

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

6 snips
Oct 16, 2023 • 25min
Day 289: Wise Influences (2023)
Exploring the beginning of Roman rule over the Jews and the importance of surrounding oneself with wise influences. The podcast delves into the establishment of an alliance between Rome and the Jews and the negative consequences of reckless speech. It also discusses the absence of prophets in the book of Judas Maccabees and the implications it has on decision-making.

Oct 15, 2023 • 24min
Day 288: Battling Against Gossip (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses the battle against gossip and the importance of wisdom in our interactions with others. He explores the battles faced by the Jewish people and highlights the significance of prayer before going to war. The chapter also delves into the dangers of gossip, the power of words, and the importance of seeking the truth before making judgments. Additionally, it emphasizes the value of wisdom and prudence in shaping our speech and actions.

Oct 14, 2023 • 28min
Day 287: Eleazar's Sacrifice (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses the story of Eleazar and the rejection of peace terms. He addresses the struggle of having family members who don't follow the Lord using wisdom from Sirach. The readings include 1 Maccabees 6, Sirach 16-18, and Proverbs 22:17-21.

Oct 13, 2023 • 27min
Day 286: The Battle to Choose God (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses the battles of Judas Maccabeus and the Israelites, the importance of fighting for freedom to worship, and the wisdom of using riches responsibly. He also emphasizes the need for virtuous company and the impact it has on our lives.

Oct 12, 2023 • 28min
Day 285: Story of Hanukkah (2023)
Learn about the heroic Story of Hanukkah and the significance of Judas Maccabius. Explore the themes of pride, honor, and humility. Reflect on the fleeting nature of human existence and the importance of remembering our own corner of the world.

Oct 11, 2023 • 27min
Day 284: Near Occasion of Sin (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses advice from Proverbs and Sirach that guides us towards wisdom. He highlights the importance of avoiding deserted places and what leads us to sin. The readings include Judas Maccabias' victories, honoring parents and fearing the Lord, and guidelines for relationships and avoiding sinful behaviors.

7 snips
Oct 10, 2023 • 26min
Day 283: Mattathias Attacks (2023)
Mattathias, a zealous Jewish leader, attacks the Greeks and his fellow Jews who were not obeying God's laws. Fr. Mike clarifies the meaning behind his actions. They discuss the importance of treating others with kindness, seeking wisdom, and taking care of the poor. They also explore the complexities and consequences of the revolt against the Greek occupation.

Oct 9, 2023 • 32min
Day 282: Antiochus Desecrates the Temple (2023)
The podcast discusses the severe persecution and desecration of the Temple led by Antiochus Epiphanes. It introduces the book of Maccabees and the fear of the Lord. It explores the pressures faced by Jews to assimilate into Greek culture and the defiance of those who refused. It also emphasizes courage, faithfulness, and wisdom in the face of trials.

5 snips
Oct 9, 2023 • 32min
Introduction to the Maccabean Revolt (with Jeff Cavins) - 2023
Jeff Cavins, biblical historian and author, joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Maccabean Revolt. They discuss the Greek oppression of the Jews, the zealous response of the Maccabean family, the celebration of Hanukkah, and the heroic martyrdom of Jews. They also explore non-canonical books of the Bible, the resistance against Antiochus Epiphanes, and the historical context leading to the birth of Jesus.

Oct 8, 2023 • 27min
Day 281: Good and Evil (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses the corruption and faithlessness of the people of Judah, the consequences of marrying foreign gods, and the importance of faithfulness in marriage. He also explores Nehemiah's return to cleanse the temple and emphasizes the significance of marrying in the faith. The speaker analyzes criticism of priests and blindness to God's love, concluding with prophecies of Jesus and the great day of the Lord.


