The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) · Podcast summary
Day 252: Queen of Heaven (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz discusses the Israelites' continued disobedience and idolatry, even after experiencing God's judgment, and clarifies the Catholic understanding of Mary as the Queen of Heaven in contrast to pagan deities.
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Today, Father Mike Schmitz guides listeners through Jeremiah chapters 43 and 44, Judith chapters 15 and 16, and Proverbs chapter 17, verses 17-20. The readings highlight the persistent disobedience of the Israelites, their flight to Egypt, and their continued idolatry, even in the face of divine judgment. Father Mike also addresses the term "Queen of Heaven," clarifying its Catholic usage in relation to Mary and distinguishing it from the pagan goddess mentioned in Jeremiah.
The Israelites' Disobedience and Flight to Egypt
Jeremiah chapter 43 opens with Jeremiah finishing his message from the Lord, warning the people against going to Egypt. However, Azariah, Johanan, and other insolent men accuse Jeremiah of lying, claiming that Baruch, the son of Neriah, has set him against them to deliver them into the hands of the Chaldeans. Despite God's clear instruction to remain in Judah, the people, led by Johanan and the commanders, disobey. They take all the remnant of Judah, including men, women, children, princesses, and even Jeremiah and Baruch, and journey to Egypt, arriving at Tahpanhes. This act of defiance sets the stage for further judgment.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 5-minute article, 6 more sections, and every new episode from The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) and the creators you follow.
- Prophecy of Nebuchadnezzar's Conquest of Egypt
- Idolatry in Egypt and God's Persistent Anger
- The People's Defiance and Jeremiah's Response
- Judith's Triumph and Song of Praise
- Clarifying the "Queen of Heaven"
- The Mark of a True Friend
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