Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 32: Cattle, Boils, and Hail (2025)

Introduction

In Day 32 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Father Mike Schmitz continues his journey through the Scriptures, guiding listeners through the intricate narratives and laws that shape the foundation of faith. This episode, released on February 1, 2025, delves deep into Exodus chapter 9, Leviticus chapter 7, and Psalm 49, offering insightful reflections and fostering a profound understanding of the Bible's overarching story.

Scripture Readings

1. Exodus Chapter 9: The Plagues Intensify

   Father Mike begins by reading Exodus 9, focusing on the severe plagues that God sends upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This chapter details the plagues of livestock death and boils, highlighting God's power and Pharaoh's stubbornness.

   • Livestock Plague (Exodus 9:1-7):

     • God instructs Moses to demand Pharaoh release the Israelites, warning of a severe plague that will kill Egyptians' cattle while sparing that of the Israelites. Despite the devastation, "the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go" (Exodus 9:12).

   • Plague of Boils (Exodus 9:8-12):

     • Moses and Aaron throw ashes into the sky, turning them into fine dust that causes boils on humans and animals alike. The affliction affects both Egyptians and their magicians, yet Pharaoh remains obstinate.

   • Plague of Hail (Exodus 9:13-35):

     • God warns of an unprecedented hailstorm that will devastate Egypt. The narrative emphasizes the selective impact, protecting the Israelites in Goshen. When Pharaoh acknowledges his sin, Moses prays, and the hail ceases, but Pharaoh's heart hardens once more.

2. Leviticus Chapter 7: Laws of the Guilt Offering

   Transitioning to Leviticus 7, Father Mike outlines the detailed instructions for the guilt offering, an essential aspect of Israelite worship and atonement practices.

   • Sacrificial Procedures (Leviticus 7:1-10):

     • The chapter specifies how the guilt offering should be handled, emphasizing its holiness. Blood is to be thrown around the altar, and certain parts are reserved for the priests.

   • Peace Offerings (Leviticus 7:11-21):

     • Guidelines for peace offerings are provided, distinguishing between thanksgiving offerings and votive/freewill offerings. The consumption rules are strict, ensuring the offerings remain holy.

   • Prohibitions and Regulations (Leviticus 7:22-38):

     • Strict prohibitions against consuming fat and blood are reiterated. The section underscores the importance of purity and the dire consequences of violating these sacred laws.

3. Psalm 49: The Folly of Trusting in Riches

   Concluding the readings, Psalm 49 offers a poignant reflection on the futility of placing trust in wealth. Father Mike reads this psalm, which serves as a meditation on mortality and the transient nature of earthly possessions.

   • Key Verses:
     • "Truly no man can ransom himself or give to God the price of his life" (Psalm 49:7).
     • "Man cannot abide in this pomp. He is like the beasts that perish" (Psalm 49:12).

Reflections and Insights

Following the readings, Father Mike delves into a theological discussion addressing a common question: Why does God harden Pharaoh's heart? This exploration is crucial for understanding divine sovereignty and human free will.

• Understanding Heart Hardening:

  Father Mike explains that the phrase "God hardens Pharaoh's heart" doesn't imply that God removes Pharaoh's free will. Instead, it's a poetic expression highlighting how God's actions reveal His power and character, thereby influencing Pharaoh's disposition.

  • "God is always good, truth, mercy, and love. Like the sun, He emits these qualities, and depending on one's heart's disposition—symbolized by wax or clay—it either softens or hardens." (Timestamp: 23:45)

• Pharaoh's Response:

  Pharaoh's persistent refusal to acknowledge God is seen as a response to God's undeniable display of power. In the presence of divine supremacy, Pharaoh's heart becomes hardened not because God forces him, but because he chooses to reject God's authority.

  • "Pharaoh obsiously and stubbornly refuses to acknowledge Him, allowing his heart to become hardened by God's presence and power." (Timestamp: 32:10)

• Application to Personal Life:

  Father Mike challenges listeners to examine their own hearts. He suggests that in moments of struggle or unmet expectations, individuals might unintentionally harden their hearts toward God, mirroring Pharaoh's resistance.

  • "The challenge is to never let our hearts become hardened to the Lord. We need a heart that is soft and receptive to His presence and will." (Timestamp: 42:30)

• Community and Support:

  Emphasizing the importance of community, Father Mike encourages mutual prayer and support to maintain open and receptive hearts.

  • "We need each other. We need prayers with each other... without God's action of grace, it is impossible." (Timestamp: 45:15)

Prayer

The episode includes a heartfelt prayer led by Father Mike, expressing gratitude for God's word and seeking His guidance and conquering love. The prayer emphasizes surrendering one's life to God's reign and acknowledges His sovereignty.

• "Father, in heaven, we give you praise, and we thank you for your word... Help us to surrender and to submit our minds and our hearts, our entire lives to your reign." (Timestamp: 49:00)

Conclusion

Father Mike wraps up Day 32 by reinforcing the themes of divine power, human responsibility, and the necessity of keeping one's heart open to God's influence. He invites listeners to continue their spiritual journey with prayer and community support, anticipating deeper explorations in the days to come.

• "Let's keep praying for each other. I am praying for you. Please pray for me. And I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." (Timestamp: 54:20)

Key Takeaways

• Divine Sovereignty and Human Free Will: Understanding the interplay between God's actions and human choices is essential for comprehending biblical narratives.

• Importance of Worship and Obedience: The detailed laws in Leviticus highlight the significance of proper worship and atonement in maintaining a relationship with God.

• Mortality and Priorities: Psalm 49 serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of wealth and the importance of placing trust in eternal values over temporal possessions.

Notable Quotes

• "God is goodness itself. God is truth itself. God is life itself. God is mercy itself." (Timestamp: 30:05)

• "Man cannot abide in this pomp. He is like the beasts that perish." (Psalm 49:12, Timestamp: 36:45)

• "The challenge is to never let our hearts become hardened to the Lord." (Timestamp: 42:30)

Final Thoughts

Day 32 of "The Bible in a Year" offers a rich tapestry of scripture and reflection, inviting listeners to engage deeply with the Bible's teachings. Through Father Mike Schmitz's insightful commentary, the episode not only narrates biblical events but also bridges them to personal spiritual growth, emphasizing the continuous relevance of Scripture in today's lives.