

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

8 snips
Sep 28, 2023 • 29min
Day 271: Israel's Foreign Wives (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses God's instruction to the people of Israel not to marry women from foreign lands. He explains why God would provide this instruction and how Ezra reacted when he discovered that many prominent Israelites had not obeyed it. It also explores the issue of intermarriage in Israel and the consequences it has on their faith. The chapter concludes with exploring the concept of good shepherds and prophecies about Jesus, including his triumphant entry into Jerusalem and betrayal by Judas.

7 snips
Sep 27, 2023 • 27min
Day 270: God's Favor with Ezra (2023)
Ezra's favor from God and his dedication to studying and teaching the law. Contrasting approaches to seeking help and hypocritical fasting. Surrendering our lives to God through tithing and fasting, with a prophecy of inclusion from Zechariah.

Sep 26, 2023 • 23min
Day 269: The Day of Small Things (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses the power of small things and how God can turn them into triumphs. He explores the dedication of Israel to rebuild the temple and the connection between crowning Joshua and crowning Christ. The chapters cover the restoration of the temple, various visions from Zechariah, the significance of a crown on Joshua's head, and the symbolism of crowning Joshua as the high priest.

9 snips
Sep 25, 2023 • 29min
Day 268: Rebuilding the Temple (2023)
In this podcast, Fr. Mike discusses the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and the importance of moving forward. He provides context on the Samaritans and the events in Jerusalem. The readings for the day are Ezra 3-4, Zechariah 1-3, and Proverbs 20:4-7. The chapters of the podcast cover topics like resistance to the temple's rebuilding, restoration of worship, encouragement and forgiveness, and embracing forgiveness to move forward.

6 snips
Sep 24, 2023 • 22min
Day 267: Indifference and Apathy (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses the return of the Israelites to the promised land in the books of Ezra and Haggai. He warns against apathy and indifference in our relationship with God. The podcast explores the fulfillment of prophecy, the list of returned exiles and offerings, the indifference towards rebuilding the temple, holiness and uncleanness, God's promise to Zerubbabel, choosing battles wisely, and rebuilding the temple.

8 snips
Sep 24, 2023 • 30min
Introduction to the Return (with Jeff Cavins) - 2023
Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the ninth biblical period, covering Israelites' return to Jerusalem, rise of Pharisees, and common household practices. They discuss patterns of exiles and returns in the Bible, from Exodus to Jesus' ministry. Topics include rise of synagogue, Pharisees, kosher rules, rebuilding temple and walls, power of touching Jesus' garment, intertwining faith and reason, and gratitude on Bible journey.

8 snips
Sep 23, 2023 • 23min
Day 266: Son of the Father (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses Christ's passion, the meaning of Barabbas, the importance of saints, the temptation towards false truth. He explains the context of the gospels and our place in the new and eternal covenant.

4 snips
Sep 22, 2023 • 26min
Day 265: Sins of Omission (2023)
Fr. Mike explores sins of omission and their impact on salvation. The parables of the talents and wise/foolish maidens are discussed. The importance of using our talents for God's glory is highlighted. Reflecting on Gethsemane, the hosts encourage honesty and trust in prayer.

11 snips
Sep 21, 2023 • 26min
Day 264: Preaching Without Practice (2023)
In this podcast, Fr. Mike discusses the dangers of preaching without practice. He highlights Jesus' criticism of the Scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. The hosts also explore the importance of kindness, discipline, and wisdom as mentioned in Proverbs. They delve into the parables told by Jesus and his teachings on authority in the church. Finally, they emphasize the concept of judging others and recognizing the power of Jesus.

16 snips
Sep 20, 2023 • 28min
Day 263: The Father's Generosity (2023)
Fr. Mike discusses various parables in Matthew, emphasizing the Father's generosity and the importance of forgiveness. The hosts also reflect on Proverbs, exploring consequences of foolishness. They delve into the concepts of true greatness and the temptations to sin. The parables of the lost sheep and the unmerciful servant highlight the joy of return and the necessity of forgiveness.


