DeepSummary
In this episode of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins discuss the readings from Numbers 31, Deuteronomy 30, and Psalm 116. The episode begins with a somber reflection on the Lord's command to avenge the Israelites on the Midianites, which results in the killing of every Midianite male and the capture of women and children. Fr. Mike acknowledges the difficulty of these passages but explains that the warfare was a consequence of the Israelites' weakness and idolatry.
The discussion then shifts to the beautiful promise in Deuteronomy 30, where God assures the Israelites that if they return to Him, He will restore their fortunes and bless them abundantly. Fr. Mike highlights the message of choosing life over death and good over evil, emphasizing God's desire for the people to live and prosper.
The episode concludes with a reflection on Psalm 116, a psalm often prayed by priests, which expresses gratitude for God's deliverance and the offering of the "chalice of salvation" - a reference to the Eucharist celebrated at every Mass. Fr. Mike encourages listeners not to be discouraged by the difficult passages but to trust in God's gradual revelation of His heart.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The difficult passages about warfare in Numbers 31 are not indicative of God's original plan, but a consequence of the Israelites' weakness and unfaithfulness.
- God desires life, blessing, and prosperity for His people, as promised in Deuteronomy 30, but this is contingent on their obedience and faithfulness.
- Gratitude and thanksgiving, exemplified in Psalm 116, should be a consistent attitude in the life of faith, acknowledging God's deliverance and blessings.
- The Eucharist, foreshadowed in Psalm 116's reference to the "chalice of salvation," is a profound expression of thanksgiving and a means of encountering God's grace.
- Perseverance in faith is essential, even when faced with challenging or difficult passages in Scripture, trusting that God will continue to reveal His heart more deeply.
- God's commandments are accessible and within reach, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 30, and obedience to them leads to life and blessing.
- The weakness and tendency towards idolatry exhibited by the Israelites is a reflection of the human condition, and a call for self-examination and repentance.
- The episodes invites listeners to identify and eliminate elements in their lives that lead them away from God, just as the Israelites were commanded to eliminate the corrupting influence of the Midianites.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “See, I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his ordinances, then you shall live and multiply.“ by Deuteronomy 30
- “What shall I render to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the chalice of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.“ by Psalm 116
- “For this commandment which I command you, this day is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven that you should say, who will go up for us to heaven and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea that you should say, who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it? But the word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.“ by Deuteronomy 30
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Episode Information
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
3/16/24
Fr. Mike breaks down the battle against Midian and explains why God would allow destruction and warfare that can seem brutal. He also highlights how we can learn from Israel's weakness by destroying the things in our lives that lead us away from God. Today's readings are Numbers 31, Deuteronomy 30, and Psalm 116.
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.