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

Day 313: The Ark of the New Covenant

Date: November 9, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Scripture Readings: Luke 1–2, Proverbs 25:24–26

Episode Overview

This episode marks a major milestone as listeners enter the New Testament, reading the opening chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Fr. Mike explores the unique perspective of Luke among the Gospel writers, the parallel origin stories of John the Baptist and Jesus, and deeply reflects on Mary as the "Ark of the New Covenant." Rich in biblical theology, the episode bridges the Old and New Testaments, tying together salvation history and Marian doctrines as seen through the Catholic lens.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Entering a New Chapter: The Gospel of Luke

• Fr. Mike celebrates reaching Day 313 and starting the New Testament (00:04).
• Background: Luke’s meticulous, orderly account is introduced—written by a Greek physician and companion of St. Paul, offering a distinct, Hellenistic perspective on Jesus' life versus the Jewish focus of the other Evangelists (22:25).
• The dedication to Theophilus (“lover of God” or “beloved of God”) can apply to any friend of God (22:56).

2. Parallel Origin Stories: John the Baptist & Jesus

• Both stories begin with an appearance by the angel Gabriel—first to Zechariah (announcing John’s miraculous birth), then to Mary (the Annunciation).

• Fr. Mike explores the difference between Zechariah and Mary’s responses:

  • Zechariah questions Gabriel out of doubt; as a result, he’s struck mute (26:20).
  • Mary also questions, but hers is a clarifying question out of faith; she receives a gentle answer (27:55).

  Quote:

  "There is a way to ask a question and there's a way to ask a question... Zechariah, in the subtext, is challenging the message of God; whereas Mary is asking a clarifying question."
  — Fr. Mike (27:10)

3. Marian Theology: The Ark of the New Covenant

• Fr. Mike connects Mary to the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting deep typological links:

  • The Ark contained manna (bread from heaven), the tablets (the Word), and Aaron’s staff (priesthood).
  • Jesus, in Mary’s womb, is Bread of Life, Word made Flesh, High Priest (31:10).

• Cites parallels between 2 Samuel and Luke 1:

  • Both David (with the Ark) and Mary go "with haste" into the hill country of Judea.
  • Both Elizabeth and David wonder at the presence ("Who am I that the mother of my Lord/that the Ark should come to me?").
  • John the Baptist leaps in the womb as David danced before the Ark (35:00).

• Revelation 11–12: John sees the Ark in heaven, which transitions into the image of a woman giving birth—a traditional Marian interpretation (33:40).

  Quotes:

  "What is Mary in this moment? She is where the presence of God, the Word made flesh, is abiding."
  — Fr. Mike (38:43)
  "It is poetically necessary... It's what you call fitting. It is fitting that Mary, being the new Ark of the New Covenant, would also be a perpetual virgin."
  — Fr. Mike (36:35)

4. Clarifying "Brothers of Jesus"

• Revisits the Greek term “adelphoi” (brothers/kin/relatives), reinforcing that Jesus' “brothers” does not contradict the doctrine of Mary’s perpetual virginity (29:10).

5. The Humility of the Holy Family

• Reflects on the presentation of Jesus in the temple:

  • The offering of turtle doves or pigeons indicates Mary and Joseph’s poverty.
  • Even with little, their faithfulness satisfies God (42:16).

  Quote:

  “Just give what you can, do what you can. Don't worry about what you can't. That's all he needs. That's all he wants. That's all he's asking.”
  — Fr. Mike (43:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mary’s Annunciation:

  “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.” — Mary (Luke 1:38, read at 12:07)

• On Zechariah’s Doubt:

  “You will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words.” — Gabriel (read at 08:32)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:04 — Introduction; Day 313 milestone; entering Luke’s Gospel.
• 22:25 — The uniqueness of Luke as a Gentile writer and his audience.
• 26:20 — Zechariah and Mary: contrasting responses to Gabriel.
• 29:10 — On "adelphoi" and the meaning of Jesus’ “brothers.”
• 31:10 — Mary as the Ark: fulfillment of Exodus symbols.
• 33:40 — Revelation’s imagery: Ark and Woman.
• 35:00 — Luke & Samuel parallels: “with haste,” presence, leaping for joy.
• 36:35 — Fittingness of Mary’s perpetual virginity (“poetically necessary”).
• 38:43 — The Incarnation: Mary, God’s presence among His people.
• 42:16 — Mary and Joseph’s humble offering and the principle of “doing what you can.”
• 43:23 — Encouragement for listeners to give and do what they can.

Tone & Language

Fr. Mike speaks warmly, energetically, and reverently. He couples theological insight with practical encouragement, making connections between biblical history and everyday Christian life. There is a strong Marian emphasis and a Catholic interpretive framework, communicated with clarity and charity.

Summary Takeaways

• Luke’s Gospel presents an orderly account of Christ, with unique appeal for Gentile and Hellenistic audiences.
• The Annunciation and Visitation narratives anchor Marian doctrine in biblical typology, especially Mary’s role as the Ark of the New Covenant.
• Humility, faith, and openness to God’s plan characterize both the Holy Family and Christ’s forerunner, John.
• Listeners are encouraged to trust God with what they can offer, however modest, believing that God works marvels through humble means.

Fr. Mike’s closing reminder:

“Please pray for me; I am praying for you. My name is Fr. Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (44:25)