]

4. Proverbs Reflection

[21:50 – 22:15]

• Briefly references Proverbs 21:29, 31, reaffirming the ultimate futility of any strategy against the will of God:

  “No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord... The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”
  — Proverbs 21:30–31

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Conforming to the World:

  “…Wanting to fit in that much, that's a soft totalitarianism. I just want to fit in and be like everyone else.”
  — Fr. Mike [11:23]

• On Faithfulness under Persecution:

  “They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or profane the holy covenant. And they did.”
  — Fr. Mike [13:13, citing Maccabees]

• Sirach’s Wisdom for Trials:

  “Accept whatever is brought upon you, and endure it in sorrow, in changes that humble you. Be patient, for gold and silver are tested in fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.”
  — Sirach 2:4–5, read by Fr. Mike [19:46]

• On the Fear of the Lord:

  “The most basic way I can put it: the fear of the Lord is taking God seriously as God himself.”
  — Fr. Mike [16:55]

Important Timestamps

• [00:04] – Introduction; context for Maccabean period and Deuterocanonical books
• [03:05] – Reading of 1 Maccabees 1: Alexander the Great, Antiochus Epiphanes, persecutions
• [12:18] – Description of atrocities under Antiochus; faithfulness of Israelite martyrs
• [14:02] – Introduction to Sirach; discussion of wisdom, “fear of the Lord”
• [17:56] – “If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments…”
• [18:44] – Sirach 2:1–6 – preparing for trials as God’s servant
• [21:05] – Sirach 3 – honoring parents and the fourth commandment
• [21:50] – Proverbs 21:29, 31 reflection

Tone and Style

Fr. Mike’s style is earnest, conversational, and pastoral. He peppers teachings with personal enthusiasm (“Oh, my gosh, you guys, you’re going to love the Book of Sirach!”), practical application, and frequent encouragements to stick with the daily journey through Scripture. He draws analogies to contemporary temptations, relates biblical faithfulness to modern life, and continually invites listeners to take God seriously as a call to wisdom.

Conclusion

This pivotal episode launches the audience into the turbulent era of the Maccabees, highlighting the oppression faced by faithful Jews, their remarkable resolve, and how that period resonates with ongoing challenges to faithfulness in any age. Through Sirach, listeners are encouraged to lay claim to wisdom, respect the commandments, and especially to honor parents, grounding all in an authentic “fear of the Lord.”

Fr. Mike closes with encouragement and a prayer for perseverance as the Bible in a Year journey heads into its final phases.