The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode Summary: Day 45: Pray for Priests (2025) Release Date: February 14, 2025
Introduction
In the Day 45 episode of The Bible in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the profound responsibilities and spiritual callings of the priesthood as outlined in the Old Testament. Guided by Jeff Cavins' The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, this episode intertwines readings from Exodus, Leviticus, and Psalm 119 to explore the sanctity, duties, and personal nature of priestly service. Fr. Mike not only examines the biblical foundations of the priesthood but also extends a heartfelt prayer for current and future priests, emphasizing the need for holiness and dedication in their roles.
Episode Context: Day 45 Reading Plan
Fr. Mike begins by acknowledging the listeners' commitment to the Bible reading plan, celebrating the completion of the first page—a significant milestone. He encourages continued engagement by recommending the downloadable reading plan available at ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear, highlighting the tangible sense of progress achieved by crossing off completed readings.
"If you have the Bible reading plan, the Bible in a Year reading plan, you know, and even checking off these dates, you know, this is the last day on that first page, which is a significant accomplishment."
[00:04] Father Mike Schmitz
Scripture Readings
1. Exodus 29: Ordination of Priests
Fr. Mike reads Exodus 29, which details the intricate rituals and sacrifices involved in the ordination of priests. This passage underscores the seriousness and sanctity of the priestly role, emphasizing the need for purity and dedicated service to God.
2. Leviticus 21: Holiness of Priests
Leviticus 21 continues the theme by outlining the standards of holiness required for priests. It forbids various practices and emphasizes the necessity for priests to maintain moral and spiritual integrity, thereby ensuring they honor God and serve the community effectively.
3. Psalm 119: Verses 121-176
Psalm 119 serves as a reflective and meditative piece, where the psalmist expresses unwavering devotion to God's laws and seeks understanding and redemption. These verses highlight the struggle between adherence to divine commandments and the tendency to stray, encapsulating the human desire for divine guidance and forgiveness.
Reflection and Insights
Prayer for Priests
The central theme of this episode is a dedicated prayer for priests. Fr. Mike appeals not only for the current clergy but also for the sanctity and holiness of all priests, recognizing both their public responsibilities and personal spiritual journeys.
"Please, today, on this day, day 45, please pray for our priests as we hear about the Old Testament priesthood and the need for priests to be holy."
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Call for Holiness and Dedication
Fr. Mike emphasizes the biblical mandate for priests to live lives of holiness, aligning with God's own sanctity. He acknowledges the challenges priests face, both in avoiding major transgressions and in striving for consistent moral integrity.
"They’re called to be holy, that they’re called to live a certain way, and that so many of us priests fail to live that way in small ways and in great ways."
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Personal Reflections on Mercy and Brokenness
Acknowledging his own imperfections, Fr. Mike humbly admits his reliance on God's mercy and the sacrament of confession. This vulnerability serves as a bridge, connecting his personal spiritual struggles with the broader call for priestly holiness.
"I know my brokenness and I know how much I stand in need of God's mercy every single day in small ways and in incredibly large ways."
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Application of Psalm 119 in Daily Life
Fr. Mike draws parallels between the psalmist's plea for divine guidance and his own prayer for both priests and the listener community. He underscores the universal human experience of straying and the heartfelt desire for God to seek and restore.
"I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments."
Psalm 119:176
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Notable Quotes
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On the Importance of Reading Plans:
"You won’t just read the Bible in a year … you’ll finally understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!"
[00:04] Father Mike Schmitz -
On Choosing a Bible Translation:
"The first time I heard Jeff Cavins say that, he said, what Bible translation is the best, the one that you are willing to read."
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On the Role of Priests:
"These priests… are called to be holy, that they’re called to live a certain way."
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On Personal Repentance and Divine Pursuit:
"I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments."
Psalm 119:176
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Conclusion and Prayer
Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, expressing gratitude for the priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. He prays for priests to fulfill their calling with holiness and for the community to remain steadfast in their faith, seeking God's mercy and guidance.
"Lord, I have gone astray like a lost sheep, so seek me out. Let that be our prayer today. Both two things, right? Pray for our priests, Lord God, help them make them holy, but also for ourselves."
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He urges listeners to continue praying for both the clergy and themselves, fostering a community rooted in mutual support and divine love.
Final Thoughts
In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines scripture readings with personal reflections, creating a space for deep spiritual contemplation. By focusing on the priesthood's biblical foundations and the inherent call for holiness, he not only educates listeners on the historical and theological aspects of priestly service but also invites them to engage in meaningful prayer and self-examination. This episode serves as a reminder of the profound responsibilities borne by those who serve God in spiritual leadership and calls upon the community to support them in their sacred mission.
Stay Connected:
- Subscribe to The Bible in a Year podcast on your preferred podcast app.
- Download the Bible in a Year reading plan at ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children—parental discretion is advised.