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

Episode: Day 307 — “Courage in Battle”
Date: November 3, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)

Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike reads and reflects on Second Maccabees 10, Wisdom 9 & 10, and Proverbs 25:4–7, focusing on the themes of courage, faith, and the enduring presence of God’s wisdom through salvation history. He unpacks the cleansing of the Temple, the origin of Hanukkah, victories won by Judas Maccabeus, and the narrative of divine wisdom guiding key biblical figures. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to discern whether their own fights are truly for God and emphasizes courage rooted in faith, not rage or self-reliance.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Purification and Rededication of the Temple (2 Maccabees 10)

• Historical Recap: Maccabeus and his followers, with God’s guidance, reclaim and purify the desecrated Temple in Jerusalem after two years ([04:30]).

• The rituals mirror the Feast of Booths as they celebrate for eight days, which Fr. Mike connects to the origins of Hanukkah ([05:15]).

• Quote (Scripture):
  “…they offered hymns of thanksgiving to him who had given success to the purifying of his own holy place.” ([06:00])

• Reflection:
  Fr. Mike highlights the deep offense of desecration — it’s not just cultural, but a direct wound to the covenant with God. The restoration of worship life signifies returning to a right relationship with God ([21:30]):
  “One of the biggest offenses to the Jewish people…was the desolation of abomination…placed in the Temple, this horrible action of Antiochus Epiphanies in the Temple itself.”

2. Courage in the Face of Battle

• Key Event: Judas Maccabeus and the Jews face battles, especially against Timothy, underlined by earnest supplication to God before conflict, and a strong reliance on God vs. the enemy’s reliance on rage ([08:45]).

• Quote (Scripture):
  “…the one [army] having as pledge of success and victory not only their valor, but their reliance upon the Lord, while the other made rage their leader in the fight.” ([09:40])

• Fr. Mike’s insight:
  “Our courage actually comes from faith... we know that our Lord God is real and... fighting for us.” ([22:40])

• He warns against entering battles in God’s name if He hasn’t truly called us to them, drawing a distinction between faithful courage and self-driven action ([23:15]).

3. Betrayal and Integrity

• Some Jewish leaders accept bribes and let enemies escape the siege; when Judas learns of this, he confronts and punishes them ([11:45]).
• Fr. Mike notes not all acts, even by “heroes,” are automatically honorable, highlighting the complex humanity in scripture ([24:20]).

4. The Deeds and Prayer for Divine Wisdom (Wisdom 9 & 10)

• Solomon’s Prayer: Solomon prays for wisdom to rightly judge and rule ([13:40]).

• Quote (Scripture):
  “For even if one is perfect among the sons of men, yet without the wisdom that comes from you, he will be regarded as nothing.” ([14:05])

• Wisdom is described as a guiding, saving force through biblical history, protecting Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses—indirectly referencing them without explicit names ([15:30]).

• Fr. Mike’s reflection: He marvels at how wisdom is personified and woven through the salvation narrative, and how listeners now recognize these allusions thanks to nearly a year spent in the Bible ([26:15]):
  “We know the stories... but the main character, God himself. We know what it is to recognize his fingerprints in the world around us.”

• Memorable Line:
  “Because the Lord promises to all those who seek wisdom, wisdom shall be given. And so we’re seeking wisdom and want to have that ability to see that wisdom, to see God’s fingerprints, God’s working, God’s action in all of the actions around us.” ([27:10])

5. Proverbs on Humility and Leadership (Proverbs 25:4–7)

• Proverbs caution against pride in the presence of a king and highlight the value of righteousness in leadership ([17:45]).
• Quote (Scripture):
  “Take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.” ([17:55])

6. Community, Suffering, and Hope

• Fr. Mike prays for listeners in seasons of suffering, reinforcing the enduring struggle of the journey, but placing hope in Christ’s victory ([28:30]).
• Quote (Fr. Mike, Prayer):
  “Be with them, lift them up. Help them to never give in to discouragement, but give them courage because you have overcome the world.” ([28:55])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Source of Courage:
  “We’re called to be courageous because we recognize and we know that God is near us.” ([22:40])
• On Wisdom through Salvation History:
  “She [Wisdom] guided them along a marvelous way and became a shelter to them by day and a starry flame through the night.” ([27:00])
• On God’s Will in Our Actions:
  “To never, ever do anything in his name that he’s not calling us to do in his name, but to always rely upon him.” ([27:50])
• Encouragement for Suffering Listeners:
  “If this is your horrible season right now, know of our prayers—we are literally praying for you right now.” ([28:40])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:30 - The purification of the Temple and its significance
• 05:15 - The origin of Hanukkah
• 08:45 - Battles led by Judas Maccabeus & reliance on God
• 11:45 - The betrayal and greed among some leaders
• 13:40 - Solomon’s prayer for wisdom
• 15:30 - Personified “Wisdom” in salvation history
• 17:45 - Proverbs on leadership and humility
• 21:30 - Fr. Mike on the spiritual meaning of the Temple’s desecration/restoration
• 22:40 - True courage comes from faith
• 23:15 - The discernment of battles “for God”
• 24:20 - Human imperfection of biblical heroes
• 26:15 - Shaped by knowing God’s story
• 27:10 - The promise of wisdom to seekers
• 27:50 - Discernment and obedience in action
• 28:30 - Prayer for those suffering

Conclusion

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by recognizing the ongoing challenges and sufferings that listeners may face, but offers strong encouragement rooted in Christ’s own promise:
“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
He invites all to seek God’s wisdom, act with courage grounded in faith, and pray for one another as the journey continues.

God bless.