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

Episode: Day 43 – The Ark of the Covenant (2026)

Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Exodus 25-26, Leviticus 19, and Psalm 119:1-56, focusing on the blueprint for the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle, the call to moral and ritual holiness, and the glories of God’s law. Fr. Mike reflects on the significance of these Old Testament commands and draws connections to Catholic worship, especially the parallels between the Tabernacle and the modern-day Church.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Detailed Descriptions of the Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant

• Exodus 25-26 provides God’s instructions to Moses for building the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the Bread of the Presence, the lampstand (menorah), and the Tabernacle itself.

• Fr. Mike breaks down the descriptions, acknowledging the challenge:

  “It’s a little hard to get through some of the descriptions… it’s difficult to have a mental picture of what scripture is describing.” (23:30)
  He encourages listeners to visualize items such as the menorah and the Ark of the Covenant, referencing familiar images (e.g., menorah or “Raiders of the Lost Ark”).

• Significance of the Holy of Holies:
  Only the Ark rested in the innermost sanctuary, distinguished by a veil, symbolizing God’s dwelling among the Israelites.

2. Symbolism: The Veil, the Mercy Seat, and Catholic Worship

• Fr. Mike connects the torn curtain at Christ’s death to the veil in the Tabernacle:

  “That veil was the curtain that was torn in two… when our Lord Jesus gave up his Spirit… not because it’s no longer holy, but because here’s God’s love that is impossible to be held back anymore.” (24:40)

• Mercy Seat as a prefigurement of Christ:
  The Ark’s mercy seat represented God’s presence and mercy—a theme Fr. Mike ties to the ultimate mercy poured out through Jesus’ sacrifice.

3. The Bread of the Presence & the Eucharist

• Exodus 25:30:

  “You shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before me always.”

• Fr. Mike highlights the continuity between the Bread of the Presence and the Eucharist:

  “In every single Catholic Church, in the tabernacle … there is the Bread of the Presence, the bread of the very Presence of God… in truth, in spirit and truth. Here is Jesus Christ, who continues to dwell among us.” (26:20)

4. Leviticus 19: Call to Holiness and Justice

• Key themes: Be holy, justice in judgment, love your neighbor, reverence for elders, compassion to the stranger.

• Fr. Mike urges listeners to distinguish between culturally conditioned laws and universal commands:

  “That’s one of those conditional moments… as opposed to the universally unconditional moments where it’s… for all time.”

• Teaching Justice First:

  “God has to teach His people justice before He can teach them mercy.” (28:10)
  He underscores that God’s law begins with teaching right and wrong, only then progressing to deeper understanding of mercy and nuance.

• Notable law:

  “You shall not hate your brother in your heart... but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:17-18)

5. Psalm 119: Devotion to God’s Law

• The psalmist expresses longing and delight for God’s commandments, focusing on purity, perseverance, and hope.

  “Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart…” (Psalm 119:2)

• Fr. Mike suggests using the psalm as a model of prayer and yearning for God’s guidance.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the challenge of reading Exodus:

  “Sometimes it’s difficult to have a mental picture... like, what’s that look like? Well, it’s a menorah. So if you’ve ever seen a menorah—oh, that’s what’s being described here.” (23:50)

• On Catholic worship as fulfillment:

  “In every Catholic church, in the tabernacle, in that Holy of Holies place, there is the Bread of the Presence… Jesus Christ who continues to dwell among us.” (26:20)

• On the torn veil and access to God’s presence:

  “The Holy of Holies is being revealed, not because it’s no longer holy, but because here’s God’s love that is impossible to be held back anymore.” (24:45)

• On Leviticus and justice:

  “God has to teach his people justice before he can teach them mercy.” (28:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:04 – Introduction and overview of the day’s readings
• 02:00 – Exodus 25-26: Offerings for the Tabernacle, Ark of the Covenant, lampstand, veil
• 11:50 – Leviticus 19: Laws on ritual and moral holiness
• 17:50 – Psalm 119:1-56
• 20:15 – Prayer and reflection opening
• 23:30 – Fr. Mike’s commentary on visualizing the Tabernacle and its furnishings
• 24:40 – Connection between the veil, the Holy of Holies, and Jesus’ sacrifice
• 26:00 – The Bread of the Presence and Eucharistic symbolism
• 28:10 – Leviticus: understanding the difference between conditional and universal commands; the foundational teaching of justice
• 29:30 – Closing encouragement and preview for the next day

Structure and Tone

• Style: Warm, conversational, and pastoral, connecting ancient rituals to contemporary faith experience
• Purpose: To provide historical scriptural context, draw connections to the Catholic faith, and encourage personal holiness and understanding of God’s justice and mercy

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is a vivid journey through God’s detailed blueprint for His dwelling among the Israelites—the Ark, the Tabernacle, and rituals—while paralleling these Old Testament realities with Catholic worship today. Fr. Mike helps listeners find meaning in ancient laws, distinguishing between temporary cultural instructions and eternal truths, especially the call to holiness and justice that is fulfilled in Christ. His insights invite deeper appreciation for scriptural history and its living impact on prayer, worship, and moral life today.