

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

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.

11 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.

12 snips
Nov 24, 2024 • 20min
Day 329: The Ethiopian Eunuch (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, highlighting the necessity of guidance in understanding Scripture. He emphasizes the role of the Church in correct interpretation amid the perils of misunderstanding God's Word. The discussion also touches on the significance of love as a law that unites believers and how persecution can serve as a catalyst for evangelization. Additionally, he stresses the importance of community support and the Church’s role in nurturing faith.

9 snips
Nov 23, 2024 • 24min
Day 328: Stephen Is Martyred (2024)
The podcast delves into the inspiring story of Stephen's martyrdom, illustrating his unwavering faith in the face of persecution. Fr. Mike discusses the challenges of accepting God's Word, noting how hearts can harden against it. The readings from Romans emphasize the call to live as sacrifices of love, intersecting the lives of Jews and Gentiles within God's grand plan. Listeners are encouraged to embrace personal transformation and embody Christian virtues like love and hospitality, reflecting on the profound themes of grace and redemption.

9 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 23min
Day 327: Origin of the Diaconate (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into the origins of the diaconate in the early Church, highlighting the challenges faced by deacons like Stephen. He addresses the cultural divisions that existed and Paul’s frustration with disbelief among the Israelites. The conversation weaves through themes of faith, righteousness, and the nature of God’s mercy. Listeners gain insights into the emotional struggles of witnessing loved ones drift in their faith and the importance of sharing God's word. A reflective discussion on the historic role of service in Christianity unfolds.

16 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 25min
Day 326: Life in the Spirit (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into the boldness of the apostles as they share the message of Jesus amidst persecution. He highlights the transformative power of Baptism and how it liberates us to live according to the Spirit. Themes of faith, hypocrisy, and divine love emerge as he reflects on St. Paul's teachings. Listeners gain insights into the unbreakable bond with God, even in the face of suffering, reminding us that nothing can sever our connection to Him—except personal sin.

8 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 25min
Day 325: Boldness in Faith (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the fearless stand of Peter and John as they confront church leaders, emphasizing their unwavering faith despite threats. He reflects on Paul’s powerful insights about grace amidst sinfulness and the internal struggle of good versus evil. The transformative nature of faith is highlighted as a source of strength for believers, encouraging them to seek hope in challenging times.


