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Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)

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

Published: Thu Dec 19 2024

Fr. Mike reflects on the powerful reality that the sacrament of Baptism makes us partakers of God's Divine nature, fundamentally changing us into beloved sons and daughters of God the Father. He also highlights how the second coming of Christ will come like a thief in the night, how Christians grieve with hope, and how we have to test the prophecies we hear from seers. Today's readings are 2 Peter 1-3, 1 Thessalonians 4-5, and Proverbs 30:17-19.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature

Podcast Information:

  • Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
  • Host/Author: Ascension
  • Episode: Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2024)
  • Release Date: December 19, 2024
  • Description: In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the second letter of St. Peter and the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, offering deep reflections on salvation history, the transformative power of God’s Word, and the promise of eternal life.

1. Introduction (00:00 - 04:04)

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by welcoming listeners to Day 354 of the Bible in a Year podcast. He outlines the day’s readings from the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition, specifically:

  • 2 Peter: Chapters 1, 2, and 3
  • 1 Thessalonians: Chapters 4 and 5
  • Proverbs: Chapter 30, verses 17-19

Fr. Mike emphasizes the podcast's unique approach, inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline by Jeff Cavins, which aims to help listeners understand the Bible's overarching narrative of salvation history.

Key Points:

  • Overview of daily readings
  • Encouragement to download and follow the Bible in a Year reading plan
  • Reminder of the podcast’s structure: scripture readings, reflections, and guided prayers

2. Reading and Reflection on 2 Peter (04:05 - 15:30)

Scripture Overview: Fr. Mike reads from 2 Peter, highlighting themes of faith, virtue, knowledge, and the dangers of false prophets.

Notable Reflection: At 09:45, Fr. Mike underscores a pivotal verse:

“And become partakers of the Divine nature.”
— 2 Peter 1:4

He explains that through baptism, believers become new creations, sharing in God's divine nature. This transformation means that Christians are not just creations but are united with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to be temples of worship.

Key Insights:

  • Partakers of the Divine Nature: Baptism transforms believers, making them worthy of God’s intimate relationship.
  • Stand Against False Prophets: Fr. Mike warns about the rise of destructive heresies and emphasizes the importance of discerning truth from falsehood in Scripture.
  • Endurance and Growth: Encourages listeners to grow in faith, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love to avoid ineffectiveness in their spiritual journey.

Relevant Quotes:

  • 09:45: “And become partakers of the Divine nature. This line is absolutely critical. It is and is also incredible.”
  • 12:30: “St. Peter is writing to people who are saying, how come there's such a delay in God coming to us?”

3. Reading and Reflection on 1 Thessalonians (15:31 - 30:45)

Scripture Overview: Fr. Mike proceeds with 1 Thessalonians, focusing on living a life pleasing to God, the hope of Christ’s return, and exhortations for Christian conduct.

Notable Reflection: At 22:10, Fr. Mike highlights the assurance of resurrection and eternal life:

“For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep.”

He comforts listeners with the promise that believers who have died in Christ will rise first, and together with the living, will meet the Lord.

Key Insights:

  • Sanctification: Encourages abstaining from immorality and living in holiness and honor.
  • Love and Community: Stresses the importance of loving one another, aspiring to live quietly, and earning respect through honest work.
  • Hope in the Coming of the Lord: Fr. Mike explains the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life, contrasting it with views that see death as the end.

Relevant Quotes:

  • 22:10: “The dead in Christ will rise first. And then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
  • 27:15: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

4. Reading and Reflection on Proverbs (30:46 - 35:00)

Scripture Overview: Fr. Mike reads Proverbs 30:17-19, discussing the consequences of disrespecting one’s parents and the perplexing ways of God’s creation.

Notable Reflection: At 33:20, Fr. Mike draws parallels between the wisdom in Proverbs and the transformation through Christ:

“The way of the eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.”

He connects these metaphors to the unpredictable and miraculous nature of God’s workings in believers' lives.

Key Insights:

  • Respect for Parents: Highlights the importance of honoring one’s parents, warning of the severe consequences of doing otherwise.
  • Divine Mystery: Reflects on the mysterious and wondrous ways God operates, encouraging trust in His divine plan.

5. Deeper Theological Insights (35:01 - 50:00)

Fr. Mike delves deeper into the theological implications of the day's readings, particularly focusing on the concept of becoming partakers of the divine nature.

Notable Reflections:

  • Transformation Through Baptism: Fr. Mike compares believers to Pinocchio, explaining that baptism transforms humans from mere creations into beloved children of God, enabling a personal relationship with the Father.

    “In order for Geppetto to look at Pinocchio and not just say, my creation, but my son... only when you're baptized do you become a partaker in the divine nature.”
    — Fr. Mike Schmitz at 42:10

  • The Promise of Christ’s Return: He reassures listeners that God’s delay in Christ’s return is an act of patience, allowing more people the opportunity to repent and embrace salvation.

    “Do not consider this delay. This is because the Lord does not wish that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
    — Fr. Mike Schmitz at 44:30

Key Insights:

  • Divine Adoption: Emphasizes that believers, through baptism, share in God's divine nature, thus becoming His children with an eternal relationship.
  • Eternal Hope: Reinforces the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life, providing comfort and encouragement to maintain faith and vigilance.

6. Conclusion and Prayer (50:01 - End)

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by summarizing the day's readings and reflections. He offers a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for His grace and asking for strength to live as His beloved children. He encourages listeners to continue their spiritual journey with hope and dedication.

Final Exhortations:

  • Community and Prayer: Encourages the community to pray for one another and support each other in faith.
  • Readiness for Christ’s Return: Urges listeners to live in holiness and readiness for the coming of the Lord, reinforcing the teachings from 2 Peter and 1 Thessalonians.

Closing Prayer:

“Father in heaven, we give you praise. We ask you, please come and meet us with your grace. Because you are good. You are God. We love you... May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly. And may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz

Key Takeaways:

  • Transformation: Embrace the transformation through baptism as partakers of the divine nature.
  • Hope and Comfort: Hold on to the hope of resurrection and eternal life with Christ.
  • Vigilance and Holiness: Live a life of holiness, love, and readiness for Christ’s return.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

  • 09:45: “And become partakers of the Divine nature. This line is absolutely critical. It is and is also incredible.”
  • 12:30: “St. Peter is writing to people who are saying, how come there's such a delay in God coming to us?”
  • 22:10: “The dead in Christ will rise first. And then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
  • 27:15: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
  • 33:20: “The way of the eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.”
  • 42:10: “Only when you're baptized do you become a partaker in the divine nature.”
  • 44:30: “Do not consider this delay. This is because the Lord does not wish that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Final Thoughts: Day 354 of The Bible in a Year podcast offers profound insights into the believer's transformation through baptism, the assurance of resurrection, and the importance of living a holy life in anticipation of Christ’s return. Fr. Mike Schmitz's reflections provide both theological depth and practical encouragement, making the Scriptures accessible and relevant to daily life.

Listeners are left with a reinforced sense of hope and a call to embody the teachings of the Bible, ensuring they are prepared for the eternal life promised by God.

No transcript available.