Overview of Bible in a Year — Day 317: "Persistence in Prayer" (Ascension, Father Mike Schmitz)
This episode (Day 317) reads Luke 11–12 and Proverbs 26:7–9 (RSV-2CE) and features Father Mike Schmitz’s pastoral reflections. Central themes are the Lord’s Prayer, perseverance in petitionary prayer, warnings against hypocrisy, trust in God (do not be anxious), watchfulness, the parable of the rich fool, the return of the unclean spirit, and the painful but expected division Jesus brings into families. Father Mike emphasizes persistent prayer, the gift of the Holy Spirit, interior conversion (not mere outward piety), and patient prayer for loved ones.
Scripture passages read
- Gospel: Luke 11–12
- Luke 11: The Lord’s Prayer; perseverance in prayer (ask/seek/knock); casting out demons; return of the unclean spirit (empty, swept, ornate); Jesus’ rebuke of Pharisee hypocrisy; the sign of Jonah.
- Luke 12: Beware the leaven (hypocrisy); fear God, not man; sparrows/hairs of your head; blasphemy against the Holy Spirit; parable of the rich fool; do not be anxious — seek God’s kingdom; watchfulness for the Master’s return; division caused by Christ; practical warnings about settling with accusers.
- Wisdom: Proverbs 26:7–9 — three similes about proverbs in the mouths of fools and honoring fools.
(Translation: Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition. Reading plan: Ascension’s Great Adventure Bible Timeline / Bible in a Year.)
Key teachings & main takeaways
- Persistence in prayer:
- Jesus teaches asking, seeking, knocking with persistent form in Greek — “keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking.” Father Mike defines the word as a “shameless refusal to quit.”
- God desires persistent petition; a primary Divine gift promised to those who ask is the Holy Spirit (not an automatic fulfillment of every material request).
- God’s paternal generosity:
- God, like a good father, gives good gifts; he will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Prayer is relational, not transactional (God is not a “sugar daddy”).
- The return of the unclean spirit (Luke 11:24–26):
- Monsignor Charles Pope’s helpful unpacking: when evil is expelled but not replaced with virtue, the person’s interior is empty, swept (externally clean), and ornate (a deceptive façade). This explains the danger of superficial reform and the greater fall that can follow.
- Hypocrisy denounced:
- Jesus repeatedly condemns external religiosity that lacks interior conversion (Pharisees, scribes, lawyers). True blessedness is hearing and keeping God’s word.
- Trust and freedom from anxiety:
- Jesus calls believers not to be anxious about basic needs; God’s providence (ravens, lilies, Solomon’s glory) shows we should seek God’s kingdom first.
- Watchfulness and stewardship:
- Be ready for the Master’s return; faithful servants are rewarded; “to whom much is given, much will be required.”
- Jesus causes division:
- Following Jesus may bring conflict even within families; this is acknowledged by Christ and should prompt patient prayer rather than despair.
- Practical justice and reconciliation:
- Interpret the present signs, settle disputes where possible, and avoid unnecessary litigation (practical wisdom for daily living).
Notable quotes & insights
- Father Mike’s phrase for prayerful persistence: “shameless refusal to quit.”
- Jesus’ teaching (emphasis from Luke 11): “Keep asking and it will be given you; keep seeking and you will find; keep knocking and it will be opened to you.”
- Jesus’ promise/offer: “the heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
- Monsignor Charles Pope’s reading of Luke 11: the delivered person’s soul is “empty, swept, and ornate” — a vivid picture of superficial holiness and the need for interior transformation.
- Jesus’ stark warning about division: “I came to cast fire upon the earth… rather division.”
Practical applications / action items
- Practice persistent petitionary prayer: adopt the “keep asking / keep seeking / keep knocking” rhythm rather than a one-off request.
- Specifically pray for the Holy Spirit daily — Father Mike highlights the Spirit as the great gift God promises.
- Replace emptied vices with virtues: when you remove sin/harmful habits, intentionally cultivate prayer, charity, sacramental life, and virtue to avoid a spiritual vacuum.
- Examine interior motives: avoid performing religion only for appearances; prioritize inner purification and true repentance.
- Work on trust: prioritize seeking God’s kingdom; use challenges to deepen trust rather than increase anxiety.
- Be patient and persistent in praying for family members or friends who disagree or have walked away — expect that following Christ can create tension.
- Be watchful and faithful in stewardship: live in readiness for Christ’s return; use resources for heavenly treasures (almsgiving, charity).
Short pastoral note (audience-focused)
- Father Mike speaks especially to students and parents: be patient with family members who disagree; keep praying for one another. He encourages perseverance in faith and prayerfulness rather than giving into discouragement over familial division.
Closing / resources
- Episode prayer: Father Mike closes by asking God for the ability to pray as Jesus taught and for an abundance of the Holy Spirit.
- Resource: Ascension’s Bible in a Year reading plan / Great Adventure Timeline (ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear) for following the full project.
This summary captures the readings and Father Mike’s main pastoral reflections: persistent prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit, interior conversion over outward religiosity, trust in God’s providence, and patient prayer for divided families.