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
13 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 24min
Day 194: Holy Is the Lord (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the powerful symbolism of Isaiah's parable of the vineyard, illustrating Israel's failures to uphold justice. He discusses the dramatic imagery of Isaiah's vision, including seraphim, and their essential role in conveying God's holiness. The connection between Isaiah's transformative encounter with the divine and the significance of the Eucharist in Catholic worship is highlighted, underscoring the call to righteousness. Themes of faith, destiny, and divine guidance in the narratives of Tobit are also explored.
15 snips
Jul 12, 2025 • 25min
Day 193: The Book of Tobit (2025)
Delve into the fascinating history of the Book of Tobit and its absence in non-Catholic Bibles. Discover the moral failures of Jerusalem's leaders and the divine judgment they faced. Hear the poignant tale of Tobit and Sarah, whose struggles lead to a hopeful divine intervention. Explore the significance of wisdom in Proverbs and the historical context behind the inclusion of deuterocanonical books. Lastly, learn about the evolution of the biblical canon and the implications of Martin Luther's decisions on modern understanding.
35 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 27min
Day 192: The Prophet Isaiah (2025)
Discover the rich tapestry of Isaiah's prophetic messages to Judah, emphasizing themes of rebellion, humility, and hope for restoration. Explore how Tobit's unwavering faith and acts of charity shine during his exile in Nineveh, highlighting his resilience amid adversity. The discussions reveal the profound importance of righteous living and the enduring connection between God and His people, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own faith journeys.
16 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 18min
Day 191: The Babylonian Exile (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the dark narrative of the Babylonian exile, detailing the harrowing siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. The downfalls of King Zedekiah and the tumultuous aftermath bring to light the devastation faced by the people of Judah. Yet, amidst this despair, themes of hope and restoration emerge, foreshadowing the promise of return articulated by Cyrus. Reflective insights from Proverbs encourage wisdom in troubling times, reminding listeners that this chapter is not the end of their story.
16 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 18min
Day 190: Judah Is Overrun (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the dramatic fall of Judah as Babylon, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, seizes Jerusalem. He reflects on King Josiah's impactful reign and the significance of the grand Passover celebration. The conversation highlights the vital role of wisdom from Proverbs, urging listeners to seek divine guidance amidst turmoil. The tragic legacy of Josiah's successors illustrates how turning away from faith leads to dire consequences, setting the scene for future prophetic messages about unfaithfulness and divine judgment.
17 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 23min
Day 189: Follow the Lord (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the significance of personal faith journeys, emphasizing the need to focus on one's own relationship with the Lord instead of comparing with others. He highlights King Josiah's impactful reforms in Judah, including the restoration of worship and the critical discovery of the book of law. The podcast also discusses the renewal of the covenant and the pursuit of wisdom, advocating for understanding over material gain, while stressing the importance of individual accountability in faith during turbulent times.
21 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 18min
Day 188: The Book of the Law (2025)
Discover the themes of faithfulness and moral integrity through King Josiah's inspiring story. The impact of the Book of the Law reveals a nation's journey back to God, alongside reflections on the sinful reign of Manasseh. Dive deep into Proverbs 7, where vivid imagery showcases the dangers of temptation and the allure of sin. The discussion ends with a poignant prayer, calling for a renewed relationship with the divine amidst human struggles.
15 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 20min
Day 187: Praying for Time (2025)
Fr. Mike reflects on King Hezekiah's plea for more time and how he misused it. The discussion highlights the stark contrasts between the reigns of Hezekiah and Manasseh amid Judea's moral decline. Listeners are encouraged to make the most of their time to grow spiritually. Insightful stories illustrate the importance of faith during crises, communal prayer, and the pursuit of holiness in everyday life. The episode invites contemplation on how leadership choices impact spiritual well-being.
13 snips
Jul 5, 2025 • 15min
Day 186: Struggles with Self-Interest (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the duality of King Hezekiah, celebrating his devotion while critiquing his lapse into self-interest. The discussion highlights the dangers of prioritizing personal glory over communal well-being. Listeners are encouraged to pray for future generations, emphasizing the importance of preserving faith for those to come. The episode culminates in reflections on divine protection and the blessings that flow from true worship, urging a deep trust in God over fleeting earthly admiration.
18 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 20min
Day 185: Hezekiah's Prayer (2025)
King Hezekiah faces immense challenges as he seeks divine guidance during a battle. His heartfelt prayer for deliverance showcases his unwavering faith amidst adversity. The miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army leads to a revival of worship and community unity through the reinstitution of the Passover feast. Emphasizing humility and sincerity in prayer, this journey inspires listeners to trust in God's power and celebrate their faith, even in the darkest times.
