Father Mike Schmitz hosts The Bible in a Year podcast, reading from The Bible using the Revised Standard Version Second Catholic Edition and The Great Adventure Bible from Ascension Press. This episode covers day 101 of the year-long journey through Scripture.

The reading includes John chapters 7-9, featuring Jesus's bold claims of divinity, the healing of a man born blind, and escalating conflict with religious authorities. The session concludes with Proverbs chapter 5 verses 15-23, focusing on wisdom in relationships and the consequences of lacking discipline.

Father Mike emphasizes how Jesus's miracles serve as 'signs and wonders' that point to his divine identity, while warning against spiritual blindness that prevents people from recognizing truth when confronted with it.

Jesus's Divine Claims and the 'I Am' Declaration

Jesus makes his most explicit claim to divinity, stating 'Before Abraham was, I am' - using the sacred name of God and claiming co-equality with the Father.

The Pharisees immediately understand the implications, taking up stones to throw at him for what they perceive as blasphemy.

Jesus repeatedly emphasizes his unity with the Father: 'If you've seen me, you've seen the father' and 'If you know the father, you would know me.'

The Healing of the Man Born Blind as Divine Proof

Jesus heals a man born blind, demonstrating unprecedented power - 'Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.'

The miracle serves as a 'sign and wonder' pointing to Jesus's divine identity, with Jesus explaining: 'if you don't believe me, trust the works.'

The healed man's simple testimony contrasts with the Pharisees' complex investigations: 'Whether he is a sinner, I do not know... though I was blind, now I see.'

Spiritual Blindness and Religious Opposition

The Pharisees demonstrate spiritual blindness despite witnessing undeniable healing, choosing to cast out the healed man rather than acknowledge Jesus.

Jesus warns about those who 'refuse to see or choose not to see' truth when confronted, preferring darkness to light.

The religious leaders' fear of losing authority prevents them from recognizing divine intervention: 'for fear of the Jews, no one spoke openly of him.'

Wisdom from Proverbs on Character and Discipline

Proverbs chapter 5 emphasizes choosing companions with character that 'goes deeper than their skin,' whether in romantic or platonic relationships.

The warning 'He dies for lack of discipline' applies broadly to life's shipwrecks caused by unwillingness to do hard things or take up one's cross.

Father Mike connects this to discipleship, noting that following Jesus requires 'a willingness to do what Jesus said his disciples will do, which is to take up their cross and follow him.'