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

Episode: Day 45: Pray for Priests (2026)

Release Date: February 14, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Duration: ~24 minutes

Main Theme

On Day 45, Fr. Mike Schmitz draws listeners into the heart of the Old Testament priesthood as described in Exodus 29 and Leviticus 21, and encourages the community to pray intentionally for priests—both for their number and their holiness. Intertwined with the Scripture readings, Fr. Mike reflects on the immense responsibility of priests, the frailty of human nature—including his own—and the constant need for God’s mercy. The reflection is rooted in Psalm 119’s final verses, connecting the yearning for God’s help with the call to holiness for clergy and laity alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Crossing a Milestone and Encouragement to Continue

• Fr. Mike congratulates listeners for reaching the last day of the Bible reading plan’s first page—a significant sign of progress.
• He emphasizes the benefit of using a physical checklist to mark one’s journey (“…it’s so great to be able to like, cross it off and say, I’m moving, like we’re actually going somewhere.” — [00:28])

2. Scripture Readings Overview

• Exodus 29: The ordination and consecration rituals for priests, specifically Aaron and his sons.
• Leviticus 21: The call for priests to personal holiness, their responsibilities, and the regulations that set them apart from the rest of the people.
• Psalm 119 (vv. 121–176): A deeply personal prayer expressing both commitment to God’s law and a humble plea for God’s pursuit and mercy.

3. Deep Connection Between Readings: The Calling and Holiness of Priests

• There is a “deep connection” between Exodus and Leviticus in today’s readings: both focus on the priesthood, its divine institution, and the high standards required of those who serve ([01:48]).
• Fr. Mike underscores that priests are “set apart,” not just in Old Testament times but today, and their lives should reflect honor to God and the people they serve.

4. Importance of Praying for Priests

• Fr. Mike directly requests: “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.” ([02:24])
• The emphasis is not merely on increasing the number of priests but, more importantly, on their actual holiness.

5. Bible Translations and Their Usefulness

• Fr. Mike reassures listeners that while he uses the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition, “the best translation is the one you’re willing to read”—echoing advice from Jeff Cavins ([03:24]).
• He values being familiar with multiple translations for deeper understanding.

6. Reflection on the Readings: Humility, Holiness, and the Need for Mercy

• Priests are called to mediate between God and people, and “called to be holy, to live a certain way.”
• He candidly admits clergy—including himself—fall short in both small and significant ways: “I know my brokenness… how much I stand in need of God’s mercy every single day…” ([17:29])
• The failings of priests, both public scandals and private daily struggles, underline the need for persistent prayer and humility.

7. Personal and Communal Prayer: Psalm 119’s Last Verse

• Fr. Mike holds up Psalm 119’s final plea, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant…” as a universal prayer for all, priest and layperson alike ([19:25]).
• “Not just welcome me back, but seek me out. Not just let me come back in the door. But Lord God, race after me, search for me, find me, and bring me home.”
• He encourages the community to pray not only for priests’ holiness but also for God’s continual pursuit of us when we go astray.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Progress:
  “This is the last day on that first page, which is a significant accomplishment.” ([00:13])

• On Choosing a Bible Translation:
  “What Bible translation is the best? The one that you are willing to read… hopefully the one you’re listening to is one that is speaking to your heart and to your mind and feeding you as well.” ([03:41])

• On Praying for Priests:
  “Pray for me as well as pray for your pastor. Pray for the associate priests. Pray for all the priests in your life. Because not only are they called to be set apart, but they’re called to live in that way that honors… the one who set them apart and honors the people that they’re called to pray for.” ([01:28])

• On Priestly Brokenness and Mercy:
  “I know my brokenness and my… how much I stand in need of God’s mercy every single day in small ways and in incredibly large ways. That’s like, oh my gosh, Lord, I could not stand for another day without your help, without your mercy…” ([17:36])

• On God’s Pursuit:
  “Lord, I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant. And I love that. That’s the prayer of all of us, right?” ([19:23])

• Encouragement and Blessing:
  “The Lord God, he loves you already. The Lord loves you already. And he knows your name. He calls your name. He seeks you out today once again. Let him bring you home. Let’s keep praying for each other.” ([21:00])

Important Timestamps

• 00:04–02:45 – Fr. Mike sets up the episode, gives context, and celebrates the milestone in the reading plan.
• 03:24–04:30 – Discussion on Bible translations and encouragement on Scripture engagement.
• 04:41–16:50 – Full readings from Exodus 29, Leviticus 21, and Psalm 119:121-176.
• 17:02–21:00 – Reflection on priesthood—its challenge and need for prayer—plus the universal cry for God’s pursuit from Psalm 119.
• 19:23 – “Lord, I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant…” – Fr. Mike highlights the Psalmist’s humble plea.

Structured Reflection & Takeaways

For Priests and Community

• The Old and New Testament priesthoods are fundamentally about being set apart for God, holy in both action and heart, and mediating between God and people.
• Priestly failures—public and private—should prompt ongoing intercession, not cynicism or indifference.
• Fr. Mike’s vulnerability (“I know my brokenness…”) invites listeners to see priests as in constant need of grace and mercy.

For All Believers

• Like the psalmist, everyone can relate to having gone astray, needing not just forgiveness but the active pursuit of the Good Shepherd.
• True holiness is not about perfection, but about remaining open to being sought and brought home by God.

Final Blessing and Call to Prayer

Fr. Mike closes with an exhortation to pray for priests’ holiness and to invite God’s relentless mercy in our own lives. He expresses gratitude for the Bible in a Year community and affirms God’s love and pursuit for each listener.

[End of Summary]