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
36 snips
Mar 14, 2026 • 20min
Day 73: Inheritance of Land (2026)
A walk through ancient censuses and why counting people mattered for entering the Promised Land. A look at tribal tallies, notable families, and the special status of Levi who receives a non-land inheritance. Instructions about stones, an altar, and public proclamations of blessings and curses. A closing prayerful reflection on covenant faithfulness.
30 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 22min
Day 72: The Plains of Moab (2026)
A retelling of Balaam's surprising blessings contrasted with Israel's lapse into idolatry at Peor. A tense account of Phinehas' violent intervention and its lasting priestly consequence. Practical teaching on first fruits, tithing, and caring for the vulnerable. A psalm of thanksgiving that celebrates divine rescue and calls for praise.
28 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 23min
Day 71: The Source of the Law (2026)
Balaam unexpectedly blesses Israel and affirms that God’s promises cannot be undone. Readings explore laws on marriage, divorce, justice, and fair treatment of the vulnerable. Passages discuss punishment, duty, honest measures, and care for people and animals. A psalm of confession highlights repeated mercy and covenant faithfulness.
26 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 20min
Day 70: The Offense of Balaam (2026)
A dramatic retelling of Balaam’s moral collapse and the strange miracle of a talking donkey. Readings explore ancient laws on exclusion and camp life from Deuteronomy. A psalm celebrates God’s faithfulness through Israel’s history. Reflections warn against trading integrity for gain and link Balaam’s story to later scriptural warnings.
28 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 27min
Day 69: The Bronze Serpent (2026)
A reflection on the bronze serpent story and its link to salvation through the cross. A rundown of Israel’s travels, battles, and settlement in Amorite lands. A look at Deuteronomy’s laws on lost items, animal care, household safety, and protections aimed at preserving human dignity. A reading of Psalm 102 contrasting human frailty with God’s enduring compassion.
43 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 25min
Day 68: The Waters of Meribah (2026)
A lively walk through the red heifer cleansing ritual and its ties to hyssop and Passover. Laws about purity, touching the dead, and communal health are explored. The dramatic story of thirsty Israel and the waters brought from the rock is recounted. Tough consequences follow when Moses strikes the rock, and legal cases about captives, inheritance, and justice are examined.
38 snips
Mar 8, 2026 • 25min
Day 67: God's Justice and Refuge (2026)
A tour of priestly roles and why Levites received no land but relied on tithes. Exploration of cities of refuge that blend justice with mercy for accidental killers. Clear rules for fair testimony and legal process are highlighted. Tough wartime directives and the idea of divine judgment in conquest are examined alongside calls to trust amid hard questions.
30 snips
Mar 7, 2026 • 18min
Day 66: Forbidden Forms of Worship (2026)
A look at forbidden forms of worship and why proper worship mattered in ancient Israel. Discussion of Aaron's rod as a sign of priestly authority. Laws about sacrifices, idolatry, and banning occult practices. Rules for justice, witnesses, priests, and limits on royal power. A reading celebrating God’s victory and the promise of a prophet like Moses.
66 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 26min
Day 65: Revolt Against Moses (2026)
A dramatic retelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram's rebellion and the clash over priestly authority. A look at divine judgment and how leadership is confirmed. Exploration of Sabbath rest, debt release, and care for the poor. A tour of Passover and the three pilgrim feasts. Reflections on nostalgia for the past and the call to justice and mercy.
54 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 23min
Day 64: Consequences of Sin (2026)
A close look at why severe penalties appear in the law and how they fit within a larger divine plan and mercy. Discussion of unwitting versus deliberate sin, communal atonement, and the Sabbath violation story. Exploration of tassels as reminders, laws on idolatry and city purification, dietary rules, tithing for the vulnerable, and Psalm 96’s call to praise and judgment.
