

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

Sep 14, 2024 • 25min
Day 258: The Kingdom Is Here (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into the rich genealogy found in the Gospel of Matthew, connecting Jesus' lineage to biblical heroes. He illuminates the significance of Jesus’ birth and early ministry, emphasizing themes of redemption and faith. The podcast explores the symbolism of the wise men's gifts, highlighting Christ's role as king, priest, and sacrifice. A crucial focus is on how Jesus reconstitutes the kingdom of heaven through his teachings, encouraging listeners to embrace a renewed faith and join in His divine mission.

Sep 14, 2024 • 39min
Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of Matthew (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)
Jeff Cavins, an expert on the Gospel of Matthew, joins to unpack what makes this text unique, focusing on Jesus's call to discipleship. They discuss the significance of Matthew's genealogy and the Sermon on the Mount, urging listeners to internalize Jesus's teachings. Spiritual practices like prayer and fasting are explored as tools for transformation. Cavins emphasizes the dual responsibility of discipleship—learners and teachers—and the community's role in fulfilling the Great Commission, sharing impactful personal stories along the way.

Sep 13, 2024 • 21min
Day 257: Choose to Love (2024)
Fr. Mike wraps up the poignant tale of Jeremiah, spotlighting a final thread of hope amidst Jerusalem's despair. He transitions to Obadiah, urging us to confront our own biases and embrace love for those closest to us. The gripping narratives reveal the depths of captivity and the promise of restoration, underscoring the power of grace and family ties in overcoming adversity. Listeners are invited to reflect on their personal relationships and the transformative choice to love.

Sep 12, 2024 • 26min
Day 256: Hard Seasons (2024)
In this discussion, the journey through scripture highlights the pain felt by those in hard seasons. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of maintaining communication with God, even when life feels heavy. The catastrophic fall of Babylon serves as a backdrop for themes of judgment and the quest for hope. Amid sorrow, there's a heartfelt plea for restoration, reminding listeners of God's reign. The conversation also contrasts despair with faith, prompting reflections on the redemptive power of hardship and the necessity of trusting in God's plan.

Sep 11, 2024 • 29min
Day 255: God Is Good (2024)
Explore the stark contrasts of prophetic warnings and the promise of restoration found in Jeremiah. Dive into themes of divine judgment and Israel's suffering, reflecting on the longing for God's love. Discover insights on hope amidst lament, emphasizing mercy and the dangers of gossip. Despite the darkness in the world, the message of unwavering faith and hope shines through, reminding listeners of God's goodness and the importance of reconciliation.

Sep 10, 2024 • 21min
Day 254: Judgment of Nations (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into the dramatic readings from Jeremiah, highlighting God's judgment on the nations surrounding Israel, particularly the Philistines and Moab. The emotional turmoil in Jerusalem is palpable, showcasing the suffering of its people. A strong theme of divine justice contrasts with national pride, urging listeners to reflect on their own shortcomings. With a focus on repentance and mercy, the discussion invites personal and collective spiritual growth while emphasizing the importance of genuine prayer.

Sep 9, 2024 • 24min
Day 253: Lamentations of Jeremiah (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into Jeremiah's poignant lamentations as he witnesses Jerusalem's devastation. The struggles of Baruch highlight the search for divine comfort amidst chaos. Emphasizing both despair and hope, the discussion touches on themes of suffering, resilience, and God's eventual promise of restoration for His people. The power of prayer and lamentation is illustrated, offering listeners insight on transforming sorrow into strength and finding wisdom in biblical teachings relevant to their lives.

Sep 8, 2024 • 26min
Day 252: Queen of Heaven (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses Israel's struggle with disbelief amidst the prophetic warnings of Jeremiah. He highlights the legacy of Judith, who celebrated victory with a powerful song of praise. The distinction between the idolatrous Queen of Heaven and the revered Mary is also examined. The podcast emphasizes the importance of praising God as a reflection of His greatness and encourages listeners to stay faithful in their worship, regardless of life's challenges.

Sep 7, 2024 • 27min
Day 251: Judith and Holofernes (2024)
Judith, a symbol of courage and virtue, teams up with the cunning Holofernes, whose narrative takes a surprising turn. They discuss Judith's strategic deception that leads to her monumental triumph over the general, showcasing her bravery. The conversation also highlights the chaos following Gedaliah's assassination, revealing the turmoil faced by the Israelites. Themes of divine guidance, loyalty, and the consequences of betrayal resonate throughout. Listeners are inspired to draw strength from these biblical figures in their own lives.

Sep 6, 2024 • 27min
Day 250: Final Wave of Exile (2024)
The podcast dives into the dramatic fall of Jerusalem and the rise of Gedaliah, highlighting the complex emotions of defeat and hope. It also narrates Judith's cunning strategy against Holophernes, emphasizing her intelligence and bravery. Key themes of forgiveness and wisdom from Proverbs are explored, showcasing how they nurture healthy relationships. The necessity of guarding our speech during turmoil is discussed, contrasting the experiences of Jeremiah with Judith's wise actions in the face of crisis.


