

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

Oct 1, 2024 • 27min
Day 275: Esther Becomes Queen (2024)
In this enlightening discussion, Esther, the brave biblical figure, shares her journey from a common girl to queen and her pivotal role in saving her people. She reflects on the challenges faced during this transformation, highlighting her bond with Mordecai and the injustices prevalent in a patriarchal society. The conversation also touches on Nehemiah's relentless efforts to rebuild Jerusalem amid opposition, showcasing the power of perseverance and faith in overcoming adversity.

Sep 30, 2024 • 21min
Day 274: Perseverance in Opposition (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into Nehemiah's daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls while facing fierce opposition. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and perseverance in overcoming both external threats and internal fears. The discussion touches on themes of justice, unity, and integrity amid challenges, while also exploring the rich narratives of Esther and Nehemiah. Insights into the historical context and biblical translations highlight the interconnectedness of faith and scholarship, inspiring listeners to trust God in their own adversities.

Sep 29, 2024 • 23min
Day 273: The Lord's Work (2024)
Discover the inspiring story of Nehemiah and the collaborative spirit behind rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. Fr. Mike highlights the divine nature of work, emphasizing how every task can be a sacred calling. Explore the prophecies of Zechariah and the transformative promise of redemption and justice. The discussion encourages reflection on individual contributions to community efforts and the importance of serving God in our daily lives. It’s a journey of faith that connects personal actions to the grandeur of divine work.

5 snips
Sep 28, 2024 • 27min
Day 272: The Call of Nehemiah (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into Nehemiah's heartfelt response to God's call, showcasing his leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, even for our enemies, and encourages forgiveness over vengeance. Listeners are invited to reflect on themes of compassion and divine protection while exploring the struggles faced by Jerusalem. The discussion also touches on the prophetic messages of Zechariah, highlighting the significance of community prayer and authentic faith in times of adversity.

Sep 27, 2024 • 29min
Day 271: Israel's Foreign Wives (2024)
Explore the intriguing reasons behind God's instruction to Israel regarding foreign marriages. Discover Ezra's powerful reaction upon realizing the disobedience of prominent Israelites. Delve into the prophetic revelations of Zechariah, including the significance of Palm Sunday and the thirty pieces of silver. Reflect on themes of repentance and accountability among the Israelites as they strive to restore their covenant with God. Finally, enjoy insights on wisdom and community as they navigate their journey back to the Promised Land.

Sep 26, 2024 • 27min
Day 270: God's Favor with Ezra (2024)
In this engaging discussion, Ezra, the devoted biblical figure known for his deep commitment to studying and teaching God’s laws, shares insights on his journey. Fr. Mike explores how Ezra's dedication earns him God's favor as he leads the Israelites back to their homeland. They tackle the concept of hypocritical fasting, emphasizing that true sacrifices remind us that everything belongs to God. The conversation highlights the importance of total devotion and reliance on divine guidance in one’s spiritual life.

Sep 25, 2024 • 23min
Day 269: The Day of Small Things (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the importance of small beginnings and how God transforms them into greatness. He reflects on the challenges faced by those rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem and the divine guidance they received. The celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread emphasizes joy in starting anew. Fr. Mike connects prophetic visions to the faith-driven actions of the people, highlighting their significance in fulfilling divine plans. The podcast explores how seemingly minor actions can lead to significant outcomes in rebuilding both the temple and faith.

4 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 29min
Day 268: Rebuilding the Temple (2024)
The discussion delves into the rebuilding of the temple and the collective journey of repentance, illuminated by the challenges faced during worship restoration. The emotional landscape of returning exiles, caught between joy and grief, is vividly portrayed, alongside the tensions with Samaritans. Further exploration highlights themes of forgiveness and redemption, showcasing Joshua's transformative vision of receiving divine mercy. This journey emphasizes the power of hope and compassion for Jerusalem's restoration.

Sep 23, 2024 • 22min
Day 267: Indifference and Apathy (2024)
Join the exploration of the Israelites' return from Babylonian exile, emphasizing the crucial role of King Cyrus in rebuilding the temple. Discover the importance of lineage as many struggle to prove their priestly heritage. Delve into the theme of rebuilding with purpose, as the community reflects on their priorities and spiritual journeys. The discussion warns against apathy towards God, encouraging a renewal of faith and commitment, paralleling the historical struggles faced by the returning exiles.

Sep 23, 2024 • 30min
Introduction to the Return (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)
Jeff Cavins, a biblical scholar focused on the Israelites' return to Jerusalem, delves into the ninth biblical period. He and Fr. Mike discuss the shift from exile to renewal, highlighting pivotal figures like Zerubbabel and Ezra. They explore how faith transformed post-Babylon, leading to the establishment of synagogues as community hubs. The conversation touches on the healing powers of Jesus and contrasts worldly and divine wisdom. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own spiritual journeys amidst life's chaos.


