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

The definitive Catholic Bible in a year podcast, brought to you by Ascension

About the show

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…

  1. Read the ENTIRE Bible
  2. Feel more confident about your understanding of Scripture
  3. Experience the transformative power of God’s Word in your daily life
  4. 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

  • Day 162: Rehoboam Seeks Counsel (2024)

    June 10th, 2024  |  23 mins 48 secs
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    Fr. Mike explains why it's better to seek counsel from those who don't necessarily always agree with us, using the experience of Rehobo′am as an example. He also touches on the failed leadership of Jerobo′am as he leads his people into false places of worship and idolatry. Today's readings are 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10-11, and Song of Solomon 1.

  • Introduction to the Divided Kingdom (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)

    June 10th, 2024  |  28 mins 40 secs
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    Welcome to the Divided Kingdom period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to explain the critical information needed to understand the rest of our biblical readings. They talk about Solomon's alliances with foreign nations, the growth of a civil war, and the incredible significance of 1 Kings 12:16.

  • Day 161: The Crucifixion of Christ (2024)

    June 9th, 2024  |  19 mins 16 secs
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    Fr. Mike finishes the gospel of Mark by reflecting on the death and resurrection of Christ. He also encourages us to reflect on the redemption of our own sins every time we see a crucifix and to return that same sacrificial love to God every day. Today's readings are Mark 15-16 and Psalm 22.

  • Day 160: Jesus Warns the People (2024)

    June 8th, 2024  |  24 mins 35 secs
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    Fr. Mike guides us through Jesus' warning of persecution to the people of Israel as we near the end of Mark's Gospel. He also touches on how Jesus' behavior in the Garden of Gethsemane should serve as an example to us, and explains why Judas' betrayal was so heartbreaking. Today's readings are Mark 13-14 and Psalm 68.

  • Day 159: Bearing Fruit (2024)

    June 7th, 2024  |  22 mins 9 secs
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    As we read about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, Fr. Mike breaks down Jesus' interactions with his disciples and the sadducees, and his reaction to the widow's offering. We learn that a life rooted in Jesus, is a life that bears good fruit. Today we read Mark 11-12 and Psalm 67.

  • Day 158: The Reality of Sin (2024)

    June 6th, 2024  |  28 mins 40 secs
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    Fr. Mike highlights the reality of sin and our capacity to choose hell as we read about Jesus' teachings on temptations, divorce, and wealth. Jesus' teachings can be challenging, but following him is the path to true holiness. Today we read Mark 9-10 and Psalm 29.

  • Day 157: Following Jesus (2024)

    June 5th, 2024  |  28 mins 43 secs
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    Fr. Mike emphasizes that following Jesus as his disciples requires remarkable humility, faith, purity of heart and courage. Today's readings are Mark 7-8 and Psalm 23.

  • Day 156: Jesus Casts Out Demons (2024)

    June 4th, 2024  |  22 mins 32 secs
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    As we continue to read about Jesus' ministry, Fr. Mike focuses today on Jesus' power to cast out demons and reminds us that there is an ongoing spiritual battle for our souls. Today's readings are Mark 5-6 and Psalm 21.

  • Day 155: Jesus is Lord (2024)

    June 3rd, 2024  |  20 mins 50 secs
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    Today we read about Jesus' teachings and miracles that confirm his identity as Lord. Fr. Mike emphasizes the divinity of Jesus revealed in his actions, and clarifies historical facts about his life. The readings are Mark 3-4 and Psalm 20.

  • Day 154: The Baptism of Jesus (2024)

    June 2nd, 2024  |  27 mins 58 secs
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    As we begin reading the Gospel of Mark, Fr. Mike points out several amazing details about the baptism of Jesus, as well as some important points about the healing of the paralytic. The readings are Mark 1-2 and Psalm 11.

  • Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of Mark (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)

    June 2nd, 2024  |  25 mins 58 secs
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    Welcome to the second Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Mark and discuss how this short Gospel helps us understand both the identity and mission of Jesus.

  • Day 153: The Decline of Solomon (2024)

    June 1st, 2024  |  23 mins 44 secs
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    Today, as we hear about the decline of Solomon, Fr. Mike points out how the consequences of our decisions can have ramifications far beyond ourselves. The readings are 1 Kings 11, Ecclesiastes 10-12, and Psalm 9.

  • Day 152: Being Forgotten (2024)

    May 31st, 2024  |  18 mins 36 secs
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    Fr. Mike reminds us that, eventually, all of us will be forgotten by the world. He encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven, focusing on surrender and trust in God, rather than control. Today's readings are 1 Kings 10, Ecclesiastes 8-9, and Psalm 8.

  • Day 151: Wisdom and Folly (2024)

    May 30th, 2024  |  21 mins 2 secs
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    Fr. Mike delves deeper into the lessons Ecclesiastes teaches us today about living wisely by keeping the end in mind, enjoying the present moment, and not worrying too much about other people's opinions of us. Today's readings are 1 Kings 9, Ecclesiastes 6-7, and Psalm 7.

  • Day 150: The Dedication of the Temple (2024)

    May 29th, 2024  |  28 mins 18 secs
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    Fr. Mike explains the details of Solomon's dedication of the Temple, and the power of God's presence dwelling in it. In Ecclesiastes, we continue to learn more nuggets of wisdom about friendship, prudence, and money. Today we read 1 Kings 8, Ecclesiastes 3-5, and Psalm 6.

  • Day 149: All Is Vanity (2024)

    May 28th, 2024  |  27 mins 4 secs
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    Today we begin reading the book of Ecclesiastes! Fr. Mike helps us understand the central theme of this book of wisdom literature- the meaning of life. What truly matters in this passing life? It's only because God exists that everything matters because our choices and lives will endure into eternity. Today's readings are 1 Kings 7, Ecclesiastes 1-2, and Psalm 5.