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

Episode: Day 44: Priestly Garments (2026)
Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through a series of scripture readings focused on the priestly garments described in Exodus 27–28, the penalties for violations in Leviticus 20, and a portion of Psalm 119. The episode’s primary theme is the relationship between the Old Testament priesthood and the garments prescribed for the high priest, exploring how these vestments are “for glory and for beauty”—not for human honor but to point to God’s majesty. Fr. Mike also highlights how the role of the priest is to carry the names and hearts of God’s people into His presence.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Scripture Readings & Context

• Exodus 27–28: Instructions for the altar of burnt offering, the outer court, sacred oils, and detailed prescriptions for the high priestly garments.
• Leviticus 20: Clear prohibitions against idolatry (especially child sacrifice to Molech) and a series of strict penalties for various moral offenses—with a call to holiness and separation from pagan practices.
• Psalm 119:57–120: A reflective prayer extolling God’s law and faithfulness in times of affliction and persecution.

2. The Purpose and Meaning of Priestly Garments

• Garments were commanded by God “for glory and for beauty,” signifying that the point was not the personal status of the priest but the majesty and holiness of God Himself.
• The garments obscure the individuality of the priest, highlighting instead God’s glory.
  • [21:25] Fr. Mike: “They’re for glory and for beauty… they’re not meant to accentuate who the priest is, but rather to highlight the Lord’s glory and the beauty of God himself.”
• The vestments act as a visual reminder that the priest, when serving, is standing in as Christ—making the office greater than the individual.

3. Anecdote: Vestments in the Modern World

• Fr. Mike shares a story from his ministry on a university campus, where a student asked why he wore such distinctive vestments.
• He clarifies that the vestments are not about personal prestige, but about representing Jesus Christ and obscuring personal identity.
  • [21:55] Fr. Mike: “When the priest puts on his vestments, he himself as an individual is lost and Jesus can be seen. It’s meant to obscure the individuality of the priest and highlight the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the great high priest who lives forever.”

4. The Symbolism of the 12 Stones

• The high priest’s breastpiece contained twelve stones, each engraved with the name of a tribe of Israel.
• When the priest enters God’s presence, he brings all of Israel “over his heart”—a sign that the priest represents all God’s people, not himself.
  • [24:04] Fr. Mike: “He wasn’t just approaching as Aaron… he was approaching representing all of the people… they’re meant to be over his heart, which reveals to us what it truly is to be a priest—it is to be a father.”

5. The Heart of the Priesthood: Spiritual Fatherhood

• Fr. Mike draws a parallel between the high priest of the Old Covenant carrying Israel’s names and his own priestly ministry—emphasizing spiritual fatherhood in the New Covenant.
  • [25:23] Fr. Mike: “As a Catholic priest, what I’m called to be is that spiritual father who has your names engraved over my heart. Every time I approach the Lord in worship, I am bringing you with me into his presence.”

6. Reflections on Community and Prayer

• Fr. Mike encourages listeners to remember that their parish priest likewise carries their names before God.
• He emphasizes the need for prayer for one another and acknowledges the importance of community, especially in current times.
  • [26:00] Fr. Mike: “Keep lifting each other up in prayer. Continue with your discussion, feedback, and this community as we continue tomorrow.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Garments for God’s Glory:
  • “Not because Aaron is awesome… but because God is awesome. Because this is for God’s glory. This is for the beauty that belongs to him alone.”
    — Fr. Mike [22:19]
• On the Meaning of Vestments:
  • “They’re meant to emphasize that it doesn’t matter who the priest is here. What matters is the identity of Jesus Christ.”
    — Fr. Mike [22:00]
• On Spiritual Fatherhood:
  • “Here’s what I do—for my actual blood family, my friends, but also for this community of people going through the Bible in a Year. Your names, in this mysterious way, are on my heart as a New Covenant priest.”
    — Fr. Mike [25:17]
• On Representing God’s People:
  • “He’s approaching the Lord not just as Father Joe or as Father Mike… he’s approaching as a priest of God with your name inscribed on his heart.”
    — Fr. Mike [25:52]
• On Community:
  • “I think we need the community more than ever in these days. So just keep lifting each other up in prayer.”
    — Fr. Mike [26:13]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:04] — Episode Introduction, overview of readings for the day
• [00:55] — Exodus 27–28: Description of altar, tabernacle, and garments
• [10:36] — Leviticus 20: Penalties for idolatry and moral violations
• [15:18] — Psalm 119:57–120: Prayer of faithfulness and yearning for God
• [17:34] — Opening Prayer and transition to reflection
• [21:11] — Reflection on priestly garments, their meaning and purpose
• [22:00] — Personal anecdote about priestly vestments in the modern era
• [24:04] — The significance of the 12 stones on the priest’s breastpiece
• [25:10] — Spiritual fatherhood and bringing God’s people into His presence
• [26:00] — Final encouragement on prayer and Christian community

Episode Takeaways

• Priestly garments are designed “for glory and for beauty,” aiming to point past the individual priest to the majesty of God.
• The priest, both in Old and New Covenant, is called to carry God’s people on his heart before the Lord—as a spiritual father.
• Vestments serve to obscure the person and reveal Christ—the ultimate high priest—in Christian worship.
• Community prayer and spiritual solidarity remain essential, with priests praying for their communities and encouraging mutual intercession.

If you missed this episode, you missed a deeply personal and accessible reflection on the role of tradition, symbolism, and spiritual fatherhood in Christian worship—anchored in rich scriptural context and everyday experience.