Overview of Day 37: The Mystical Works of God (Bible in a Year — Father Mike Schmitz / Ascension)
Father Mike Schmitz reads and reflects on Exodus 17–18, Leviticus 12, and Psalm 73 (RSV-CE, Great Adventure Bible). He narrates the texts, explains theological and pastoral meanings (especially the supernatural nature of God’s acts, ritual purity, and wise leadership), and offers brief pastoral reflections and prayer.
Readings covered (concise summaries)
Exodus 17
- Israelites camp at Rephidim; there’s no water. The people complain to Moses. God tells Moses to strike the rock at Horeb; water flows. Moses names the place Massah and Meribah (“testing” / “quarreling”).
- Amalek attacks Israel at Rephidim. Joshua leads the fighting while Moses, with Aaron and Hur, goes to a hill. Israel prevails while Moses holds up the staff; Aaron and Hur help keep his hands raised. Moses builds an altar and proclaims “The Lord is my banner.” God says He will blot out Amalek’s memory.
Exodus 18
- Jethro (Moses’ father‑in‑law) visits, praises God, brings Moses’ wife and sons. After watching Moses judge from morning till evening, Jethro advises delegation: appoint able, God‑fearing leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to decide minor cases; bring only hardest cases to Moses. Moses implements the plan and Jethro returns home.
Leviticus 12
- Laws about purification after childbirth: a woman who bears a son is ritually unclean seven days + 33 days purification; if a daughter, two weeks + 66 days. At the end she brings offerings (lamb or, if poor, two doves/pigeons) for purification. This is a ritual/temporal status, not a moral judgement.
Psalm 73 (Asaph)
- The psalmist struggles with envy: the wicked prosper and seem secure while the righteous suffer. In the sanctuary he discerns the wicked’s end—destruction—and reaffirms trust in God as his portion, refuge, and guide. Key movement: doubt/envy → sanctuary/clarity → renewed trust.
Main themes and takeaways
- Miracles and the supernatural: Father Mike emphasizes that the Scripture portrays acts (Red Sea, manna/quail, water from the rock, Israel’s victory over Amalek aided by Moses’ raised staff) as divine interventions not reducible simply to natural explanations. The Church first seeks natural explanations, but where none suffice, the supernatural is acknowledged.
- God fights for His people: Repeatedly God intervenes directly to deliver Israel (water, victory in battle).
- Intercessory leadership matters: Moses’ raised hands during Amalek’s battle symbolize prayer/mediated leadership; Aaron and Hur’s support shows communal cooperation in sustaining spiritual intercession.
- Wisdom of delegation (Exodus 18): Effective leadership requires structure—appoint trustworthy, God-fearing judges; bring only severe matters to the primary leader. Practical model for avoiding burnout and ensuring justice.
- Ritual purity ≠ moral impurity (Leviticus 12): “Unclean” is a liturgical/ritual category related to approach to sanctuary (often tied to life/death and bodily fluids), not a statement of sinfulness.
- Honest spiritual struggle (Psalm 73): It’s normal to wrestle with the prosperity of the wicked. Worship and communion with God clarify perspective and restore trust.
Notable quotes / pastoral insights
- “That’s a miracle — all of the Egyptians... drowned in two inches of water.” (Illustrates that calling something “natural” doesn’t remove its miraculous nature.)
- “Unclean does not mean immoral… it simply means: can a person approach the temple?” (Clarifies Levitical categories.)
- Moses’ reliance on Aaron and Hur: practical example of how prayer and communal help combine for victory.
Practical applications / reflection questions
- Reflect: Where am I tempted to “demystify” God’s work or explain away providence? How does that affect my faith?
- Practice delegation: Are there responsibilities you’re carrying alone that you should entrust to trustworthy others?
- Spiritual posture: When you envy others’ prosperity, where can you go (prayer, Scripture, “the sanctuary”) to regain perspective?
- Liturgical understanding: When you hear “unclean” in Scripture or liturgy, remember it can be a ritual status, not a moral condemnation.
Action items & resources
- Read Exodus 17–18, Leviticus 12, Psalm 73 in the Great Adventure Bible (RSV‑CE) for context.
- Ascension resource links mentioned: ascensionpress.com and ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year for the reading plan and Great Adventure Bible.
- Consider implementing Jethro’s model in personal, parish, or workplace leadership: identify trusted people to share tasks and adjudicate smaller matters.
Closing / pastoral note
Father Mike prays briefly, encourages prayer for one another, and asks listeners to pray for him. He underscores ongoing conversation across the year and invites listeners to continue the daily journey through Scripture.