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

Episode: Day 294: Judea Gains Independence
Air Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)
Readings: 1 Maccabees 13; Sirach 32–33; Proverbs 23:17–21

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on a pivotal moment in Jewish history—the establishment of Judea as a sovereign nation under Simon Maccabee, marking a hard-fought independence from oppressive foreign rule. Fr. Mike highlights the courage, faithfulness, and sacrifices of Simon and his family, drawing parallels between their story and the Christian call to live under the Lord’s governance. He also explores timeless wisdom from Sirach on humility, leadership, and the value of community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Simon Maccabee and Judean Independence

Reading: 1 Maccabees 13

• Simon’s Leadership: After the deaths of his brothers Judas and Jonathan, Simon steps up during a time of crisis, inspiring the people of Judah to unite.

  • "[Simon said:] 'You yourselves know what great things I and my brothers and the house of my Father have done for the laws and the sanctuary... All my brothers have perished for the sake of Israel, and I alone am left.'" (00:45)
  • The people respond with trust, declaring Simon their new leader.

• Conflict with Trypho:

  • Simon faces deceit from Trypho, who breaks a promise to release Jonathan and later invades Judah.
  • "Simon knew that they [Trypho's envoys] were speaking deceitfully to him..." (02:30)

• Monument to Jonathan:

  • Simon retrieves his brother Jonathan’s remains, building a lasting monument.

• Recognition from Demetrius:

  • King Demetrius acknowledges Simon, offering relief from tribute and formal recognition of independence.
  • "'We are ready to make a general peace with you... All grants we have made to you remain valid... Let there be peace between us.'" (05:00)

• Purification and Rededication:

  • Simon expels those who introduced idols, purifies the cities and the citadel, and establishes annual celebrations to commemorate these victories.
  • Great emphasis on living according to the covenant.

2. Reflections on Theocracy and Faithful Living

• Fr. Mike explores the idea of theocracy as seen in Maccabees versus the Christian experience of belonging to God through the Church.

  • "As Christians, we don't believe in a theocracy... The Church is the theocracy. We belong to the Lord, but civilly speaking, we don't have that." (17:00)
  • Emphasizes personal governance by God's law in the heart of the believer.

• Highlights the historical nature of 1 Maccabees:

  • "First Maccabees, at least, is a historical book. They don't necessarily give us a sermon out of this. They just tell us this is what happened." (18:00)

3. Sirach’s Wisdom for Daily Life

Reading: Sirach 32–33

• Social and Leadership Advice:

  • On humility and appropriate leadership:
    "'If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself. Be among them as one of them...'" (19:00)
  • Speak with knowledge and only when appropriate, listening more than talking.
  • "Speak, young man, if there is need of you, but no more than twice and only if asked. Speak concisely. Say much in few words. Be as one who knows and yet holds his tongue..." (20:00)

• Practical Living:

  • Don’t let pride or idleness guide actions; treat those under your authority (like servants) with fairness and brotherhood.
  • "If you have a servant, let him be as yourself, because you have bought him with blood... If you have a servant, treat him as a brother, for as your own soul you will need him." (22:45)

• On Seasons and Human Dignity:

  • God gives purpose and distinction to all, but every person matters and has worth.

4. Proverbs: Resisting Temptation and Vices

Reading: Proverbs 23:17–21

• Avoid envy, drunkenness, and gluttony; such vices lead to poverty and disgrace.
  • "'Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day... Be not among winebibbers or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty...'" (23:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Leadership and Sacrifice:
  • "[Simon said:] 'I will avenge my nation and the sanctuary and your wives and children. For all the nations have gathered together out of hatred to destroy us.' And the spirit of the people was rekindled when they heard these words." (01:15)
• On Humility:
  • "If they make you master of the feast, do not exalt yourself. Be among them as one of them... When you have fulfilled your duties, take your place, that you may be merry on their account and receive a wreath for your excellent leadership." (19:15)
• On Community:
  • "Everyone around you matters. And so, everyone around me matters. Every person listening to this—you all matter... The fact that you're allowing him to shape the way you think, the way you see the world... that matters." (23:45)
• On Personal Connection:
  • "Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." (24:30)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:45] – Simon rallies Judah and is declared leader
• [02:30] – Trypho’s deception and the fate of Jonathan
• [05:00] – Demetrius grants peace and recognition to Simon
• [11:00] – Simon purifies Gezera and the citadel, annual celebration established
• [17:00] – Fr. Mike reflects on theocracy, governance, and independence
• [19:00] – Sirach’s advice on humility and leadership
• [22:45] – Wisdom on relationships and dignity from Sirach
• [23:30] – Proverbs on resisting vice
• [23:45] – Fr. Mike’s reflection on community and the importance of every listener
• [24:30] – Closing remarks and gratitude

Final Thoughts

This episode artfully connects significant moments in salvation history—Simon Maccabee’s establishment of an independent, faithful Judea—with the ongoing call for Christians to live under God’s law in every aspect of life. Fr. Mike’s reflections and the readings from Sirach and Proverbs offer practical wisdom for humility, leadership, and community living, resonating with listeners striving to integrate faith into the fabric of everyday life.