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
6 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 22min
Day 342: Generous Hearts (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into Paul's journey to Jerusalem, facing danger and prophecy with unwavering resolve. He contrasts godly grief that leads to repentance with worldly grief that destroys. The discussion highlights the remarkable generosity of the Macedonians, showing how they eagerly helped others despite their own poverty. Paul urges the Corinthians to embody Christ's self-giving nature and emphasizes the need for ethical management of the relief funds. The episode wraps up with reflections on leadership and justice from Proverbs.
16 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 23min
Day 341: Eternal Weight of Glory (2025)
Explore the emotional farewell of Paul to the Ephesus elders, highlighting his deep connection and concern for their well-being. Dive into the miraculous healing of Eutychus, showcasing the power of faith amidst human frailty. Discover Paul's profound message about enduring afflictions that lead to unmatched eternal glory. Reflect on the theme of living by faith and the call for believers to act as ambassadors of reconciliation through Christ. Join Fr. Mike in a guided prayer seeking transformation and a deeper connection to God's glory.
15 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 21min
Day 340: The Power of the Holy Spirit (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the transformative power of the Holy Spirit as Paul engages the Ephesians, emphasizing its role in empowering believers. He discusses the significance of sacramentals, sharing stories of miracles and warnings against misusing spiritual authority. New converts demonstrate radical faith by destroying harmful magic books, showcasing the impact of true discipleship. The session also unveils Paul's heartfelt motivations in his letters to the Corinthians, calling for comfort in suffering and the importance of community.
16 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 16min
Day 339: Priscilla and Aquila (2025)
Discover the inspiring journey of Priscilla and Aquila as they join Paul in spreading the word of Christ. Learn how Apollos, a talented speaker, embraces correction to grow in faith. Fr. Mike discusses Paul's courage in the face of adversity and the importance of community support among believers. Reflect on the wisdom of Proverbs regarding integrity and hard work. This engaging discussion encourages openness to learning and divine guidance in every life mission.
15 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 22min
Day 338: Death Defeated (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the early days of the Church, highlighting the challenges faced by new converts amid persecution. He shares St. Paul’s passionate witness in Athens, addressing the unknown God. The discussion emphasizes the significance of Christ’s resurrection, arguing that without it, faith is in vain. Listeners are encouraged by Paul's message of victory over death, as he explains the transformation from perishable to imperishable bodies. The reflections inspire hope and steadfastness in the face of life’s trials.
19 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 24min
Day 337: The Importance of Love (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into Acts 16, highlighting Paul’s faith as he escapes prison and how Timothy joins him on their mission. He narrates the powerful conversion of Lydia in Philippi and the dramatic jailbreak that leads to a jailer's baptism. Transitioning to 1 Corinthians, the importance of love shines through as Fr. Mike emphasizes it as the greatest spiritual gift, surpassing others. He also contrasts tongues and prophecy, providing guidance for communal worship. The session ends with reflections on perseverance and the call to embody love in using spiritual gifts.
16 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 29min
Day 336: The Council at Jerusalem (2025)
Discover the fascinating Council of Jerusalem where early Church leaders debated Gentile circumcision. Fr. Mike emphasizes the authority of the Church and highlights Paul’s teachings on gender roles, addressing concerns about head coverings for women. Dive into the concept of spiritual gifts and the unity they bring to the body of Christ, exploring how they enhance worship. Plus, reflect on the importance of the Eucharist and its real presence, alongside insights from Proverbs on living wisely.
8 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 23min
Day 335: Run the Race (2025)
Fr. Mike discusses the missions of Paul and Barnabas, highlighting humanity's fickleness and the danger of seeking human praise. He encourages courage amid tribulations, emphasizing unity with fellow believers. Paul's athletic metaphor inspires listeners to pursue the imperishable prize of salvation. Key themes include the importance of avoiding idolatry, the commonality of temptation with God's faithful escape routes, and the need for disciplined spiritual training to strive for heaven like a champion.
11 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 24min
Day 334: The Meaning of Fasting (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the significance of fasting and prayer, emphasizing how they help us recognize our spiritual needs for Christ. He delves into Paul's insights on marriage, singleness, and remaining true to one's vocation. The podcast also highlights the dynamic of early Christian missions, focusing on the shift from Jewish to Gentile outreach. Fr. Mike stresses the importance of integrity and justice, reminding listeners that our choices should support one another in faith. Insightful teachings from scripture guide listeners to deepen their relationship with God.
17 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 22min
Day 333: Peter Is Rescued from Prison (2025)
The miraculous rescue of Peter from prison unfolds with divine intervention. Fr. Mike reflects on saying 'Yes' to God's path even amidst uncertainty. The serious message from St. Paul to the Corinthians about morality and community discipline raises eyebrows. He tackles the troubling issue of believers suing each other, advocating for resolution within the church. The discussion highlights transformative hope through redemption, inviting listeners to embrace trust in God's plan despite life's mysteries.
