The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 69: The Bronze Serpent (2026)
28 snips
Mar 10, 2026 A reflection on the bronze serpent story and its link to salvation through the cross. A rundown of Israel’s travels, battles, and settlement in Amorite lands. A look at Deuteronomy’s laws on lost items, animal care, household safety, and protections aimed at preserving human dignity. A reading of Psalm 102 contrasting human frailty with God’s enduring compassion.
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Laws That Soften A Violent Culture
- Deuteronomy's miscellaneous laws aim to reduce brutality and increase human dignity within a violent culture.
- Fr. Mike explains laws about helping lost animals, roof parapets, and clothing distinctions as concrete moves toward justice and care.
Actively Help Your Neighbor And Their Animals
- Do help your neighbor and their animals when you find them in need, restoring lost property and aiding beasts in distress.
- Fr. Mike highlights specific commands: return lost oxen, lift fallen donkeys, and spare a mother bird when taking eggs.
Deuteronomy Affirms Women's Dignity
- Deuteronomy begins to redefine sexual and social norms by affirming women's dignity and non-disposability.
- Fr. Mike ties Genesis creation (male and female in God's image) to laws protecting women from being treated as disposable property.