Father Mike Schmitz hosts day 61 of the Bible in a Year podcast, reading from the Revised Standard Version Second Catholic Edition using Ascension's Great Adventure Bible timeline. The podcast systematically covers Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, helping listeners discover how salvation history unfolds.

Today's readings include Numbers chapter 11, Deuteronomy chapter 10, and Psalm 33. Father Mike explores the Israelites' complaints in the desert, Moses receiving help from 70 elders, and God's declaration of love for His chosen people. The discussion connects ancient wilderness experiences to modern Christian discipleship and the call to prophetic ministry.

Israel's Rebellious Complaints in the Wilderness

The Book of Numbers chapter 11 reveals not legitimate cries for help like those in the Book of Psalms or Book of Lamentations, but rebellious complaints against God's provision.

Despite daily manna provision, the Israelites declared 'Oh, that we had meat to eat. We remember the fish we ate in Egypt for nothing: the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic.'

Father Mike emphasizes the irony: 'When we were slaves, we got to eat for free. No, you didn't. You were slaves... it was at the price of your freedom.'

This mirrors modern Christians who ask 'If I become Catholic, will I be happy?' rather than understanding that discipleship means denying yourself and taking up your cross.

Moses Shares Leadership with the Seventy Elders

Overwhelmed by leading 600,000 people, Moses cried to God 'I am not able to carry all this people alone. The burden is too heavy for me.'

God instructed Moses to gather 70 elders, promising 'I will take some of the spirit which is upon you, and put it upon them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you.'

When Eldad and Medad prophesied outside the official group, Moses responded 'Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets.'

Father Mike connects this to baptism: 'You were anointed a priest, prophet, and king... God has sent his Holy Spirit upon you to anoint you as prophet.'

God's Covenant Love Revealed in Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy chapter 10 presents Moses' final recap of the wilderness journey, including the second tablets of the Ten Commandments placed in the Ark of the Covenant.

The essence of the law is revealed: 'What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.'

God declares 'The Lord set his heart in love upon your fathers, and chose their descendants after them, you, above all peoples' - extending through the Jewish people to bless the entire world.

Father Mike emphasizes the personal application: 'He has set his heart in love upon you... We are not the ones who first love Him. He is the one who first loves us.'

The Great Adventure Bible Timeline Journey

The Bible in a Year podcast uses Ascension's Great Adventure Bible timeline to read systematically from Genesis to Revelation, revealing how salvation history unfolds.

Father Mike notes that the Exodus represents 'the watershed event in the history of the people of Israel' - the defining moment of liberation from Egyptian slavery.

Day 61 represents the community journey, with Father Mike encouraging discussion groups and prayer groups to support each other through the year-long Scripture reading.