AI Summary
5 min readThe Mark That Saves
In Ezekiel’s vision, a man dressed in linen—a sign of priesthood—walks through Jerusalem and marks the foreheads of those who grieve over the abominations happening in the temple. The mark is the Hebrew letter tau, which in the ancient script looked like a cross. Those who receive it are spared when the executioners follow behind with swords. Father Mike Schmitz calls this “one of those foreshadowing moments that is absolutely incredible,” and he connects it directly to the sign of the cross made at baptism and on Ash Wednesday: a practice rooted in this Old Testament scene where a cross-shaped mark means the difference between life and death.
Two Judgments, One Redeemer
The day’s reading pairs Isaiah 47 and 48, which deliver judgment against two very different parties. Chapter 47 condemns Babylon directly. The city that conquered Jerusalem and exiled God’s people is now told to “come down and sit in the dust.” Babylon’s sin is pride: “You said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one besides me.’” They felt secure in their wickedness, believing no one saw them and that they needed no help. God humiliates them completely.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:03) **Episode Opening & Scripture Readings** - Fr. Mike introduces Day 213, reading Isaiah 47-48, Ezekiel 8-9, and Proverbs 12:13-16.
- 2 (13:03) **Isaiah 47-48: Judgment on Babylon and Israel** - Fr. Mike explains the dual prophecy: Babylon's pride leads to humiliation, while Israel's unfaithfulness brings judgment, yet God remains their Redeemer.
- 3 (15:09) **Ezekiel 8-9: Vision of Temple Abominations** - Fr. Mike explains the vision's significance: God's glory is still present in the Temple, but the people's idolatry will cause it to depart.
- 4 (16:03) **The Term "Son of Man" in Ezekiel and Daniel** - Fr. Mike distinguishes how Ezekiel uses the term to mean "human being," while Daniel 7 transforms it into a title of divine authority, which Jesus later claims.
- 5 (16:56) **The Mark of the Cross in Ezekiel 9** - Fr. Mike explains the foreshadowing of the cross: the faithful are marked with a "tau" (a T-shaped cross) on their foreheads, sparing them from judgment.
- 6 (18:28) **Closing Reflection** - Fr. Mike encourages listeners to let God's word transform their lives, praying for openness to the message.
- 7 Standout Quotes
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Fr. Mike touches upon the prophecy of judgment against Babylon and Israel, and how God still promises to be Israel's redeemer despite their disobedience. We also read about Ezekiel's vision of the temple and how the markings on the foreheads of the Israelites symbolizes the mourning of true worship, and also foreshadows Jesus' death on the Cross. Today we read Isaiah 47-48, Ezekiel 8-9, and Proverbs 12:13-16.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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