Overview of Day 23: Judah Changes (Bible in a Year — Ascension / Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Fr. Mike reads and reflects on Genesis 43–44 (Joseph and his brothers), Job 35–36 (Elihu’s speech), and Proverbs 4:10–19. He highlights a key turn in the story of Joseph’s brothers—particularly Judah—showing personal change and the working of grace. The episode uses the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition and follows the Great Adventure Bible Timeline.
Key Scripture readings covered
- Genesis 43–44 (focus on the reunion with Benjamin, Joseph’s hospitality, the silver cup test, Judah’s plea)
- Job 35–36 (Elihu condemns self-righteousness; speaks for God about suffering, instruction, and God’s greatness)
- Proverbs 4:10–19 (wisdom’s way vs. the way of the wicked; guard instruction, the righteous’ pathway like dawn)
Summary — Genesis 43–44 (Joseph and his brothers)
- The famine continues; Jacob (Israel) sends his sons back to Egypt for grain but insists Benjamin stay home. Judah argues to bring Benjamin, pledging himself as surety.
- The brothers present gifts to the Egyptian ruler (Joseph, unrecognized). Joseph is moved when he sees Benjamin and secretly weeps.
- Joseph gives the brothers generous portions; Benjamin receives five times more. Joseph orders the steward to put their payment back into their sacks and to hide Joseph’s silver cup in Benjamin’s sack.
- After they leave, Joseph accuses them of stealing the cup. The cup is found in Benjamin’s sack, and Judah pleads passionately to spare Benjamin and let Judah remain as a slave instead—revealing dramatic moral change and self-sacrifice.
- The scene sets up Joseph’s forthcoming revelation and marks a moral transformation in the brothers (especially Judah).
Summary — Job 35–36 (Elihu’s speech)
- Elihu challenges Job’s claims and the friends’ explanations, condemning presumption and empty talk.
- He argues that human righteousness or wickedness does not add or take from God; God is sovereign, mighty, and not indifferent to the afflicted.
- God uses suffering and correction to instruct and restore; if people listen and return, they receive prosperity and days of pleasantness; if not, they perish by folly.
- Elihu closes by extolling God’s inscrutable greatness: the control of rain, lightning, and judgement—attributes that underline God’s power and justice.
Summary — Proverbs 4:10–19
- A father’s admonition to embrace wisdom: hold fast to instruction—wisdom preserves life and steady movement (won’t stumble).
- Avoid the ways of the wicked—they are sleepless and destructive; the righteous path grows brighter until full day, while the wicked walk in darkness and stumble.
Homily / Reflection — Main takeaways
- Transformation is possible: The brothers, once willing to kill Joseph, now risk their lives for Benjamin. Judah’s offer to be a slave in Benjamin’s place is central—showing repentance, responsibility, and growth.
- Different models in the story: Joseph (faithful, forgiving), Judah (converted, self-sacrificing), the brothers (maturing). Fr. Mike emphasizes that grace enables change; none are stuck permanently in their sin.
- Elihu’s speech warns against self-righteous presumption and underscores that God disciplines for instruction; human complaints need humility before God’s inscrutable wisdom.
- Proverbs provides practical advice: cling to wisdom and instruction to avoid the darkness and the destructive path of the wicked.
Notable quotes / lines
- “If there’s anything that grace teaches us is that none of us have to remain stuck in our sin.”
- “Judah... placing his life on the line for his father, for his brother, and for his other brothers.”
- Job/Elihu: “Behold, God is mighty and does not despise any… He delivers the afflicted from their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.”
- Proverbs: “Keep hold of instruction. Do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.”
Practical applications & action items
- Personal examination: Identify areas where you’ve been “stuck” and invite God’s grace for genuine change (like Judah).
- Prayer: Use these passages for prayer—ask for humility, openness to correction, and willingness to intercede for others.
- Scripture practice: Read Genesis 43–44 slowly, praying for the virtues shown (compassion, repentance, courage). Reflect on Job 35–36 for perspective on suffering and God’s sovereignty.
- Daily habit: “Keep hold of instruction” — build a habit of reading wisdom literature (Proverbs) and letting it shape decisions.
- Community: Intercede for family members who may cause grief; let Judah’s example lead to protective, responsible love.
Resources & how to follow
- Reading plan and materials: ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear (Bible in a Year reading plan; Great Adventure Bible recommended)
- Podcast subscription: subscribe in your podcast app to receive episodes automatically
- Text updates: text “CATHOLIC BIBLE” to 33777 for updates about the Bible in a Year podcast and Ascension resources
Prayer closing (from episode): a brief invocation for the Holy Spirit to let Scripture penetrate hearts and for Mary’s intercession, ending in the Trinitarian sign.
— Fr. Mike closes asking listeners to pray for one another and promising to continue the daily readings.