Summary of "The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)"

Episode: Day 7: God's Covenant with Abram

Release Date: January 7, 2025

In the seventh installment of Ascension's "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves deep into the narrative of Abram (later Abraham) as depicted in Genesis chapters 14 and 15, alongside passages from Job and Proverbs. This episode not only guides listeners through the unfolding story of Abram but also interweaves profound reflections on faith, covenant, and human suffering.

Genesis 14 & 15: The Story of Abram's Covenant

Historical Context and Conflict: Fr. Mike begins by recounting the tumultuous events of Genesis chapters 14 and 15. He outlines the coalition of four kings—Amraphel, Arioch, Chedorlaomer, and Tidal—and their campaign against five other kings, including the king of Sodom and Gomorrah. This alliance results in the capture of Lot, Abram's nephew, prompting Abram to lead a rescue mission with 318 trained men. Through strategic prowess, Abram successfully retrieves Lot and all that was taken.

Divine Intervention and Melchizedek’s Blessing: A pivotal moment occurs when Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abram. Fr. Mike highlights, “[Melchizedek] blesses him and offers up bread and wine on a high place” (15:45). This act foreshadows the priesthood of Jesus, drawing a parallel between Melchizedek and Christ by emphasizing the eternal and non-inherited nature of their priesthoods.

The Covenant Ceremony: Fr. Mike meticulously describes the covenant ceremony between God and Abram. God instructs Abram to bring specific animals—three-year-old ram, heifer, she-goat, and birds—cut them in two, and lay the halves opposite each other. Notably, the birds were not split, symbolizing a different aspect of the covenant. Abram's role is passive; he does not pass through the animal halves, signifying God's initiative and mercy. Fr. Mike remarks, “Here is God, who... places Himself on the line... [He] knows that human beings... are all about how broken we are” (20:10).

God’s Promises and Abram’s Faith: God promises Abram numerous descendants, likening them to the stars, and assures him of the land from Egypt to the Euphrates. Despite Abram’s initial doubts about his heir—Eleazar, his current beneficiary—God reaffirms that His own son will be Abrams' heir. Fr. Mike emphasizes Abram’s unwavering faith, noting, “He believed the Lord and he reckoned it to him as righteousness” (22:30).

Job 3 & 4: Exploring Suffering and Faith

Job’s Lament: Transitioning to the Book of Job, Fr. Mike reads Job chapters three and four. Job expresses profound anguish, cursing the day of his birth and questioning the very purpose of his suffering. His vivid imagery—“Let that day be darkness” (35:15)—captures the depth of his despair.

Eliphaz’s Response: Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, responds with traditional theology, suggesting that suffering is a direct result of sin. He questions Job’s righteousness: “Can a man be pure before his Maker?” (48:25). Fr. Mike challenges this viewpoint, clarifying that while suffering can be a consequence of sin, it is not an absolute measure of divine justice, especially in a broken world.

Theological Insights: Fr. Mike uses this dialogue to explore the complexities of faith during suffering. He points out, “We know that suffering is a result of sin, but not all suffering is a result of sin” (50:40). This sets the stage for deeper discussions on the nature of suffering and God’s role in human pain.

Proverbs 1:8-19: Wisdom and Moral Choices

Parental Guidance and Moral Integrity: In the final reading, Proverbs 1:8-19, Fr. Mike highlights the importance of heeding parental advice and resisting the allure of sinful temptation. The text warns against joining sinners in their schemes: “Let us lie in wait for blood” and “We shall fill our houses with spoil” (60:05).

Practical Application: Fr. Mike interprets these verses as a call to maintain moral integrity and to avoid the destructive paths that lead to personal and communal downfall. He underscores the timeless relevance of Proverbs in guiding ethical decision-making.

Reflections and Theological Connections

Covenant and Sacrifice: Fr. Mike connects Abram’s covenant ceremony with Christian sacramental theology. He notes the symbolism of bread and wine presented by Melchizedek, paralleling the Eucharist: “Jesus will offer up the sacrifice of bread and wine, which is truly his body and his blood” (25:50). This reflection deepens the listener’s understanding of covenant and sacrifice in both Old and New Testaments.

Divine Mercy and Human Frailty: Emphasizing God’s mercy, Fr. Mike discusses how God takes on humanity’s failings, much like He did with Abram by not passing through the animal halves. “Here is Genesis 12... God himself passes through the pieces... [He] takes our wounds, takes our failings, takes our sins on Himself” (30:20).

Suffering and Faithfulness: Addressing the Book of Job, Fr. Mike reassures listeners of God’s unwavering love despite apparent injustices. He challenges the notion that God’s actions are always fair by human standards, reinforcing that God’s love transcends our understanding: “The Lord loves Job and the Lord loves you... this is God's love letter to you” (55:35).

Encouragement in Faith: Concluding his reflections, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to trust in God’s plan, even amidst confusion and suffering. He emphasizes the transformative power of Scripture and the importance of maintaining faith: “God loves you and God is speaking to you even when we don't know what he's talking about” (60:50).

Conclusion

Day 7 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast offers a profound exploration of Abram’s covenant with God, the challenges of maintaining faith in suffering, and the wisdom of adhering to moral guidance. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully weaves these narratives, providing listeners with deep theological insights and practical applications for daily living. Through engaging storytelling and reflective analysis, this episode invites believers to understand the intricate tapestry of Scripture and its relevance to their lives today.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Melchizedek’s Sacrificial Act:

  • “He blessed Abram, by God Most High... Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” (15:45)

• God’s Covenant Initiative:

  • “Here is God... placing himself on the line... if I'm false to this covenant... let me be as these animals.” (20:10)

• Job’s Despair:

  • “Let that day perish wherein I was born... Why did I not die at birth...” (35:15)

• Eliphaz’s Accusation:

  • “Can a man be pure before his Maker?... Those who dwell in houses of clay...” (48:25)

• Proverbs on Temptation:

  • “Let us lie in wait for blood... We shall fill our houses with spoil.” (60:05)

• Divine Mercy Reflection:

  • “God himself passes through the pieces... takes our wounds, takes our failings...” (25:50)

• Reassurance in Suffering:

  • “The Lord loves Job and the Lord loves you... this is God's love letter to you.” (55:35)

• Encouragement to Trust:

  • “God is speaking to you even when we don't know what he's talking about.” (60:50)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Day 7's episode, guiding both avid listeners and newcomers through the profound lessons embedded in Abram’s covenant, the struggles of Job, and the timeless wisdom of Proverbs.