The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Episode Summary: Day 42: Moral Laws
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Producer: Ascension
- Episode: Day 42: Moral Laws (2025)
- Release Date: February 11, 2025
Introduction
In Day 42 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into significant portions of Scripture—Exodus 24, Leviticus 17 and 18, and Psalm 78—exploring the intricate tapestry of God's laws and their enduring relevance. This episode emphasizes understanding the historical and spiritual context of these passages to better grasp their application in contemporary faith.
Scripture Readings
Fr. Mike begins by outlining the day's readings:
- Exodus 24: Focuses on the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites.
- Leviticus 17-18: Details laws concerning sacrifices and moral conduct, particularly sexual morality.
- Psalm 78: A reflection on God's goodness juxtaposed with Israel's recurring ingratitude.
Notable Quote:
"The Bible is not distant from us. This is exactly what happens to us on a regular basis."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:45]
Reflections
Exodus 24: The Blood Covenant
Fr. Mike explores the pivotal moment where Moses establishes a covenant by offering sacrifices and pouring blood, symbolizing a deep, binding relationship between God and His people. He draws a parallel between this Old Testament covenant and modern Catholic practices, such as the Eucharist and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
Key Points:
- Covenant Formation: Moses builds an altar, offers sacrifices, and sprinkles blood to seal the covenant (Exodus 24).
- Parallels to Catholic Sacraments: The act resembles modern rituals where believers profess faith and receive Communion, reaffirming their relationship with God.
- Community and Obedience: The Israelites' unified declaration, "We will do," mirrors the communal commitment witnessed in contemporary church ceremonies.
Notable Quote:
"Every time you and I walk forward to receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Mass, we're participating in the fullness of this covenant."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:30]
Leviticus 17-18: Moral Laws and Sexual Morality
Fr. Mike discusses the significance of Leviticus 17 and 18, highlighting the distinction between conditional, temporal laws and universal, eternal moral directives. He emphasizes that while some Old Testament laws were specific to the Israelites' cultural and religious context, the moral laws, especially those regarding sexual conduct, remain universally applicable.
Key Points:
- Types of Laws:
- Community Establishment: Laws that defined societal norms for Israel.
- Temple Worship: Regulations specific to the worship practices in the Tabernacle.
- Universal Morality: Eternal commandments that transcend cultural and temporal boundaries.
- Sexual Morality: Leviticus 18 outlines prohibited relationships, underscoring the universality of these moral imperatives.
- Contemporary Relevance: These laws inform Catholic teachings on sexuality, emphasizing their ongoing significance.
Notable Quote:
"Leviticus 18 is not merely conditional; it's a universal commandment. These practices were abominations to God and remain so today."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:15]
Psalm 78: God's Goodness and Israel's Ingratitude
Fr. Mike reads Psalm 78, which recounts God's mighty works and the Israelites' persistent rebellion despite witnessing divine miracles. The Psalm serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering God's deeds and maintaining faithfulness.
Key Points:
- Historical Reflection: Highlights God's provision and the people's repeated failures to honor Him.
- Call to Remember: Encourages passing down the knowledge of God's works to future generations.
- Human Nature: Acknowledges the tendency towards rebellion and ingratitude, reinforcing the need for continual reliance on God.
Notable Quote:
"This Psalm reminds us of the need to remember how good God is and to recall our tendency towards ingratitude."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [32:50]
Prayer
Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer inspired by Psalm 78, asking God to help believers remember His goodness and return to Him amidst personal struggles and societal challenges. The prayer underscores themes of forgiveness, grace, and being beloved by God.
Notable Excerpts:
"Lord God, please help us if we have been false to you. Bring us back to your heart. You are one of God's beloved."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:20]
Application and Conclusion
Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reiterating the enduring relevance of Old Testament laws, particularly those concerning morality. He emphasizes that understanding these laws deepens one's appreciation of the New Testament and enriches participation in the Eucharist. The overarching message is one of grace and hope, assuring listeners of their beloved status in God's eyes and encouraging them to embrace His commandments without fear of condemnation.
Notable Quote:
"You are one of God's beloved. That's why He gave the commandments and His grace because your story is not over. We are simply at the very beginning of this story."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [43:10]
Final Takeaways
- Covenant and Community: The blood covenant in Exodus 24 serves as a foundation for understanding modern religious commitments.
- Universal Moral Laws: Leviticus 17-18 reinforces the timeless nature of certain moral imperatives, particularly sexual ethics.
- Remembering God's Deeds: Psalm 78 encourages continuous reflection on God's faithfulness and our response to His grace.
- Grace and Hope: Emphasizing that despite human failings, God's love and grace remain steadfast, offering hope and restoration.
This summary encapsulates the profound teachings of Day 42, guiding listeners to a deeper understanding of biblical covenants, enduring moral laws, and the transformative power of remembering and embracing God's eternal love.