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
25 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 24min
Day 227: The Towering Cedar
Fr. Mike highlights Israel's misplaced trust in Egypt, likening it to a towering cedar that will eventually fall. He emphasizes Jeremiah's urgent call for repentance as destruction looms. The symbolism of the cedar tree represents both Pharaoh's pride and the inevitable consequences of tyranny. The discussion also contrasts wisdom with foolishness in judging one's actions, urging listeners to rely on God's truth rather than human strength. Jeremiah's heartfelt plea reflects a deep sorrow for the people's refusal to heed divine warnings.
27 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 23min
Day 226: Unfaithful Israel (2025)
Fr. Mike tackles the theme of spiritual unfaithfulness in Israel, comparing it to marital betrayal and the urgent call for repentance. He emphasizes true freedom as moral integrity rather than mere license. The discussion shifts to the prophetic warnings of Ezekiel, focusing on the dangers of Egypt's alliances and the imminent doom facing Israel. Insights into the consequences of idolatry highlight the need for communal support to return to faithfulness, urging listeners to seek wisdom and self-restraint in their lives.
34 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 25min
Day 225: Our Will Versus God's Will (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into powerful themes of personal discernment and the struggle between our desires and God's will. He reflects on the prophet Jeremiah, urging listeners to see parallels between Israel's past and their own lives. The podcast explores spiritual forsakenness, the dangers of pride, and the consequences of idolatry. With poetic lamentations and calls for repentance, it emphasizes the importance of aligning with divine guidance for true fulfillment and redemption.
24 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 20min
Day 224: The Weeping Prophet (2025)
Explore the somber journey of Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet, as he navigates his divine calling filled with challenges and lamentation. Learn how his youthful hesitations set the stage for a powerful prophetic mission. Delve into the rise and fall of a maritime empire, symbolizing wealth and eventual tragedy. Reflect on themes of justice and mercy from Proverbs, and compare the burdens faced by both Jeremiah and Ezekiel, highlighting the compassion inherent in their messages.
10 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 19min
Day 223: Responding Well (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the final chapter of Isaiah, shedding light on how our emotions can hinder our responses to others. He emphasizes the importance of mourning and rejoicing together in faith. The discussion also covers God's powerful messages through Ezekiel, including prophecies against nations for their pride. A central theme emerges: genuine worship stems from heartfelt devotion, not empty rituals. Listeners are inspired towards a hopeful vision of unity and mutual support in the new covenant.
33 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 28min
Day 222: Idolatry and Adultery (2025)
Fr. Mike dives deep into the connection between idolatry and adultery, showcasing how turning away from God can lead to spiritual infidelity. He discusses the balance between discipline and abuse, highlighting the significance of repentance for a straying people. The allegorical tale of two unfaithful cities serves as a stark warning of the consequences of turning from divine authority. Personal sacrifice and the emotional weight of divine judgment are explored, emphasizing the pain of loss alongside themes of God's enduring love and hope.
42 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 26min
Day 221: Walking with Wise Men (2025)
Fr. Mike discusses the vital importance of surrounding ourselves with wise and holy individuals to enhance our spiritual journeys. He delves into the interplay of God's justice and mercy, highlighting the need for accountability and repentance amidst societal injustices. The conversation also spans the themes of divine judgment and the deep longing for mercy, encouraging listeners to connect with these profound Biblical insights while reflecting on their own faithfulness.
26 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.
14 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.
21 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.
