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
26 snips
Feb 22, 2026 • 23min
Day 53: The Twelve Tribes of Israel (2026)
A guided look at the twelve tribes, their marching order, and how the tabernacle shaped Israel’s identity. A recounting of the forty years in the wilderness and why some lands were avoided. A reading of Psalm 85 that frames mercy, forgiveness, and hope. A candid discussion of violence in Scripture and the call to center life on praise and God’s presence.
31 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 26min
Day 52: Israel Continues to Journey (2026)
A journey through Israel's wanderings and organization, including a command to census and the special role of the Levites. A look at Moses rallying leaders and judges to guide the people. The story of fear over the promised land and consequences for a faithless generation. A poetic reading on longing for God's dwelling and the blessing of trust.
60 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 31min
Introduction to Desert Wanderings (with Jeff Cavins) (2026)
Jeff Cavins, Catholic Bible scholar who created the Great Adventure Timeline, introduces the Desert Wanderings period covering Numbers and Deuteronomy. He explains narrative structure, the role of lists and literary devices, Israel’s forty-year wandering after Kadesh Barnea, wilderness testing and formation, key scenes like the bronze serpent and Nazarite, and Deuteronomy’s call to faithfulness in the land.
48 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 28min
Day 51: Israel's Worship of God (2026)
A walkthrough of completing Exodus and Leviticus, focusing on the crafting and meaning of priestly garments and the finished tabernacle. The consecration rituals and the cloud that signals God's presence get special attention. Laws on votive offerings and a prayerful Psalm about justice are also highlighted.
43 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 28min
Day 50: Sacrificial Offerings (2026)
Listeners are invited to visualize the tabernacle and its furnishings through vivid readings of Exodus. The episode highlights the craftsmen, materials, and communal offerings that built sacred space. It contrasts promises of blessing with warnings of chastening from Leviticus and calls for justice from Psalm 82. The final focus is on inspiring greater generosity in time, talent, and treasure.
60 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 31min
Day 49: The Year of Jubilee (2026)
Explores why worship instructions repeat and what that reveals about the heart of worship. Describes the tabernacle's construction, skilled artisans, and overflowing offerings. Explains Sabbath regulations, the sabbatical year for the land, and the radical social reset of the Year of Jubilee. Covers laws on fair pricing, redemption of property, care for the poor, and Psalm 81's call to trust.
53 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 25min
Day 48: God's Presence (2026)
A reflection on God's presence with Israel and what that presence makes them — and by extension believers — called to be. Readings explore Moses pleading for God to remain, the Tent of Meeting and Moses' shining face, renewal of the covenant and sacred rituals. The podcast moves through laws on worship, justice, and a Psalm pleading for restoration.
61 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 24min
Day 47: The Golden Calf (2026)
A dramatic retelling of the Golden Calf story and Moses' desperate intervention. A walkthrough of Israel's appointed feasts and their meaning. A psalmic prayer for mercy and restoration. Reflections on how fear breeds idols and the challenge of trusting when life feels out of control.
55 snips
Feb 15, 2026 • 25min
Day 46: Set Apart for God (2026)
Readings unpack sacred rituals, from the incense altar and anointing oil to rules guarding priestly holiness. Craftsmen filled with the Spirit and the sanctity of the Sabbath get attention. Discussion highlights how blessing sets things apart and how ordinary work can become consecrated and extraordinary when given to God.
49 snips
Feb 14, 2026 • 23min
Day 45: Pray for Priests (2026)
Readings unpack ancient ordination rituals, consecration rites, and what priestly holiness looked like in Leviticus. The episode walks through offerings, daily duties, and rules for priests. A long Psalm passage invites devotion to God’s law and a call to pray for those serving in ministry.
