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
9 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 23min
Day 273: The Lord's Work (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into Nehemiah's call to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, emphasizing that every person's contribution matters in God's work. He discusses the significance of teamwork and how even the smallest tasks can be consecrated to God. The prophetic vision of Zechariah highlights the ultimate restoration of creation, while Proverbs offers wisdom on honesty and integrity. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to discern between focusing on personal responsibilities and helping others, urging everyone to participate actively in God's Kingdom.
8 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 27min
Day 272: The Call of Nehemiah (2025)
Explore Nehemiah's inspiring response to God's call, as he mourns and prays for Jerusalem's ruins. Discover the power of strategic planning and prayer in leadership amid challenges. Delve into Zechariah’s prophecies about Jerusalem’s future and the warning against false prophets. Reflect on the importance of forgiving our enemies and resisting vengeance, as emphasized in Proverbs. Join the journey through these powerful scriptures and deepen your understanding of faith and resilience.
9 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 30min
Day 271: Israel's Foreign Wives (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the challenges of intermarriage in Israel, detailing Ezra's emotional response to the issue. He discusses the assembly's commitment to separate from foreign wives and the complex nature of these decisions. The prophet Zechariah's visions of judgment and hope, including the prophecies about Jesus as the humble king and the betrayal for thirty pieces of silver, come to life. The conversation also dives into the pitfalls of leadership, urging listeners to embody the qualities of a good shepherd.
10 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 28min
Day 270: God's Favor with Ezra (2025)
Ezra's devotion to understanding and teaching God's law earns him divine favor. The discussion examines the significance of hypocritical fasting and how true worship reflects justice and mercy. Highlights include Ezra's journey with his returnees, the royal decree supporting temple rebuilding, and the prophetic promise of restoration for Jerusalem. Fr. Mike emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and community care, exploring how former fasts can transform into joy-filled celebrations of faith.
8 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 24min
Day 269: The Day of Small Things (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the power of small beginnings, emphasizing how God transforms them into great victories. He highlights the inspirational dedication to rebuilding the temple, revealing a connection between Joshua's crowning and Christ the King’s reign. The discussion also includes Zechariah's vivid visions, such as the lampstand representing divine empowerment. Reflecting on Proverbs, he reminds listeners that our actions reveal our true character. This uplifting conversation encourages faith in small things and gratitude for divine direction.
13 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 30min
Day 268: Rebuilding the Temple (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, emphasizing the importance of moving forward. He discusses the mixed emotions surrounding the temple's foundation and the refusal of the Jews to accept Samaritan help due to religious divides. The narrative also explores political obstacles that halted the reconstruction and highlights Zechariah's powerful visions urging repentance and God's protective promise. Through a call for renewal, Fr. Mike connects these themes to spiritual transformation and the hope of a brighter future.
9 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 23min
Day 267: Indifference and Apathy (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the profound themes of Ezra and Haggai, discussing the Israelites' return to their promised land. He highlights their struggle against apathy towards rebuilding the temple, urging listeners to strengthen their relationship with God. The conversation touches on the dangers of indifference in faith and the importance of repentance and reform. Drawing from Proverbs, he reflects on avoiding conflicts and recognizing the wisdom in moderation. It's a motivating call to revive spiritual commitment and courage.
20 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 30min
Introduction to the Return (with Jeff Cavins) - 2025
Jeff Cavins, a Catholic Bible teacher and creator of the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, joins to explore the Return period. He elaborates on the Israelites' return to Jerusalem, the rise of Pharisees, and the significance of household worship. Jeff discusses the recurring theme of exile and return in scripture, linking it to personal restoration. He highlights the roles of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah in rebuilding, and connects the Prodigal Son's story to the concept of repentance and new beginnings. Tune in for insights on personal rebuilding through faith.
12 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 24min
Day 266: Son of the Father (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into Christ's passion as we wrap up the Gospel of Matthew. He explains the significance of Barabbas and reflects on the temptations associated with false truths. Listeners explore the dramatic events of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, including Judas' remorse and the soldiers’ mockery. The podcast also highlights the importance of saints and the fulfillment of the new covenant, offering a deep context for our faith through the Great Commission.
15 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 27min
Day 265: Sins of Omission (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the weighty topic of sins of omission and their critical role in determining salvation. He highlights parables, like the talents and the wise maidens, emphasizing the importance of personal virtues and good deeds. The discussion includes a powerful reflection on Jesus in Gethsemane, illustrating honest prayer mixed with deep trust in God. This exploration of faith challenges listeners to consider how they use their gifts and the impact of their choices.
