Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 38: The Ten Commandments (2025)
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Duration: 20-25 minutes
Scripture Readings: Exodus 19-20, Leviticus 13, Psalm 74
Introduction
In Day 38 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz continues the journey through the Bible, focusing on significant passages from Exodus, Leviticus, and Psalms. Guided by Jeff Cavins' Great Adventure Bible Timeline, this episode delves into the profound moments of God's revelation and covenant with the people of Israel.
Scripture Readings
Fr. Mike guides listeners through:
- Exodus 19-20: The establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, culminating in the delivery of the Ten Commandments.
- Leviticus 13: Detailed laws concerning leprosy, illustrating the societal and religious regulations of ancient Israel.
- Psalm 74: A lament expressing the nation's anguish and plea for divine intervention amidst national humiliation.
Reflection and Discussion
God's Revelation and Covenant (Exodus 19-20)
Fr. Mike emphasizes the significance of God revealing Himself and establishing a covenant with Moses and the Israelites. He highlights the difference between a covenant and a contract:
- Covenant vs. Contract: Unlike a contract, which is an exchange based on conditions, a covenant is an exchange of persons without conditions. Fr. Mike explains, "A covenant is profoundly deeper, profoundly more significant, because where a contract is an exchange of goods or services based off a condition, a covenant is an exchange of persons, and there's no condition" (05:32).
The Nature of Commandments
Fr. Mike discusses how the giving of commandments follows the establishment of a covenant:
- Relationship Before Rules: "If we were just to find out that the Lord God had commandments, commandments without a covenant, it would be rules without a relationship" (12:15). He underscores that God prioritizes relationship over rules, ensuring that commandments strengthen the covenant rather than serve as mere regulations.
Covenant in Human Relationships
Drawing parallels to human relationships, Fr. Mike illustrates how God's approach mirrors healthy interpersonal dynamics:
- Exchange of Self: Just as in marriage where spouses give themselves to each other, God's covenant involves a mutual gift of self. This is most fully realized in the Eucharist, the new and eternal covenant where Jesus offers Himself entirely (20:45).
Community and Prayer
Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of community and mutual prayer among believers:
- Community Support: "This is a community of people journeying through scripture... we are all traveling through scripture, knowing that the Lord has His word for us and has a plan for us" (18:30). He encourages listeners to pray for one another, fostering a supportive spiritual environment.
Insights
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Covenant as a Foundation for Commandments:
- The episode elucidates that God's commandments are not arbitrary rules but are rooted in a deep, relational covenant. This foundation ensures that commandments enhance the relationship between God and His people.
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Understanding Leviticus 13:
- Through the detailed laws on leprosy, Fr. Mike illustrates how ancient regulations served both practical and spiritual purposes, maintaining community purity and demonstrating God's concern for individual and communal well-being.
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Psalm 74 – A Cry for Divine Intervention:
- The lament in Psalm 74 reflects the community's struggles and their desperate plea for God's help. It underscores themes of national humiliation, enemy oppression, and the longing for God's restoration and presence.
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Application to Modern Life:
- Fr. Mike draws connections between the ancient covenant and contemporary faith practices, highlighting the enduring relevance of biblical principles in fostering personal holiness and community solidarity.
Conclusion
Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reiterating the significance of understanding the covenant relationship with God. He encourages listeners to embrace the commandments as expressions of this relationship, ensuring that their faith journey is guided by both love and obedience. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt prayer, affirming gratitude for God's revelations and a commitment to deeper relationship and understanding.
Notable Quotes:
- Fr. Mike Schmitz (05:32): "A covenant is profoundly deeper, profoundly more significant, because where a contract is an exchange of goods or services based off a condition, a covenant is an exchange of persons, and there's no condition."
- Fr. Mike Schmitz (12:15): "If we were just to find out that the Lord God had commandments, commandments without a covenant, it would be rules without a relationship."
- Fr. Mike Schmitz (18:30): "This is a community of people journeying through scripture... we are all traveling through scripture, knowing that the Lord has His word for us and has a plan for us."
- Fr. Mike Schmitz (20:45): "Where he does what? Where he gives Himself to us, like truly body, blood, soul, divinity. He is making a gift of himself."
Prayer
The episode concludes with a communal prayer, expressing gratitude for God's word and a desire for deeper love and understanding of Him. Fr. Mike invites listeners to join in the prayer, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith.
Takeaways:
- Deepening Relationship: Emphasizes the importance of building a covenant relationship with God before adhering to commandments.
- Understanding Scripture: Encourages a comprehensive reading and understanding of the Bible, viewing it as a cohesive story of salvation.
- Community Support: Highlights the value of community and mutual prayer in the faith journey.
Join Us Tomorrow:
Fr. Mike invites listeners to continue their journey through the Bible, promising further insights and reflections that aim to transform daily life through the lens of Scripture.
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God bless!