The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Day 312: Conclusion to the Old Testament (2024)

November 7th, 2024  |  15 mins 17 secs

2 maccabees 15, ascension catholic, ascension presents, ascension press, battle, bible, bible in a year, bible in a year podcast, bible in a year with father mike, bible in a year with father mike schmitz, bible in a year with fr mike, bible in a year with fr.mike, bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz, bible podcast, bible podcast father mike, bible podcast father mike schmitz, bible podcast fr mike, bible podcast fr.mike, bible podcast fr.mike schmitz, bible study, catholic, catholic bible, catholic bible study, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic priest, catholic religion, catholicism, catholics, christian, christianity, consecrated sanctuary, defeat, epilogue ascension, father mike, father mike schmitz, fight, fr mike, fr. mike schmitz, fr.mike, god, god's honor, god's presence, god’s word, human brokenness, jesus, jesus christ, nicanor, old testament, old testament conclusion, proverbs 25, purity, read the bible, read the bible in a year, religion, roman catholic, salvation history, scripture, struggle of love, the bible in a year with father mike schmitz, the bible in a year with fr mike, the great adventure bible, the great adventure timeline, the temple, the word of god, the bible in a year with father mike, totus tuus, wisdom 19,  the bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz

Day 311: God Fights for You (2024)

November 6th, 2024  |  23 mins 54 secs

2 maccabees, 2 maccabees 14, ascension catholic, ascension presents, ascension press, bible, bible in a year, bible in a year podcast, bible in a year with father mike, bible in a year with father mike schmitz, bible in a year with fr mike, bible in a year with fr.mike, bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz, bible podcast, bible podcast father mike, bible podcast father mike schmitz, bible podcast fr mike, bible podcast fr.mike, bible podcast fr.mike schmitz, bible study, brokeness, catholic, catholic bible, catholic bible study, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic priest, catholic religion, catholicism, catholics, christian, christianity, father mike, father mike schmitz, fr mike, fr. mike schmitz, fr.mike, god, god fights, god fights for you ascension, god’s word, jesus, jesus christ, maccabean revolt, old testament, prophecy, proverbs, proverbs 25, read the bible, read the bible in a year, religion, roman catholic, salvation history, scripture, the bible in a year with father mike schmitz, the bible in a year with fr mike, the great adventure bible, the great adventure timeline, the word of god, the bible in a year with father mike, totus tuus, wisdom, wisdom 17, wisdom 18,  the bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz

As we get closer to the end of the Old Testament, Fr. Mike highlights one of the lessons we've seen time and time again—that God continues to fight for each of us, despite the brokenness and messiness of our lives. He also points out how the reading from Wisdom foreshadows the coming of Jesus. The readings are 2 Maccabees 14, Wisdom 17-18, and Proverbs 25:18-20.

Day 310: Rivals for the Heart (2024)

November 5th, 2024  |  21 mins 42 secs

2 maccabees 13, ascension catholic, ascension presents, ascension press, bible, bible in a year, bible in a year podcast, bible in a year with father mike, bible in a year with father mike schmitz, bible in a year with fr mike, bible in a year with fr.mike, bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz, bible podcast, bible podcast father mike, bible podcast father mike schmitz, bible podcast fr mike, bible podcast fr.mike, bible podcast fr.mike schmitz, bible study, catholic, catholic bible, catholic bible study, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic priest, catholic religion, catholicism, catholics, chief rivals, christian, christianity, father mike, father mike schmitz, fr mike, fr. mike schmitz, fr.mike, god, god’s word, idolatry, jesus, jesus christ, maccabees, proverbs 25, read the bible, read the bible in a year, religion, rivals for god, rivals for the heart ascension, roman catholic, salvation history, scripture, the bible in a year with father mike schmitz, the bible in a year with fr mike, the great adventure bible, the great adventure timeline, the word of god, the bible in a year with father mike, totus tuus, wisdom, wisdom 15, wisdom 16, worshipping idols,  the bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz

Fr. Mike points out how easy it is to take good things and make idols out of them, setting them up as God's rivals for our hearts. We can discover these rivals by noticing the things we prioritize over spending time with God. The readings are 2 Maccabees 13, Wisdom 15-16, and Proverbs 25:15-17.

Day 309: Praying for the Dead (2024)

November 4th, 2024  |  25 mins 48 secs

2 maccabees 12, ascension, ascension catholic, ascension presents, ascension press, bible, bible in a year, bible in a year podcast, bible in a year with father mike, bible in a year with father mike schmitz, bible in a year with fr mike, bible in a year with fr.mike, bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz, bible podcast, bible podcast father mike, bible podcast father mike schmitz, bible podcast fr mike, bible podcast fr.mike, bible podcast fr.mike schmitz, bible study, catholic, catholic bible, catholic bible study, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic priest, catholic religion, catholicism, catholics, christian, christianity, death, father mike, father mike schmitz, fr mike, fr. mike schmitz, fr.mike, god, god’s word, heaven, idolatry, jesus, jesus christ, praying for the dead, proverbs 35, purgatory, purification, read the bible, read the bible in a year, religion, roman catholic, salvation history, scripture, the bible in a year with father mike schmitz, the bible in a year with fr mike, the great adventure bible, the great adventure timeline, the word of god, the bible in a year with father mike, totus tuus, wisdom 13-14, worshipping idols,  the bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz

Fr. Mike breaks down the doctrine of purgatory as we read about Judas Maccabeus and his army praying for the dead in 2 Maccabees 12. We learn that purgatory is a process of purification that our hearts need in order to be ready to love God and to enter into his presence. In our reading of Wisdom today, Fr. Mike emphasizes the insanity of worshipping idols and how it's more tempting to make idols out of good things rather than evil things. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 12, Wisdom 13-14, and Proverbs 25:11-14.

Day 308: Little by Little (2024)

November 3rd, 2024  |  23 mins 12 secs

2 maccabees 11, ascension catholic, ascension presents, ascension press, battle, bible, bible in a year, bible in a year podcast, bible in a year with father mike, bible in a year with father mike schmitz, bible in a year with fr mike, bible in a year with fr.mike, bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz, bible podcast, bible podcast father mike, bible podcast father mike schmitz, bible podcast fr mike, bible podcast fr.mike, bible podcast fr.mike schmitz, bible study, catholic, catholic bible, catholic bible study, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic priest, catholic religion, catholicism, catholics, children, christian, christianity, father, father mike, father mike schmitz, fatherhood, fr mike, fr. mike schmitz, fr.mike, god, god as ally, god testing, god the father, gods protection ascension, god’s word, heavenly ally, jesus, jesus christ, little by little, lysias, maccabeus, proverbs 25, read the bible, read the bible in a year, religion, roman catholic, salvation history, scripture, serpents, temptation, testing, the bible in a year with father mike schmitz, the bible in a year with fr mike, the great adventure bible, the great adventure timeline, the word of god, the bible in a year with father mike, totus tuus, trust, wisdom 11, wisdom 12, wisdom of god, wisdom of solomon,  the bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz

Fr. Mike highlights how God fights as a heavenly ally with the people of Israel in 2 Maccabees 11, and encourages us to actively fight alongside God in our daily battles. In our reading of Wisdom, Father points out how God corrects us little by little so we can learn to trust him. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 11, Wisdom 11-12, and Proverbs 25:8-10.

Day 307: Courage in Battle (2024)

November 2nd, 2024  |  21 mins 18 secs

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Today, Fr. Mike discusses the confidence that faith in God can provide as we fight the battles of our lives. He also engages with the riddles found in Wisdom 10 and points out that we can now not only understand the characters, stories, and allusions of Scripture, but can recognize the fingerprints of God in the world around us and better understand the main character of Scripture: God. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 10, Wisdom 9-10, and Proverbs 25:4-7.

Day 306: Wisdom Is Beautiful (2024)

November 1st, 2024  |  20 mins 56 secs

1 maccabees, 2 maccabees 9, antiochus, antiochus epiphanes, ascension catholic, ascension presents, ascension press, bible, bible in a year, bible in a year podcast, bible in a year with father mike, bible in a year with father mike schmitz, bible in a year with fr mike, bible in a year with fr.mike, bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz, bible podcast, bible podcast father mike, bible podcast father mike schmitz, bible podcast fr mike, bible podcast fr.mike, bible podcast fr.mike schmitz, bible study, book of wisdom, catholic, catholic bible, catholic bible study, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic priest, catholic religion, catholicism, catholics, characterization, christian, christianity, cliffhanger, death, description, father mike, father mike schmitz, feminine nature of wisdom, fr mike, fr. mike schmitz, fr.mike, god, god’s word, jesus, jesus christ, prayer, proverbs 25, read the bible, read the bible in a year, religion, roman catholic, salvation history, scripture, search for wisdom ascension, suffering, the bible in a year with father mike schmitz, the bible in a year with fr mike, the great adventure bible, the great adventure timeline, the word of god, the bible in a year with father mike, totus tuus, wisdom, wisdom 7, wisdom 8, worst day of your life,  the bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz

Fr. Mike draws our attention to the descriptions of wisdom found in our readings for today and reflects on the beauty of wisdom’s feminine nature. He also discusses the death of Antiochus Epiphanes and offers two perspectives on reconciling God’s role in suffering. Today’s readings are from 2 Maccabees 9, Wisdom 7-8, and Proverbs 25:1-3.

Day 305: The Defender (2024)

October 31st, 2024  |  21 mins 26 secs

2 maccabees 8, ascension, ascension catholic, ascension presents, ascension press, bible, bible in a year, bible in a year podcast, bible in a year with father mike, bible in a year with father mike schmitz, bible in a year with fr mike, bible in a year with fr.mike, bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz, bible podcast, bible podcast father mike, bible podcast father mike schmitz, bible podcast fr mike, bible podcast fr.mike, bible podcast fr.mike schmitz, bible study, catholic, catholic bible, catholic bible study, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic priest, catholic religion, catholicism, catholics, christian, christianity, defender, father mike, father mike schmitz, fr mike, fr. mike schmitz, fr.mike, god, god is our defender, god is present, god’s word, jesus, jesus christ, judas maccabeus, justice, mercy, presence of god, proverbs 24, read the bible, read the bible in a year, religion, roman catholic, salvation history, scripture, temple of the lord, the bible in a year with father mike schmitz, the bible in a year with fr mike, the great adventure bible, the great adventure timeline, the word of god, the bible in a year with father mike, totus tuus, wisdom 5, wisdom 6,  the bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz

As we hear the re-telling of the story of Judas Maccabbeus and his brothers fighting for the honor of the Lord's Temple in 2 Maccabees, Fr. Mike points out how this version gives us an insight into their recognition of God's presence, mercy, and justice in their circumstances. We learn that no matter what we are going through, we can trust that God is our great defender who is present and active in all circumstances of our lives. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 8, Wisdom 5-6, and Proverbs 24:30-34.

Day 304: Life Beyond Death (2024)

October 30th, 2024  |  24 mins 38 secs

2 maccabees 7, ascension, ascension catholic, ascension presents, ascension press, bible, bible in a year, bible in a year podcast, bible in a year with father mike, bible in a year with father mike schmitz, bible in a year with fr mike, bible in a year with fr.mike, bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz, bible podcast, bible podcast father mike, bible podcast father mike schmitz, bible podcast fr mike, bible podcast fr.mike, bible podcast fr.mike schmitz, bible study, book of wisdom, catholic, catholic bible, catholic bible study, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic priest, catholic religion, catholicism, catholics, christian, christianity, death, eternal life, father mike, father mike schmitz, fr mike, fr. mike schmitz, fr.mike, god, god’s word, hope in eternity, jesus, jesus christ, life beyond death, martrydom of the seven brothers, read the bible, read the bible in a year, religion, resurrection of the dead, roman catholic, salvation history, scripture, the bible in a year with father mike schmitz, the bible in a year with fr mike, the great adventure bible, the great adventure timeline, the seven brothers, the word of god, the bible in a year with father mike, totus tuus, wisdom 3, wisdom 4,  the bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz

Fr. Mike focuses on the powerful theme that connects all of our readings today- the reality of life beyond death. In the story of the martyrdom of the seven brothers in 2 Macabees, we see how the brothers and their mother fiercely reject the temptation to violate God's law, and boldly hold onto their hope in the resurrection of the dead. Our readings from Wisdom also remind us that death is not the end, because we know that eternal life is waiting for us beyond death. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 7, Wisdom 3-4, and Proverbs 24:27-29.

Day 303: Eleazar's Martyrdom (2024)

October 29th, 2024  |  22 mins 44 secs

2 maccabees 6, ascension, ascension catholic, ascension presents, ascension press, bible, bible in a year, bible in a year podcast, bible in a year with father mike, bible in a year with father mike schmitz, bible in a year with fr mike, bible in a year with fr.mike, bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz, bible podcast, bible podcast father mike, bible podcast father mike schmitz, bible podcast fr mike, bible podcast fr.mike, bible podcast fr.mike schmitz, bible study, book of wisdom, catholic, catholic bible, catholic bible study, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic priest, catholic religion, catholicism, catholics, christian, christianity, death, eleazar, eleazars courage, evil, father mike, father mike schmitz, fr mike, fr. mike schmitz, fr.mike, god, god’s word, jesus, jesus christ, life, martyrdom, read the bible, read the bible in a year, religion, roman catholic, salvation history, scripture, sin, sin of scandal, the bible in a year with father mike schmitz, the bible in a year with fr mike, the devil, the great adventure bible, the great adventure timeline, the word of god, the bible in a year with father mike, totus tuus, wisdom, wisdom 1-2,  the bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz

Fr. Mike offers a recap of Eleazar's martyrdom and marvels at Eleazar's courage to avoid both sin, and the temptation to lead others into sin. As we begin reading the book of Wisdom today, we also learn three valuable lessons; God did not create death, death entered the world through sin, and we are wise when we walk in the truth but foolish when we walk in evil. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 6, Wisdom 1-2, and Proverbs 24:21-26.

Day 302: The Pursuit of Wisdom (2024)

October 28th, 2024  |  19 mins 26 secs

2 maccabees 5, antiochus, ascension, ascension catholic, ascension presents, ascension press, bible, bible in a year, bible in a year podcast, bible in a year with father mike, bible in a year with father mike schmitz, bible in a year with fr mike, bible in a year with fr.mike, bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz, bible podcast, bible podcast father mike, bible podcast father mike schmitz, bible podcast fr mike, bible podcast fr.mike, bible podcast fr.mike schmitz, bible study, catholic, catholic bible, catholic bible study, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic priest, catholic religion, catholicism, catholics, christian, christianity, enemies fall, father mike, father mike schmitz, fr mike, fr. mike schmitz, fr.mike, god, god’s word, jesus, jesus christ, judas maccabeus, maccabees, pillage of the temple, proverbs, proverbs 24, read the bible, read the bible in a year, rejoice, religion, roman catholic, salvation history, scripture, sirach, sirach 50, sirach 51, temptation, the bible in a year with father mike schmitz, the bible in a year with fr mike, the great adventure bible, the great adventure timeline, the word of god, the bible in a year with father mike, totus tuus, wisdom,  the bible in a year with fr.mike schmitz

Fr. Mike concludes the book of Sirach today and encourages us to continue the pursuit of wisdom. In our reading of 2 Maccabees, we see again the pillage of the Temple and we are re- introduced to Judas Maccabeus. Lastly, in Proverbs Fr. Mike encourages us to resist the temptation to rejoice when our enemies fall. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 5, Sirach 50-51, and Proverbs 24:17-20.

Day 301: Rising Again (2024)

October 27th, 2024  |  23 mins 18 secs

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As we begin to wrap up the Old Testament, Fr. Mike reflects on our reading from Sirach and what we have already learned on this journey through the Bible. He emphasizes that Scripture encourages us to rise again from our sin and return to God, because our God always picks us up again with his mercy. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 4, Sirach 47-49, and Proverbs 24:13-16.

Day 298: The Gift of Life (2024)

October 27th, 2024  |  23 mins 40 secs

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Fr. Mike gives us context for the beginning of 2 Maccabees and recounts the story of Nehemiah’s discovery of the sacred fire. He also offers a reflection for those struggling with grief and death, which serves as a reminder to all about the blessing of our lives and the lives of those we love. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 1, Sirach 40-41, and Proverbs 24:1-7.

Day 300: Conversion of Heart (2024)

October 26th, 2024  |  25 mins 35 secs

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Fr. Mike provides context to the God-centered perspective of 2 Maccabees and compares it to the more secular perspective provided by 1 Maccabees. He challenges us to reflect on our days with the lens of 2 Maccabees - acknowledging God’s presence in each moment of our story. Additionally, Fr. Mike shares the miraculous conversion story of St. Mary of Egypt. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 3, Sirach 45-46, and Proverbs 24:10-12.

Day 299: Jeremiah Hides the Ark (2024)

October 25th, 2024  |  22 mins 17 secs

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Fr. Mike discusses the story of Jeremiah and the Ark of the Covenant, offering insight on where it was hidden and how that affected the people of God. He also looks ahead to the rest of 2 Maccabees and poses a question for all of us: What will the people who love us remember about us? Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 2, Sirach 42-44, and Proverbs 24:8-9.

Day 298: The Gift of Life (2024)

October 24th, 2024  |  23 mins 40 secs

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Fr. Mike gives us context for the beginning of 2 Maccabees and recounts the story of Nehemiah’s discovery of the sacred fire. He also offers a reflection for those struggling with grief and death, which serves as a reminder to all about the blessing of our lives and the lives of those we love. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 1, Sirach 40-41, and Proverbs 24:1-7.