The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode: Day 50: Sacrificial Offerings

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Ascension
• Description: Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, offering commentary, reflection, and prayer. This podcast follows Jeff Cavins' Great Adventure Bible Timeline, providing a comprehensive understanding of salvation history.

1. Introduction and Celebrating Day 50

Timestamp: 00:04

Fr. Mike Schmitz warmly welcomes listeners to Day 50 of their Bible journey, marking a significant milestone as they approach the conclusion of Exodus and Leviticus. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, especially for those who may have experienced setbacks in their Bible reading commitment.

“Today you are opening your heart and your mind to God's word. And I am so proud of you.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:04]

2. Delving into Exodus 37-38: Sacrificial Offerings and the Tabernacle

Timestamp: Approximately 00:25 - 25:00

Fr. Mike provides an in-depth exploration of Exodus chapters 37 and 38, detailing the construction of the Tabernacle's sacred furnishings:

• Ark of the Covenant: Crafted by Bezalel, made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, featuring cherubim to overshadow the mercy seat.

• Table of the Bread of Presence: Also made of acacia wood and gold, designed to hold the bread offerings.

• Lampstand (Menorah): A pure gold lampstand with intricate branches and cups, symbolizing enlightenment and divine presence.

• Altars of Incense and Burnt Offering: Constructed with precise measurements and materials, signifying worship and sacrifice.

Fr. Mike encourages listeners to visualize these sacred objects, enhancing their understanding of the Tabernacle's significance in the sanctuary.

“Picture that as well as the ... Holy of Holies.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Detailed descriptions throughout Exodus reading]

3. Insights from Leviticus 26: Rewards and Punishments

Timestamp: Approximately 25:00 - 35:00

Transitioning to Leviticus chapter 26, Fr. Mike outlines the blessings promised for obedience and the severe consequences for disobedience:

• Rewards for Obedience: Prosperity, peace, and divine favor, ensuring secure dwelling and abundant harvests.

• Punishments for Disobedience: Natural disasters, defeat by enemies, societal chaos, and severe penalties intended as corrective measures.

He emphasizes that these consequences are not mere punitive actions but are meant to lead the people back to God’s covenant.

“If this still won't correct you... because the whole point of this is not punishment. The whole point of this is rescue.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:00]

4. Psalm 82: A Plea for Justice

Timestamp: Approximately 35:00 - 40:00

Fr. Mike reads Psalm 82, a powerful plea for justice, highlighting God's call for fair judgment and the protection of the vulnerable. The Psalm critiques unjust leaders and demands righteousness, urging divine intervention to restore justice.

“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?” – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Psalm 82 Reading]

5. Reflections on Generosity and Church Support

Timestamp: Approximately 40:00 - 55:00

Fr. Mike shifts focus to the theme of generosity, drawing parallels between the Israelites' offerings for the Tabernacle and modern-day support for the Church:

• Historical Generosity: The Israelites went above and beyond the required offerings, exemplifying wholehearted devotion.

• Current Church Support: Highlighting that typically only about 7% of parishioners contribute significantly to parish operations, Fr. Mike challenges listeners to increase their generosity.

• Impact of Increased Giving: Envisions a scenario where 10% of parish members support parish work, exponentially expanding the Church’s charitable reach globally.

“Imagine if we increased that... How much more good could be done?” – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Reflection on generosity]

6. Understanding God’s Discipline as Love

Timestamp: Approximately 55:00 - 1:15:00

Exploring the dual themes of reward and punishment, Fr. Mike clarifies that God’s disciplinary actions are expressions of love, aiming to guide believers back to His heart:

• Discipline vs. Hatred: God’s interventions are not out of spite but to correct and rescue.

• Parental Analogy: Just as a loving parent disciplines a child for their betterment, God acts to ensure His people’s well-being.

• Encouragement to Trust: Fr. Mike urges listeners to view God’s actions through the lens of trust, recognizing His ultimate desire for their best.

“Because God is a good dad... I want the best for you.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Discussion on divine discipline]

7. Conclusion and Prayer

Timestamp: Approximately 1:15:00 - End

Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for His commandments and guidance. He encourages mutual prayer support among listeners, emphasizing the necessity of God’s grace in their spiritual journey.

“We cannot do this on our own. Ah, man. Well, what a gift we have...” – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Final encouragement]

He closes with a benediction, inviting listeners to continue their commitment to understanding and living through Scripture.

Key Takeaways:

• Persistence in Faith: Celebrating milestones like Day 50 reinforces commitment and progress in spiritual journeys.

• Sacrificial Offerings: Understanding the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle deepens appreciation for sacred worship practices.

• Obedience and Consequences: Leviticus 26 underscores the importance of obedience, with rewards fostering prosperity and punishments serving as corrective measures.

• Call for Justice: Psalm 82 serves as a timeless reminder of the duty to uphold justice and protect the marginalized.

• Generosity’s Power: Increased generosity within parishes can significantly amplify the Church’s mission and charitable impact.

• Divine Love Through Discipline: God’s disciplinary actions are rooted in love, aiming to guide believers towards righteousness and deeper faith.

Notable Quotes:

• “Today you are opening your heart and your mind to God's word. And I am so proud of you.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:04]

• “Imagine if we increased that... How much more good could be done?” – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Reflection on generosity]

• “Because God is a good dad... I want the best for you.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz [Discussion on divine discipline]

Final Thoughts:

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines detailed Scriptural readings with profound reflections, urging listeners to not only read but deeply understand and embody the teachings of the Bible. By highlighting themes of generosity, justice, and divine discipline, he invites believers to a transformative engagement with God’s Word, fostering a more faithful and active Christian life.

Subscribe to "The Bible in a Year" podcast to continue your journey through Scripture with insightful commentary, reflection, and prayer led by Fr. Mike Schmitz.