Overview of Day 21: Walking with God (Bible in a Year — Ascension / Fr. Mike Schmitz)
This episode reads and reflects on Genesis 39–40 (Joseph in Egypt), Job 31–32 (Job’s defense and Elihu’s first speech), and Proverbs 3:33–35. Fr. Mike highlights the recurring biblical theme that “the Lord was with” faithful people in suffering, uses Joseph as a model of righteous perseverance, connects Job’s integrity to faithful endurance, and points listeners to the New Covenant fulfillment in Christ.
Readings covered (short synopsis)
Genesis 39–40 — Joseph in Potiphar’s house and prison
- Joseph prospers in Potiphar’s house because “the Lord was with him.” He is put in charge of everything.
- Potiphar’s wife tries repeatedly to seduce Joseph. He refuses, saying it would be a sin against God, and flees, leaving his garment behind.
- She falsely accuses him; Potiphar throws Joseph into prison.
- In prison, God continues to be with Joseph; he oversees prisoners and prospers.
- Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and baker dream; Joseph interprets both: the cupbearer restored, the baker executed. Joseph asks the cupbearer to remember him, but the cupbearer forgets.
Job 31 — Job’s final assertion of innocence
- Job lists concrete ways he has lived righteously (sexual fidelity, fairness to servants, care for the poor, refusal to worship wealth, hospitality).
- He invokes God as witness and asks for a divine accounting if he has sinned.
Job 32 — Elihu speaks
- Job’s three friends have stopped replying. Elihu, younger than the others, is angry both at Job (for justifying himself rather than God) and at the friends (for failing to refute Job).
- Elihu claims the Spirit gives understanding, not age, and announces he will speak his opinion.
Proverbs 3:33–35
- Contrasts divine outcomes: the wicked’s house is cursed; the righteous are blessed. Scorners receive scorn; the humble find favor. The wise inherit honor; fools, disgrace.
Key themes & takeaways
- The Lord’s presence in suffering: The repeated biblical refrain “the Lord was with him” (Joseph) emphasizes that divine accompaniment does not depend on immediate success or comfort.
- Righteousness amid injustice: Joseph models moral integrity under temptation and false accusation—he acts from loyalty to God rather than self-pity or vindication.
- Integrity as testimony: Job’s long, concrete defense shows a faith that refuses to justify God’s silence by abandoning moral truth; he still appeals to God as ultimate judge.
- Spirit-led insight vs. human assumptions: Elihu introduces the claim that spiritual understanding may transcend the authority of age and conventional wisdom.
- Divine justice and humility: Proverbs underscores the moral ordering God brings—humility and wisdom are ultimately honored, scorn and folly are not.
Notable quotes / memorable lines
- Fr. Mike’s recurring observation: “The Lord was with him.” (Used about Joseph as a theological refrain.)
- Joseph to Potiphar’s wife: “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
- Job: “I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I look upon a virgin?” and repeatedly invokes God as witness to his integrity.
- Elihu: “It is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.”
- Proverbs 3:33–35 encapsulation: “The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous.”
Practical application / recommended actions
- Read or mark up these passages in your Bible (RSV-CE used on the podcast). Ascension’s reading plan is available at ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year.
- Reflect on times you’ve felt God absent in hardship—use Joseph and Job as models for trusting God’s presence even when outcomes look bleak.
- Practice concrete acts of integrity listed by Job: hospitality, fair treatment of workers, care for the poor, and avoiding the idolatry of wealth.
- Pray for the grace to “walk with the Lord” daily—perseverance, humility, and trust are spiritual disciplines to cultivate.
- Subscribe to the podcast and/or sign up by texting “CATHOLIC BIBLE” to 33777 for updates and the reading plan.
Episode preview / what’s next
- Continued story of Joseph in Egypt—how God continues to work through him.
- More from Elihu (he will not hold back) and the arrival of another important speaker in Job’s narrative.
- Further connections between Old Testament figures and New Testament fulfillment in Christ.
Closing prayer & tone
- Fr. Mike closes with thanksgiving for God’s word and for faithful heroes like Joseph and Job, and prays for perseverance and trust to do God’s will. The episode strikes a pastoral, encouraging tone: suffering does not negate God’s presence and purpose.