

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

Oct 7, 2024 • 27min
Day 281: Good and Evil (2024)
Fr. Mike highlights Nehemiah's return to a wayward Israel and the implications of marrying foreign wives. He emphasizes the need for obedience to God's commands and the consequences of straying from faithfulness, particularly in marriage and priesthood. The discussion delves into moral blindness towards God's justice and love, critiquing societal misunderstandings. Listeners are encouraged to anticipate the 'great day of the Lord,' tying in themes of divine retribution and the promise of healing for the faithful.

Oct 6, 2024 • 23min
Day 280: The People of the Covenant (2024)
Fr. Mike reflects on the resilience of the Jewish people through the books of Esther and Nehemiah. He highlights the celebration of Purim and the significant roles of priests and Levites in restoring Jerusalem. The discussion ties historical events to modern practices, emphasizing themes of mercy and faithfulness. Listeners are encouraged to recognize God’s presence in their struggles and find hope in their personal journeys, connecting the past with their contemporary experiences.

Oct 5, 2024 • 20min
Day 279: Blessings and Burdens (2024)
Fr. Mike explores the significance of community and sacrifice from Nehemiah, revealing how family heritage can be both a blessing and a burden. He recounts Queen Esther's brave plea for her people's salvation, showcasing the importance of courage and divine intervention. The podcast highlights how ancestral gifts shape our identity and the joyous transformation of fear during Mordecai's decree. It emphasizes personal responsibility in navigating the duality of blessings and burdens through the lens of faith and history.

5 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 21min
Day 278: Power in Weakness (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the collective commitment of Israel to God through covenant renewal in Nehemiah, spotlighting their sacrifices and responsibilities. He draws parallels to Esther's brave confrontation with the king, where her vulnerability sparks a transformative change. The insights from Proverbs underscore the importance of community accountability. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their weaknesses as potential gateways for divine intervention and grace.

Oct 3, 2024 • 28min
Day 277: Such a Time as This (2024)
Today's reflections dive into the compelling story of Esther, highlighting her courageous act to confront the king for her people's sake. It emphasizes the idea that we are placed in our unique circumstances 'for such a time as this.' The podcast also explores themes of prayer, humility, and the responsibility we hold to use our influence wisely. Additionally, the power of public confession and acknowledgment of sin is discussed, linking our personal struggles to God's enduring mercy.

Oct 2, 2024 • 18min
Day 276: Haman's Plan (2024)
In a powerful moment, Ezra reads the law to the Israelites, igniting a wave of emotion and joy as they transition from mourning to celebration. The sinister rise of Haman unfolds as he plots the destruction of the Jewish community, creating tension and urgency. A royal decree threatens annihilation, framing the Jews as a danger to the kingdom. Amidst this crisis, the restoration of their relationship with God through the law is emphasized, showcasing the importance of faith and courage in facing evil.

Oct 1, 2024 • 27min
Day 275: Esther Becomes Queen (2024)
In this enlightening discussion, Esther, the brave biblical figure, shares her journey from a common girl to queen and her pivotal role in saving her people. She reflects on the challenges faced during this transformation, highlighting her bond with Mordecai and the injustices prevalent in a patriarchal society. The conversation also touches on Nehemiah's relentless efforts to rebuild Jerusalem amid opposition, showcasing the power of perseverance and faith in overcoming adversity.

Sep 30, 2024 • 21min
Day 274: Perseverance in Opposition (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into Nehemiah's daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls while facing fierce opposition. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and perseverance in overcoming both external threats and internal fears. The discussion touches on themes of justice, unity, and integrity amid challenges, while also exploring the rich narratives of Esther and Nehemiah. Insights into the historical context and biblical translations highlight the interconnectedness of faith and scholarship, inspiring listeners to trust God in their own adversities.

Sep 29, 2024 • 23min
Day 273: The Lord's Work (2024)
Discover the inspiring story of Nehemiah and the collaborative spirit behind rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. Fr. Mike highlights the divine nature of work, emphasizing how every task can be a sacred calling. Explore the prophecies of Zechariah and the transformative promise of redemption and justice. The discussion encourages reflection on individual contributions to community efforts and the importance of serving God in our daily lives. It’s a journey of faith that connects personal actions to the grandeur of divine work.

5 snips
Sep 28, 2024 • 27min
Day 272: The Call of Nehemiah (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into Nehemiah's heartfelt response to God's call, showcasing his leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, even for our enemies, and encourages forgiveness over vengeance. Listeners are invited to reflect on themes of compassion and divine protection while exploring the struggles faced by Jerusalem. The discussion also touches on the prophetic messages of Zechariah, highlighting the significance of community prayer and authentic faith in times of adversity.


