The Bible in a Year Program (from Ascension Press)

 On New Year’s, I started the Bible in a Year reading program from Ascension Press (Fr, Mike Schmitz & Jeff Cavins). I did this once before, in 2021, when it first came out.   I do not listen to Fr. Mike’s podcasts. I only read the texts.  I know from experience that when I listen to audio podcasts, my mind wanders, and I miss most of it.  On the other hand, if I am interested in a subject, I can read very intensely and retain an enormous amount of content.  

In this, my 2nd time reading the BIY, I am noticing patterns, recurring images and themes, and connecting sections between different books that I did not notice the first time through reading the BIY. I am also more deeply comprehending the details of who, what, where, and why.  

I have sampled several Fr. Mike’s podcasts, and for me, doing the reading alone is the best method of learning.  At the risk of sounding haughty, as a well-catechized and well-read Catholic who attends Mass regularly, I can see and understand the theology that naturally flows from scripture. 

Moreover, I am using the Catholic Study Bible, 3rd edition, which includes a reader's guide that has hundreds of pages of background and overview information about scripture in general and each of the sections and books in the Bible. Over time, I am gradually reading the reader's guide and finding it informative.  

This is NOT meant as a negative criticism of the podcasts.  Doubtless, the podcasts fill an enormous need and desire, and thank God that Fr, Mike has put the Bible into a medium which makes it more palatable to the learning styles of millions of people.

Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God?

Instead of assuming the common mentality of the God of the Hebrew Bible as an angry, punitive God, one might instead ask, Why did Israel engage in idolatry and other serious sins for so long? Contrary to being angry and punitive, the God of the Hebrew Bible is more merciful than not. When Israel strays into idolatry, it is usually an extremely long time before God punishes. No parent would ever be so patient with a child who has been doing serious wrong for so long. However, as the Bible shows, God is slow to anger and always accepts repentance.  But after long periods, with no repentance forthcoming, especially from leaders who should know better, God did react with punitive anger. He or others acting for Him killed, enslaved, conquered, starved, deported, or inflicted diseases on many of the Hebrews. The message for us is to follow Jesus and repent.