Episode Summary: Day 8 – The Surrender of Abraham

Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Duration: 20-25 minutes
Transcript Reference: [Full Transcript Provided]

Introduction

In Day 8 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into pivotal moments in the lives of Abraham (formerly Abram) and Sarah (formerly Sarai), exploring themes of faith, obedience, and surrender to God's plan. The episode also touches upon the wisdom literature through the Book of Proverbs and the profound suffering of Job, providing a comprehensive reflection on faith amidst trials.

Reading Overview

Fr. Mike guides listeners through:

• Genesis 16 & 17: The complex dynamics between Abram, Sarai, and Hagar leading to God's reaffirmation of His covenant.
• Job 5 & 6: Eliphaz's counsel to Job and Job's heartfelt response.
• Proverbs 1:20-33: Wisdom's call and the consequences of ignoring divine guidance.

Genesis 16 & 17: The Surrender of Abraham

The Story Unfolds

Fr. Mike recounts the tension arising from Sarai's inability to bear children, leading her to offer her maid, Hagar, to Abram. This decision sets off a chain of events that highlight human attempts to control outcomes versus divine will.

Fr. Mike (00:04): "Sarai, Abram's wife, bore him no children. [...] Go in to my maid. It may be that I shall obtain children by her."

God's Covenant and Transformation

God's appearance to Abram marks a significant transformation, changing his name to Abraham and instituting the covenant of circumcision as a sign of obedience and surrender.

Fr. Mike: "God wants to bless our lives. He wants to let himself be the Lord [...] the sign of circumcision in so many ways is [...] surrender."

Key Insights

• Change and Surrender: The transition from Abram to Abraham signifies a deeper commitment to God's plan. Circumcision symbolizes the relinquishing of personal control in favor of divine guidance.

• Consequences of Human Action: Sarai's attempt to fulfill God's promise through Hagar leads to familial strife, illustrating that human interventions often complicate divine intentions.

Fr. Mike: "When we take measures into our own hands, nothing good comes of it."

Job 5 & 6: The Struggle with Suffering

Eliphaz's Counsel

Eliphaz offers Job conventional wisdom, suggesting that suffering stems from personal wrongdoing, urging Job to seek God for relief.

Eliphaz (Job 5:6-7): "Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. [...] He sets on high those who are lowly."

Job's Response

Job vehemently denies wrongdoing, expressing his anguish and questioning the fairness of his suffering. He longs for understanding and divine presence amidst his pain.

Job (Job 6:1-3): "O that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances [...] My spirit drinks their poison."

Key Insights

• Authentic Grief: Job's candid expression of despair highlights the importance of honesty in faith. Suffering isn't always a sign of personal failure but can be a profound test of faith.

• Beyond Conventional Wisdom: The episode emphasizes that sometimes, those in pain seek presence and understanding rather than solutions, a sentiment echoed in Job's plea.

Fr. Mike: "Sometimes the people in our lives don't need our answers as much as they just want us to be present."

Proverbs 1:20-33: Wisdom's Call

Wisdom personified calls out to the "simple" and "scoffers," urging them to heed divine guidance to avoid calamity.

Proverbs (Proverbs 1:20-21): "Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets. She raises her voice at the top of the walls."

Key Insights

• Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom: The passage warns of the dire outcomes that follow the rejection of divine counsel, reinforcing the episode's theme of obedience and surrender.

• Promise of Security: Conversely, listening to wisdom leads to security and peace, aligning with the blessings promised to Abraham and the righteous.

Connecting the Stories: Themes of Faith and Surrender

Fr. Mike weaves together the narratives of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Job to illustrate the multifaceted nature of faith. The transformation of Abram to Abraham symbolizes ultimate surrender to God's will, mirroring the call to wisdom in Proverbs and the honest grappling with suffering in Job.

Fr. Mike: "God is inviting us to place ourselves under his dominion even when we don't know what he's doing."

Reflections and Modern-Day Applications

• Trusting in God's Plan: The episode encourages listeners to trust God's promises, even when immediate circumstances suggest otherwise, as seen in Abraham's faith journey.

• Presence Over Solutions: Emphasizing that sometimes, presence and empathy are more valuable than offering solutions, particularly in times of suffering.

Fr. Mike: "Maybe I just want God to be with me in my confusion and in my pain."

Concluding Prayer

Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, seeking God's peace and presence for those in turmoil, reinforcing the episode's themes of trust and surrender.

Fr. Mike: "Lord God, you are good and we know that you love us. [...] Your love is unstoppable and your love is sufficient."

Final Thoughts

Day 8 of The Bible in a Year offers a profound exploration of surrendering to God's will, the complexities of faith, and the enduring promises of divine covenants. Through the intertwined stories of Abraham and Job, listeners are invited to reflect on their own faith journeys, emphasizing trust, obedience, and the transformative power of divine love.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Introduction of the Reading Plan:
  Fr. Mike (00:04): "Using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds..."

• On Circumcision as Surrender:
  Fr. Mike: "That step of surrender. It's that step of saying, okay, Lord, I am no longer in control."

• On Human Measures vs. Divine Will:
  Fr. Mike: "When we take measures into our own hands, nothing good comes of it."

• On Presence in Suffering:
  Fr. Mike: "Maybe I just want God to be with me in my confusion and in my pain."

Resources Mentioned

• Bible Translation: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
• Bible Reading Plan: The Great Adventure Bible Timeline by Jeff Cavins
• Download Your Reading Plan: Visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear
• Subscribe to Podcast: Available on major podcast platforms
• Join Email List: Text "CatholicBible" to 33777

Final Encouragement

Fr. Mike expresses gratitude to listeners, encouraging them to continue their faith journey through the podcast and offering prayers for their spiritual growth.

Fr. Mike: "I am praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. God bless."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and reflections from Day 8 of The Bible in a Year podcast, providing a comprehensive overview for both listeners and newcomers.