

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

Dec 13, 2024 • 25min
Day 348: Rules for the New Life (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into St. Paul's remarkable journey to Rome, uncovering how he embraced challenges as divine will. He highlights Paul's leadership during a tumultuous sea voyage, promoting unity and the power of shared meals. The discussion shifts to the transformative nature of embracing a new life in Christ, emphasizing armor, prayer, and community. Finally, the conversation tackles the theology of marriage, advocating for mutual respect and love while clarifying the meaning of submission in relationships.

Dec 12, 2024 • 24min
Day 347: Witness to Unbelievers (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into Paul's compelling trial before King Agrippa, showcasing his dramatic conversion story as a tool for evangelism. The discussion highlights the powerful themes of unity and spiritual blessings found in Ephesians, emphasizing reconciliation among diverse believers. Listeners explore the biblical ideals of fatherhood and family, underscoring the importance of discipline and love. Through Paul's witness, the transformative hope and unity of faith shine brightly, inviting reflection on grace and community.

Dec 11, 2024 • 21min
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the early church struggles, focusing on Paul's defiant appeal to Caesar amidst accusations. He delves into the profound themes of spiritual inheritance and transformation, illustrating how faith shifts believers from slavery to heirship. The conversation highlights the stark contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit, urging listeners to cultivate virtues like love and self-control. This exploration reminds us that we reap what we sow, reinforcing the significance of living a life grounded in grace.

5 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 22min
Day 345: One in Christ (2024)
Fr. Mike explores Paul's trials in Acts, illustrating how mere belief without action leads to stagnation. As he begins Galatians, the focus shifts to the unity found in Christ, emphasizing that baptism makes everyone equal and heirs to God's promises. The contrast between faith and Jewish law is highlighted, showcasing Paul's message that true belief transcends rituals. Moreover, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit is celebrated, affirming that all believers can access divine grace and embody principles of equality.

Dec 9, 2024 • 19min
Day 344: The Thorn in Paul's Side (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into Paul's intense trial and the deadly conspiracy against him, shedding light on the clash between Sadducees and Pharisees. He reflects on the thorn in Paul's side, a profound weakness that resonates with our own struggles. Listeners are invited to explore how God’s grace provides strength in moments of vulnerability. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of humility and self-examination in the community, reminding us that true strength emerges from our dependence on God.

Dec 8, 2024 • 23min
Day 343: God Uses Paul's Past (2024)
This discussion highlights how Paul's past, including his Roman citizenship and former life as a persecutor, plays a crucial role in his ministry. Listeners learn about the transformative moment of his conversion and the importance of embracing weakness as a path to righteousness. The podcast also emphasizes the calling to be cheerful givers and the significance of being equipped by God's grace. Finally, it encourages everyone to see their past experiences as tools for fulfilling God's purpose in their lives.

Dec 7, 2024 • 22min
Day 342: Generous Hearts (2024)
Dive into the enlightening journey of Paul as he navigates misunderstandings and hostility in Jerusalem. Discover the stark contrasts between godly grief that fosters repentance and worldly grief that leads to destruction. Explore the spirit of generosity inspired by Christ and the unity within the early Christian communities. Reflect on the historical tensions between Judaism and Christianity, and the importance of reconciliation. Embrace the transformative power of community, generosity, and prayer in your spiritual life.

Dec 6, 2024 • 23min
Day 341: Eternal Weight of Glory (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into the powerful story of Eutychus' miraculous healing and shares Paul's unwavering love for his community. He reflects on the call to persevere through suffering, highlighting the hope of an eternal glory that outweighs our current afflictions. With heartfelt anecdotes, the discussion emphasizes the bond between leaders and their followers, urging listeners to embrace their roles in spreading the Gospel. Overall, it's a journey of faith, transformation, and the importance of commitment in relationships.

10 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 21min
Day 340: The Power of the Holy Spirit (2024)
Discover the incredible power of the Holy Spirit as illustrated by Paul's impactful ministry in Ephesus. Explore the struggles of early Christians against pagan beliefs, and witness the transformative effects of commitment to faith. Delve into the importance of community, unity, and forgiveness amidst suffering, emphasizing how prayer strengthens bonds. Finally, gain insights into Paul's heartfelt guidance to the Corinthians, showcasing the nurturing role of spiritual leaders in guiding believers to resilience and growth.

5 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 16min
Day 339: Priscilla and Aquila (2024)
Discover how God can transform lives through unexpected encounters. Paul meets the missionary couple Priscilla and Aquila, illustrating the power of community in spreading faith. Explore the importance of mentorship with the story of Apollos, who shows us the value of being open to correction. Dive into themes of unity and courage among early Christians, reinforcing the need for mutual support in our journeys of faith. Reflect on how even the most crooked paths can lead to divine purpose.