The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode: Day 283: Mattathias Attacks
Date: October 10, 2025
Podcast Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Main Readings: 1 Maccabees 2; Sirach 4, 5, 6; Proverbs 22:1-4

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the radical and dramatic actions of Mattathias in 1 Maccabees 2, marking a crisis moment for Israel under Greek occupation. Fr. Mike Schmitz takes listeners through the beginnings of the Maccabean revolt, examining the motivations behind Mattathias’s defiant stance against enforced apostasy and his zealous defense of the Law, as well as his final words to his sons.
Interwoven are readings from Sirach that offer wisdom on compassion, integrity, friendship, and humility—prompting reflection on how these teachings intersect with the events unfolding in Israel’s history. The episode concludes with brief commentary on the value of a good reputation, as described in Proverbs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mattathias’s Zeal and the Maccabean Revolt

(1 Maccabees 2)

• Historical Context: The Israelites, recently returned to Jerusalem, now face forced apostasy under Greek rule.
• Mattathias's Leadership:
  • Mattathias, witnessing "the blasphemies being committed in Judah and Jerusalem," mourns deeply and refuses the king's demand to offer a pagan sacrifice.
  • He publicly declares:

    “Even if all the nations that live under the rule of the king obey him and have chosen to do his commandments … yet I and my sons and my brothers will live by the covenant of our fathers.” ([10:38])

  • Mattathias kills a fellow Jew complying with the king’s command and also the king’s officer, likened to the action of Phinehas in earlier Scriptures.
  • This act catalyzes an armed resistance, and he rallies others:

    “Let everyone who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant, come out with me.” ([11:27])

• Consequences and Guerilla Warfare:
  • Many faithful Jews join Mattathias and flee to the wilderness, becoming fugitives for the sake of the Law.
  • Some refuse to fight even in self-defense on the Sabbath and are massacred, prompting Mattathias and his group to resolve to fight for their lives even on holy days.

Fr. Mike's Commentary on Violence and Scripture

• Fr. Mike notes the complexities of what’s recorded:

  “Just because something’s in the Bible doesn’t mean that it’s a good thing… It’s just what they did.” ([14:45])

• He describes the moral ambiguities and “ugliness” of war:

  “When you cross that bridge [into war], it is oftentimes incredibly, incredibly deadly what happens.” ([16:34])

2. Mattathias’s Last Words: A Charge to His Sons

(1 Maccabees 2:49 onward)

• Final Leadership Instructions:
  • Entrusts Simeon with leadership and wise counsel.
  • Appoints Judas Maccabeus ("the Hammer") as military commander for the coming battles.
  • Recalls the faithfulness of biblical ancestors (Abraham, Joseph, Phinehas, Joshua, Caleb, David, Elijah, Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael, and Daniel) as examples.

  “None who put their trust in [God] will lack strength. Do not fear the words of a sinner, for his splendor will turn into dung and worms... Be courageous and grow strong in the law, for by it you will gain honor.” ([18:58])

  • Mattathias dies, mourned by all Israel.

3. Precepts for Everyday Life and Wisdom in Sirach

(Sirach chapters 4, 5, 6)

a. Compassion and Generosity

• Urges kindness to the poor, patience with the needy, and justice for the oppressed:

  “Do not avert your eye from the needy, nor give a man occasion to curse you.” ([19:35])

b. Humility, Wisdom, and Integrity

• Encourages making oneself beloved, embracing wisdom, confessing sins, and standing for truth—even to death:

  “Strive even to death for the truth, and the Lord God will fight for you.” ([21:44])

c. Guidance on Friendship

• The importance of careful discernment in relationships:

  “Let your acquaintances be many, but let your advisors be one in a thousand. When you gain a friend, gain him through testing and do not trust him hastily.” ([22:37])

• Differentiates friends of convenience, fair-weather friends, and truly faithful friends:

  “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter. He that has found one has found a treasure. A faithful friend is an elixir of life.” ([24:16])

• Attributes true friendship to the fear of the Lord:

  “Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendships aright. For as he is, so is his neighbor also.” ([24:34])

4. Reflections on Proverbs: Reputation and Humility

(Proverbs 22:1-4)

• The value of a good name and humility:

  “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold… The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” ([27:02])

5. Memorable Moments and Personal Reflections

• On Avoidance of the Needy:

  • Fr. Mike relates scripture’s challenge to his own behavior at stoplights:

    “So many times… you pull up to a stoplight and there’s someone begging on the corner… just look anywhere except into the eyes of this person who’s begging. But here’s Scripture: Do not avert your eye from the needy. And I just… I’m convicted by this.” ([20:17])

• Invitation to Engage with Scripture:

  “When we hear the Book of Sirach and we hear the Book of Wisdom, kind of like Proverbs, is to have your Bible with you if you can, because there’s something so powerful about being able to follow along.” ([21:23])

• Advice on Friendship:

  “How many of us wish we would have heard this piece of wisdom when we were in middle school or high school… when you gain a friend, gain him through testing. Do not trust him hastily.” ([23:11])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:04] – Episode opening, reading plan, and introductions
• [09:52] – Reading from 1 Maccabees 2
• [14:45] – Fr. Mike’s commentary on Mattathias’s actions and the realities of war
• [18:58] – Mattathias’s final words to his sons
• [19:35] – Sirach’s teaching on the poor and the needy
• [21:23] – Fr. Mike’s encouragement to engage deeply with wisdom literature
• [22:37] – Practical advice on forming and testing friendships
• [24:16] – The unparalleled value of a faithful friend
• [27:02] – Reading and brief reflection on Proverbs 22:1-4

Tone & Takeaways

Fr. Mike’s delivery remains compassionate, honest, and pragmatic, acknowledging the moral challenges within the scriptures while emphasizing God’s enduring call to virtue, wisdom, and deeper relationship. He encourages introspection—especially regarding compassion for the poor and authentic friendship—and invites listeners to keep seeking, reading, and reflecting on the richness of God’s Word in daily life.

“I’m just here to proclaim the word of God and just be part of your life. And I’m so glad you’re part of my life. I am praying for you every single day. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” ([28:45])