Podcast Summary

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

Episode: Day 35: Crossing the Red Sea
Date: February 4, 2026

Overview: Main Theme & Purpose

On Day 35, Fr. Mike Schmitz leads listeners through major events in the biblical story, focusing on Israel’s miraculous crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 13–14), the gravity of holiness in Leviticus 10, and the lament over godlessness in Psalm 53. His reflection draws out God’s holiness, His closeness to humanity, and the need to approach the Divine with awe and reverence. The episode’s central message: “The Lord fights for you; you have only to stand still”, encouraging listeners to recognize God’s intervention in the struggles of life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Exodus 13–14: The Crossing of the Red Sea

• Consecration of the Firstborn: The law that all firstborn males of Israel, human and animal, belong to God, symbolizing gratitude for liberation from Egypt.
• Commemoration of Liberation: Moses instructs the Israelites on observing unleavened bread for seven days, linking it to the memory of God’s deliverance:

  "And you shall tell your son on that day it is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt." (Exodus, 04:40)

• Divine Guidance: God leads the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, demonstrating His presence and protection (08:20).
• Miracle at the Red Sea: As the Egyptians pursue them, the Israelites, filled with fear, grumble against Moses. God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand, parting the waters so Israel can cross on dry land. The Egyptians follow and are swept away as the waters return (15:00).

  "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still." (Moses, 12:20)

• Israel’s Response: Witnessing the destruction of the Egyptians, Israel is filled with awe and faith in God and Moses.

2. Leviticus 10: The Holiness of God

• Nadab and Abihu’s Sin: Aaron’s sons offer “unholy fire” before God and are consumed by divine fire—an act showing the seriousness of God’s commands regarding worship and the radical holiness of God (17:10).

  “This is what the Lord has said: ‘I will show myself holy among those who are near me, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” (Moses, 17:40)

• Priestly Mourning Forbidden: Aaron and his surviving sons are told not to mourn outwardly or leave the sanctuary, demonstrating the total dedication and separation involved in service to God (19:00).
• Priestly Instruction: God instructs Aaron on the need for priests to avoid strong drink when serving, to distinguish “between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean”—emphasizing priestly responsibility for teaching and mediating holiness (20:10).
• Human Response to Loss: Moses confronts Aaron about handling the sin offering; Aaron humbly acknowledges his inability to properly eat, given the tragic circumstances (22:30).

3. Psalm 53: Denunciation of Godlessness

• Universal Corruption: The psalm laments humanity’s tendency toward evil and rejection of God:

  "The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity." (Psalm 53, 24:10)

• Hope for Deliverance: The prayer closes with hope for God’s intervention and the deliverance of Israel.

4. Fr. Mike's Reflection and Application

• God’s Holiness: Leviticus, though often seen as dry or repetitive, is about revealing the “otherness” of God and the seriousness of approaching Him.

  “All of the commandments, all of the rules in the book of Leviticus—they’re all about the Lord, they’re all about his holiness, they’re all about what true holiness is—how other God is.” (Fr. Mike, 25:20)

• Respectful Approach to God: Fr. Mike draws a parallel to present-day worship, encouraging listeners to take God seriously in prayer and at Mass.

  "What would our lives look like if we just took God seriously… just realizing: here is God who is holy, and here I dare to enter into his presence. That is remarkable." (Fr. Mike, 27:15)

• God’s Nearness and Approachability: He reflects on God’s humility in the Incarnation, noting that God invites closeness but calls for reverence.
• The Lord Fights for You: The triumphant theme from Exodus is highlighted as a word for the day:

  “The Lord fights for you; you have only to stand still.” (Fr. Mike, paraphrasing Exodus and reflecting, 29:00)

• Encouragement for Listeners: Fr. Mike urges mutual prayer and perseverance, especially when facing life’s battles, echoing the Red Sea narrative as a spiritual metaphor.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still.”
  —Moses to the Israelites (12:20)

• “All of the commandments, all of the rules... they’re all about his holiness, they’re all about what true holiness is—how other God is.”
  —Fr. Mike (25:20)

• “What would our lives look like if we just took God seriously?”
  —Fr. Mike (27:15)

• “The Lord fights for you; you have only to stand still.”
  —Fr. Mike’s “word of the day”, summing up the spiritual message (29:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Reading: Exodus 13–14 (01:45 – 16:30)
• Reading: Leviticus 10 (16:40 – 23:30)
• Reading: Psalm 53 (23:40 – 25:00)
• Reflection: God’s Holiness and Nearness (25:05 – 28:00)
• Reflection: The Lord Fights for You (28:05 – end)

Tone & Language

Fr. Mike’s tone is pastoral, warm, and direct. He mixes reverence with personal encouragement and practical spiritual advice. His language is inviting, occasionally light-hearted (especially at the beginning), but above all earnest in calling listeners to deeper awe and faith in God's action.

In Summary

Day 35 centers on how God’s mighty acts—parting the sea, demanding reverence in worship, exposing human godlessness—are all invitations to deeper trust, awe, and personal transformation. Listeners are reminded both of God’s “otherness” and His loving nearness, and are encouraged: whatever you’re facing, "The Lord fights for you; you have only to stand still."