The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 49: The Year of Jubilee (2025)
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Produced by: Ascension
Introduction
In Day 49 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound themes of worship, rest, and restoration as presented in Exodus and Leviticus. Utilizing the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike guides listeners through the intricate details of the Year of Jubilee, emphasizing its significance in the broader narrative of salvation history.
Scripture Readings
Exodus 35-36:
Fr. Mike reads these chapters, which focus on the Sabbath regulations and the meticulous instructions for constructing the Tabernacle. He highlights the repeated emphasis on worship and the communal effort in offering resources for the sanctuary.
Leviticus 25:
This chapter introduces the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee. Fr. Mike underscores the importance of rest for the land and the societal implications of jubilee, including the restoration of property and liberation from servitude.
Psalm 81:
A psalm of Asaph, it serves as a lyrical reflection on God's faithfulness and the Israelites' repeated failures to heed His commands. Fr. Mike connects this to the themes of redemption and divine patience.
Reflections and Insights
The Heart of Worship
Fr. Mike emphasizes that the repetitive instructions in Exodus and Leviticus are not mere redundancies but deliberate reinforcements of worship's foundational role. He states:
"When it comes to worship, we're going to come back to this again and again because getting worship right is so critical."
(Timestamp: 12:45)
He argues that true worship transcends rituals, embedding itself into every aspect of a believer's life. Worship, in this context, is portrayed as a lifestyle of sacrifice, trust, and love towards God.
Understanding Sabbath and Jubilee
Fr. Mike explores the juxtaposition of the Sabbath (a weekly day of rest) with the Sabbatical Year (a seven-year cycle) and the Year of Jubilee (the fiftieth year). He explains:
"The heart of worship is sacrifice. The heart of religion is worship."
(Timestamp: 24:30)
He highlights that these cycles of rest and restoration symbolize trust in God's provision and justice. The Sabbatical Year allows the land to rejuvenate, while the Jubilee ensures societal balance by resetting economic disparities and preventing perpetual servitude.
Contextualizing Slavery in Leviticus
Addressing the sensitive topic of slavery within Leviticus, Fr. Mike provides historical context:
"They themselves had experienced what it was like to be slaves. So they knew what it was like to be under the domineering hand of a ruthless taskmaster."
(Timestamp: 37:15)
He clarifies that the institution of slavery described was regulated to prevent abuse and ensure eventual liberation. The Year of Jubilee acts as a divine safeguard against oppression, emphasizing God's ultimate desire for freedom and restoration.
Modern Implications of Jubilee
Fr. Mike draws parallels between ancient practices and contemporary issues:
"The reality of life is that there is... a provision... you are not to lord it over each other... it's a year of restoration."
(Timestamp: 42:50)
He encourages listeners to reflect on how the principles of Jubilee can inform modern economic fairness, debt forgiveness, and social justice, advocating for a society that mirrors divine mercy and equity.
Notable Quotes
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On Repetition in Scripture:
"We repeat the things that are important and we highlight those things that are important by uttering them again."
(Timestamp: 10:20) -
On the Essence of Worship:
"Worship has to touch not just the one day we might gather together to offer God, worship has to touch the rest of our lives."
(Timestamp: 28:10) -
On Trusting God Through Jubilee:
"It's a sacrifice of trust. It's a sacrifice of love."
(Timestamp: 33:05) -
On Understanding Difficult Passages:
"If I'm not confused, I'm not clear enough. Meaning me, Father Mike. If I'm not clear enough, look it up, because I will not have all the answers."
(Timestamp: 48:00)
Prayer and Conclusion
Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, seeking divine understanding of the challenging aspects of Leviticus, particularly concerning slavery. He implores God to enlighten listeners' minds and soften their hearts, fostering trust and love rather than cynicism and skepticism.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Mike reiterates the importance of humility and communal prayer in grappling with complex biblical teachings. He encourages listeners to continue exploring the depths of Scripture with open hearts and minds, emphasizing that true comprehension often requires collective seeking and divine guidance.
"Let's keep praying for each other, because sometimes we can run into some of these Bible passages that we don't get."
(Timestamp: 50:30)
He signs off with an invitation to return the following day, reinforcing the ongoing journey of biblical exploration and spiritual growth.
Key Takeaways
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Worship as a Lifestyle: Genuine worship permeates every facet of a believer's existence, moving beyond isolated rituals to a continuous act of love and trust in God.
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Cycles of Rest and Restoration: The Sabbath, Sabbatical Year, and Year of Jubilee are divine institutions promoting sustainability, economic fairness, and societal balance.
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Historical Context Matters: Understanding the cultural and historical backdrop of biblical laws provides clarity and prevents misinterpretation of challenging passages.
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Modern Applications: Ancient principles like Jubilee hold relevance today, offering insights into addressing economic disparities and fostering a just society.
Final Thoughts
Day 49 of The Bible in a Year offers a profound exploration of the Year of Jubilee, intertwining historical context with timeless spiritual truths. Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly connects ancient practices to modern-day applications, urging listeners to embrace worship as an all-encompassing lifestyle and to recognize the enduring relevance of biblical teachings in fostering a just and compassionate society.
*For more episodes and to follow the entire journey through the Bible, subscribe to The Bible in a Year podcast on your preferred platform or visit Ascension Press.