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Day 356: God Is Love (2024)

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

Published: Sat Dec 21 2024

Today Fr. Mike reminds us that God created us out of love, for love. Fr. Mike also points out where the Catholic Church draws her doctrine on the difference between mortal and venial sin, as well as what St. Paul means when he teaches that there is only "one mediator" between God and man. Today's readings are 1 John 4-5, 1 Timothy 1-3, and Proverbs 30: 24-28.

Summary

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

Episode: Day 356: God Is Love
Release Date: December 21, 2024
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Produced by: Ascension Press

Introduction

In the Day 356 episode of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound theme "God Is Love", drawing insights from the latter chapters of First John, sections of First Timothy, and selected Proverbs. This episode, like others in the series, is structured around a reading plan inspired by Jeff Cavins' The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, aiming to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the Bible's narrative and its application to daily life.

Scripture Readings Overview

Fr. Mike begins by outlining the day's readings:

  • First John: Chapters 4 and 5
  • First Timothy: Chapters 1, 2, and 3
  • Proverbs: Chapter 30, verses 24-28

He utilizes the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition, and the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension to guide listeners through these passages.

Reflections on "God Is Love"

Fr. Mike emphasizes the centrality of love in Christian theology, particularly as articulated in First John. He highlights key verses:

  • God's Nature: "God is love." (1 John 4:8) [00:03:45]
  • Manifestation of Love: "In this the love of God was made manifest among us." (1 John 4:9) [00:05:20]
  • Perfect Love Casts Out Fear: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear..." (1 John 4:18) [00:25:30]

Key Insights:

  • Unconditional Love: Fr. Mike underscores that God's love is not contingent upon human actions. Instead, it is an eternal exchange inherent to God's very being.

  • Love as a Testimony: He notes that love among believers serves as evidence of God's presence within them: "If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." (1 John 4:12) [00:12:10].

  • Overcoming Fear Through Love: Drawing from 1 John 4:18, Fr. Mike explains that perfect love dispels fear because fear is often associated with punishment. When one abides in God's love, fear no longer holds sway.

  • Commandment of Love: "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:11) [00:15:05]. Fr. Mike emphasizes that loving others is not just an option but a divine commandment reflecting one's relationship with God.

Understanding Sin: Mortal and Venial

Drawing from 1 John 5:3-4, Fr. Mike distinguishes between different types of sins:

  • Mortal (Deadly) Sins: These are grave offenses that sever one's relationship with God. "We know that anyone born of God does not sin, but he who was born of God keeps him..." (1 John 5:18) [00:35:50].

  • Venial (Non-Deadly) Sins: Lesser transgressions that weaken but do not break the bond with God. Fr. Mike connects this distinction to Catholic doctrine, explaining its biblical foundation.

Paul’s Instructions to Timothy

Shifting focus to 1 Timothy, Fr. Mike covers several pivotal topics:

  • Warning Against False Teachers: Paul urges Timothy to "charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine..." (1 Timothy 1:3) [00:45:10]. Fr. Mike discusses the dangers of deviating from sound doctrine and the importance of maintaining faith purity.

  • Gratitude for Mercy: Paul reflects on his past transgressions and the mercy he received: "I am the foremost of sinners, but I received mercy..." (1 Timothy 1:15-16) [00:50:30]. Fr. Mike highlights the transformative power of God's mercy and its role in Christian life.

  • Qualifications of Church Leaders: Detailed guidelines are provided for bishops and deacons, emphasizing moral integrity, leadership qualities, and spiritual maturity. Fr. Mike explains the significance of these qualifications in maintaining the Church's integrity and guiding the faithful.

  • Prayer and Conduct: Paul instructs on the importance of prayer for all, especially leaders, and outlines proper conduct for women and church members. Fr. Mike interprets these instructions within the context of contemporary Christian practice, balancing tradition with modern sensibilities.

Insights from Proverbs

In Proverbs 30:24-28, Fr. Mike examines the wisdom found in observing nature:

  • Wisdom in the Small and Humble: "The ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer." (Proverbs 30:25) [01:05:15]. Fr. Mike draws parallels between the industriousness of ants and the virtues Christians should embody.

  • Leadership Without Authority: "The locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank." (Proverbs 30:27) [01:06:40]. He discusses the idea of structure and organization within the community without oppressive leadership.

Guided Prayer

Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, emphasizing gratitude for God's continuous guidance and love:

"Father, in heaven we give you praise. We thank you so much for this Day... Help us to love in return and love in response. As you've loved us, help us to love the people around us. As you've loved us, help us to love you yourself. In Jesus name we pray. Amen." [01:10:00]

He reiterates the centrality of love in the Christian life, aligning it with the teachings of St. John and the Catechism.

Conclusion and Personal Reflections

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by reflecting on the Church's role as the "pillar and foundation of truth" (1 Timothy 3:15) [01:20:45]. He expresses gratitude for the Catholic Church's preservation and interpretation of Scripture, emphasizing the synergy between written and oral traditions.

Key Points:

  • Church as Mediator: While Jesus is the sole mediator between God and man, the Church facilitates the understanding and dissemination of His teachings.

  • Role of the Listener: Fr. Mike acknowledges the podcast's role in mediating God's word to listeners, highlighting the collective effort in spreading faith.

  • Final Encouragement: He encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their faith, embrace God's love, and actively participate in the Church's mission.

Notable Quote: "God is love. And he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him. In this is love perfected within us that we may have confidence for the Day of Judgment." (1 John 4:16) [00:23:30]

Key Takeaways

  1. Embrace God's Love: Understanding that God is the embodiment of love encourages believers to reflect this love in their interactions.
  2. Discern Between Mortal and Venial Sins: Recognizing the different types of sins fosters spiritual growth and accountability.
  3. Adhere to Sound Doctrine: Vigilance against false teachings ensures the preservation of true faith.
  4. Value Church Leadership: The qualifications of bishops and deacons are foundational to maintaining the Church's integrity and guiding the faithful.
  5. Active Participation: Engaging in prayer and living according to God's commandments deepens one's relationship with Him.

Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz's Day 356 episode serves as a profound exploration of divine love, its implications for personal faith, and the structural integrity of the Church. By intertwining scripture analysis with practical reflections, he offers listeners both spiritual nourishment and actionable insights to live a life aligned with God's love.

Note: This summary is crafted to provide an overview of the podcast episode for those who have not listened to it, capturing the essence of the discussions, reflections, and key messages conveyed by Fr. Mike Schmitz.

No transcript available.