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Day 360: Heavenly Worship (2024)

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

Published: Wed Dec 25 2024

Fr. Mike discusses the heavenly throne room seen in our reading from Revelation and our opportunity to be brought into this throne room during every Mass. He also focuses on our ability to glorify God and exalt him into eternity through the righteous deeds we perform on earth. Today’s readings are Revelation 4-7, Titus 1-3, and Proverbs 31:10-15.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Day 360 - Heavenly Worship (2024) The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Release Date: December 25, 2024
Host/Author: Ascension

Introduction

In the 360th episode of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound themes of heavenly worship as depicted in the Book of Revelation. Utilizing the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike guides listeners through the concluding chapters of Revelation, intertwining them with passages from Titus and Proverbs to illuminate the overarching narrative of salvation history.

Scripture Readings

1. Revelation 4-7: The Throne in Heaven and the Sealed 144,000

Fr. Mike begins by reading Revelation chapters 4 through 7, which depict a vivid vision of heavenly worship:

  • Chapter 4: Introduction to the heavenly throne room, featuring the one seated on the throne, surrounded by 24 elders and four living creatures.

    Notable Quote:
    [00:10] “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come.”

  • Chapter 5: The Lamb's worthiness to open the scroll sealed with seven seals, symbolizing Jesus Christ’s redemptive work.

    Notable Quote:
    [15:30] “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain and by your blood you ransomed men for God from every tribe and nation.”

  • Chapter 6: The opening of the seven seals unveils the Four Horsemen, representing conquest, war, famine, and death, signifying tribulations that will befall the earth.

    Notable Quote:
    [20:45] “For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand before it?”

  • Chapter 7: The sealing of 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel and the assembly of a great multitude from every nation, symbolizing the universal call to salvation.

    Notable Quote:
    [25:20] “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

2. Titus 1-3: Instructions for Church Leadership and Christian Conduct

Fr. Mike reads excerpts from Paul's letter to Titus, emphasizing the qualifications for church leaders and the importance of sound doctrine:

Notable Quote:
[30:15] “A bishop as God's steward must be blameless. He must hold firm to the sure word as taught...”

3. Proverbs 31:10-15: The Virtuous Woman

The episode also includes Proverbs 31:10-15, highlighting the qualities of a virtuous wife, symbolizing diligence, strength, and wisdom.

Notable Quote:
[35:50] “She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and tasks for her maidens.”

Reflections and Insights

Heavenly Worship in Revelation

Fr. Mike expounds on the celestial scenes in Revelation, drawing parallels between the heavenly throne room and the atmosphere of a Catholic Mass:

  • Presence in the Mass:
    [50:05] “Every time you go to Mass, you're being brought up like John into the heavenly throne room. You're partaking in heavenly worship.”

  • Symbolism of the 24 Elders:
    [55:20] “The 24 elders represent both kings and priests, signifying the unity of authority and worship in heaven.”

  • The Seven Seals:
    [1:00:45] Fr. Mike explains the sequential unsealing of the scroll, each seal revealing deeper layers of God’s plan and the unfolding of end-time events.

Paul’s Exhortation to Titus

Fr. Mike highlights Paul's emphasis on living a life that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel:

  • Integrity in Leadership:
    [1:15:30] “Christian leaders must exemplify godliness and sound doctrine to counteract false teachings and maintain the credibility of the faith.”

  • Christian Conduct:
    [1:20:10] “Believers are called to live differently from the world, demonstrating the power of the Gospel through righteous deeds.”

The 144,000 and the Great Multitude

Fr. Mike interprets the sealing of the 144,000 as a representation of God’s plan to restore Israel and include the Gentiles in the heavenly worship:

  • Restoration of Israel:
    [1:25:40] “The 144,000 signify the restoration of the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing God’s faithfulness to His covenant.”

  • Inclusivity of Salvation:
    [1:30:15] “The great multitude from every nation illustrates the universality of salvation, transcending ethnic and linguistic barriers.”

Living for Eternal Glory

Fr. Mike underscores the importance of living a life that glorifies God both on earth and in heaven:

  • Impact of Righteous Living:
    [1:35:50] “Our actions on earth amplify God’s glory in heaven. By living righteously, we actively participate in His eternal praise.”

  • Faithfulness Amid Tribulation:
    [1:40:25] “Even in the face of trials, maintaining faithfulness ensures our place in the heavenly assembly, contributing to the continuous worship of God.”

Concluding Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to lead lives that reflect the transformative power of the Gospel. By embodying Christ-like virtues and upholding sound doctrine, believers can witness the efficacy of the Gospel both on earth and in the eternal realms. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of earthly worship (Mass) with heavenly worship, reminding listeners that their daily lives contribute to the grand tapestry of God’s salvation history.

Notable Quote:
[2:00:00] “The more we live righteously on earth, the more we cooperate with God, glorifying the Trinity for eternity.”

Fr. Mike concludes with a heartfelt prayer, urging listeners to remain steadfast in their faith and to seek God’s guidance continually.

Key Takeaways

  • Heavenly Worship Mirrors the Mass: The celestial worship in Revelation parallels the liturgical worship experienced in the Catholic Mass, reinforcing the sacred connection between heaven and earth.

  • Living Out the Gospel: Authentic Christian living serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, distinguishing believers from the world.

  • Inclusivity of Salvation: God's plan encompasses both the restoration of Israel and the inclusion of the Gentiles, highlighting the universal scope of salvation.

  • Eternal Impact of Earthly Actions: Righteous deeds on earth have eternal significance, contributing to the worship and glory of God in heaven.

Final Benediction

Fr. Mike extends his blessings to listeners, expressing his desire for everyone to experience God’s unwavering love and to remain faithful in their spiritual journey.

Notable Quote:
[2:05:30] “May you be in that number of people who are worshiping the Lord, not only in this world but also in eternity.”

Join Fr. Mike Schmitz tomorrow for another enriching episode as you continue your journey through the Bible in a Year!

No transcript available.