DeepSummary
In this episode of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the readings for day 152, which include 1 Kings 10, Ecclesiastes 8-9, and Psalm 8. He highlights the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, admiring his wealth and wisdom. Schmitz reviews Solomon's life and emphasizes the theme of vanity and meaninglessness found in Ecclesiastes if this life is all there is without God. He encourages embracing surrender and trust in God instead of trying to control everything.
Schmitz explores the idea that all will eventually be forgotten, even great accomplishments and names like Solomon's. He shares a personal story about his spiritual director reminding him that he will be forgotten soon, which Schmitz finds peace in, knowing this life is not the end. He explains that Ecclesiastes teaches that without God, life is meaningless if death is the final destination.
Schmitz emphasizes that while wisdom, strength, and skill are valuable, ultimately time and chance happen to all. He encourages surrendering the desire for control and trusting in God's plan. The episode ends with Schmitz expressing excitement for the upcoming readings in the Gospel of Mark.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The central theme of Ecclesiastes is that life is meaningless without God, as everything ultimately ends in death.
- All people and accomplishments will eventually be forgotten by the world, no matter how great.
- Instead of trying to control everything, we should surrender and trust in God's plan.
- Wisdom, strength, and skill are valuable, but ultimately time and chance determine many outcomes.
- Finding peace with being forgotten is a gift that allows us to focus on living for God rather than worldly accomplishments.
- The readings point to the reality that there is more to existence than just this world.
- King Solomon's life and the visit of the Queen of Sheba highlight his great wealth and wisdom, yet the vanity of it all.
- Psalm 8 contrasts human insignificance with the majesty of God's creation and care for humanity.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “And yet, we know that while time will erase all things, there is something more than time.“ by Fr. Mike Schmitz
- “I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to the men of skill, but time and chance happen to them all.“ by Ecclesiastes
- “Rather than giving into our desire to control, we get to have the call to surrender. Rather than the desire to control, we have the invitation to trust.“ by Fr. Mike Schmitz
- “And that recognition of being able to be at peace with this is such a gift. It's a gift to any one of us to be able to be at peace with this.“ by Fr. Mike Schmitz
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Episode Information
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
5/31/24
Fr. Mike reminds us that, eventually, all of us will be forgotten by the world. He encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven, focusing on surrender and trust in God, rather than control. Today's readings are 1 Kings 10, Ecclesiastes 8-9, and Psalm 8.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.