Episode Overview

Episode Title: Day 312: Conclusion to the Old Testament
Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Date: November 8, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Main Theme:
This milestone episode marks the completion of the Old Testament in the podcast’s reading journey. Fr. Mike reflects on the final chapters of 2 Maccabees, the Wisdom of Solomon, and Proverbs, drawing together themes of perseverance, devotion, and God’s unwavering support for His people. He explores what truly motivates faithful action and foreshadows the transition to the New Testament.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Final Old Testament Readings

• 2 Maccabees 15:
  The chapter recounts Nicanor’s arrogance, his intent to attack Judas Maccabeus and the Jewish people, and the ultimate divine victory achieved by Judas and his men.

  • The Maccabees’ motivation goes beyond personal or familial safety—they are primarily concerned with defending the consecrated sanctuary, the temple of God.
  • A powerful vision is shared, with the prophet Jeremiah appearing to Judas in a dream, giving him a holy sword and encouraging the battle.

• Wisdom of Solomon 19:
  Fr. Mike draws attention to how God’s power preserves His people through miracles during the Exodus, transforming nature itself to protect and deliver them.

  • The narrative underscores that God did not neglect His people “at all times and in all places,” even amidst hardships and suffering.

• Proverbs 25:21–23:
  The reading provides a call to radical love and mercy, even towards one's enemies, and a brief prayer for the strength to embody this teaching.

2. Reflection on Motivation and Devotion

• The Maccabees’ Priority:
  Fr. Mike emphasizes that, for the Maccabees, the defense of the Temple eclipses even the safety of family:

  “Their concern for wives and children and also for brethren and relatives lay upon them less heavily. Their greatest and first fear was for the consecrated sanctuary.” (20:22–21:12)

  He encourages listeners to reflect on their own priorities:

  • “What would our lives be like if that was our passion, if that was our pursuit? … Not that we would go over to violence, but I just mean that we would defend. That we would keep our worship pure...” (21:12–22:09)
  • He links this to Jesus’ own challenging call:

    “If you want to be my disciple, gotta love me more than anything else. And that’s where we’re headed tomorrow.” (22:30)

3. God’s Faithfulness, Even in Brokenness

• Citing Wisdom of Solomon, Fr. Mike underlines that God is always present and faithful—even when events aren’t neat or happy:

  “For in everything, O Lord, you have exalted and glorified your people, and you have not neglected to help them at all times and in all places.” (23:11–23:45)

• He acknowledges the ongoing struggles of God’s people, and by extension, the struggles listeners face today:

  “We know the story, though, you guys. The story’s not always beautiful and not always clean and neat. And yet we can still affirm, ‘You did not neglect to help them at all times and in all places, even when there was trouble, even if there was suffering, even when there was death.’” (24:01–24:28)

4. Praying for Each Other and Community Support

• Fr. Mike concludes with encouragement for those in pain, affirming the podcast’s supportive community:

  “If that’s you, you are not alone. You are not alone. We are praying for you, brothers and sisters. I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.” (25:00–25:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Finishing the Old Testament:

  “You will be able to say basically you’ve read the entire Old Testament by the end of today…Congratulations.” (01:13)

• On Motivation for Righteous Action:

  “Their greatest and first fear was for the consecrated sanctuary.” (20:50)

• On Prioritizing Worship:

  “More important than…even the people I love is your temple. More important than the people I love is the Eucharist.” (21:31)

• On Jesus’ Call:

  “If you want to be my disciple, gotta love me more than anything else.” (22:30)

• On God’s Help:

  “For in everything, O Lord, you have exalted and glorified your people, and you have not neglected to help them at all times and in all places.” (23:29)

• For Listeners in Hardship:

  “There are people right now, this is the worst day of their life. If that’s you, you are not alone.” (25:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Readings Explanation: 00:04–02:45
• 2 Maccabees 15 Reading and Commentary: 02:46–14:56
• Wisdom of Solomon 19 Summary: 14:57–19:22
• Proverbs 25:21–23 and Prayer: 19:23–20:05
• Reflection on the Temple and Worship: 20:06–22:59
• Anticipation for the New Testament: 23:00–23:35
• Reflection on God’s Faithfulness: 23:36–24:37
• Community Support and Closing Words: 24:38–end

Looking Forward

• Fr. Mike teases tomorrow’s “twofer” episode with Jeff Cavins to introduce the Gospel of Luke and the era of the Church.
• He invites listeners to bring a fresh openness to “watch Jesus, to listen to how he acts and listen to how he lives” as they approach the New Testament journey.

Summary:
Fr. Mike Schmitz leads listeners through the emotional and spiritual milestone of finishing the Old Testament. By exploring the closing struggles and triumphs of Israel, he invites listeners to consider what motivates their faith—and to trust in God’s presence even when life is difficult. The episode closes with heartfelt encouragement and anticipation for beginning the story of Jesus and the early Church tomorrow.