

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

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.

5 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 22min
Day 338: Death Defeated (2024)
Fr. Mike emphasizes our connection to the Apostles and the power of the Holy Spirit in guiding our faith. He delves into St. Paul's missionary work, highlighting the importance of Christ's resurrection amidst challenges. The discussion shifts to the duality of body and soul, exploring the hope of eternal life and victory over death. He also addresses contemporary spiritual struggles, encouraging believers to live counterculturally by embodying Christ’s teachings and proclaiming the promise of resurrection.

5 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 24min
Day 337: The Importance of Love (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into Paul's adventurous journeys in Acts, highlighting miraculous events like jail escapes and meaningful conversions. He emphasizes love as the core of spiritual gifts, surpassing even prophecy and tongues. The discussion connects personal sacrifice and community support, particularly through Timothy’s choices. Lastly, the themes of mercy and faith shine brightly, showcasing how love transforms both individuals and communities.

11 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 29min
Day 336: The Council at Jerusalem (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the groundbreaking Council at Jerusalem, where early church leaders tackled the controversial question of Gentile circumcision for salvation. He highlights Paul’s nuanced view of God, emphasizing their distinct roles. The conversation also covers head coverings for women, affirming their important role in marriage and the Church. Additionally, insights into the unity of believers during the Eucharist and the significance of spiritual gifts within the Christian community are explored, showcasing the balance of equality and distinct roles.

7 snips
Nov 30, 2024 • 23min
Day 335: Run the Race (2024)
Paul and Barnabas face both support and fierce opposition while preaching the gospel, showcasing faith and resilience. The discussion highlights the importance of pursuing spiritual goals with the discipline of an athlete. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on moral integrity and the fickleness of human admiration experienced by the apostles. Fr. Mike emphasizes finding strength in community during tribulations and striving toward the eternal rewards of a life devoted to God.

4 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 24min
Day 334: The Meaning of Fasting (2024)
Fr. Mike emphasizes the spiritual importance of prayer and fasting, teaching listeners how to empty themselves and seek a deeper connection with Christ. He explores the early missionary journeys of Barnabas and Saul, revealing their challenges and perseverance. The conversation shifts to Paul's guidance on marriage, highlighting respect and responsibilities. Lastly, the podcast discusses fasting’s role in aligning spiritual and physical needs, showcasing it as a transformative practice for faithfulness.

5 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 22min
Day 333: Peter Is Rescued from Prison (2024)
Today's discussion unveils the miraculous escape of Peter from prison, showcasing divine intervention and the power of faith. Fr. Mike highlights the moral challenges facing the early church, emphasizing accountability and the importance of purity within the community. He contrasts the fates of apostles James and Peter, prompting reflection on suffering and God's mysterious will. The talk wraps up with the theme of redemption, reminding listeners that God's love offers hope and transformation, even in the face of public sins.

7 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 25min
Day 332: Barnabas and Paul On Mission (2024)
Early Christians faced confusion about integrating Gentiles into the Church. Barnabas, the 'Son of Encouragement,' emerged as a key figure alongside St. Paul. The podcast highlights Corinth's struggles with paganism and the need for the Greeks to abandon their old worship practices. Key themes of unity and humility within the Christian community are explored, along with the importance of building on a solid spiritual foundation amid early church disagreements. It concludes with discussions on purification and the significance of titles in fostering unity among believers.

5 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 22min
Day 331: Peter Preaches to the Gentiles (2024)
Explore the pivotal moment when Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, reaches out to Gentiles, beginning with Cornelius. This marks a transformative era of inclusion in Christianity, as his household receives baptism and the Holy Spirit. Delve into the importance of unity amid the divisions facing the Corinthian church, as Fr. Mike emphasizes the necessity of overcoming infighting. Discover the powerful influence of God's love in St. Paul's mission, as he remains dedicated to preaching Christ's resurrection, relying on divine strength.

9 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 20min
Day 330: Saul's Conversion (2024)
Discover the incredible story of Saul’s transformation on the road to Damascus. Explore how Jesus's healing through Ananias illustrates the Church’s role in miraculous works. Dive into the importance of mutual suffering for those who belong to the Lord, and see how the Gospel thrives through family bonds and friendships. Fr. Mike emphasizes the essence of community in faith, urging listeners to cultivate personal connections to spread God's love more effectively.