

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

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.

17 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 26min
Day 160: Jesus Warns the People (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into Jesus' warnings about persecution and the prophetic events leading to His crucifixion. The heartbreak of Judas' betrayal is examined, highlighting the significance of loyalty. As the narrative unfolds, the themes of faith and vigilance in turbulent times shine through. Listeners are invited to reflect on the Last Supper's profound sacramental gift, reinforcing communal worship. The episode encourages honest prayer and mutual support among believers, reminding everyone of God's guiding presence.

26 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 22min
Day 159: Bearing Fruit (2025)
Explore the fervent moments of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and his thought-provoking interactions with disciples and Sadducees. Delve into the striking contrast between the true giving of a poor widow and the hypocrisy of the scribes. Discover how a life rooted in Jesus bears good fruit, and reflect on the cleansing of the temple as a call to spiritual fruitfulness. These discussions inspire listeners to embrace generous giving and deepen their faith as they navigate the complexities of belief.

32 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 29min
Day 158: The Reality of Sin (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the reality of sin and the challenging choices we face regarding temptation and wealth. He reflects on Jesus' transformative teachings, emphasizing humility and faith. The impactful story of Bartimaeus showcases the power of calling out for mercy, while the discussion on discipleship urges listeners to examine their desires and moral choices. Ultimately, he encourages embracing hope amidst life's struggles, reminding us of God's unwavering support on our spiritual journey.

19 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 29min
Day 157: Following Jesus (2025)
In this discussion, the power of humility, faith, and courage in following Jesus is highlighted. The tension between tradition and true faith is explored, emphasizing that inner transformation is key to genuine worship. A moving story of a Syrophoenician woman showcases the significance of unwavering faith. Additionally, the conversation addresses the costs of discipleship in today's post-Christian world, encouraging listeners to maintain their convictions through prayer and a strong biblical worldview. The journey of faith is not just about rituals, but authentic relationships.

21 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 23min
Day 156: Jesus Casts Out Demons (2025)
The discussion dives into Jesus' extraordinary ability to cast out demons, framing it within a larger spiritual battle for our souls. A dramatic encounter with a demon-possessed man showcases Jesus' authority as He performs exorcisms and heals the afflicted. Miracles abound, including the resurrection of a young girl and the miraculous feeding of five thousand. The narrative highlights faith's role and Jesus' compassionate response to those in need, urging listeners to trust in His abundant provision.

20 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 21min
Day 155: Jesus is Lord (2025)
This discussion centers on the powerful identity of Jesus as Lord, illustrated through his remarkable teachings and miracles. Key highlights include the insights from his parables, especially the Parable of the Sower, which explores varying responses to faith. The tension between law and mercy is examined through Jesus healing on the Sabbath, emphasizing compassion over rigid adherence to rules. Additionally, listeners are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Jesus' divine nature and the importance of faith amidst fear.

38 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 28min
Day 154: The Baptism of Jesus (2025)
Dive into the Gospel of Mark and discover the powerful moment of Jesus' baptism by John. Explore the immediate challenges He faces in the wilderness and His call to discipleship. Witness His miraculous healings, including the stunning story of the paralytic. Engage with themes of authority, righteousness, and the intricate relationships formed in early Christian missions. This journey highlights how baptism signifies both Jesus' divine identity and the beginning of His mission to save humanity.

32 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 26min
Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of Mark (with Jeff Cavins) -2025
Jeff Cavins, a Catholic Bible scholar, joins Fr. Mike to dive into the Gospel of Mark. They highlight its unique brevity and focus on Jesus’s identity and mission. The discussion unveils the ‘messianic secret,’ exploring why Jesus kept His identity under wraps. They reflect on His selective revelations and the power of personal connections in witnessing. The urgency of Mark's action-oriented narrative is emphasized, making a compelling case for believers to actively share the gospel and consider Mark’s potential personal ties to the story.

32 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 24min
Day 153: The Decline of Solomon (2025)
The tragic decline of King Solomon unfolds as his decisions echo through generations. Influenced by foreign wives, he strays from God, revealing the stark contrast between wisdom and folly. Life's fleeting moments remind us to embrace diligence and faith amid unpredictability. As his legacy deteriorates, listeners are urged to reflect on the importance of spiritually aligned choices and maintain reverence for God, ensuring our decisions resonate meaningfully through time.


