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

Episode: Day 334 – The Meaning of Fasting (2025)
Date: November 30, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension

Overview

This episode focuses on the scriptural readings from Acts 13, 1 Corinthians 7–8, and Proverbs 28:4–6, with an emphasis on understanding the significance of fasting, faithfulness in one’s state of life, and the responsibilities Christians have to one another. Fr. Mike Schmitz offers reflection on how the early Church's practices, St. Paul's teachings, and the wisdom of Proverbs can be integrated into daily Christian living, particularly around the theme of fasting and communal responsibility.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Fasting in the Early Church (Acts 13)

• Scripture Context: The church in Antioch, gathered in worship and fasting, receives guidance from the Holy Spirit to set apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for mission. Their commission is marked by prayer and fasting.
• Reflection on Fasting:
  • Fasting is a “standard for Christians,” rooted in both Jewish and early Christian tradition.
  • It is not a way to manipulate God but “aligning our bodies with our spirits,” making our need for God tangible.
  • Quote - Fr. Mike [17:10]: "Fasting accompanies prayer...when we fast, we're doing something really important in aligning our bodies with our spirits. We need God so much, and yet sometimes when our bodies are full, we kind of don't feel that need."
  • Fasting need not be limited to food, especially for those with disordered relationships with eating; it can also mean abstaining from comforts like the snooze button, coffee, or alcohol.

2. Transition from Saul to Paul & Evangelization

• Context: Acts 13 is the first instance Saul is called “Paul,” marking a shift in his ministry focus to the Gentiles.
• Insight:
  • The name change symbolizes not an abandonment of Jewish mission, but an expanded evangelistic outreach.
  • Quote - Fr. Mike [19:30]: "This switch from Saul to Paul is also kind of an indication of this new evangelistic outreach...to those who were not raised Jew, but to those who, yeah, were not part of the covenant."

3. Faithfulness in One’s State of Life (1 Corinthians 7)

• Scripture Context:
  • Paul addresses questions about marriage, singleness, and remaining in one’s assigned state.
  • Encourages Christians to avoid seeking meaning merely by changing circumstances.
• Reflection:
  • The “magic bullet” mentality (believing holiness is elsewhere, in another state of life) is a temptation; true holiness is found in faithfulness and repeatedly saying "yes" to God, wherever one is.
  • Quote - Fr. Mike [23:12]: "Holiness is simply saying yes to God and just never ceasing to say yes."
  • Key Verse - 1 Corinthians 7:17: "Let everyone lead the life which the Lord has assigned to him, and in which God has called him."

4. Freedom, Responsibility, and Scandal (1 Corinthians 8)

• Scripture Context:
  • Paul teaches on liberty regarding food sacrificed to idols, emphasizing concern for “the weaker brother”.
• Reflection:
  • While Christians have freedom (“idols don’t exist”), their actions can affect others’ faith.
  • The “sin of scandal” arises when liberty leads others astray; Christians have an obligation to love and protect one another by being mindful of the impact of their actions.
  • Quote - Fr. Mike [25:41]: "You and I belong to each other, and so we need to watch how we act. That’s basically what he’s saying."
  • The broader principle: We witness to Christ not just in belief but behavior—help or hinder others' relationship with God.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fasting and Prayer [18:11]: "It's not like fasting coerces God into doing something ... But when we fast, we're doing something really important in aligning our bodies with our spirits." —Fr. Mike
• On Seeking Meaning Elsewhere [22:20]: "A lot of times we look at our state in life, we say, ah. We look at the people around us who are in different states of life, and we say, oh, if I could just be where they are, or if I could just be in that other state of life." —Fr. Mike
• On Communal Responsibility [26:30]: "Maybe it's not your responsibility to make sure they have faith, but you and I belong to each other ... You and I do belong to each other. And so we pray for each other." —Fr. Mike

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:25 – Readings: Acts 13, 1 Corinthians 7–8, Proverbs 28:4–6
• 17:10 – Reflection on fasting in Christian tradition
• 19:00 – Transition from Saul to Paul and the outreach to Gentiles
• 22:00 – Reflections on the “magic bullet” mentality and faithfulness in one’s vocation
• 24:50 – Holiness as continual assent to God
• 25:30 – Responsibility towards others and the sin of scandal
• 27:00 – Closing thoughts and prayer

Episode Flow & Tone

• Fr. Mike is enthusiastic, spiritually perceptive, and pastorally sensitive.
• He mixes practical insights (e.g., fasting alternatives) with deep theological concepts (communal responsibility, holiness in ordinary life).
• The episode is marked by a blend of joy (“Congratulations! Day 334!”), humor, and realistic encouragement for those seeking to live out the faith.

Summary

In this episode, Day 334 of “The Bible in a Year,” Fr. Mike Schmitz draws from the reading plan to highlight the ongoing relevance of fasting, the meaning of faithfulness in every state of life, and the loving responsibility Christians have for one another. Using vivid examples and scriptural insights, he challenges listeners to see fasting not merely as a duty but a means to reawaken spiritual hunger, to resist the temptation of “greener pastures,” and to bear witness to Christ by fostering—not hindering—faith in their communities. The episode closes with Fr. Mike’s signature encouragement: praying for the listeners and inviting mutual prayer.