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

Episode: Day 327: Origin of the Diaconate (2024)
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Publisher: Ascension

Introduction

In Day 327 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the origin of the diaconate, exploring its foundational role in the early Christian Church. This episode intertwines readings from the Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 6), St. Paul's Letter to the Romans (Chapters 9 and 10), and Proverbs 27:10-12, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of service, faith, and wisdom within the Christian community.

Scripture Readings

• Acts 6
• Romans 9-10
• Proverbs 27:10-12

Reflection on Acts 6: The Birth of the Diaconate

Fr. Mike begins by examining Acts Chapter 6, where the early Church faces internal challenges as the number of disciples grows. A notable conflict arises between the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) and the Hebraic Jewish Christians concerning the fair distribution of aid to widows.

Key Points:

1. Addressing Community Needs:

   • The Hellenists complained that their widows were being overlooked in daily distributions.
   • This highlighted the growing pains of a burgeoning Christian community grappling with diversity and fairness.

2. Establishment of the Diaconate:

   • The Twelve Apostles convened the disciples, emphasizing that their primary mission was preaching the Word of God, not administrative tasks.
   • They proposed selecting seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom to manage these duties: "Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty" ([Acts 6:3], 02:13).

3. Ordination and Service:

   • The chosen individuals, including Stephen, were prayed over and ordained through the laying of hands, signifying their official role within the Church.
   • Stephen's subsequent actions, performing wonders and engaging in preaching, underscore the dynamic nature of the diaconate beyond mere administrative functions.

Notable Quotes:

• "These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them." ([Acts 6:6], 02:32)
• "Father, in heaven we give you praise. And thank you always, every day." (Prayer segment, 10:43)

Insights: Fr. Mike emphasizes that the establishment of the diaconate was not just a practical solution to logistical problems but also a testament to the Church's commitment to both service and proclamation. The diaconate serves as a bridge between the pastoral mission of the apostles and the everyday needs of the faithful.

Reflection on Romans 9-10: God's Election and Righteousness Through Faith

Transitioning to Romans Chapters 9 and 10, Fr. Mike explores St. Paul's heartfelt discourse on God's sovereignty in election and the pivotal role of faith in salvation.

Key Points:

1. Paul's Sorrow for Israel:

   • Paul expresses deep anguish over his fellow Israelites' failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah: "I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen." ([Romans 9:2], 03:47).

2. Divine Mercy and Human Will:

   • He articulates that God's mercy is not contingent on human effort but is rooted in divine will: "It depends not upon man's will or exertion, but upon God's mercy." ([Romans 9:16], 05:16).
   • The analogy of the potter and clay illustrates God's authority over creation: "Has the potter no right over the clay to make out of the same lump one vessel for beauty and another for menial use?" ([Romans 9:20-21], 05:54).

3. Faith as the Path to Righteousness:

   • Contrasting the righteousness based on the law with righteousness through faith, Paul underscores that salvation is accessible to all who believe in Jesus Christ: "For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." ([Romans 10:13], 07:11).

4. Necessity of Preaching:

   • He emphasizes that faith arises from hearing the Word of God, underscoring the indispensable role of preachers: "But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?" ([Romans 10:14], 20:35).

Notable Quotes:

• "So it depends not upon man's will or exertion, but upon God's mercy." ([Romans 9:16], 05:16)
• "Because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ([Romans 10:9], 07:37)

Insights: Fr. Mike highlights the tension between predestination and human free will, illustrating Paul's perspective that while God initiates salvation, human response through faith is essential. The discussion reinforces the idea that faith is both a gift and a response, intricately linked to the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel.

Reflection on Proverbs 27:10-12: Wisdom in Friendship and Prudence

In exploring Proverbs 27:10-12, Fr. Mike shifts focus to the themes of friendship, wisdom, and prudence.

Key Points:

1. Value of Supportive Relationships:

   • The Proverb contrasts the reliability of a nearby neighbor with the distant brother: "Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away." ([Proverbs 27:10], 10:16).

2. Prudence Over Simplicity:

   • Encourages foresight and wisdom: "A prudent man sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it." ([Proverbs 27:12], 10:27).

3. Encouragement and Accountability:

   • Stresses the importance of uplifting relationships: "Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad that I may answer him who reproaches me." ([Proverbs 27:17], 10:25).

Notable Quotes:

• "A prudent man sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it." ([Proverbs 27:12], 10:27)

Insights: Fr. Mike draws parallels between Old Testament wisdom and New Testament teachings, suggesting that wise relationships and prudent actions are foundational to a thriving Christian life. These Proverbs serve as practical guidance for maintaining healthy, supportive communities within the Church.

The Power of Prayer and Community

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to prayer, reflecting the podcast's emphasis on not just reading Scripture but engaging with it spiritually.

Key Points:

1. Communal Prayer:

   • Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, emphasizing gratitude, praise, and the transformative power of God's Spirit: "Father, in heaven we give you praise. And thank you always, every day." ([10:43], 10:43).

2. Intercession for Others:

   • He extends prayers beyond himself, recognizing the struggles within the community and lifting up listeners in prayer: _"We're praying for you definitely."* ([11:26], 11:26).

3. Personal Connection:

   • Fr. Mike shares personal reflections and invites listeners to join in prayer, fostering a sense of spiritual unity and mutual support.

Insights: The prayer segments underscore the podcast's mission to not only inform but also to nurture the listener's spiritual life. Fr. Mike's prayers serve as a model for intercessory prayer, encouraging listeners to seek God's grace and strength in their daily lives.

Conclusion

Day 327 of The Bible in a Year podcast offers a profound exploration of the origin of the diaconate, the complexities of divine election, and the practical wisdom of Proverbs. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines these themes to present a holistic view of service, faith, and wisdom within the Christian journey. By highlighting the necessity of both structured service (through the diaconate) and the active proclamation of the Gospel, the episode reinforces the Church's dual mission of caring for its members and spreading the Word of God.

Final Thoughts: Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own roles within their communities, embodying the virtues of service, faith, and wisdom. The episode serves as a reminder that the Church thrives not only through active ministry but also through the continual proclamation and living out of the Gospel.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's episode, where Fr. Mike delves deeper into the story of St. Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian Church.