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
11 snips
May 26, 2025 • 22min
Day 146: The Universal Church (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into Solomon's visionary leadership, highlighting his wisdom and the collaborative spirit that unified Israel. The significance of the temple is emphasized as a central place for worship, connecting the community and enriching their spiritual identity. He draws parallels to Jesus’ teachings, advocating for a Church that transcends divisions. The conversation captures a transformative era for Israel, laying the groundwork for a unified worship experience that shapes their journey forward.
13 snips
May 25, 2025 • 20min
Day 145: Solomon Builds the Temple (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into Solomon's monumental task of building the temple, a defining moment in his reign. The story highlights his request for wisdom and the grand details of the temple's construction. A dramatic gathering of priests and singers marks the temple's inauguration, filled with divine presence. The narrative also reflects on the lessons learned from past mistakes and the spiritual significance of worship. Solomon's journey is both an architectural triumph and a cautionary tale of leadership.
8 snips
May 24, 2025 • 25min
Day 144: David's Last Words (2025)
David’s final words to Solomon are filled with poignant advice, urging loyalty and justice as the young king prepares for his reign. The discussion highlights Bathsheba’s significant role as queen mother, hinting at Mary’s foreshadowing in the New Testament. Listeners learn about Solomon’s ambitious plans for a grand temple, showcasing intricate designs and materials. Themes of faithfulness, caution, and the need for unwavering trust in God resonate throughout, encouraging reflection on leadership and legacy.
12 snips
May 23, 2025 • 22min
Day 143: Solomon Asks for Wisdom (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the intriguing character of Solomon, highlighting his initial wisdom and the seeds of his eventual downfall. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of obedience in one's relationship with God. Tensions arise in the royal family as Adonijah claims kingship, showcasing the drama of succession. The podcast also touches on the transformative power of prayer amid suffering, revealing how faith can bring joy even during trials. A closer look at leadership dynamics makes this exploration both relevant and thought-provoking.
4 snips
May 22, 2025 • 19min
Day 142: Whole and Joyful Hearts (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the importance of loving the Lord with our whole hearts. He contrasts King David's devotion with Solomon's divided love. The discussion on David's census reveals the consequences of seeking power and the path to redemption through atonement. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on repentance and the joy of giving to God, as seen in David's generous offerings. This journey invites contemplation on the fleeting nature of life and God's everlasting greatness.
5 snips
May 21, 2025 • 20min
Day 141: The Life of David (2025)
The discussion features the inspiring loyalty and bravery of David's Mighty Men, showcasing their heroic acts. Fr. Mike reflects on David's profound respect for their sacrifices, highlighted by a memorable moment involving risky water-fetching. The conversation also delves into David's final instructions for building the Temple, encouraging his son Solomon to embrace God's plan. Exploring Psalm 42, they emphasize finding hope in despair and the importance of faith. Lastly, David's legacy focuses on acknowledging loyal supporters and his wisdom as he passes the kingdom.
4 snips
May 20, 2025 • 21min
Day 140: David's Prayer of Thanksgiving (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the powerful themes in David's prayer of thanksgiving, reflecting on gratitude at life's end. He emphasizes the profound connection between faithfulness and divine blessings. The discussion highlights the vivid imagery of God's deliverance and David's military leadership, alongside a heartfelt commitment to honor God. Listeners are invited to recognize their own victories and challenges, reinforcing the importance of community support in one’s spiritual journey.
5 snips
May 19, 2025 • 22min
Day 139: Reparation to the Gibeonites (2025)
Today's discussion highlights King David's humility as he seeks to make amends with the Gibeonites, showcasing the weight of historical commitments. The tragic yet heartfelt themes of loss and bravery unfold against the backdrop of ongoing battles with the Philistines. The role of temple gatekeepers is explored, emphasizing their vital contributions to spiritual life. Additionally, the importance of obedience and divine mercy is illuminated, encouraging listeners to find meaning in everyday acts of faith.
5 snips
May 18, 2025 • 19min
Day 138: The Effect of Sin on Others (2025)
Fr. Mike discusses how violence leads to further violence, illustrating the far-reaching effects of sin beyond the individual. The complexities of loyalty and betrayal surface as David's authority is challenged during a rebellion. The role of wisdom in conflict resolution shines through the actions of a clever woman. Connecting worship with divine mercy, there’s a reflection on life's transience and a longing for forgiveness in a heartfelt psalm. The episode emphasizes the ripple effects of our choices on the lives of others.
22 snips
May 17, 2025 • 23min
Day 137: David Mourns Absalom (2025)
King David's deep grief over the loss of his son Absalom takes center stage, affecting not only him but the entire kingdom. The emotional complexity of leadership amidst mourning highlights conflicts within Israel's tribes. Psalm 38 reveals a poignant plea for healing, balancing despair with hope. Furthermore, David's unique role as a king and worshipper is examined, foreshadowing Christ's priesthood. As tensions rise, Joab challenges David's mourning, showcasing the sacrifices made by loyal supporters.
