The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode: Day 38 — The Ten Commandments
Date: February 7, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Podcast: Ascension Press

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through pivotal portions of Exodus (chapters 19–20), the detailed purity laws of Leviticus 13, and the communal lament of Psalm 74. The main focus is God's revelation of Himself and the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai—a foundational moment in Israel’s identity and relationship with God. Fr. Mike’s reflection emphasizes the profound difference between covenant and contract, and how God initiates relationship before giving laws, illustrating the true purpose and spirit of the commandments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. God Reveals Himself at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19)

• Setting the Scene (00:40–04:00):

  • Israel arrives at Mount Sinai after leaving Egypt.
  • God tells Moses to remind the people: “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself.” (02:30)
  • God’s desire: “If you will obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my own possession among all peoples.” (03:00)

• Preparation for Encounter (04:05–08:30):

  • God instructs Moses to consecrate the people and set boundaries around the mountain.
  • The seriousness of approaching God: any violation of boundaries meant death, underscoring God’s holiness.

2. The Giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)

• God’s Proclamation (08:40–10:30):

  • God Himself speaks to Israel, declaring, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (09:05)
  • The Ten Commandments are given, forming the core of divine and social laws.

• People’s Response (10:35–12:00):

  • The Israelites are awestruck and afraid, asking Moses to mediate: “You speak to us, and we will hear; but let not God speak to us, lest we die.” (11:10)
  • Moses reassures them: “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that the fear of him may be before your eyes, that you may not sin.” (11:18)

3. Levitical Laws on Purity (Leviticus 13)

• Diagnosis of Leprosy (13:00–20:50):
  • Detailed instructions for priests to inspect and handle cases of leprosy and other skin diseases.
  • Emphasis on ritual purity, social distancing for the unclean, and processes for determining cleanliness.
  • Laws even extended to garments, highlighting the all-encompassing desire for holiness in the community.

4. The Lament of God’s People (Psalm 74)

• Communal Lament and Petition (21:00–22:40):
  • “O God, why do you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?” (21:10)
  • A heartfelt prayer recalling God’s past deeds and pleading for deliverance amid devastation and desecration.

Fr. Mike’s Reflection & Teaching

Covenant Before Commandment (23:10–26:20)

• The Nature of Covenant:

  • “One of the things… is that covenant is incredibly different than a contract. A contract is an exchange of goods or services… but a covenant is an exchange of persons, and there’s no condition.” (24:30)
  • God’s relationship with Israel is based on total self-gift, paralleled later in the Eucharist and marriage.

• Relationship Precedes Rules:

  • “If there were commandments without a covenant, it would be rules without a relationship.” (25:05)
  • God first establishes who He is, His desire for them, and relationship, then gives commandments as life-giving guidance.

• Commandments in Human Terms:

  • Fr. Mike humorously notes: “I don’t know of anyone you met, and the first day they say, ‘Okay, if we’re going to be friends, here are the rules.’ … That would not go well—and that’s not what God does either.” (25:45)

• Purpose of the Commandments:

  • These rules are to “strengthen the covenant” and ensure “life in the relationship,” not just arbitrary limitations.

Memorable Quotes

• On the Power of Covenant:

  • “I will be your God and you will be my people. … There’s that gift of self that’s meant to happen when it comes to covenant.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz (24:00)

• On God’s Approach to Israel:

  • “God is establishing covenant prior to commandment—relationship prior to rules.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz (25:20)

• On Community:

  • “This is a community of people journeying through scripture… It’s not just an isolated individual, but it is all of us traveling through scripture, knowing that the Lord has His word for us and has a plan for us and has a will for us, and that is our holiness.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz (26:05)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:40–04:00: Israel arrives at Sinai, God reveals His desire for a covenant relationship.
• 08:40–10:30: God gives the Ten Commandments directly to Israel.
• 11:10–12:00: The people’s fear and Moses’ reassuring response.
• 13:00–20:50: Extensive Levitical instructions on leprosy and purity.
• 21:00–22:40: Psalm 74 – a national lament for God’s intervention.
• 23:10–26:20: Fr. Mike’s reflection on covenant, commandments, and authentic relationship.

Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike’s teaching in this episode drives home that God’s laws are rooted in His desire for personal relationship. The Ten Commandments aren’t mere regulations, but the boundaries and practices that nurture a living, loving covenant with God—a truth that continues in Christian life today. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to embrace the commandments not as burdens, but as gifts flowing from God’s longing for communion with His people.

For listeners:

• This episode offers a profound look at the origins of the Ten Commandments and their deeper purpose.
• Fr. Mike’s warm, conversational style ensures that the story is relevant and theologically rich, not just a history lesson.
• The emphasis on community and mutual prayer is a heartfelt reminder of the journey believers share together.