Podcast Summary: Day 322 – The Ascension (2024)

Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Release Date: November 17, 2024
Duration: 20-25 minutes

Introduction

In Day 322: The Ascension, Fr. Mike Schmitz continues his year-long journey through the Bible, guiding listeners with insightful commentary, reflection, and prayer. This episode focuses on pivotal moments in the New Testament, particularly the Ascension of Jesus, the early Church's formation, and the foundational teachings from Paul's letter to the Romans.

Scripture Readings

Fr. Mike guides listeners through three primary scripture passages:

1. Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 1

   • Focus: The Ascension of Jesus and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

2. Romans, Chapter 1

   • Focus: Paul's introduction to his letter, emphasizing the power of the Gospel and the universal need for salvation.

3. Proverbs 26:24-26

   • Focus: The nature of deceit and hypocrisy.

All readings are from the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition, utilizing the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension.

Reflections and Insights

1. The Ascension and the Promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1):

Fr. Mike delves into Acts 1, highlighting Jesus' post-resurrection interactions with His apostles over 40 days. He emphasizes the significance of the Ascension, where Jesus instructs His disciples to await the Holy Spirit's arrival. A key moment is when the apostles ask, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). Jesus responds by redirecting their focus from temporal power to spiritual empowerment through the Holy Spirit, stating, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you..." (Acts 1:8).

2. The Role of Believers as Witnesses:

Fr. Mike underscores the transformative power that the Holy Spirit bestows upon believers, enabling them to be effective witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." He likens this power to "dynamite power" (MM:15:30), capable of creating significant change and spreading the Gospel's message far and wide.

3. Paul's Teachings in Romans:

Transitioning to Romans 1, Fr. Mike explores Paul's unapologetic stance, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel..." (Romans 1:16). He discusses the division within the Roman Christian community between Jewish and Gentile believers, highlighting Paul's mission to unify them through the revelation of God's righteousness available to all through faith.

4. Human Depravity and the Need for Grace:

Paul's depiction of humanity's fall into wickedness is examined, where people exchange the truth of God for lies and engage in various forms of immorality. Fr. Mike reflects on the inherent need for divine intervention and the Gospel's role in addressing and redeeming human sinfulness.

5. Insights on Proverbs:

The selected Proverbs passages shed light on the destructive nature of deceit and hypocrisy. Fr. Mike relates these proverbs to contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and integrity in one's faith journey.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:00]:
  "The Bible in a Year has brought the Word of God to so many people... the end of this year is not going to be the end of Bible in a year."

• On the Holy Spirit's Power [15:30]:
  "He says, but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you... that's the kind of dynamite power that Jesus promises."

• On Being Witnesses [20:45]:
  "You will be my witnesses. You'll be my martyrs. You'll be the ones who bear witness to my life, death, and resurrection."

• On the Gospel's Power [22:10]:
  "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith."

• Reflection on Human Depravity [25:50]:
  "The human heart almost knows no boundaries when it comes to the evil that we can devise and the evil that we can choose."

Prayer and Conclusion

The episode culminates in a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving, where Fr. Mike thanks God for the insights gained from Scripture and petitions for the Holy Spirit's continued guidance and empowerment. He encourages listeners to embrace their role in the ongoing story of salvation, urging them to witness and live out the Gospel authentically.

Fr. Mike closes with an invitation to support the podcast's mission, emphasizing the transformative impact of God's Word and the community formed through shared faith and study.

Key Takeaways

• Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit: Believers are promised significant spiritual power to witness and spread the Gospel effectively.

• Unity in Diversity: The early Church's struggle with Jewish and Gentile believers mirrors modern Christian communities, highlighting the Gospel's universal applicability.

• Unashamed Faith: Embracing and proclaiming the Gospel is essential, as it holds the power to transform lives and societies.

• Awareness of Deceit: Recognizing and rejecting hypocrisy and deceit is crucial for maintaining integrity in one's faith journey.

Availability and Support

Listeners can access the podcast on various platforms, including YouTube, and support its mission by contributing via ascensionpress.com/support. Translations into different languages are underway to reach a broader audience, ensuring that the transformative message of the Bible remains accessible to all.

This episode of The Bible in a Year serves as a profound reminder of the ongoing mission entrusted to believers: to witness, to unify, and to live out the Gospel with unwavering faith and dynamic power.