Overview of Bible in a Year (Day 340: "The Power of the Holy Spirit")
Host Father Mike Schmitz (Ascension) reads Scriptures for Day 340—Acts 19; 2 Corinthians 1–2 (opening); Proverbs 28:22–24—then offers pastoral reflections on the Holy Spirit's power, sacramentals and miracles, the Church's moral witness, and Paul's pastoral heart toward the Corinthians. He also reminds listeners that the Bible in a Year project will continue, asks for listener support, and prays for the community.
Readings covered
- Acts 19 — Paul in Ephesus: encounter with disciples who had not received the Holy Spirit; Paul lays hands on them; miracles, exorcisms, the sons of Sceva incident, public burning of magic books, resulting growth of the Word; the riot led by Demetrius the silversmith over threatened idol trade.
- 2 Corinthians 1–2 — Salutation and thanksgiving; comfort in affliction; Paul explains why he postponed his visit, his pastoral motives, the aim of his previous corrective letter, and the call to forgiveness and reconciliation.
- Proverbs 28:22–24 — Warnings against greed, the value of honest rebuke over flattery, and condemnation of those who mistreat parents.
Key themes and reflections
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The Holy Spirit's power
- Father Mike highlights Acts 19 to ask whether Christians truly live in the power of the Holy Spirit or merely acknowledge the doctrine. The Spirit brings transformation (speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing).
- Jesus promised the "dynamite" power of the Holy Spirit (reference to Acts 1); believers are called to rely on that power rather than their own strength.
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Miracles and sacramentals
- Paul’s handkerchiefs/aprons carrying healing power illustrate that God sometimes works through physical objects. This undergirds Catholic practice of sacramentals (veneration of sacred objects) while rejecting superstition—it's God's action, not the object itself.
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Spiritual authority and danger
- The sons of Sceva episode shows demons recognize Jesus and Paul; attempting to wield spiritual power without true relationship to Christ is dangerous and foolish.
- Don’t "play" with spiritual practices or use the name of Jesus carelessly.
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Repentance and renunciation
- New believers in Ephesus publicly burned magic books worth a high sum—an act of radical repentance and detachment. Father Mike uses this as an example for Christians to divest themselves of things that don't belong in a Christian life (harmful media, practices, etc.), rather than profiting by passing them on.
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Cultural impact of committed discipleship
- When Christians collectively refuse to participate in idolatry or immoral practices, culture changes—not by force but by witness and sacrifice.
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Paul’s pastoral heart (2 Corinthians)
- Paul’s corrections in his earlier letter were motivated by love, not judgment. He hopes to avoid painful confrontations by prompting change through his writing.
- The call to forgive offenders, comfort those punished, and prevent Satan from taking advantage.
Notable quotes / memorable lines
- “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? … No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” (Acts 19 recounting; used pastorally to challenge lukewarm faith)
- “God promised to send the dynamite power of the Holy Spirit.”
- “God uses stuff to reach us … God works through stuff by the power of his Holy Spirit to reach our stuff and reach our spirit.”
- On pastoral correction: corrections are spoken “because I love you,” not to be God’s policeman.
Practical takeaways / action items
- Seek to be filled with and live by the Holy Spirit—not merely assent to the doctrine. Pray for the Spirit’s power and guidance.
- Value sacramentals and blessed objects as means God can use, but avoid superstition.
- Renounce and remove from your life possessions, media, or habits that facilitate sin—don’t pass the darkness on to others.
- Receive correction as an expression of love when it aims at your good; extend forgiveness and reconciliation to those who repent.
- Pray for the Bible in a Year community and consider supporting Ascension’s ongoing work (ascensionpress.com/support) if you can.
Pastoral tone & purpose
- The episode blends Scripture reading with accessible pastoral application. Father Mike emphasizes transformation over mere information—God’s Word and the Spirit should change how we live, individually and corporately. The closing prayer invites deeper openness to the Spirit.
Additional notes
- Host encourages listeners that the Bible in a Year project will continue (YouTube expansion and language translations are planned), and asks for financial support to keep the program free.
- Lengthwise: with 25 days left in the year-long reading plan, this episode both celebrates progress and presses for spiritual depth in the home stretch.