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
9 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 21min
Day 297: Using Good Things for Evil (2025)
Fr. Mike highlights the duality of creation, noting that everything good can be twisted for evil ends. As he discusses the treachery within 1 Maccabees, he underscores the importance of wisdom in Sirach. The role of physicians and the significance of mourning are explored, alongside warnings about alcohol's destructiveness. Through reflections on prudence and temperance, he encourages listeners to seek good while acknowledging their struggles, reminding them they are not alone in their journeys.
19 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 20min
Day 296: Know Your Heart (2025)
Fr. Mike highlights the transition from 1 Maccabees to 2 Maccabees, examining the same story through a different lens. He emphasizes Sirach’s insight into self-knowledge, urging listeners to understand their own hearts to recognize strengths and areas needing healing. The discussion includes reflections on true versus false friendships, warning against unreliable advisers. Additionally, Fr. Mike previews how 2 Maccabees will explore themes of personal faithfulness and choices amidst conflict. The call for heartfelt devotion and constant prayer resonates throughout.
19 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 21min
Day 295: Israel's Expectations (2025)
Fr. Mike draws parallels between the expectations of ancient Israel and our own lives, highlighting God's plans often exceed our desires. He discusses Simon's leadership and the peace it brought, as well as the importance of forming alliances. The podcast emphasizes the value of wisdom gained through experience over fleeting dreams. Listeners are encouraged to worship generously, reminding them that true giving is rooted in gratitude, not manipulation. Reflections on parental honor and the pursuit of prudence round out the conversation.
21 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 21min
Day 294: Judea Gains Independence (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the establishment of an independent Israel as Simon takes charge against Trifo's threats. He highlights Simon's military victories and the restoration of law and order in Judea. The discussion moves to practical wisdom in community life, featuring insights on hospitality and humility from Sirach. Additionally, there's a cautionary note about envy and excess from Proverbs. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of belonging to God and the significance of a Christian theocracy.
Oct 20, 2025 • 24min
Day 324: The Name of Jesus (2025)
Fr. Mike discusses the healing miracle performed by Peter, emphasizing that it highlights the power of Jesus' name. He explains how our suffering has purpose and leads to deeper hope. The conversation shifts to Paul's teachings on justification by faith through Abraham, linking it to experiencing peace with God. Wisdom from Proverbs advises humility and cautions against provocation. Throughout, the message is clear: miracles are a testament to God's love and grace, encouraging listeners to embrace their faith.
13 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 25min
Day 293: Discipline Grounded in Love (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the vital distinction between discipline and destruction, highlighting that true discipline is rooted in love. He shares practical insights from Sirach and Proverbs on shaping children's character through correction. Listeners learn modern alternatives to traditional methods, like timeouts, and the significance of preventing behaviors that can create friction in parent-child relationships. Fr. Mike reassures those who have faced abusive discipline, emphasizing Scripture's call for nurturing love.
15 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 26min
Day 292: The Power of Words (2025)
The podcast explores the unique storytelling in 1 Maccabees, focusing on political intrigue and shifting alliances. A deep dive into Sirach emphasizes the significant impact of our words, warning against gossip and urging wisdom in speech. Fr. Mike also discusses the importance of forgiveness and the need for careful consideration in lending and hospitality. The reflections highlight the contrast of 1 Maccabees with other biblical texts, showcasing how history can be presented without added commentary.
19 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 27min
Day 291: The Rise of King Alexander (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the rise of Jonathan as high priest amid political intrigue. He details Alexander's tactical victory over Demetrius and highlights the significant alliance formed through Alexander's marriage to Cleopatra. The discussion extends to the moral lessons from Sirach, emphasizing the character of spouses applicable to everyone. Fr. Mike also warns against the dangers of pursuing wealth as outlined in Proverbs, offering deeper reflections on life's challenges.
20 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 25min
Day 290: Judas Maccabeus Dies (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the poignant tale of Judas Maccabeus' final battle and his death, emphasizing the emotional weight of facing internal enemies. He reflects on the challenges that arise when fellow Israelites stray from God's laws. The discussion extends to the tactical shifts in leadership as Jonathan steps up, and the heartbreak of betrayal within one's own community. Wisdom's role in daily life is highlighted through readings from Sirach and Proverbs, urging listeners to seek understanding amidst turmoil.
14 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 25min
Day 289: Wise Influences (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the shifting power dynamics as Rome's influence begins to overshadow the Jewish people. He highlights the wisdom from Sirach, stressing the importance of choosing companions and media that inspire spiritual growth. The discussion emphasizes the dangers of folly and the need for self-discipline in speech. Reflecting on the past alliance with Rome, Fr. Mike questions the absence of prophetic guidance during those times and reminds listeners about the visibility of sins, urging them to walk in truth.
