The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode: Day 290 – “Judas Maccabeus Dies”

Podcast date: October 17, 2025
Scripture Readings: 1 Maccabees 9, Sirach 24-25, Proverbs 23:1-4

Overview of the Episode

On Day 290 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the tragic death of Judas Maccabeus, a pivotal leader in the Jewish resistance against the Seleucid oppressors. Alongside riveting historical narrative, today’s readings focus on the cost of internal division, the exaltation of wisdom, and practical teachings for daily living. Fr. Mike delves into personal and spiritual reflections, connecting ancient events to the ongoing challenges of faith, betrayal, and perseverance in today’s world.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Fall of Judas Maccabeus and the Aftermath (1 Maccabees 9)

• Betrayal and Internal Strife:
  Fr. Mike notes the devastating effect of not only external enemies but also the “lawless men”—fellow Israelites who abandon the covenant and help oppressors undermine God’s people.

  "For so many of us, when there's an external enemy, that's one thing. But when the enemy is on the inside...that is even worse." (20:41)

• Judas’s Heroism and Last Stand:
  Despite overwhelming odds and the desertion of most of his followers, Judas refuses to flee:

  “Far be it from us to do such a thing as to flee from them. If our time has come, let us die bravely for our brethren and leave no cause to question our honor.” (01:37; from the scripture)

• Leadership Succession and Sovereignty Questions:
  With Judas’ death, his brother Jonathan rises as leader. However, Fr. Mike points out that while the Maccabees secured national sovereignty, they were not of the line of David—raising questions about the fulfillment of God’s promises.

• Fact-Based Historical Narrative:
  Fr. Mike highlights the narrative style of 1 Maccabees as factual and direct, lacking overt moral commentary.

  “One of the things we realize is that first Maccabees...is just reporting the facts. He is just reporting the news.” (24:13)

2. Reflections on Wisdom (Sirach 24-25)

• Wisdom as Divine and Eternal:
  Wisdom is personified, described as coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, rooted among God’s chosen people, and bringing joy to those who seek her.

  “For my teaching is sweeter than honey, and my inheritance sweeter than the honeycomb, and my remembrance lasts throughout all generations.” (Scripture, ~13:19)

• Blessed Relationships:
  The beauty of harmony between brothers, neighbors, and married couples is exalted.

  "My soul takes pleasure in three things, and they are beautiful in the sight of the Lord: agreement between brothers, friendship between neighbors, and a wife and husband who live in harmony." (Scripture, ~15:25)

• Warnings About Folly and Discord:
  Prophetically, Sirach laments the pain caused by betrayal, especially within families, mirroring themes from today’s Maccabees reading.

3. Practical Guidance from Proverbs

• Table Manners and Greed:
  Proverbs urges listeners to exercise self-control and wisdom, especially in the presence of the powerful.

  “Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food. Do not toil to acquire wealth. Be wise enough to desist.” (Scripture, ~18:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Community and Going Through Struggles Together:

  “…I've talked to so many people who have said, yeah, this feels like a community. Feels like I'm not going through this on my own. Because you're not.” (05:41)

• On the Pain of Internal Division:

  “It's one of the reasons why Dante...put those who betray...in the deepest circle of hell...because of that betrayal.” (21:00)

• On Historical Realism:

  “First Maccabees, the author is just telling us the story. This happened, then this happened, then that happened. And he is not attempting to make any lessons about this.” (24:13)

Important Timestamps

• [00:00 – 05:41] – Community thanks, behind-the-scenes team recognition, and the sense of journeying together
• [05:42 – 19:59] – Scripture readings: 1 Maccabees 9, Sirach 24-25, Proverbs 23:1-4
• [20:00 – 21:50] – Fr. Mike’s reflection on names, internal/external enemies, and the pain of division
• [21:51 – 23:49] – Betrayal vs heartbreak in families and communities
• [23:50 – 25:36] – Leadership succession, sovereignty, and Messianic expectations
• [25:37 – end] – Reflection on the nature of First Maccabees as historical record, prayer, and closing blessings

Episode Takeaways

• Judas Maccabeus’s death marks both a somber turning point and an invitation to reflect on true courage, leadership, and faithful perseverance against all odds.
• Internal division can be more painful and destructive than external threats; unity in faith and purpose is vital.
• Wisdom—divine in source and practical in effect—remains more precious than power or riches.
• First Maccabees provides a sober historical account, while Sirach offers timeless spiritual and interpersonal wisdom.

Closing

Fr. Mike reminds listeners to appreciate the journey through both gripping history and deep wisdom literature, encouraging continued prayer and mutual support as the Bible in a Year community presses on.

"You guys, this is a gift...I am praying for you. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." (25:53)