Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Day 335: Run the Race (2024)
Episode Information:
- Title: Run the Race
- Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Presented by: Ascension
- Release Date: November 30, 2024
- Duration: 20-25 minutes
- Scripture Readings: Acts 14; 1 Corinthians 9-10; Proverbs 28:7, 8, 9
- Bible Translation: Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition
Introduction
In Day 335 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the Apostle Paul's journey and teachings, exploring themes of perseverance, suffering, and the Christian's race toward salvation. Utilizing the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike provides a comprehensive understanding of salvation history, connecting biblical narratives to contemporary Christian life.
Scripture Readings
Acts of the Apostles 14; 1 Corinthians 9-10; Proverbs 28:7, 8, 9
Fr. Mike reads from these passages to set the foundation for the episode's reflections, focusing on Paul and Barnabas's missionary endeavors and Paul's teachings on Christian freedom and discipline.
Reflections and Insights
Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (Acts 14)
Fr. Mike recounts Paul and Barnabas's missionary work in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, highlighting their perseverance despite opposition. In Lystra, they perform a miraculous healing, which leads the local populace to mistake them for Greek gods—Zeus and Hermes. This incident underscores the fickleness of human praise, as Fr. Mike draws parallels to the transient adoration of Jesus during Palm Sunday, which swiftly turns to calls for his crucifixion.
"The truth is the praise of men and the shame of men... It shows us the truth that the praise of men is fickle." [12:45]
Fr. Mike emphasizes the unpredictability of worldly acclaim and the steadfastness required in the Christian journey. He warns against placing trust in human approval, citing Paul's stoning in Lystra as a poignant example of abrupt rejection.
Endurance Through Tribulations (Acts 14:22)
Fr. Mike highlights Paul's exhortation to the disciples to remain steadfast in faith despite facing many tribulations, elucidating that suffering is an integral part of entering the Kingdom of God. This perspective encourages believers to embrace challenges as avenues for spiritual growth and salvation.
"Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." [18:30]
He relates this to personal struggles, urging listeners to surrender their hardships to God and find strength in their faith during times of adversity.
Christian Rights and Responsibilities (1 Corinthians 9-10)
In his analysis of 1 Corinthians 9-10, Fr. Mike explores Paul's defense of his apostolic rights, such as receiving support for his ministry. However, Paul chooses to forego these rights to avoid hindering the Gospel's spread.
"I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air, but I pummel my body and subdue it..." [25:15]
Fr. Mike draws an analogy between Paul and athletes, emphasizing the necessity of discipline and self-control in the Christian life. He stresses that such commitment is not about seeking earthly rewards but striving for eternal glory.
Striving for Spiritual Excellence
Fr. Mike elaborates on Paul's metaphor of the Christian life as a race, where believers must exercise self-control to obtain an imperishable crown. He challenges listeners to prioritize their spiritual goals over worldly achievements, advocating for a single-minded devotion to God.
"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things... But we and imperishable." [30:50]
This analogy serves to inspire listeners to adopt rigorous spiritual practices, akin to an athlete's training, to maintain their faith and witness.
Wisdom and Obedience (Proverbs 28:7, 8, 9)
Reflecting on Proverbs 28, Fr. Mike underscores the value of adhering to God's law, the pitfalls of greed, and the importance of attentiveness to divine instruction. He connects these teachings to the broader theme of living a disciplined and obedient Christian life.
Notable Quotes
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"We never expect the world to love us. That's it. Never expect the world to love you if you're going to belong to Jesus." [15:10]
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"There is no temptation that has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength." [22:20]
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"If an Olympic athlete is striving more for a gold medal than I am for heaven, who is the fool here?" [28:35]
Guided Prayer
Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, asking for God's assistance in remaining faithful, hearing His word, and loving others as Christ loves. He implores for the strength to endure tribulations and to strive earnestly for eternal life.
"Lord God, please help us to strive for heaven like a champion strives for the championship... Let that motivate every one of our actions from this day, from this moment, until the last moment." [35:10]
Conclusion
Day 335 of The Bible in a Year emphasizes the necessity of perseverance, discipline, and unwavering faith in the Christian journey. Through Paul's experiences and teachings, Fr. Mike Schmitz reinforces the importance of prioritizing spiritual goals, embracing tribulations as pathways to salvation, and maintaining steadfastness despite worldly fickleness. This episode serves as a profound reminder of the race believers are called to run—a race marked by intentional effort, self-control, and unwavering dedication to God's purpose.
Final Thoughts
Fr. Mike concludes by encouraging listeners to pray for each other, fostering a sense of community and mutual support in the Christian walk. He reinforces the episode's themes by urging believers to strive for God's glory in all endeavors and to seek His presence continuously.
"My friends, I am praying for you. Please pray for me." [40:05]
Listeners are left with a call to action: to embody the athlete's dedication in their spiritual lives, ensuring that their efforts align with the pursuit of eternal rewards rather than fleeting earthly honors.