Overview of Day 24: Tears of Joy (2026)
This episode of the Bible in a Year (hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, produced by Ascension) reads Genesis 45–46, Job 37–38, and Proverbs 4:20–27 (RSV‑CE) and offers pastoral reflection. The episode focuses on Joseph’s emotional reunions with his brothers and father, the grandeur of God’s power in Job, and practical moral instruction from Proverbs. Fr. Mike highlights the meaning of “joyful tears” and invites listeners into reflection and communal prayer.
Readings covered
- Genesis 45–46 — Joseph reveals himself, forgives his brothers, invites Jacob’s family to live in Goshen; genealogy and migration to Egypt; Joseph’s instructions about presenting as shepherds.
- Job 37–38 — Elihu’s description of God’s power in creation and weather; God’s divine speech from the whirlwind and a series of rhetorical questions emphasizing human limits vs. divine wisdom.
- Proverbs 4:20–27 — Practical ethics: avoid crooked speech, keep a straight gaze, watch your path, don’t swerve from good.
Scripture summaries
Genesis 45–46
- Joseph discloses his identity to his brothers, weeps loudly, and reconciles with Benjamin and the rest.
- Joseph frames his suffering as part of God’s providence: “you did not send me here, but God.”
- Pharaoh welcomes Joseph’s family, provides wagons and provisions, and offers the best land in Egypt (Goshen).
- Jacob (Israel) travels to Egypt after God reassures him in a vision; Jacob’s family and a genealogical list are presented (total 70 persons including Joseph’s two sons).
Job 37–38
- Elihu extols God’s majesty expressed through thunder, lightning, snow, and weather — signs of God’s inscrutable work.
- God answers Job out of the whirlwind with a challenge: a series of questions about the foundations and governance of creation (morning, sea, stars, storehouses of snow, constellations) to show human limits and divine sovereignty.
Proverbs 4:20–27
- Short, direct moral guidance: reject harmful speech, keep your eyes forward, guard your steps, avoid evil, and stay steady on the path.
Host’s reflection — key insights
- Central pastoral theme: “joyful tears.” Fr. Mike interprets the tears at Joseph’s reunions as mixed emotions — joy tempered by the awareness that “it could have been otherwise.” The tears are gratitude plus recognition of human fragility and dependence on God’s providence.
- Reconciliation and providence: Joseph’s forgiveness is rooted in seeing God’s salvific plan at work even through betrayal and suffering.
- Community and prayer: Fr. Mike emphasizes journeying together through Scripture and praying for one another as the community reads through the Bible in a year.
Notable quotes
- “We weep because we know it could have been otherwise.” — reflection on why joy can bring tears.
- “It was not you who sent me here, but God.” — Joseph’s statement framing suffering within God’s providential plan (Genesis 45).
Practical applications & reflection questions
- Reflection prompts:
- What joy breaks your heart today because you know it could have been otherwise?
- What sorrow breaks your heart that needs prayer, forgiveness, or reconciliation?
- Spiritual practices:
- Read Genesis 45–46, Job 37–38, Proverbs 4:20–27 slowly; sit with the emotions and the questions they raise.
- Pray for the grace to see God’s providence amid suffering and for openness to reconciliation.
- Share and pray with the community reading the Bible in a year.
Resources & next steps
- Bible in a Year reading plan (free): ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year
- To subscribe to the podcast: use your podcast app and click subscribe.
- To join Ascension’s email/text list: text “CATHOLIC BIBLE” to 33777.
- Next episode: continue with the Bible in a Year readings; Fr. Mike encourages communal prayer and daily listening.
Final pastoral takeaway
Joy and tears can coexist because faith recognizes both God’s present goodness and human fragility. Reconciliation, gratitude, and a humble awareness of God’s sovereignty are central lessons from today’s readings. Fr. Mike closes with prayer and encouragement to continue the journey together.