Overview of Bible in a Year — Day 40: Laws of Justice (Ascension / Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 40 of the Bible in a Year (hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, produced by Ascension) reads Exodus 22, Leviticus 15, and Psalm 76. The episode examines Israel’s social and religious laws — especially laws of restitution and ritual “uncleanness” tied to bodily discharges — and draws out how these rules reveal God’s heart: a God of justice, restraint, and respect for life and relationships. Fr. Mike emphasizes practical, spiritual takeaways for living in community and treating sacred realities (including sex and bodily life) with reverence.
Readings covered (brief summaries)
Exodus 22 — Laws of restitution and social/religious rules
- Rules for theft and restitution (e.g., pay multiples for stolen or killed animals; penalties and compensation).
- Distinction between justice and vengeance: limits placed on retaliation.
- Regulations on negligence (fire, animals grazing) and responsibilities between neighbors.
- Social and religious proscriptions: condemnation of sorcery, bestiality, false worship; protections for strangers, widows, orphans; debt compassion (no interest on loans to the poor); return of pledged garments by evening.
- Demand for consecration: firstborn offerings and purity customs (do not eat torn flesh).
Leviticus 15 — Bodily discharges and ritual uncleanness
- Detailed laws on male and female discharges (separate categories: normal bodily functions vs. pathologic discharges).
- Ritual consequences: temporary uncleanness, washing garments and bathing, specified waiting and purification rites (including offerings on the eighth day).
- Purpose: preserve holiness of the tabernacle and community life by regulating contact with life-related bodily realities.
- Emphasis on separation for community safety and respect — not primarily “shame” but safeguarding life and relationships.
Psalm 76 — God as judge and protector
- Praise for God’s power in Judah/Zion; God disarms the strong and judges from heaven.
- God’s awe-inspiring justice brings stillness and vindication for the oppressed.
- Call to vow, worship, and bring gifts to the Lord; recognition of God’s authority over princes and kings.
Main takeaways & theological insights
- These laws reveal God’s heart: He is just, orders human relationships, and restrains vengeance so communities can flourish.
- “Laws of restitution” aim at fairness and repair, not escalating retribution.
- Ritual “uncleanness” around discharges is connected to life (blood, reproduction) and relationship: these rules protect sacred, life-giving realities and community holiness.
- The laws are disciplinary and providential: they form a just, ordered people, even though many ceremonial regulations find their fulfillment or transformation in the New Covenant.
- Practical trust in God: do what you can; God won’t require what you cannot do and will help where you lack.
Notable quotes and phrases from the episode
- “What the Lord requires of us is to do simply what we can.”
- “God who is justice itself.”
- “There’s a limit … to vengeance.”
- “The life is in the blood.”
- “These are things that can bring forth life … we have to be careful around them.”
Practical applications / action items
- Prioritize justice over vengeance in personal and civic relationships — seek restitution and repair, not escalation.
- Treat sexual and bodily realities with respect and reverence; recognize their connection to life and community.
- Use these passages as a prompt for examining how your community handles wrongdoing, restitution, and care for the vulnerable (strangers, widows, orphans).
- Keep praying and stay faithful to the daily Scripture habit — lean on community and mutual prayer when readings feel difficult.
Resources mentioned
- Translation used: Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition.
- Great Adventure Bible (Ascension) and its timeline/notes recommended for following readings.
- Reading plan and podcast resources: ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year
- Support Ascension’s free content: ascensionpress.com/support
Fr. Mike closes with prayer and encouragement to persevere in the reading plan, reminding listeners that some days are easier than others and urging mutual prayer and support as the series continues.