The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
In The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz walks you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, providing commentary, reflection, and prayer along the way.
Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast follows a reading plan inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history developed by renowned Catholic Bible scholar Jeff Cavins. For each period in the timeline, Jeff will join Fr. Mike for a special episode that will help you understand the context of each reading.
With this podcast, you won’t just read the Bible in a year … you’ll finally understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!
Listen and…
Read the ENTIRE Bible
Feel more confident about your understanding of Scripture
Experience the transformative power of God’s Word in your daily life
Start seeing the world through the lens of Scripture
Each 20-25 minute episode includes:
Two to three scripture readings
A reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz
A guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word
The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast follows a reading plan inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history developed by renowned Catholic Bible scholar Jeff Cavins. For each period in the timeline, Jeff will join Fr. Mike for a special episode that will help you understand the context of each reading.
With this podcast, you won’t just read the Bible in a year … you’ll finally understand how all the pieces of the Bible fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!
Listen and…
Read the ENTIRE Bible
Feel more confident about your understanding of Scripture
Experience the transformative power of God’s Word in your daily life
Start seeing the world through the lens of Scripture
Each 20-25 minute episode includes:
Two to three scripture readings
A reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz
A guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word
The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Episodes
Mentioned books
44 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 23min
Day 82: The Valley of Achor (2026)
Listen to a deep look at ritual circumcision and its place in Israel's covenant life. Hear the transition from manna to new provision and the meaning of Passover. Explore Joshua's vision of the divine commander and the dramatic fall of Jericho. Follow the shock of hidden sin at Ai, the naming of the Valley of Achor, and reflections on trust and God’s protection in Psalm 125.
33 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 22min
Day 81: Israel Crosses the Jordan (2026)
A walk through Joshua’s dramatic crossing of the Jordan and the miraculous stopping of the river. A look at God commissioning new leadership and the call to be strong and courageous. The story of spies, Rahab’s protection, and the twelve stones set up as a lasting memorial. A brief Psalm framed as a plea for mercy amid scorn.
39 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 30min
Introduction to Conquest & Judges (with Jeff Cavins) (2026)
Jeff Cavins, Catholic Bible scholar who created the Great Adventure Timeline, outlines the Conquest and Judges period. He walks through Joshua’s campaigns, the Jordan crossing, and tribal land allotments. Then he explains the chaos after Joshua’s death, the Judges cycle of sin and deliverance, and memorable figures like Deborah and Samson.
35 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 20min
Day 80: Cities of Refuge (2026)
A look at the Levites' allotted cities and the logic behind pasture lands. An explanation of the six cities that sheltered those who caused death unintentionally and how the law aimed to curb vengeance. A legal breakdown of how intent and witness rules separated murder from manslaughter. A closing reflection on Moses viewing the Promised Land and Psalm 121's theme of God’s protection.
40 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 19min
Day 79: Psalms of Ascent (2026)
A look at Canaan's concrete boundaries and why the Promised Land is a real, tangible place. A run-through of the tribal leaders and Moses' final blessings for each tribe. Introduction to Psalm 120 as the first of the Psalms of Ascent and how these pilgrim prayers shaped worship on the way to the Temple.
30 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 22min
Day 78: The Song of Moses (2026)
A tour of Israel’s journey through Numbers, tracing each encampment and the march toward Canaan. Close reading of Moses’ powerful song in Deuteronomy, calling creation to witness God’s justice and warning about unfaithfulness. A sober look at divine judgment, vindication, and Moses’ final moments on Mount Nebo. Psalm 118 rounds out themes of trust, deliverance, and the rejected stone becoming cornerstone.
48 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 21min
Day 77: God Is Faithful (2026)
A look at Reuben and Gad’s request for land and their promise to fight for their people. Moses names Joshua as successor and stresses strength and courage. The law’s public reading and Moses’ command to write a warning song are highlighted. Reflections on God’s foreknowledge and steadfast faithfulness close with a call to communal responsibility and repentance.
29 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 21min
Day 76: War Against Midian (2026)
A close look at a brutal wartime passage and why such destruction appears in Scripture. Reflections on Israel’s failures and the call to uproot what leads us away from God. A contrast between commanded judgment and God’s desire for life and restoration. Connections between Psalm 116’s chalice imagery and Eucharistic worship.
31 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 22min
Day 75: The Keeping of Vows (2026)
A look at Old Testament feast rituals and their liturgical meaning. A close read of vows and what it meant to make binding promises to God. A covenant renewal in Moab and warnings against idolatry before entering the promised land. A prayerful reflection on Psalm 113 and what it means to belong to God rather than simply fit in.
46 snips
Mar 15, 2026 • 26min
Day 74: Joshua Appointed (2026)
A look at how Zelophehad’s daughters changed inheritance laws in ancient Israel. The commissioning of Joshua as Moses’ successor and the symbolic passing of leadership. Clear breakdowns of prescribed daily and festival offerings. A rundown of blessings promised for obedience and harsh consequences for disobedience. A prayerful reflection on Psalm 112’s portrait of the righteous.
