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

Episode: Day 362: The Woman Clothed with the Sun (2025)
Date: December 28, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Main Readings: Revelation 12–14, Hebrews 1–4, Proverbs 31:19–22

Overview

This episode continues the journey through the final books of the Bible, focusing on powerful apocalyptic imagery and deep theological insights from Revelation and Hebrews. Fr. Mike explores the vision of the "woman clothed with the sun," the roles of the dragon and the beasts, as well as the opening chapters of Hebrews, which emphasize the supremacy of Christ, his identification with humanity, and the call to steadfast faith. A notable feature is Fr. Mike’s reflection on the layers of meaning behind the woman in Revelation 12 and an extended storytelling of Our Lady of Guadalupe, connecting scriptural vision and Church history.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Vision: The Woman, the Dragon, and the Beasts

Text: Revelation 12–14

• The Woman Clothed with the Sun (00:10–00:25)

  • Fr. Mike reads and expounds on the vision of a woman “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1–2).
  • Three interpretations are explained:
    • Faithful Israel (the Old Testament people of God)
    • The Church (symbolizing the collective people of God in the New Covenant)
    • Mary, the Mother of Jesus (the literal birth-giver to the Messiah)
  • “All of those images are valid. We can see all those and say, yeah, there’s a way in which all of them represent.” (49:03)

• Dragon’s Attack and Archangel Michael’s Victory (00:26–00:45)

  • Satan, depicted as the dragon, is cast down by Michael and the angels.
  • Satan makes war on the "rest of [the woman's] offspring," interpreted as those who "keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus."
  • “We can take comfort that our brothers and sisters have been through this before... God was with them the entire time.” (52:40)

• The Beasts and 666

  • Descriptions of the beast from the sea and the earth, the mark of the beast, and the mysterious number 666. Fr. Mike reminds listeners that these visions refer both to first-century persecutions and future/end-times tribulation.
  • “This is both a vision of what happened to people in the early church... as well as some projection of what will happen at the end of time.” (52:25)

• The Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand and Angels’ Messages

  • Imagery of the protected righteous, the reaping of the earth, and solemn warnings from angels.
  • "Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." (Revelation 14:12)

2. The Miraculous Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Significant Literary and Cultural Reference (50:15–52:15)

• Fr. Mike draws a striking connection between the Revelation vision and the 16th-century apparition of Mary in Mexico.
• Details the story of Juan Diego and the tilma, explaining how Mary's apparition catalyzed massive conversions in the New World, breaking a “stranglehold of the evil one.”
• “In the image, Our Lady of Guadalupe, she is... clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head, a crown of 12 stars.” (50:50)
• “What happened after that was the stranglehold that the evil one had on the native people... was set free from that.” (51:40)

3. Opening Chapters of Hebrews: The Supremacy of Christ

Text: Hebrews 1–4

• Jesus Greater Than Angels and Moses (53:00–54:00)

  • Fr. Mike expounds on how Hebrews asserts Jesus’ divinity, using phrases like “[He] reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature” (Heb. 1:3).
  • “He is to the sun as the rays of the sun are to the sun… If you look at the rays of the sun and the sun itself, it’s the same thing.” (54:15)
  • Moses, though faithful, is a servant in God’s house; Christ is the Son.

• Jesus’ Humanity and Suffering

  • Jesus, though king and God, “was made lower than the angels” and suffered to “taste death for everyone.”
  • “He has tasted death so you and I can taste life.” (56:25)
  • “He is not ashamed to call them brethren... He’s not ashamed to call you his own. He’s not ashamed to call you his brother. He is not ashamed to call you his sister.” (57:00)

• Warnings and Encouragements for Believers

  • The Letter to the Hebrews warns against falling into unbelief and urges holding fast to faith, referencing the Israelites' rebellion.
  • “Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart leading you to fall away from the living God.” (Heb 3:12)
  • “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:16)

4. Proverbs Reflection

Text: Proverbs 31:19–22

• The reading celebrates the industrious and compassionate woman: “She puts her hands to the distaff… She opens her hand to the poor… She is not afraid for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.” (58:40)
• The passage subtly connects to the vision of the woman in Revelation and the virtue of faithfulness amidst trial.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On the Multifaceted Identity of the Woman:
  “All of those images are valid. We can see all those and say, yeah, there’s a way in which all of them represent.” — Fr. Mike (49:03)

• On Enduring Persecution:
  “We can take solace in, take comfort in that our brothers and sisters have been through this before… God was with them the entire time.” — Fr. Mike (52:40)

• On Our Lady of Guadalupe:
  “Our Lady of Guadalupe... clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head, a crown of 12 stars.” — Fr. Mike (50:50)
  “What happened after that was the stranglehold that the evil one had on the native people... was set free from that.” — Fr. Mike (51:40)

• On the Divinity of Christ:
  “He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature.” — Fr. Mike paraphrasing Hebrews 1:3 (54:00)
  “He has tasted death so you and I can taste life.” — Fr. Mike (56:25)

• On Belonging to Christ:
  “He is not ashamed to call you his brother. He is not ashamed to call you his sister.” — Fr. Mike (57:00)

Spiritual Reflections

• Embrace all valid layers of biblical imagery—as with the woman in Revelation, let Scripture deepen your experience of God’s salvation story.
• Trust in Christ’s empathy and total victory: he knows suffering, calls you “brother” or “sister,” and leads you to confidence before God’s throne.
• Find inspiration in the faith and courage of past generations—biblical heroes, the early church, and Marian witnesses like Juan Diego.
• Remain vigilant against unbelief, exhorting one another daily to faith and perseverance.

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Introduction of the Episode and Readings: 00:04–00:55
• Revelation 12–14 Reading and Initial Commentary: 00:56–50:10
• Interpretation of the Woman and Mary/Our Lady of Guadalupe: 50:10–52:15
• Discussion on the Beasts and Persecution: 52:16–53:00
• Reflections on Hebrews 1–4 and Jesus’ Role: 53:01–57:45
• Proverbs Reflection: 58:40–59:30
• Closing Prayer and Spiritual Wrap-up: 59:31–End

Tone and Language

Fr. Mike’s tone is warm, enthusiastic, and pastorally grounded—balancing theological depth with relatable analogies and contemporary stories. He blends reverence for Scripture with heartfelt encouragement, always aiming to build up faith, hope, and love in his listeners.

For Listeners

This episode provides a powerful conclusion to the apocalyptic drama of Revelation and introduces the profound theology of Hebrews. Fr. Mike’s storytelling and explanations will deepen your understanding of salvation history, God’s victory over evil, and the centrality of Christ in faith. Whether you’re new to these texts or returning again, the message is clear: Christ is supreme, our advocate and brother, and in every trial, “God will be with us until the very end.”