Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (Day 69: The Bronze Serpent)

Episode: Day 69: The Bronze Serpent
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Produced by: Ascension

Scripture Readings

• Numbers 21: The Bronze Serpent
• Deuteronomy 22: Miscellaneous Laws
• Psalm 102: A Prayer to the Eternal King for Help

Numbers 21: The Bronze Serpent

In this segment, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Numbers 21, recounting the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their recurring struggles with faith and obedience.

• The People's Complaints: The Israelites express frustration, questioning why they were brought out of Egypt only to perish in the wilderness:

  "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?" [00:04]

• Divine Intervention: In response to their grievances, God sends fiery serpents among the people, resulting in numerous deaths. Acknowledging their sin, the Israelites beseech Moses for mercy.

• Moses' Intercession: Demonstrating unwavering leadership and compassion, Moses prays for the people despite knowing he himself would not enter the Promised Land:

  "Even though Moses... he continues to intercede. He continues to be a shepherd of the people." [07:45]

• The Bronze Serpent Symbolism: God instructs Moses to create a bronze serpent and erect it as a sign for healing. Fr. Mike draws a profound parallel between this act and Jesus Christ's crucifixion:

  "When they looked upon the bronze serpent, they were saved. And when we cast our eyes upon Jesus Christ, crucified, our salvation is given to us in this unique and powerful way." [15:30]

  He elaborates that just as the serpent, the cause of their suffering, became a symbol of salvation, Jesus transformed the symbol of sin into a beacon of hope:

  "The sign of our sin becomes the symbol of our hope." [19:10]

Deuteronomy 22: Miscellaneous Laws

Fr. Mike transitions to Deuteronomy 22, unpacking a series of laws intended to cultivate a more just and compassionate society among the Israelites.

• Neighborly Kindness: Emphasizing communal responsibility, the laws mandate aiding neighbors in retrieving lost property:

  "You shall not withhold your help... You shall restore it to him." [22:05]

• Gender-Specific Clothing: Addressing cultural norms, the commandments prohibit men from wearing women's garments and vice versa, highlighting respect for individual identity:

  "A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man... an abomination to the Lord your God." [22:18]

• Animal Compassion: Instructions on humane treatment of animals and environmental stewardship reflect God's care for all creation:

  "If you come upon a bird's nest... you shall not take the mother." [22:21]

• Construction Safety: Requiring the building of parapets on roofs underscores the value of human life and societal responsibility:

  "When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof." [22:28]

• Sexual Morality Laws: Perhaps the most sensitive, these laws address issues of sexual conduct, emphasizing the protection and dignity of women. Fr. Mike acknowledges the complexity and sensitivity of these topics:

  "If that's you and that's been your experience, please know that you are worth so much... You are worthy in his eyes." [22:45]

  He discusses the distinction made in the scriptures between consensual relations and sexual assault, advocating for justice and the inherent worth of every individual:

  "What is at the heart of this law in Deuteronomy today is the good of the woman. And the justice... of when people agree and fall into sin, not when they're attacked." [22:55]

• Equality and Dignity: Drawing from Genesis, Fr. Mike underscores that these laws aim to elevate societal standards, promoting equality and respect in a historically patriarchal context:

  "Male and female in God's image... both equal in dignity." [23:10]

Psalm 102: A Prayer to the Eternal King for Help

In this heartfelt prayer, the psalmist pours out anguish and supplication to God, seeking comfort and intervention in times of distress.

• Expressions of Suffering: The psalm vividly portrays the depths of despair and physical anguish:

  "My days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace... I forget to eat my bread because of my loud groaning." [00:04]

• Divine Assurance: Amidst the plea, there's a reaffirmation of God's eternal nature and steadfast support:

  "But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever. Your name endures to all generations." [12:30]

• Hope and Restoration: The prayer concludes with a hopeful vision of restoration and divine favor:

  "The Lord will build up Zion... He will regard the prayer of the destitute and will not despise their supplication." [18:20]

Concluding Reflections

Fr. Mike Schmitz ties together the day's readings, highlighting the transformative power of God's laws and their relevance to contemporary life.

• Moses as a Shepherd: He commends Moses' relentless advocacy for the Israelites, portraying him as a father figure who exemplifies selfless leadership:

  "He continues to intercede on behalf of the people." [09:15]

• Symbolism of the Cross: Fr. Mike reinforces the connection between the Bronze Serpent and Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing the universality of redemption through sacrifice:

  "The sign of our shame becomes the symbol of our hope." [16:45]

• Advocacy for Justice: Addressing the societal norms of the past, he celebrates the progressive nature of the Mosaic laws in promoting justice, equality, and compassion, urging listeners to embody these values:

  "You are worth more than many sparrows... you matter." [23:50]

• Encouragement and Compassion: For listeners grappling with personal traumas or injustices, Fr. Mike offers words of solace and affirmation of their inherent worth in God's eyes:

  "You are worthy in his eyes. He loves you so much." [23:55]

Key Takeaways

• Interconnectedness of Scripture: The episode illustrates how Old Testament narratives foreshadow New Testament truths, particularly the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

• Moral and Ethical Guidance: The Mosaic laws, while rooted in their historical context, offer timeless principles of justice, compassion, and respect for all individuals.

• Personal Application: Fr. Mike encourages listeners to internalize these lessons, fostering a life guided by Scripture's transformative power and God's unwavering love.

Notable Quotes

• Moses' Leadership:

  "He continues to be a shepherd of the people and a father for these people." [09:15]

• Symbolism of Sacrifice:

  "The sign of our shame becomes the symbol of our hope." [16:45]

• Value of Individuals:

  "You are worth more than many sparrows... you matter." [23:50]

• Affirmation of Worth:

  "You are worthy in his eyes. He loves you so much." [23:55]

Conclusion

Day 69's episode of "The Bible in a Year" masterfully interweaves scriptural exegesis with practical reflections, guiding listeners through the profound lessons of Numbers 21 and Deuteronomy 22. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges ancient texts with contemporary relevance, emphasizing themes of redemption, justice, and the inherent dignity bestowed upon every individual by God. This episode serves as both a theological exploration and a source of personal encouragement, inviting listeners to deepen their understanding of Scripture and its application in daily life.