The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Episode Summary: Day 9 - Sodom and Gomorrah

Introduction

In Day 9 of The Bible in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and produced by Ascension, listeners delve into profound narratives from the Old Testament. This episode encompasses readings from Genesis chapters 18 and 19, Job chapters 7 and 8, and Proverbs chapter 2. Fr. Mike offers insightful commentary, reflection, and guided prayer, helping listeners navigate the complex themes of justice, suffering, and wisdom embedded within these scriptures.

Genesis 18-19: The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah

Scripture Overview

The episode begins with Genesis chapters 18 and 19, which recount the dramatic events surrounding the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham hosts three visitors, later revealed to be angels, who announce that his wife Sarah will bear a son despite their advanced age. Subsequently, the narrative shifts to Lot in Sodom, where the city's grievous sins provoke divine judgment.

Fr. Mike's Reflections

Fr. Mike emphasizes the distinction between divine justice and vengeance. He explains that the angels' mission is to "exact justice, not vengeance" ([15:30] timestamp), highlighting God's desire to eliminate sin while sparing the righteous. Abraham’s intercession serves as a powerful example of advocating for mercy, negotiating with God to spare the cities if even a small number of righteous individuals are found.

A significant portion of the reflection centers on Lot’s actions and their repercussions. Fr. Mike discusses the morally complex situation where Lot offers his daughters to the men of Sodom, a decision that ultimately leads to the birth of the Moabites and Ammonites—peoples who become historical adversaries of Israel. He underscores that the Bible presents these narratives without endorsing the actions, thereby teaching readers to discern right from wrong even when the text itself does not explicitly condemn behaviors.

Key Insights:

• Divine Justice vs. Vengeance: Understanding God's judgment is rooted in fairness and righteousness, not arbitrary wrath.
• Intercession and Mercy: Abraham's negotiation with God exemplifies the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of seeking mercy for others.
• Moral Complexity: The story of Lot challenges readers to grapple with difficult moral decisions and their long-term consequences.

Job 7-8: Grappling with Suffering

Scripture Overview

Transitioning to the Book of Job, chapters 7 and 8 capture Job’s lamentations and his friend Bildad’s responses. Job articulates his profound anguish and confusion over his suffering, while Bildad attempts to comfort him by asserting that suffering is a result of personal sin.

Fr. Mike's Reflections

Fr. Mike delves into the timeless struggle of understanding suffering in a just world. He critiques the simplistic explanations often offered by Job’s friends, who insist that Job must have erred to deserve his plight. "This is the religious answer of why something horrible is happening in your life," Fr. Mike remarks ([45:12] timestamp), highlighting its insufficiency in addressing genuine human suffering.

He encourages listeners to join Job in his honest questioning rather than seeking immediate answers. Fr. Mike suggests that the true journey lies not in finding a definitive "why" but in relating to Job's struggle and embracing the deeper questions about God's role in human suffering.

Key Insights:

• Authentic Lamentation: Acknowledging and expressing genuine pain is a crucial step in the journey of faith.
• Limitations of Traditional Responses: Simple doctrinal explanations may fail to provide comfort or understanding in times of deep suffering.
• Journey Over Answers: Embracing the process of seeking and questioning can lead to a more profound relationship with God.

Proverbs 2:1-5: The Pursuit of Wisdom

Scripture Overview

The episode also explores Proverbs chapter 2, verses 1-5, which extol the virtues of seeking wisdom and understanding. These verses encourage active pursuit of insight, equating it with searching for hidden treasures.

Fr. Mike's Reflections

Fr. Mike connects the pursuit of wisdom to the broader journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of diligently seeking God's truth. He reflects on how wisdom is not merely academic but is meant to transform one's perception and actions, aligning them with divine will.

Key Insights:

• Active Seeking: Wisdom requires intentional effort and a sincere desire to understand God's ways.
• Transformative Power: True wisdom leads to a deeper fear of the Lord and a genuine knowledge of God, shaping one's entire outlook on life.

Notable Quotes

• "Justice is giving someone what is their due, while vengeance is simply taking out my anger upon somebody." ([20:45] timestamp)

• "Just because something's in the Bible doesn't mean that it's good. But we can still learn from it, even if it doesn't immediately make sense." ([38:50] timestamp)

• "The answer is not a why. The answer is who." ([55:10] timestamp)

Conclusion

Day 9 of The Bible in a Year offers a rich exploration of some of the Bible's most challenging narratives. Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly navigates the complexities of divine justice, human suffering, and the relentless pursuit of wisdom. By encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the text and embrace the questions it raises, Fr. Mike fosters a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of Scripture. This episode not only enhances listeners' knowledge of biblical stories but also invites them to apply its lessons to their own lives, viewing the Bible as a living, transformative narrative.

Final Thoughts

As Fr. Mike aptly concludes, the journey through the Bible is not merely about reading but about transforming one's life through the lens of Scripture. By engaging with the stories, questions, and teachings presented, listeners are invited to deepen their faith and understanding, experiencing the Bible's enduring relevance in their daily lives.

For more insights and to continue this transformative journey, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast, download the reading plan from Ascension Press, and participate in the community through email sign-ups.

Amen.