Father Mike Schmitz hosts day 131 of the Bible in a Year podcast, reading from The Great Adventure Bible published by Ascension Press. He covers 2 Samuel chapter 13, 1 Chronicles chapter 17, and Psalm 35, using the Revised Standard Version Second Catholic Edition.

The episode contrasts God's eternal covenant with David's dynasty in 1 Chronicles 17 against the devastating family consequences of David's earlier sins in 2 Samuel 13. Father Mike addresses the painful story of Amnon's assault on his half-sister Tamar and David's failure to respond as a father.

The discussion includes pastoral care for survivors of sexual assault, examining how sin destroys dignity and relationships, and analyzing David's pattern of living 'off mission' when it comes to his family responsibilities despite his heart remaining aligned with God.

God's Eternal Covenant with David's Dynasty

In 1 Chronicles 17, God reaffirms His promise to David: 'I will establish his throne forever' and 'I will be his father, and he shall be my son'

David's prayer acknowledges God's elevation: 'I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel'

This covenant promise stands despite David's moral failures in previous chapters, showing God's faithfulness transcends human weakness

Amnon's Assault on Tamar and the Mystery of Sin

Amnon's friend Jonadab provides the deceptive plan: 'Lie down on your bed, and pretend to be ill' to get Tamar alone

Tamar argues for her dignity, saying 'speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you' - proposing marriage over exploitation

After the assault, 'Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her'

Father Mike explains this demonstrates 'the mystery of sin' where getting what we lust after often leads to shame and disgust

David's Failure as Father and Leader

When David heard of the assault, 'he was very angry' but the text notably says he 'did nothing' to address it

Father Mike contrasts this with David's previous pattern of asking God 'Should I engage in this battle or avoid this battle?'

This marks David living 'off mission' regarding his family, despite having 'a heart after God's own heart'

David's inaction sets up Absalom's two-year plan for revenge, leading to future rebellion against the throne

Pastoral Message for Assault Survivors

Father Mike directly addresses listeners: 'You are not unlovable. You're not disqualified from being loved truly and forever'

He emphasizes that 'your future is restorable. Your future is redeemable. Your future is a future full of hope'

The message centers on God's power: 'He takes things that are broken and makes them whole again'