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

Episode: Day 40: Laws of Justice (2026)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Date: February 9, 2026
Core Readings: Exodus 22, Leviticus 15, Psalm 76

Overview of the Episode

On Day 40 of the Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike reflects on the significance and meaning behind God’s laws as given in Exodus 22 and Leviticus 15, placing special emphasis on justice, restraint, and the sacredness of life. He explains how these ancient statutes, though seemingly distant or difficult, reveal God’s heart and intention for His people to live in right relationship—with Him and with one another. The chosen Psalm celebrates God as the righteous judge and savior of the oppressed.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Persevering in the Journey (01:00–03:30)

• Recognition of Listeners' Commitment: Fr. Mike acknowledges reaching Day 40 as a milestone, paralleling it with the biblical symbolism of 40 days signifying perseverance and transformation.

  • "Even if this isn’t literally day 40 for you, maybe you’re catching up... you are here on day 40. That is completely fine." (01:40)

• Encouragement: He emphasizes striving not for perfection, but for faithfulness—doing what one can and trusting God with the rest.

  • "Striving for perfection is fine, but striving for what I can do is probably even better. Because what the Lord requires of us is to do simply what we can." (02:12)

Reading Selections and Context (03:45–08:40)

• Scripture Passages: Exodus 22 (social and religious laws), Leviticus 15 (regulations on bodily discharges), Psalm 76.
• Translation: Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition, using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline for context.
• Reminder: Importance of having the reading plan and following along for deeper understanding of salvation history.

Justice, Restitution, and Restraint in Exodus 22 (09:00–12:45)

• Content of Laws: Exodus 22 outlines laws of restitution, focusing on fair recompense rather than vengeful retaliation.

  • Laws on theft, property damage, and social relations among neighbors.
  • Social responsibilities toward strangers, widows, orphans; prohibitions against interest from the poor; respect for God and civil leaders.

• The Principle of Justice Over Vengeance:

  • "The laws of restitution have to do with justice, not vengeance. Our hearts are inclined towards vengeance... but the laws of justice say, nope, there’s a limit." (10:55)

• God’s Heart Revealed:

  • These laws display God’s desire for harmony and justice within the community.
  • Justice is positioned as a way to maintain real relationships and true community living.
  • "What’s that reveal? It reveals the very heart of God. God, who says that he is just, that he is justice itself." (11:22)

Ritual Purity, the Sacredness of Life – Leviticus 15 (12:45–17:20)

• Summary of Bodily Emissions Laws:

  • Leviticus 15 categorizes four types of bodily emissions (two for men, two for women): disease-related and natural (e.g. menstruation).
  • Purification involves washing and waiting until evening; sacrifices are required after certain discharges.

• Purpose Behind the Laws:

  • These are not declarations of “disgust” but recognition of the sacredness of life-giving realities.
  • "Uncleanness doesn’t mean like, ‘ugh, gross’. Uncleanness simply means these are things that can bring forth life. Not gross, but because they bring forth life, we have to be careful around them." (15:10)
  • Bodily emissions deal with sex, reproduction, relationships, and thus are handled with reverence.

• Modern Relevance:

  • Fr. Mike notes these specific Levitical laws are no longer binding in the New Covenant but urges modern listeners to honor the sacredness of bodily reality and sexuality.
  • "Because the body is sacred and because the emissions of the body refer to life... because they are so connected to life, we need to be careful around them." (16:03)

God’s Vision for His People: Justice and Reverence (17:25–19:40)

• Being a Just People:

  • The laws are not arbitrary but shape Israel into a just community aligned with God’s own justice.
  • Fr. Mike draws out the deeper goal: "We’re called to be just people who belong to a just God." (18:56)

• Treating the Sacred as Sacred:

  • Sex, procreation, and life are described as significant, potentially “dangerous” realities that require careful stewardship.
  • "[Sex] is a good thing, but it’s also a thing that we take our lives into our hands in the midst of this... We need to treat these holy things, these dangerous things, these big things, as holy and dangerous and big." (19:30)

Reflections on Psalm 76 and Prayer (08:45–09:00; 19:40–20:50)

• Psalm 76 Summary:

  • Declares God’s greatness, judgment, and power; celebrates God’s saving acts and calls listeners to revere Him with their vows and gifts.

• Prayerful Response:

  • Gratitude for God’s law, even when challenging, as a revelation of His heart.
  • Invocation for mutual prayer, perseverance in faith, and community support.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Laws’ Heart:

  • "These rules, these laws that God is giving his people, is he’s revealing his heart. His heart is that of a just God, just God who’s trying to raise up a just people." (18:45)

• On Bodily Emissions and Holiness:

  • "Doesn’t mean that we have to do exactly what they did back in Leviticus... But we need to be careful around them, just like we need to be careful around other people in Exodus chapter 22 and beyond." (16:43)

• On Community and Support:

  • "Some days it’s easier to do anything other than allow God’s word to be proclaimed... I’m praying for you. Please pray for me." (20:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------|-------------| | Persevering in the journey | 01:00–03:30 | | Reading introduction/context | 03:45–08:40 | | Commentary on Exodus 22 (Justice laws) | 09:00–12:45 | | Leviticus 15 (Purity laws) explained | 12:45–17:20 | | Overarching themes: justice and sacredness| 17:25–19:40 | | Psalm, prayer, reflection and wrap-up | 08:45–09:00, 19:40–end |

Episode Takeaways

• God’s laws aim to shape a just and holy people; true justice restrains vengeance.
• Bodily and sexual realities are treated as sacred—not dirty—because of their connection to life.
• The journey through Scripture may be challenging, but perseverance and community support are vital.
• Both the ancient laws and worshipful psalms invite deep reverence for God, others, and the sacredness of life.