Day 158: The Reality of Sin (2026)

Father Mike Schmitz delivers a powerful, unflinching exploration of sin's reality in today's episode of The Bible in a Year, confronting listeners with the radical demands of Christ's teachings. He emphasizes that Jesus doesn't just teach moral rules—he reveals His divine identity through statements like 'why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone,' which forces a profound spiritual reckoning. The episode centers on the terrifying truth that eternal separation from God—hell—is not a myth but a real possibility, a choice we can make. Jesus' hyperbolic commands to 'cut off your hand' or 'pluck out your eye' aren't literal but underscore the urgency of eliminating anything that leads us into sin. This is paired with hard truths about divorce, wealth, and pride, especially in the story of the rich man who walks away sorrowful. Yet, amid the conviction, Father Mike offers profound hope: God never calls us to do anything without first giving the grace to do it. The message is clear: no matter your past, your struggle, or your failure, you are not disqualified from God’s love—only called higher.