The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode: Day 314: My Beloved Son (2024)

Hosted by Ascension

Introduction

In Day 314 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Luke chapters 3, 4, and 5, supplemented by Proverbs 25:27-28. This episode explores the pivotal moments leading up to and including the beginning of Jesus' ministry, highlighting themes of repentance, divine sonship, temptation, and the call to discipleship.

Scripture Readings and Reflections

1. The Preaching of John the Baptist (Luke 3)

Fr. Mike begins by reading Luke 3, which introduces John the Baptist's mission of preaching repentance and baptizing believers. He emphasizes the historical context:

"In the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar..." (Luke 3:1-2)
“You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22) [00:XX]

Key Insights:

• Historical Anchoring: Fr. Mike highlights Luke's precise historical markers, situating John the Baptist and Jesus within the reign of Tiberius Caesar, under the governance of Pontius Pilate and Herod.
• Role of John the Baptist: He underscores John's role in preparing the way for Jesus, calling for genuine repentance rather than superficial adherence.
• Divine Affirmation: The declaration from heaven affirms Jesus' divine sonship, setting the stage for His ministry.

2. The Ancestry and Humility of Jesus (Luke 3:23-38)

Fr. Mike reads the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to Adam and God. He reflects on:

“Jesus, the son of Joseph, the son of Heli...” (Luke 3:23-38)

Key Insights:

• Jesus' Humanity and Divinity: The genealogy emphasizes Jesus' human lineage while affirming His divine nature as the Son of God.
• Humility: By being born in humble circumstances and enduring human challenges, Jesus models true humility.

3. The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4)

Fr. Mike examines Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, where He faces temptation:

“Man shall not live by bread alone.” (Luke 4:4) [15:45]
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.” (Luke 4:8)

Key Insights:

• Victory Over Temptation: Jesus resists Satan's temptations by adhering to Scripture, showcasing the power of God's Word.
• Symbolism of the Wilderness: The wilderness represents a place of testing and preparation, mirroring Israel's Exodus journey.
• Adoption and Divine Support: Fr. Mike connects Jesus' triumph to our own spiritual battles, reminding listeners that “the Lord fights for you” (Luke 4:20).

4. Jesus Begins His Ministry (Luke 4:14-44)

Fr. Mike highlights the commencement of Jesus' public ministry in Galilee:

“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21) [30:10]
“No prophet is acceptable in his own country.” (Luke 4:23)

Key Insights:

• Proclamation of Good News: Jesus declares the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, announcing liberation and healing.
• Local Rejection: Despite initial acclaim, Jesus faces skepticism in Nazareth, illustrating the challenge of ministry in familiar surroundings.
• Authority and Healing: Demonstrates Jesus' authority through healing the sick and casting out demons, reinforcing His divine mission.

5. Calling of the First Disciples (Luke 5)

Fr. Mike narrates the calling of Simon Peter, James, and John:

“Henceforth you will be catching men.” (Luke 5:10) [45:30]

Key Insights:

• Immediate Obedience: The disciples' swift response to Jesus' call exemplifies the transformative power of encountering Christ.
• Miraculous Provision: The extraordinary catch of fish symbolizes abundance and the boundless possibilities in following Jesus.
• Invitation to Discipleship: Emphasizes the call to leave everything behind to pursue a life dedicated to God's mission.

Reflection on Proverbs 25:27-28

Fr. Mike transitions to Proverbs 25:27-28, drawing parallels between scripture and practical life:

“It is not good to eat much honey, so be sparing of complimentary words.” (Proverbs 25:27) [50:15]
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)

Key Insights:

• Balance in Affection: Advocates for moderation in praise, akin to using honey sparingly to avoid overwhelming one's palate.
• Importance of Self-Control: Illustrates self-control as essential for personal integrity and protection against moral vulnerabilities.
• Application to Relationships: Encourages discerning the use of words and practicing self-control to build strong, defensible character.

Practical Applications and Personal Insights

Fr. Mike shares personal anecdotes to reinforce the teachings:

• Love Languages and Compliments: He relates the proverb on honey to the five love languages, cautioning against excessive affirmation which can lose its meaning.
• Finding a Virtuous Partner: Recounts advice given to a woman named Anastasia about seeking a partner who can fast, linking it to the necessity of self-control in relationships.
• Consistency in Spiritual Vigilance: Compares repeated confession of the same sins to a baseball player's consistent mistakes, emphasizing the importance of addressing specific areas of weakness.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating the themes of divine sonship and support:

“You are my beloved Son, you are my beloved daughter. With you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22)

Final Thoughts:

• Adoption into God's Family: Emphasizes that through baptism, believers are adopted as children of God, sharing in His sonship and divine favor.
• Jesus as Our Advocate: Reminds listeners that Jesus continually fights on their behalf, offering love, protection, and regeneration.
• Call to Faith and Obedience: Encourages embracing Jesus' call to discipleship, trusting in His guidance and provision.

Closing Prayer

Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, seeking deeper intimacy with God, strength to follow Jesus, and the infusion of the Holy Spirit to live out the teachings discussed.

Notable Quotes:

• “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.” – Father Mike Schmitz [00:XX]
• “Henceforth you will be catching men.” – Father Mike Schmitz [45:30]
• “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” – Father Mike Schmitz [50:15]

Final Thoughts

Day 314 of The Bible in a Year offers profound insights into the foundational moments of Jesus' ministry and their relevance to our spiritual journey. Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly connects scripture with everyday life, providing listeners with practical wisdom and encouragement to deepen their faith and understanding of God's grand narrative.

Listen Next: Tune in tomorrow as Fr. Mike explores the Transfiguration, further unraveling the mysteries of Jesus' divine mission.

“With this podcast, you won’t just read the Bible in a year … you’ll finally understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!” – Ascension