The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode: Day 90: Ruth and Boaz (2025)
Release Date: March 31, 2025

Overview

In Day 90 of Ascension's The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the narratives of Ruth and Boaz, intertwining them with the concluding chapters of Judges. This episode spans the reading of Judges chapters 4 and 5, alongside Ruth chapter 2, exploring themes of faithfulness, hope, and divine providence. Through comprehensive scripture readings, insightful reflections, and guided prayer, Fr. Mike and his co-host illuminate the intricate tapestry of salvation history, emphasizing how these ancient stories resonate in the lives of believers today.

Biblical Readings

Judges Chapters 4-5: Deborah, Barak, Sisera, and Jael

The episode begins with the story of Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, who alongside Barak, leads the Israelites against the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. The narrative highlights the oppression of the Israelites for twenty years and their cry for divine intervention. Deborah's prophetic leadership and Barak's military response culminate in the dramatic defeat of Sisera, aided by Jael, a woman who delivers the final blow to the enemy commander.

Notable Passage:

“Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh... [Judges 4:6]”
(00:59)

Ruth Chapter 2: Ruth Meets Boaz

Transitioning to the story of Ruth, the episode recounts her return to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi. Ruth's dedication leads her to glean in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Naomi's late husband. Boaz's kindness and protection towards Ruth illustrate the themes of loyalty and divine favor, setting the stage for their eventual union.

Notable Passage:

“Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, ‘Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.’”
(10:35)

Reflections and Insights

Fr. Mike Schmitz offers profound reflections on the interconnectedness of the stories of Deborah and Ruth, drawing parallels between their faithfulness and the overarching narrative of salvation.

Faithfulness Amidst Adversity

Fr. Mike emphasizes Ruth's unwavering loyalty despite the tragedies that have befallen her. He states:

“Ruth, we're going to get back to Deborah or Sisera... this is maybe the first day where there's been hope in Ruth's life in a really long time.”
(15:04)

This underscores the significance of maintaining faith even when circumstances seem bleak, highlighting that moments of divine intervention often emerge from periods of steadfastness.

Hope and Divine Promises

Connecting to Genesis 3:15, Fr. Mike discusses the foreshadowing of God's promise of a redeemer:

“...a foreshadowing of the fulfillment of what God had promised... ultimately, that crushing is done by Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate redeemer...”
(18:00)

He illustrates how the violent yet pivotal actions of Jael in Judges prefigure the ultimate defeat of evil through Christ, reinforcing the theme of hope prevailing over darkness.

Encouragement in Dark Times

Fr. Mike addresses listeners facing personal hardships:

“You might be in a place right now where you're wondering, like, where is the hope for me?... But remember that it takes sometimes a long time. We're going to hear that a thousand to God, a thousand years are like a single day...”
(17:33)

He encourages believers to seek glimmers of hope and remain faithful, assuring them that divine support accompanies their journey.

Prayer

The episode includes a heartfelt prayer reflecting on the stories of Ruth and Boaz, asking for strength to remain faithful and hopeful in challenging times.

Key Excerpts:

“Lord, help us to be faithful to not only our relationships, our families, but also faithful to you, Lord God, when things are difficult...”
(14:51)

“We make this prayer in the name of Jesus our Lord, Amen...”
(15:29)

This prayer encapsulates the episode's themes, invoking divine assistance in maintaining faithfulness and recognizing God's unwavering presence.

Conclusion

Fr. Mike Schmitz wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of faithfulness and hope, drawing inspiration from Ruth's story to encourage listeners in their spiritual journeys.

Final Reflections:

“I'm praying that not only that you walk in faithfulness and that I walk in faithfulness, but also if you were walking in darkness... you are not alone. We do not walk alone. We continue to pray for each other. And God is with you.”
(19:49)

He emphasizes community and mutual support in faith, reinforcing the message that God's promises remain steadfast even in the darkest of times.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “Fr. Mike says, 'This is maybe the first day where there's been hope in Ruth's life in a really long time.'"
  (15:04)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “...that day of the glimmer of light shines upon you very, very soon.”
  (19:52)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “...the head of the enemy will be crushed. And we know that the head of the enemy is crushed by the offspring of the woman. Ultimately, that crushing is done by Jesus Christ...”
  (18:54)

Key Takeaways

• Interconnected Stories: The narratives of Deborah and Ruth are intertwined, showcasing different facets of leadership, bravery, and faithfulness.

• Faith in Action: Ruth's dedication to Naomi and her proactive steps in gleaning reflect a living faith that seeks out blessings even in humble circumstances.

• Divine Providence: The episode highlights how God's promises, though sometimes fulfilled through unexpected means, remain central to the biblical narrative.

• Hope in Darkness: Fr. Mike encourages listeners to find hope amidst adversity, drawing parallels between biblical stories and personal struggles.

This episode serves as a testament to the enduring power of faithfulness and the ever-present hope found in divine promises. Through the stories of Deborah, Ruth, and Boaz, listeners are reminded of the intricate ways God's plan unfolds, offering guidance and inspiration for their own spiritual journeys.