

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

16 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 20min
Day 169: Joash Is Crowned (2025)
Discover the dramatic events surrounding the death of Athaliah and the pivotal crowning of Joash, a moment that signals hope for the restoration of the Temple. Explore the intricate alliances and conflicts of kings through the lens of prophecy, revealing the deep connections between leadership and love. Journey into the poetic landscapes of the Song of Solomon, where themes of devotion illustrate God’s unwavering faithfulness amidst political turmoil.

13 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 21min
Day 168: Wicked Kinds (2025)
Discover the turmoil of Elijah as he grapples with despair and receives divine encouragement. The gripping tale of Naboth’s wrongful execution reveals the dark depths of Ahab’s greed and Jezebel’s cunning. Delve into the tumultuous reign of Athaliah, filled with betrayal and suspense, while also exploring the romantic elegance of the Song of Solomon, showcasing love through vivid metaphors. This journey through ancient politics highlights not just power struggles but the resilience of faith in the face of adversity.

17 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 28min
Day 167: Viaticum (2025)
The discussion highlights Elijah's struggle after fleeing from Jezebel and God's message to seek strength for the journey. It reflects on the theme of divine nourishment, linking Elijah's despair and the concept of 'viaticum' as spiritual sustenance. There are also insights into King Jehoshaphat's victories and his questionable alliances, along with beautiful reflections on love from the Song of Solomon. The podcast encourages listeners to draw strength from God, especially in challenging times, as well as to find gratitude in life's journey.

10 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 25min
Day 166: Responding in Faith (2025)
The prophet Elijah emerges as a beacon of faith, showcasing his miraculous deeds during a drought. A dramatic confrontation with King Ahab unfolds, highlighting God's power over false prophets. In the backdrop, King Jehoshaphat's reforms emphasize the importance of righteous leadership and divine justice. The emotional depth of the Song of Solomon reveals themes of longing and love, capturing the heart's desires. Together, these stories challenge listeners to reflect on faithfulness in the face of adversity.

12 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 27min
Day 165: The Lover and the Beloved (2025)
Fr. Mike draws connections between the love poetry of the Song of Solomon and St. John Paul's Theology of the Body. He examines the reigns of Israel's kings, discussing their faithfulness and failures as they navigate divine favor. The exploration of Jehoshaphat highlights dedication leading to prosperity. Vivid imagery brings to life themes of love and respect in relationships, emphasizing individuality. The discussion also illuminates the interplay between kings and prophets, setting the stage for significant biblical narratives.

20 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 23min
Day 164: Tearing Down Idols (2025)
Explore the fates of kings who fell into idolatry versus those who chose to trust God. Delve into the consequences of their choices in the histories of Israel and Judah, revealing the urgent call for genuine faith. Experience the beauty of love and devotion in the Song of Solomon, reminding us of the power of authentic relationships. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of tearing down our personal idols and prioritizing our faith as a path to righteousness.

28 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 24min
Day 163: Faith Over Success (2025)
Fr. Mike discusses the contrasting legacies of King Rehoboam and his son Abijah, emphasizing how unfaithfulness leads to ruin while devotion brings victory. The tragic tale of a prophet ensnared by deception highlights the dangers of straying from divine messages. Rich imagery in the Song of Solomon celebrates God’s love and beauty. The episode encourages listeners to choose faith over fleeting success, reminding them of their cherished relationship with God.

11 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 24min
Day 162: Rehoboam Seeks Counsel (2025)
Discover the cautionary tale of Rehoboam, who chose harshness over wisdom, leading to a split in the kingdom. The discussion highlights the importance of seeking diverse counsel, as Rehoboam ignored seasoned advice in favor of his peers. In contrast, Jeroboam's reign introduces idolatry, steering the Northern Kingdom away from divine guidance. The exploration of the Song of Solomon adds a layer of divine love amidst the chaos, reminding listeners of the rich, poetic imagery that defines their spiritual journey.

28 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 29min
Introduction to the Divided Kingdom (with Jeff Cavins)-2025
Jeff Cavins, a renowned Catholic Bible scholar, joins to break down the Divided Kingdom in Israel's history. They highlight King Solomon's decline and how his decisions led to the split between the northern and southern kingdoms. The conversation delves into Jeroboam's challenges in establishing an alternative sacrificial system and the importance of Jerusalem as a worship center. Amidst geopolitical chaos and unfaithful kings, the necessity of prophetic voices and divine guidance is underscored, spotlighting the rich spiritual implications of this tumultuous period.

14 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 19min
Day 161: The Crucifixion of Christ (2025)
Fr. Mike reflects on the profound moments of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, emphasizing the themes of suffering from Psalm 22. He encourages listeners to look at the crucifix as a symbol of redemption for their own sins. The podcast highlights Mary Magdalene's impactful encounter with the risen Christ, representing hope amidst despair. Additionally, it explores the depth of Christ's love and the transformative power of faith, inviting a deeper connection to the sacrificial love that God offers us every day.


