The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 351: Draw Near to God Release Date: December 16, 2024

In this deeply insightful episode of The Bible in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz guides listeners through pivotal Scripture passages, offering profound reflections and practical applications to foster a closer relationship with God. Day 351 focuses on James chapters 3-5, Colossians chapters 1-2, and Proverbs 30:7-9, culminating in a heartfelt prayer and personal anecdotes that enrich the spiritual journey.

Scripture Readings

James 3-5 Father Mike begins with the concluding chapters of the Letter of James, emphasizing the themes of taming the tongue, friendship with the world, warnings to the rich, patience in suffering, and the power of prayer.

Colossians 1-2 St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians is explored, highlighting the supremacy of Christ, Paul’s sufferings and ministry, and the fullness of life in Christ. Father Mike delves into Paul's theological insights on Christ's preeminence and the implications for believers.

Proverbs 30:7-9 The episode includes a poignant reading from Proverbs, where the author petitions God to remove falsehood and maintain a balanced life, avoiding both poverty and riches to prevent spiritual pitfalls.

Reflections on James 3-5

Taming the Tongue (James 3) Father Mike underscores the significance of controlling one's speech, likening the tongue to a small rudder that can direct a vast ship or a small fire that can ignite a forest. He quotes James:

“The tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8, 00:10).

He highlights the duality of speech—blessing God and cursing humans made in His image—and the importance of cultivating wisdom that is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy.

Friendship with the World (James 4) Addressing the root causes of conflict, such as unchecked passions and selfish ambitions, Father Mike emphasizes that "friendship with the world is enmity with God" (James 4:4, 15:30). He encourages listeners to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to Him, fostering humility and avoiding judgment of others.

Warnings to the Rich (James 5) Father Mike warns against the perils of wealth amassed through oppression and deceit. He references James’ admonition:

“You have laid up treasure for the last days” (James 5:3, 25:45).

He challenges listeners to examine their own practices and ethical considerations in their economic activities, urging a life of simplicity and integrity.

Patience in Suffering & The Power of Prayer (James 5) Highlighting the necessity of patience and steadfastness, Father Mike draws parallels to the patience of a farmer awaiting harvest (James 5:7, 35:50). He also explores the power of prayer, both personal and communal, as a means of healing and spiritual restoration.

Insights from St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians

The Supremacy of Christ (Colossians 1) Father Mike elaborates on Christ's preeminence, affirming that “in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17, 50:10). He discusses how Christ is the head of the Church and the agent of creation and reconciliation, reinforcing the centrality of Christ in the believer’s life.

Paul’s Sufferings and Ministry (Colossians 1) Reflecting on Paul’s words:

“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake” (Colossians 1:24, 55:20), Father Mike explains that Paul views his sufferings as a participation in Christ’s redemptive work. He encourages listeners to unite their own sufferings with Christ’s for the greater good of the Church and the world.

Fullness of Life in Christ (Colossians 2) Father Mike emphasizes living a life fully rooted in Christ, as Paul advises:

“As you were taught, abound in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:7, 60:15).

He warns against being led astray by false teachings and philosophies, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and anchored in the truth of Christ’s supremacy.

Wisdom from Proverbs 30:7-9

Father Mike reflects on the humble petition made in Proverbs:

“Give me neither poverty nor riches... lest I be full and deny you” (Proverbs 30:8-9, 85:33).

He connects this wisdom to the human condition, recognizing the dangers of both self-sufficiency and desperation. Father Mike shares a personal story about St. Philip Neri and Father John McHugh, illustrating the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on oneself.

Personal Anecdotes and Applications

Throughout the episode, Father Mike shares heartfelt anecdotes that bring biblical principles to life. He recounts his experiences with Father John McHugh, a priest who exemplified living “if the Lord wills” in every aspect of life. This story underscores the importance of humility and surrender to God’s will, aligning with James’ teachings on avoiding pride and self-reliance.

Father Mike also discusses the ethical implications of wealth, encouraging listeners to reflect on their economic choices and the potential for complicity in unjust practices. He ties this back to the readings from James, urging a consideration of how one’s actions align with Christian values.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• James on the Tongue:

  “The tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (00:10).

• Submission and Resistance:

  “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (15:30).

• Paul’s Sufferings:

  “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake” (55:20).

• Proverbs on Humble Petition:

  “Give me neither poverty nor riches… lest I be full and deny you” (85:33).

Concluding Prayer

Father Mike leads a moving prayer, thanking God for the wisdom imparted through Scripture and seeking strength to remain steadfast in faith. He emphasizes God’s constant presence and the transformative power of living through the lens of Scripture.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Bible in a Year offers a rich tapestry of Scriptural exploration, theological insight, and practical application. Father Mike Schmitz adeptly weaves together readings from James, Colossians, and Proverbs, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of drawing near to God. His reflections encourage humility, ethical living, and a deeper trust in God’s providence, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enrich their spiritual journey.

Listeners are left with a renewed commitment to embodying the teachings of Scripture, fostering a life that reflects the transformative power of God’s Word.