

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

12 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 25min
Day 220: Prophecy Fulfilled (2025)
Fr. Mike beautifully connects the prophecy in Isaiah 61 to its fulfillment by Jesus in Luke 4. He delves into the significance of the Sabbath as a covenant sign with God, highlighting its importance for worship and community. The discussion on divine justice in Ezekiel reveals the balance of God's wrath and mercy, with a hopeful promise of restoration. Through rich imagery, listeners are encouraged to embrace themes of comfort, renewal, and the joyful blessings found in faith, even amid suffering.

6 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 21min
Day 219: Separation from God (2025)
Fr. Mike discusses how separation from God stems from our own choices rather than His lack of love. He emphasizes God’s unwavering plan for our reconciliation, regardless of our unfaithfulness. The readings from Isaiah reveal themes of injustice and the call for redemption. The podcast also explores wisdom in managing wealth and the significance of faith. Ultimately, it offers a hopeful message of transformation, urging listeners to seek light amidst darkness and reconnect with the divine.

13 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 28min
Day 218: Each Will Be Judged (2025)
Fr. Mike discusses ways people turn away from God, like idol worship and selfish fasting. He emphasizes personal accountability, stating that each person will be judged by their own actions, not those of their family. The importance of honoring the Sabbath and aligning with God's will is highlighted, alongside the dangers of empty worship. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their choices, seeking genuine devotion and the transformative power of repentance in their spiritual journeys.

18 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 26min
Day 217: The Everlasting Covenant (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the profound messages of Isaiah and Ezekiel, highlighting God's everlasting covenant that extends beyond the chosen to welcome all. He uses vivid imagery to discuss Israel's unfaithfulness and God's mercy, painting a picture of divine love. Themes of transformation through righteousness and the deep connection between humanity and the divine are explored. The metaphor of God as a loving bridegroom emphasizes hope, restoration, and the importance of genuine worship, inviting everyone into a life of abundance.

11 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 21min
Day 216: The Suffering Servant (2025)
Fr. Mike marvels at the profound message in Isaiah 53, revealing Jesus as the suffering servant. He explores themes of suffering, redemption, and God's call for repentance, emphasizing the dangers of idolatry and false prophets. The metaphor of the useless vine serves as a reminder of the importance of a fruitful relationship with God. Listeners are encouraged to actively pray for their loved ones while reflecting on the impact of their faith in a community dedicated to divine devotion.

5 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 25min
Day 215: False Prophets (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into Ezekiel's stern warnings about misleading prophets in Israel. He challenges listeners to examine their choices in seeking guidance—are we drawn to what we want to hear rather than what we need? The discussion moves through themes of redemption and exile, emphasizing God's promise amid struggles. Emphasizing the danger of falsehood, Fr. Mike urges authenticity in faith and highlights the importance of discerning genuine messages from God amidst turbulent times.

4 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 23min
Day 214: The Hidden Glory of God (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into Isaiah's prophecies, revealing God's promise of redemption through the lens of Jesus as the Messiah. He reflects on Ezekiel's vision of God's glory departing from the temple, drawing a parallel with the hidden nature of divine presence in our lives. The discussion emphasizes themes of hope, divine commitment, and the resilience of the faithful through suffering. Listeners are urged to recognize God's guidance even amid darkness, while exploring the symbolism of love and transformation in the face of judgment.

Aug 1, 2025 • 19min
Day 213: The Redeemer (2025)
Discover the stark contrast between judgment and redemption as the fate of Babylon and Israel unfolds. Fr. Mike delves into Ezekiel's chilling visions, exposing the idolatry and secret rituals among the people. Learn about the profound symbolic meaning of markings that signify both mourning and salvation. The discussion emphasizes a transformative divine promise, echoing themes of justice, mercy, and the powerful significance of the cross. This exploration invites deeper reflection on faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience.

Aug 1, 2025 • 15min
BONUS: If You Feel Like Giving Up (with Jeff Cavins) - 2025
Jeff Cavins, a renowned Catholic Bible scholar and creator of The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to offer encouragement for those feeling overwhelmed in their Bible reading journey. They discuss the balance of prophetic messages of conviction and comfort, emphasizing the importance of context and discernment. Cavins highlights the unique voices of prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, encouraging listeners to embrace their spiritual journeys. The duo advocates for community support and personal growth, reminding us that faith is a shared experience.

7 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 23min
Day 212: God's Instrument (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the intriguing role of King Cyrus as a tool for God's will, showcasing how divine purpose can unfold through unexpected figures. The discussion highlights God's sovereignty, contrasting idol worship with His ultimate authority. Listeners are invited to reflect on the consequences of societal sins and the futility of material pursuits amidst despair. The power of divine grace is reinforced, reminding us that no one is too far from redemption, even in the darkest times.