Overview of Day 79: Psalms of Ascent (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz continues the Bible in a Year journey (Ascension’s Great Adventure timeline) with readings from Numbers 34, Deuteronomy 33, and Psalm 120 (RSV-2CE, Great Adventure Bible). He reflects on the concrete nature of God's promises (the mapped boundaries of Canaan), Moses’ final blessings for the tribes, and introduces the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120–134), beginning with Psalm 120 — a lament pleading for deliverance and God’s presence in distress.
Key readings (what was read)
- Numbers 34 — Detailed boundaries of the land of Canaan and the tribal leaders appointed to divide the land (Eleazar, Joshua, plus one leader from each tribe).
- Deuteronomy 33 — Moses’ final blessing of the tribes (notable variations in blessings: Reuben’s modest blessing vs. Joseph’s rich blessing).
- Psalm 120 — A Song of Ascents: a lament for deliverance from lying lips and living among those who prefer conflict over peace.
Also noted: translation used — Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE); resource — Ascension’s Great Adventure Bible and the Bible in a Year reading plan (ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year).
Main takeaways and themes
- The promised land is concrete and historical: the mapped boundaries in Numbers stress that salvation history is rooted in time and place, not merely a metaphor.
- Faith is both spiritual and material: Judeo-Christian faith unites matter and spirit — belief is incarnational and situated in the real world.
- Moses’ blessing highlights different destinies for tribes: some receive grand, confident blessings (e.g., Joseph), others modest ones (e.g., Reuben), illustrating varied outcomes within God’s people.
- Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) are pilgrim prayers: historically prayed on the journey up to Jerusalem (literal ascent; possibly on 15 steps in the Second Temple period). They include laments, hymns, thanksgiving, prophetic and wisdom elements — covering the full range of spiritual life.
- Psalm 120 is a lament that assures God’s presence during distress and is the first of the 15 ascent psalms that will be prayed through in upcoming days (Day 79–90).
Notable quotes / insights
- “The promised land is not some kind of abstract idea.” — emphasizes the historicity and concreteness of God's promises.
- “Faith is not divorced from our daily lives…we are both matter and spirit.” — on the incarnational character of belief.
- On worship: worship transforms us; through worship we discover who we are.
- From Deuteronomy 33 (selected lines): “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
- Father Mike’s prayer point: “God...initiated this journey...You're always the one who leads us.”
Practical applications / action items
- For the next days (through Day 90) pray the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) — consider using them during personal pilgrimage, daily prayer, or corporate worship.
- Reflect on how your faith is embodied in daily life — identify one concrete way to live your faith in time and place this week.
- Pray for fellow listeners and those in your community; Father Mike emphasizes mutual prayer support.
- If following the program: subscribe to the podcast and download the reading plan at ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year.
Context & next steps
- This episode wraps up the desert-wandering period (closing Numbers and Deuteronomy). The next time period in the Great Adventure timeline is the conquest period (Judges).
- The podcast will continue with the Psalms of Ascent across the next episodes (Day 79 through Day 90).
Closing pastoral note
Father Mike offers a short prayer thanking God for initiating the journey, asking for help to love God and others, and reminding listeners that he is praying for them daily — inviting reciprocal prayer for those who need it. He signs off looking forward to the next day’s reading.