Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 323: Pentecost (2024)
Release Date: November 18, 2024

1. Introduction and Mission Update

Father Mike Schmitz opens the episode by expressing gratitude for the transformative impact of the "Bible in a Year" podcast. Highlighting its role in disseminating the Word of God, he shares exciting updates and future plans:

• Expansion to YouTube: "So far, Ascension has been able to add the podcast to YouTube. You might have found it that way. Maybe you're watching right now on YouTube." (00:00)

• Translation Efforts: Plans are underway to translate the podcast into multiple languages to reach a broader audience.

• Funding Appeal: Emphasizing the necessity of listener contributions to keep the podcast free, he urges support through Ascension's website: "If you would like to help support the Bible in a Year mission, you can go to ascensionpress.com support." (00:00)

Father Mike reaffirms the podcast’s mission: “We encounter God's voice and live life through the lens of Scripture.” (00:00)

2. Scripture Readings

Each episode features specific scripture passages accompanied by reflections and prayers. For Day 323, the readings include:

• Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2
• Romans, Chapters 2 and 3
• Proverbs, Chapter 26, Verses 27-28

He mentions the use of the Revised Standard Version, second Catholic edition, and the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension. (00:00)

3. Reflection on Acts Chapter 2: The Coming of the Holy Spirit

Father Mike delves into Acts 2, focusing on the event of Pentecost:

• The Holy Spirit’s Arrival: He describes the dramatic descent of the Holy Spirit: “a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind... tongues as of fire distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (00:00)

• Peter’s Sermon: Highlighting Peter’s pivotal address, Father Mike emphasizes that genuine conversion is driven by the Holy Spirit rather than human effort: “It is always the Holy Spirit that convicts hearts... The Holy Spirit's the only one who can instigate conversion.” (00:00)

• Empowerment for Evangelization: He underscores the apostles' mission post-Pentecost: “They receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to go out... and begin to proclaim Jesus Christ risen from the dead.” (00:00)

• Key Takeaway: The episode stresses that receiving the Holy Spirit equips believers to actively participate in evangelization, mirroring the early church’s dedication to spreading the Gospel.

4. Reflection on Romans Chapters 2 and 3: The Righteous Judgment of God

Turning to Romans 2 and 3, Father Mike explores St. Paul's intricate discourse on judgment and righteousness:

• Universal Sinfulness: He articulates Paul’s argument that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin: “No, not one. No one understands, no one seeks for God.” (00:00)

• Judgment According to Deeds: Paul asserts that God judges impartially based on actions: “He will render to every man according to his works...” (00:00)

• The Inadequacy of the Law: Emphasizing that adherence to the law alone cannot justify: “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” (00:00)

• Justification by Faith: Father Mike highlights the cornerstone of Christian faith as presented by Paul: “The righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it. The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe...” (00:00)

• Implications for Believers: He explains that true righteousness comes through faith, rendering no room for boasting based on works: “Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. On the principle of faith.” (00:00)

5. Insights on the Gospel Message

Father Mike synthesizes the readings to convey the essence of the Gospel:

• Inadequacy of Human Effort: No amount of striving or good works can bridge the gap between humanity and God: “No matter how hard we would work... it would never be enough.” (00:00)

• Divine Redemption: The solution lies in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice: “Because the Father has offered His Son, and the Son has offered Himself. For your redemption, for my redemption.” (00:00)

• Grace and New Life: Believers are invited to embrace God’s grace and live in obedience through faith: “We get to receive his grace, we get to receive his redemption, we get to receive his love. And that's walking in faith...” (00:00)

6. Conclusion and Prayer

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit on the feast of Pentecost:

“Father in heaven, give you praise... your Holy Spirit, this day, keep us alive in your will. Keep us close to your heart. Help us to never wander from you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.” (00:00)

Father Mike reiterates the importance of the Holy Spirit in sustaining faith and encourages listeners to remain steadfast: “I am praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (00:00)

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• “It is always the Holy Spirit that convicts hearts... The Holy Spirit's the only one who can instigate conversion.” — Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

• “The righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law... justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” — Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

• “We get to receive his grace, we get to receive his redemption, we get to receive his love. And that's walking in faith...” — Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

Key Takeaways

• Empowerment through the Holy Spirit: Pentecost marks the beginning of active evangelization, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

• Universal Need for Redemption: Both Jews and Gentiles share in the human condition of sin, necessitating divine grace.

• Justification by Faith: True righteousness is attained through faith in Jesus Christ, not merely by adherence to the law.

• Community and Fellowship: The early church exemplifies steadfast teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer as foundational to Christian life.

• Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to emulate the early Christians by embracing the Holy Spirit’s guidance and actively participating in the mission of the Church.

This episode intricately weaves scripture, theological reflection, and practical application, offering listeners a profound understanding of Pentecost’s significance and the foundational truths of justification by faith. Through Father Mike Schmitz’s engaging commentary, the podcast not only guides listeners through the Bible but also inspires them to live out their faith actively and community-mindedly.