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

Episode: Day 297: Using Good Things for Evil
Date: October 24, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension

Overview

In Day 297 of "The Bible in a Year," Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the scriptural theme of how good things—gifts from God—can be either used well or abused, leading to good or evil outcomes. Through readings from 1 Maccabees 16, Sirach 38 & 39, and Proverbs 23:29-35, he explores how wisdom and temperance are essential in living according to God's will, especially regarding our use of the world’s blessings—like work, medicine, and even wine. The episode also marks a milestone: the conclusion of 1 Maccabees and anticipation for 2 Maccabees and the New Testament.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Historical Context and the End of 1 Maccabees

• [00:15–04:30] Fr. Mike reads and briefly contextualizes 1 Maccabees 16, recounting:
  • Simon hands over leadership to his sons as he grows old.
  • John’s victory over Sandebaeus and the treacherous murder of Simon and his sons by Ptolemy.
  • John’s succession and survival despite plots.
• Insight: This closes the narrative arc of 1 Maccabees, setting the stage for the transition to 2 Maccabees and, eventually, the New Testament period.

2. Sirach: The Dignity of Healing and All Work

• [04:30–15:00] The readings from Sirach 38 & 39 focus on:
  • Medicine and Healing as Good Gifts: “The Lord created medicines from the earth, and a sensible man will not despise them.” (Sirach 38:4)
    • Honor for doctors and the importance of both prayer and practical care.
    • “Give the physician his place, for the Lord created him. Let him not leave you, for there is need of him.” (Sirach 38:12)
  • The Value of Trades and Crafts: Detailed admiration for skilled workers—farmers, craftsmen, smiths, potters—whose prayer is “in the practice of their trade.” (Sirach 38:34)
    • Though not always honored publicly, their work upholds society.
  • The Pursuit of Wisdom: The scribe or student of the law is lauded for seeking wisdom, traveling, reflecting, and instructing others.
  • Everything God Makes is Good: Sirach 39:21–33 emphasizes all creation’s goodness but notes goods can be turned to evil by misuse.
    • “All things are for good to the godly, just as they turn into evils for sinners.” (Sirach 39:27)
    • “The works of the Lord are all good, and he will supply every need in its hour.” (Sirach 39:33)
• Insight: God’s gifts—work, healing, material goods—are fundamentally good, but require wisdom and temperance to be used well.

3. Proverbs: The Dangers of Misusing Good Things (Alcohol)

• [15:00–17:45] Reading Proverbs 23:29-35, Fr. Mike dwells on:
  • A poetic warning against the abuse of wine/alcohol: “At the last, it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things and your mind utter perverse things.” (Proverbs 23:32-33)
  • The addictive cycle depicted: “They struck me, you will say, but I was not hurt. They beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I will seek another drink.” (Proverbs 23:35)
• Insight: This serves as a powerful real-life example of how even good things (like wine, which elsewhere is praised for bringing joy) can become destructive when abused.

4. Fr. Mike’s Reflection and Practical Application

• [17:50–21:00]
  • Theme recap: God creates only good; evil arises when humans misuse or distort God's gifts.
    • “Only thing God makes is good. We can either use those things for good or use those things for evil.” (18:10)
  • Prudence and Temperance: The wisdom tradition stresses using God's gifts at the right time and in the right way.
    • “Prudence is doing the right thing at the right time in the right way. And that temperance goes right along with prudence, using the right thing in the right time in the right way.” (19:05)
  • Encouragement for Those Struggling:
    • Quote: “If you have fallen today, if you’ve struggled today, just know that you’re not alone ... The Lord God will help you get through this day, one day at a time.” (20:10)
    • Fr. Mike reiterates the importance of community, prayer for one another, and trust in God’s sustaining grace.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the dual-use of good things:
  • “All these are for good to the godly, just as they turn into evils for sinners.” (Fr. Mike, paraphrasing Sirach 39:27, [18:00])
• On temperance and prudence:
  • “Prudence is doing the right thing at the right time in the right way. And that temperance goes right along...” (Fr. Mike, [19:05])
• On God’s goodness and provision:
  • “Everything God has made is ultimately for good.” (Fr. Mike, [18:30])
  • “The works of the Lord are all good, and he will supply every need in its hour.” (Fr. Mike, reading Sirach 39:33, [19:45])
• For listeners who are struggling:
  • “If you have fallen today, if you’ve struggled today, just know that you’re not alone...The Lord God will help you get through this day, one day at a time.” (Fr. Mike, [20:10])

Important Timestamps

• [00:15] – Summary of 1 Maccabees 16: John’s military victory and Simon’s murder
• [04:30–15:00] – Sirach on the dignity of work, medicine, wisdom, and the goodness of creation
• [15:00–17:45] – Proverbs’ warning about alcohol abuse: good things used wrongly
• [17:50–21:00] – Fr. Mike’s reflection: using gifts well, temperance, prudence, encouragement

Episode Takeaways

• God gives us good things; our disposition and choices determine their impact in our lives.
• Wisdom and temperance are key to living rightly in the midst of many good but potentially dangerous gifts.
• Even when we fall, God’s grace and community help us persevere.
• The upcoming transition to 2 Maccabees and the New Testament is a milestone; listeners are encouraged to continue their journey of wisdom and faith.

“So now sing praise with all your heart and voice, and bless the name of the Lord.” (Sirach 39:35)