The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) · Podcast summary
Day 262: Miracle Worker (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz reflects on the miracles of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel, emphasizing Jesus' divine power over matter and life, and the call for Christians to actively participate in God's offensive mission against evil.
Listen on the show ↗Key takeaways
- 🌱The healing of the epileptic boy highlights that "little faith" can hinder miracles, while faith "as a grain of mustard seed" can achieve the impossible.14:20
- 💔Herod's internal conflict between conviction and desire for sin led to tragedy, mirroring the parable of the sower where worldly anxieties choke the word.17:00
- 🍞The miraculous feedings of the multitudes are not just stories of sharing, but profound demonstrations of Jesus' divine power over matter, fulfilling ancient prophecies.18:40
- ❤️Jesus' words "Take heart, it is I; have no fear" offer comfort and challenge in moments of fear and even resentment towards God's commands.20:38
- 🌊Jesus walking on water, and Peter's attempt, symbolizes the call for Christians to do the impossible through Christ's power, not their own.22:06
- 🚫The Pharisees' error in prioritizing optional traditions over essential commandments, like honoring parents, warns against doing "everything but" what God truly asks.23:53
Chapters
- 0:00Introduction
- 0:59Matthew 14: The Death of John the Baptist & Feeding the 5,000
- 7:10Matthew 15: The Tradition of the Elders & Feeding the 4,000
- 13:58Matthew 16: The Demand for a Sign & Peter's Declaration
- 20:09Matthew 17: The Transfiguration & The Temple Tax
- 25:36Proverbs 19:9-12
- 26:49Father Mike's Commentary on Matthew 14-17
The digest
Father Mike Schmitz begins day 262 of the Bible in a Year podcast by guiding listeners through Matthew chapters 14-17 and Proverbs chapter 19:9-12. He emphasizes the profound miracles of Jesus and their theological implications, contrasting them with human interpretations that often diminish their divine significance.
The Death of John the Baptist and Herod's Dilemma
Father Mike draws a parallel between Herod's internal conflict regarding John the Baptist and the parable of the sower. Herod, despite being convicted by John's preaching against his sin, also found himself compelled by John's words. This internal struggle ultimately led to John's tragic death, but also to Herod's own spiritual tragedy. Father Mike notes that many people can relate to Herod's predicament, where they acknowledge their sin but struggle to take the necessary steps towards freedom and repentance. Herod's inability to act on the truth he heard ultimately led to a tragic end for both John and, implicitly, for Herod himself.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 4-minute article, 5 more sections, and every new episode from The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) and the creators you follow.
- The Miraculous Feedings of the Multitudes
- Jesus Walks on Water: A Call to the Impossible
- The Tradition of the Elders and the Kingdom's Offensive Posture
- The Transfiguration and the Healing of the Epileptic Boy
- Wisdom from Proverbs
More from The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 271: Israel's Foreign Wives (2026)
Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the challenges of faithfulness and covenant in Ezra and Zechariah, highlighting the tension of intermarriage and prophetic hope.
Day 270: God's Favor with Ezra (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz explores Ezra's faith-driven leadership, Zechariah's call for authentic devotion, and God's enduring favor on His people.
Day 264: Preaching Without Practice (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz reflects on the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, the nature of judgment, and the true meaning of meekness as he unpacks Matthew chapters 22-24 and Proverbs chapter 19.
Day 261: Ornate Souls (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz reflects on Matthew chapters 11-13 and Proverbs 19:5-8, emphasizing the importance of actively filling our spiritual lives and the profound grace of baptism.
Day 260: Carrying the Cross (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz guides listeners through Matthew chapters 8, 9, and 10, and Proverbs chapter 19, emphasizing Jesus's healing ministry as a sign of his divine identity and the call to discipleship, including the challenges of carrying one's cross.
Day 259: The Sermon on the Mount (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz guides listeners through Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7, known as the Sermon on the Mount, and Proverbs chapter 18, verses 21-24, emphasizing the fulfillment of the law, the importance of a transformed heart, and the power of prayer and authentic faith.