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.
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This episode introduces the book of Nehemiah, highlighting his immediate, prayerful response to God's call to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, even when facing opposition. It also delves into Zechariah's prophecies, particularly the "pierced one" as a profound foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrificial love. Father Mike further reflects on Proverbs' guidance against repaying evil and the importance of allowing God to act, reinforcing the lesson of trusting God's will and acting decisively in faith.
This episode delves into Ezra's profound sorrow and prayer after discovering Israelites intermarried with foreign women, violating God's command. Father Mike explains the theological reasons behind the prohibition and the complex, case-by-case process of separation. The discussion also covers Zechariah's prophecies, including the coming humble king (Palm Sunday), Israel's promised restoration, the significance of the 30 pieces of silver, and a reflection on true leadership exemplified by good shepherds.
This episode delves into Ezra's journey, his divine favor with King Artaxerxes, and his commitment to studying, obeying, and teaching God's law. Fr. Mike also examines Zechariah's condemnation of hypocritical fasting, urging listeners to recognize that all aspects of life belong to God, not just a portion. The episode concludes with a reflection on God's promises of restoration for Jerusalem and the prophecy of Gentiles being drawn into God's covenant.
Day 269 explores Ezra's account of the temple's rebuilding, highlighting how King Darius's decree, found through diligent record-keeping, enabled the work. Father Mike then delves into Zechariah's prophetic visions, focusing on the encouragement not to despise "the day of small things" and the significant symbolism of Joshua's crowning, which foreshadows Jesus as both High Priest and King. The episode also reflects on Proverbs about actions revealing one's true heart.
Day 268 covers Ezra's account of the temple's rebuilding, highlighting the initial joy and the sorrow of elders recalling the first temple, and the critical lesson of not dwelling on the past. It then delves into Ezra's depiction of Samaritan opposition and their deceptive tactics to halt the work. Finally, Father Mike unpacks Zechariah's visions of repentance and restoration, particularly the cleansing of Joshua the high priest, drawing a powerful parallel to Christ's act of removing all guilt on Good Friday.
This episode of The Bible in a Year introduces the books of Ezra and Haggai, detailing the Israelites' return from Babylonian captivity under King Cyrus's decree and the meticulous census of those who came back. Father Mike highlights the people's apathy towards rebuilding God's temple as chronicled in Haggai, where God confronts their indifference and discouragement. The readings emphasize God's unwavering faithfulness, his promises of future glory, and a call to reform and turn back to him, offering wisdom from Proverbs on avoiding strife and foolishness.
Father Mike and Jeff Cavins introduce the "Return" period, the ninth biblical era, detailing the Israelites' return from 70 years of Babylonian exile. They explore the development of new Jewish practices like the synagogue and kosher laws in the absence of the Temple, and the three waves of return led by Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The discussion connects these historical events to personal rebuilding, emphasizing the vital role of the Eucharist, the Word of God, and the Church, while also highlighting prophecies from Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi that foreshadow Jesus' coming.
Concluding the Gospel of Matthew, Father Mike guides us through Christ's passion, highlighting the choice between Barabbas and Jesus, and the profound meaning of Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross. The episode then celebrates the resurrection and the Great Commission, emphasizing the enduring power of God's love. We are encouraged to embrace our call to make disciples in our daily lives, trusting in God's constant presence.
Father Mike delves into Matthew chapters 25 and 26, unpacking parables like the Wise and Foolish Maidens and the Talents, emphasizing preparedness and fruitfulness in faith. He then highlights the profound implications of the Judgment of the Nations, explaining sins of omission as a failure to do good and calling listeners to corporal works of mercy. The episode also covers the initial events of Jesus' Passion and concludes with a reflection on honesty and trust in prayer, drawn from Jesus' agony in Gethsemane.
This episode navigates Matthew 22-24 and Proverbs 19. Father Mike discusses Christ's parables in Jerusalem, focusing on the dangers of preaching God's Word without living it, as seen in Jesus' rebukes of the Scribes and Pharisees. The discussion also covers critical teachings on paying taxes, the resurrection, the greatest commandment, signs of the end times, and the importance of watchfulness. Fr. Mike concludes by reflecting on Jesus as both Prince of Peace and the Way and Truth, emphasizing meekness over weakness and the reality of heaven and hell.
Day 263 explores Matthew chapters 18-21, including powerful parables like the lost sheep, the unmerciful servant, and the laborers in the vineyard. Fr. Mike emphasizes Jesus' teachings on true greatness, the seriousness of temptation, the necessity of forgiveness, and God's immense generosity. The episode also touches on teachings about divorce, wealth, and Jesus' authority, urging listeners not to be envious of God's blessings but to embrace His boundless love and mercy, as well as a brief reflection on Proverbs.
Today's readings from Matthew detail Jesus' power through numerous miracles, including feeding thousands and walking on water, affirming his divine nature. He challenges legalistic traditions by emphasizing inner purity and reveals his identity as the Son of God to Peter, establishing him as the rock of the Church. The episode also covers Jesus' transfiguration, foretelling his death, and the call for disciples to deny themselves and take up their cross.
Day 261 of the Bible in a Year journey covers Matthew chapters 11-13 and Proverbs 19. Fr. Mike explains Jesus' interactions with John the Baptist, his condemnation of unrepentant cities, and key parables like the Sower, Weeds, Mustard Seed, Leaven, and the Treasure. A significant reflection focuses on the 'ornate soul' and the necessity of filling spiritual voids with virtue rather than leaving them empty for evil to return. The episode emphasizes the profound value of the Kingdom of Heaven and the importance of a heart rooted in faith, even amidst challenges and the presence of evil within the church.
Day 260 of The Bible in a Year focuses on Matthew chapters 8-10, showcasing Jesus' authority over illness, demons, and nature, proving his divinity. Father Mike emphasizes the mission given to the disciples and the challenging call to pick up one's cross, bravely facing potential family division and persecution for Christ's sake, reminding listeners of God's unwavering care.
In Day 259, Father Mike unpacks the profound teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7, alongside Proverbs 18. He reveals how Jesus, as the new Moses, fulfills the ancient law by diagnosing the sinful human heart, not merely external actions. The episode highlights that Jesus himself is the ultimate remedy for sin, guiding listeners towards holiness by living in conformity with God's perfect will. Additionally, Father Mike reflects on the invaluable gift of true friendship.
This episode begins with Matthew's account of Jesus's genealogy, tracing his lineage and revealing themes of brokenness leading to divine fulfillment. It then details his miraculous birth, the visit of the Wise Men, the flight to Egypt, and his family's return. The episode continues through John the Baptist's powerful ministry, Jesus's baptism and temptation in the wilderness, and the commencement of his public ministry in Galilee, where he begins to reconstitute God's promised kingdom and call his first disciples.
Fr. Mike and Jeff Cavins explore the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing its unique Jewish perspective and how it reveals Old Testament prophecies through Jesus' life, from his genealogy to his wilderness temptations and the Sermon on the Mount. They delve into Matthew 16, discussing the establishment of the Papacy as a visible structure of God's kingdom and a gift to the Church. The episode concludes by stressing the call to active discipleship and the Great Commission, urging listeners to prepare to share the Gospel.
This episode finishes the book of Jeremiah, highlighting the tragic fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's fate, yet concluding with a surprising moment of hope in Jehoiakim's release from prison. Father Mike then reads the entire book of Obadiah, focusing on Edom's judgment for betraying their kin, Israel. He reflects on the challenge to actively choose to love family members, drawing parallels to Jacob and Esau's descendants, and encourages listeners to seek God's grace in loving those closest to them.
This episode covers God's judgment on Babylon in Jeremiah 51 and Jerusalem's profound suffering during its siege as depicted in Lamentations 4-5. Fr. Mike reflects on humanity's brokenness revealed in desperation and the distinction between God's permissible and perfect will. He concludes by emphasizing that maintaining communication with God, even through heartbreak and desolation, is the true source of hope in life's most challenging times.
Father Mike guides listeners through Jeremiah 49-50, detailing prophecies of judgment against surrounding nations and Babylon, alongside promises of Israel's restoration. The episode then delves into Lamentations 3, exploring Jeremiah's raw anguish and despair, and the profound shift to finding hope in God's unceasing love and daily mercies. He also touches on wisdom from Proverbs 18 regarding justice and the impact of gossip, ultimately reminding us that even in deep sorrow, God's goodness and compassion endure, offering reason for hope.
Day 254 features readings from Jeremiah 47-48, detailing God's judgment against the Philistines and Moab, and Lamentations 2, describing the desolation of Zion. Father Mike reflects on these prophetic warnings, urging listeners to confront their own indifference and areas of rebellion, embracing God's justice alongside His mercy through genuine repentance. He highlights the challenging but necessary call to conversion, reminding us that God allows consequences for chosen paths.
This episode delves into Jeremiah's prophetic words, offering comfort to Baruch and declaring God's judgment on Egypt and other nations. It then explores the sorrowful book of Lamentations, depicting Jerusalem's profound suffering and destruction. Fr. Mike also reflects on the wisdom of Proverbs and how to transform personal pain into prayer, emphasizing God's presence and ultimate hope even amidst devastation.
This episode delves into Jeremiah's prophecies concerning Judah's disobedience and idolatry in Egypt, particularly their devotion to the pagan "Queen of Heaven." It celebrates Judith's heroic victory over the Assyrians and her song of praise to God, before explaining the Catholic understanding of Mary as "Queen of Heaven." The episode concludes with wisdom from Proverbs on steadfast friendship.
Father Mike delves into Jeremiah 41-42, detailing Ishmael's brutal insurrection against Gedaliah and God's clear warning through Jeremiah for the remnant to stay in Judah, which they tragically reject. The episode also reads Judith 12-14, recounting Judith's infiltration of Holofernes' camp, his beheading, and the subsequent Assyrian defeat. Father Mike concludes by highlighting Judith's unwavering virtue and her role as a powerful type of Mary.
Day 250 delves into Jeremiah 39-40, recounting the brutal fall of Jerusalem, Zedekiah's capture, and Jeremiah's unique freedom and choice. We also explore Judith 10-11, where Judith uses her beauty and wisdom to deceive Holofernes and strategically save Israel. The episode concludes with insights from Proverbs 17 on the power of words and the necessity of trusting God's will amidst tribulation.
Day 249 delves into the trials of the prophet Jeremiah, who is imprisoned and thrown into a cistern but eventually rescued, serving as an image of Christ's suffering. The episode also introduces Judith, a wise and faithful widow who rebukes the elders for testing God and then offers a profound prayer of praise before embarking on a secret mission to save her people. Father Mike reflects on the moral lessons from Proverbs and the inspiring faith of both biblical figures.
This episode delves into Jeremiah, Judith, and Proverbs, contrasting the Rechabites' unwavering fidelity to their father's command with King Jehoiakim's blatant rejection of God's word by burning the scroll. It highlights the spiritual lesson of allowing God's teachings to "cut us to the heart" for purification, rather than dismissing them. Additionally, the narrative of Bethuliah under siege in Judith 6-7 serves as a powerful testament to endurance and faith in desperate times, with Uzziah's call for five more days of hope.
Fr. Mike examines the stark contrast between King Zedekiah's insincere repentance in Jeremiah, marked by broken covenants and self-serving actions, and the genuine, fervent repentance of the people in the Book of Judith. He highlights God's unwavering promises of restoration for Judah and the fulfillment of the Messianic covenant. The episode underscores the importance of true conversion over superficial gestures, with wisdom drawn from Proverbs.
Day 246 covers Jeremiah 32, Judith 1-2, and Proverbs 16:25-28. Father Mike explains Jeremiah's symbolic act of buying land during a siege as a sign of God's future restoration, despite present suffering. He highlights God's promise to "rejoice in doing them good" and connects it to Christ's sacrifice. Additionally, he introduces the book of Judith, clarifying its deuterocanonical status and explaining how its narrative conveys spiritual truth rather than strict historical accuracy, as Nebuchadnezzar's campaign of vengeance unfolds.
This episode explores Jeremiah 31, Daniel 14, and Proverbs 16. Father Mike delves into Jeremiah's prophecy of God's everlasting love, the promise of a new covenant written on hearts, and individual responsibility. He then highlights Daniel's unwavering faithfulness in Babylon, modeling how to live steadfastly in exile amidst a hostile culture, and finds parallels for believers today.
