Overview of Day 22: Go to Joseph (Bible in a Year — Ascension / Fr. Mike Schmitz)
This episode (Day 22) guides listeners through Scripture readings and short pastoral reflection. Fr. Mike reads Genesis 41–42 (Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream, rises to power, stores grain, and tests his brothers), Job 33–34 (Elihu’s speech to Job about suffering, divine communication, and God’s justice), and Proverbs 4:1–9 (a short exhortation to pursue wisdom). He closes with a meditation on the devotional phrase “Go to Joseph” (Ite ad Joseph), encouraging trust in St. Joseph’s fidelity and intercession.
Readings covered
- Genesis 41–42
- Pharaoh’s dream of seven fat cows and seven lean cows / seven good ears and seven thin ears.
- Joseph (interpreting by God’s power) predicts seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.
- Joseph appointed governor of Egypt (Zaphenath‑paneah), given wealth and marriage to Asenath.
- Joseph stores grain; brothers come to buy food during the famine; Joseph secretly tests them and imprisons Simeon.
- Job 33–34
- Elihu addresses Job: claims divine communication comes in dreams and suffering to correct people.
- Emphasis on God’s justice, God’s oversight of human ways, and that God does not act unjustly.
- Elihu rebukes Job for speaking without full understanding.
- Proverbs 4:1–9
- Concise call: “Get wisdom; get insight. Do not forsake her.”
- Promises honor, protection, and a crown to those who embrace wisdom.
Key takeaways
- Joseph’s rise shows providence + human cooperation: God reveals the future, but Joseph’s wisdom, prudence, and administrative action (storing grain) save nations.
- Dreams and divine communication: Elihu argues God uses dreams, chastening, and intermediaries to turn people away from pride and destruction.
- God’s justice: Elihu insists the Almighty is not unjust or partial; God sees human ways and acts rightly in time.
- Wisdom’s priority: Proverbs concentrates the spiritual life into one imperative—seek wisdom above all; it protects and exalts.
- Devotional application: “Go to Joseph” functions as an invitation to trust St. Joseph’s intercession and example of quiet fidelity; he points us to Christ (and the Eucharist as “bread from heaven”).
Notable quotes and lines
- “Go to Joseph” / “Ite ad Joseph” — presented as a short, memorable devotional marker.
- Genesis (Joseph to Pharaoh): “The dream of Pharaoh is one… The seven good cows are seven years… the seven lean and gaunt cows… are seven years of famine.”
- Proverbs 4: “Get wisdom. Get insight. Do not forsake her and she will keep you. Love her and she will guard you.”
- Job/Elihu: “God speaks in one way and in two… in a dream, in a vision of the night… that he may turn man aside from his deed and cut off pride.”
Pastor’s reflection (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- St. Joseph as model and intercessor: silent, faithful, guardian of Jesus — a figure to whom we can go for help and for being led to Christ.
- Parallels between Old Testament Joseph and St. Joseph: fidelity under trial, guarding provision (both physical grain and spiritual Bread).
- Practical encouragement: remain faithful even when tempted to sin or despair; “fight to be faithful” as Joseph did.
- Invitation to devotional practice: Fr. Mike mentions a 30‑day consecration to St. Joseph (Father Calloway) as a way to grow closer to Joseph’s heart.
Practical action items / recommendations
- Read Genesis 41–42, Job 33–34, and Proverbs 4:1–9 in your Bible edition (Fr. Mike uses RSV-CE and the Great Adventure Bible Timeline).
- Reflect on the theme “Go to Joseph”: consider praying for St. Joseph’s intercession, especially for fidelity and provision.
- Consider the 30‑day consecration to St. Joseph (Father Calloway) if you want a structured devotion.
- Apply Proverbs 4: make seeking wisdom (through Scripture, prayer, spiritual direction) a daily priority.
- Continue the Bible in a Year plan (download at ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year) and pray for perseverance.
Who this episode is for
- Listeners following the Bible in a Year plan.
- Those looking for short, Scripture‑centered daily meditation and practical spiritual takeaways.
- People drawn to Marian and Josephite devotion who want to deepen trust in St. Joseph’s intercession.
Fr. Mike ends with encouragement to keep going in the reading plan, pray for one another, and a brief blessing.