Summary of "Day 366: A Special Leap Year Message" from The Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Introduction to Day 366
On December 31, 2024, Fr. Mike Schmitz presents a special bonus episode for Day 366 of The Bible in a Year podcast, celebrating the leap year. This episode serves as both a reflection on the podcast's journey and an encouragement for listeners to continue their engagement with Scripture beyond the initial 365-day plan.
Reflections on the Podcast's Impact
Fr. Mike begins by expressing gratitude for the transformative impact the podcast has had on listeners over the years. He shares personal anecdotes, highlighting how the experience has deepened his own connection to God's Word.
Notable Quote:
"The deeper reality of how this podcast has changed my life is how I come into contact with God's Word as a whole... it just roots me even more deeply in the heart of the Father."
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He humorously mentions his habit of listening to the podcast at twice the normal speed to avoid hearing his own voice and to stay engaged, demonstrating his personal commitment to the content.
Notable Quote:
"I listen at two times speed... If I go at two times speed, I can't hear myself. And then secondly, if I do listen at the normal speed, I am sitting there the entire time thinking, you gotta talk faster."
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Excerpts from the Saints on Bible Reading
Fr. Mike enriches the episode by sharing insights from three early Christian saints, underscoring the essential nature of daily Scripture reading.
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St. John Chrysostom
St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the necessity of Bible reading for laypeople, who are constantly battling daily struggles and distractions.
Notable Quote:
"Bible reading belongs more to you than to the monks, for they do not make as much use of the help of the divine scriptures as those who always have a great many things to do."
(00:04)He likens the challenges of daily life to a battlefield, asserting that Scriptures serve as essential spiritual medicine to combat various trials.
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St. Jerome
Renowned for translating the Bible into Latin, St. Jerome highlights the importance of having a guide to properly interpret Scripture.
Notable Quote:
"You can make no progress in the Holy Scriptures unless you have a guide to show you the way."
(00:04)Fr. Mike connects this to the role of the Church's Magisterium, encouraging listeners to engage with both the podcast and the Catechism for deeper understanding.
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St. Vincent of Lerin
St. Vincent underscores the interplay between Scripture and Tradition, asserting that both are necessary to safeguard and understand the Catholic faith.
Notable Quote:
"One ought, with the Lord's help, to fortify one's faith in a twofold first, by the authority of the Divine law, and secondly, by the tradition of the Catholic Church."
(00:04)This reinforces the podcast's companion series, Catechism in a Year, advocating for a holistic approach to faith formation.
The Importance of Scripture and Tradition
Drawing from the saints' wisdom, Fr. Mike articulates the Catholic Church's stance on interpreting Scripture with the guidance of Tradition and authoritative teaching. He emphasizes that the depth and complexity of the Bible necessitate a communal and guided approach to understanding its messages fully.
Notable Quote:
"Due to the very depth of Holy Scripture itself, all do not receive it in one and the same sense... it is most necessary... that the rule for the interpretation of the prophets and apostles should be laid down in accordance with the standard of the ecclesiastical and Catholic understanding of them."
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Invitation to Continue Beyond Day 366
Fr. Mike extends a heartfelt invitation to listeners not to regard Day 366—and the completion of the 365-day plan—as an endpoint. Instead, he encourages the community to embark on a renewed journey with the podcast, proposing that listeners treat Day 366 as the beginning of a new phase in their spiritual growth.
Notable Quote:
"How about let's not let this be the last day. Let this be day 366. But not the final day... Let Tomorrow be day 367. If you want to call it day one, that would be fantastic."
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He appeals to the collective experience, sharing stories of families and individuals whose lives have been positively influenced by the podcast, thereby reinforcing the call to continue engaging with Scripture together.
Conclusion and Prayer
Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a prayer for the listeners, expressing gratitude for the shared spiritual journey and seeking blessings for continued growth. He reaffirms his commitment to supporting the community through ongoing episodes and personal prayers.
Notable Quote:
"This has been an incredible honor, an incredible joy, and incredible grace to be able to be with you every single day. This has been a gift to me. I hope that it has been a gift to you. I'm praying for you. Please pray for me."
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He bids farewell with encouragement to return the next day, sealing the episode with a spirit of hope and continuity.
Final Thoughts
Day 366 of The Bible in a Year serves as a profound reflection on the journey through Scripture, the significance of guided Scripture study, and the importance of maintaining a lifelong relationship with God's Word. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively blends personal insights with timeless wisdom from the saints, offering both inspiration and practical advice for sustained spiritual growth.