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
27 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 29min
Day 315: The Virtue of Mercy (2025)
Fr. Mike reflects on the beauty of God's mercy and our call to embody it despite our flaws. He shares powerful miracles, highlighting Jesus' compassion, such as the healing of a widow's son and the restoration of Jairus' daughter. The discussion includes the significance of loving one's enemies and the importance of humility, echoing through the examples of the centurion and John the Baptist. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to embrace their baptismal grace and live out their faith through persistent prayer.
28 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 28min
Day 314: My Beloved Son (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the Baptism of Jesus, connecting it to the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land. He highlights the humility of the Jordan River, the lowest place on Earth. The proclamation of Jesus as God's beloved Son emphasizes our own adoption as children of God through baptism. The discussion moves to Jesus' responses to temptation in the wilderness and his powerful ministry, including healings and calls to discipleship, showcasing his compassion and authority. The reflections on fasting and self-control tie back to spiritual growth.
21 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 26min
Day 313: The Ark of the New Covenant (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the significance of Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant. He contrasts her faith-filled question to the angel Gabriel with Zechariah's doubt. The podcast explores the joyous visit between Mary and Elizabeth, marked by the leaping of the unborn John. Fr. Mike also discusses the prophetic moments surrounding Jesus' birth and highlights Mary as God's dwelling among His people. Additionally, he touches on themes of humility in Mary and Joseph's offering at the temple.
20 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 34min
Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of Luke (with Jeff Cavins) (2025)
Join Catholic Bible teacher Jeff Cavins, known for the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, as he explores the unique themes of the Gospel of Luke. Discover Luke's portrayal of Jesus' humanity and his inclusive message that embraces outsiders. Cavins highlights the distinct role of women in Jesus' ministry, shares insights on prayer, and emphasizes the cost of discipleship. The discussion also reveals how Luke’s account of the Ascension connects to the Acts of the Apostles, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with these scriptures.
14 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 15min
Day 312: Conclusion to the Old Testament (2025)
Fr. Mike celebrates the end of the Old Testament, highlighting the bravery of the Maccabees in defending the temple. He shares the gripping story of Judas Maccabeus rallying his troops with divine visions leading to their victory. The discussion pivots to Wisdom, reflecting on God's faithfulness throughout history. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of loving one's enemies as he prays for community support during tough times. Ultimately, he connects these ancient tales to modern discipleship and prepares listeners for the upcoming Gospel.
16 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 24min
Day 311: God Fights for You (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the dynamic themes of political intrigue and betrayal in 2 Maccabees, emphasizing God's unwavering support through life's chaos. He highlights how secret sins can breed fear, while God's light shines for the righteous. The discussion connects wisdom to the foreshadowing of Christ’s arrival, reinforcing the message of divine justice and deliverance. Listeners are reminded that both hidden vices and virtues are seen by God, offering a mix of conviction and comfort as they prepare for the forthcoming Gospel readings.
18 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 22min
Day 310: Rivals for the Heart (2025)
Fr. Mike discusses how good things can become idols that compete for our hearts. He emphasizes the importance of identifying these rivals by examining what takes priority over our relationship with God. Through readings from Maccabees and Proverbs, he highlights themes of patience and moderation, warning against overindulgence. Personal stories illustrate how sports and hobbies can overshadow spiritual commitments. The episode culminates in a call to reflect on whether our pursuits are truly beneficial or have become distractions from our faith.
22 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 25min
Day 309: Praying for the Dead (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the doctrine of purgatory, illustrating its role in heart purification for communion with God. He discusses the biblical basis for praying for the dead found in 2 Maccabees, highlighting Judas Maccabeus' prayers. The conversation shifts to the folly of idol worship, emphasizing how even good things can become idols. C.S. Lewis' analogy is used to explain why purification is essential before entering heaven, framing purgatory as a divine process to prepare souls to love God fully.
14 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 22min
Day 308: Little by Little (2025)
Fr. Mike emphasizes how God serves as a heavenly ally in the struggles of Israel, urging us to fight alongside Him in our daily challenges. He explores how divine correction happens gradually, teaching trust and dependence. The readings also reveal insights about God’s mercy during trials and the importance of communal prayer. Listeners are reminded of the dangers of sin and how God's patient discipline leads to repentance. Finally, the podcast encourages mutual support within the community as we navigate life's battles together.
12 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 20min
Day 307: Courage in Battle (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the courage that faith brings during life's battles. He highlights Judas Maccabeus's triumph in restoring the temple and the origins of Hanukkah. Delving into divine aid, he shares how faith helped defeat Timothy's forces. Wisdom's role is emphasized with Solomon's prayer for guidance, and biblical allusions are decoded, revealing God's fingerprints throughout Scripture. Finally, he advises against unnecessary conflicts, urging reliance on God while offering prayers for those facing challenges.
