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.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Day 321 concludes Luke's Gospel, detailing Jesus' final hours from Gethsemane, through his crucifixion, death, and burial. The episode then explores the pivotal events of the Resurrection, the Road to Emmaus, and the Ascension. Father Mike reflects on Jesus' honest prayer, his powerful words from the cross, and the deep symbolism of the Emmaus story, connecting the Eucharist to the tree of life. He encourages listeners to continually seek deeper understanding of scripture.
In this episode, Father Mike explores Luke chapters 20-22 and Proverbs 26. He emphasizes the significance of the poor widow's offering, highlighting God's focus on our heart's devotion over material gifts. The episode also delves into Jesus' moving prophecy of Peter's denial, underscoring Christ's prayer for us against the enemy's attacks and a call to strengthen others in faith, even after failure.
Day 319 explores Luke 17-19 and Proverbs 26:13-16, focusing on Jesus's teachings on faith, forgiveness, and the coming Kingdom of God. Fr. Mike highlights encounters like the healing of ten lepers, the parable of the persistent widow, and the cleansing of the temple. The episode profoundly contrasts the rich young man, who leaves sad, with Zacchaeus, who joyfully embraces Christ's call, emphasizing the importance of giving our whole heart to God.
Fr. Mike explores Jesus's challenging teachings from Luke 13-16, including the call to repent and strive for the narrow gate, emphasizing that personal salvation is a real possibility and responsibility. He also reflects on the parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son, highlighting God's relentless pursuit and extravagant celebration of every repentant sinner, contrasting it with the older brother's resentment and our own tendencies to live apart from God's full relationship.
Fr. Mike reflects on Luke chapters 11-12 and Proverbs 26:7-9, emphasizing Jesus' call to shamelessly persistent prayer and God's desire to give the Holy Spirit. He clarifies challenging passages, including the return of an unclean spirit and Jesus' statement about bringing division, offering comfort and guidance for navigating faith within families. The episode encourages trusting God's providence and praying for loved ones amidst spiritual challenges.
This episode delves into Luke 9-10, emphasizing Jesus' call to deny oneself and embrace daily the cross through absolute surrender. Fr. Mike highlights the significance of the Transfiguration as Jesus' new exodus and the radical demands of discipleship that reveal His divinity. He also unpacks the story of Mary and Martha, cautioning against allowing the "cares, riches, and pleasures of life" to stifle God's presence, urging listeners to prioritize spiritual reception over worldly anxieties.
This episode, Day 315, delves into Luke chapters 6-8, highlighting Jesus' transformative teachings from the Sermon on the Plain, including radical love for enemies, not judging others, and the importance of being 'doers' of the Word. Miracles like healing the Centurion's slave, raising the widow's son, and forgiving a sinful woman demonstrate divine compassion. Fr. Mike also reflects on mercy as a virtue, often misunderstood, and the extraordinary grace of baptism that elevates believers even beyond figures like John the Baptist.
This episode delves into Luke chapters 3-5, covering John the Baptist's call to repentance, Jesus' pivotal baptism in the Jordan River, his temptation in the wilderness, and the beginning of his public ministry including calling disciples and performing miracles. Father Mike elaborates on the profound significance of Jesus' baptism location, linking it to a new exodus and his humility. He also reflects on the wisdom of Proverbs 25, emphasizing self-control, and the incredible truth that through baptism, we become adopted sons and daughters, beloved by God.
This episode initiates the Gospel of Luke, highlighting the parallel annunciations to Zechariah and Mary, contrasting their responses to God's message. It covers the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus, the Visitation, and Jesus' presentation in the Temple, as well as his teaching at age twelve. Father Mike also reflects on Luke's unique Greek perspective and the theological significance of Mary as the new Ark of the New Covenant.
Father Mike and Jeff Cavins introduce the Gospel of Luke, highlighting its unique emphasis on Jesus' humanity, his interactions with outsiders, and the significant role of women. They explore Luke's masterful parallels to the Old Testament, his distinct parables, and the profound lessons on prayer and the cost of discipleship. The discussion culminates in the Emmaus Road experience and the Ascension, linking Luke to the Book of Acts.
This episode marks the triumphant conclusion of the Old Testament readings, with Father Mike Schmitz reflecting on 2 Maccabees 15 and Wisdom 19. He highlights the Maccabees' deep motivation to defend the sanctity of the temple and uphold God's honor, drawing parallels to a disciple's call to love God above all else. The discussion also explores God's constant help and presence, even amidst suffering, preparing listeners for the upcoming New Testament journey.
Father Mike explores the graphic realities of 2 Maccabees 14, including betrayal and heroic sacrifice, contrasting life's messiness with a "Hallmark movie" version of faith. He delves into Wisdom 17-18, discussing the futility of "secret sins" and God's powerful deliverance, emphasizing the "all-powerful Word" that foreshadows Jesus Christ's ultimate fight for humanity.
This episode explores the danger of making good things into idols, which compete with God for our hearts and time. Drawing from 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, and Proverbs, Father Mike highlights the futility of worshipping man-made objects and the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God. He uses the example of sports to illustrate how even seemingly harmless activities can become ultimate rivals for our spiritual focus, urging listeners to identify and remove such rivals from their lives.
Father Mike discusses the doctrine of purgatory, drawing from 2 Maccabees 12 where Judas Maccabeus prays and offers atonement for the dead. He explains purgatory as a necessary purification process to prepare hearts for God’s presence, not just for golf or pets in heaven. Additionally, he delves into the book of Wisdom, condemning idolatry as foolish and emphasizing how easily good things can become idols, rivals to God in our hearts.
Father Mike discusses how God acts as a heavenly ally, fighting alongside Israel in 2 Maccabees 11, and how we are called to fight with Him in our daily lives. He then delves into Wisdom 11-12, explaining God's measured justice, where punishment aligns with sin, and His method of correcting us 'little by little' to build trust and encourage repentance. The episode concludes with a reflection on these themes and the importance of prayer.
Father Mike explores the confidence faith in God provides for life's battles, drawing from 2 Maccabees' accounts of temple purification and divine intervention in combat. He then delves into Wisdom 9-10, showcasing how wisdom guided Old Testament figures and helps us recognize God's presence in the world. The episode concludes with a reflection on discerning God's will and relying on Him through life's difficulties.
Fr. Mike delves into the downfall of Antiochus Epiphanes from 2 Maccabees, highlighting divine judgment. He then presents the beauty and benefits of personified Wisdom through Solomon's prayer in the Book of Wisdom. The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on God's constant, active presence in our lives, offering two perspectives on reconciling His role in suffering, contrasting 1 and 2 Maccabees.
Today, Father Mike explores 2 Maccabees 8, recounting Judas Maccabeus's fight for the Lord's Temple and how even his enemies recognized God as Israel's invincible defender. The episode emphasizes trusting God's active presence and mercy in all circumstances. Additionally, readings from Wisdom 5-6 admonish rulers and praise the pursuit of wisdom, while Proverbs 24 warns against laziness, all reinforcing the value of seeking God's truth.
Father Mike recounts the intense martyrdom of seven brothers and their mother from 2 Maccabees, who fiercely clung to their faith and hope in resurrection despite brutal torture. The episode then turns to Wisdom Chapters 3-4, which deepen this understanding by revealing that the righteous are in God's hand, destined for immortality and purification. He concludes by reflecting on how these insights redefine earthly blessings, emphasizing that choosing God's will is the highest priority for eternal life.
This episode delves into the courageous martyrdom of Eleazar from 2 Maccabees 6, highlighting his refusal to lead others into sin. It then explores the profound theological lessons from Wisdom 1 and 2, revealing that God did not create death, sin brought it into the world, and the ungodly's reasoning prophetically mirrors Christ's suffering, emphasizing the call to walk in truth.
This episode completes the book of Sirach, urging listeners to embrace the lifelong pursuit of wisdom. It also delves into 2 Maccabees, detailing Antiochus's brutal invasion and the pillaging of the Temple, framed as God's just but finite discipline for Israel's faithlessness. Father Mike concludes with a reflection on Proverbs, cautioning against the temptation to rejoice when enemies fall.
This episode concludes the Old Testament readings with excerpts from 2 Maccabees and Sirach. Father Mike discusses the internal corruption and Hellenization in Jerusalem, highlighting how leaders introduced Greek customs and neglected their faith. He then covers Sirach's recount of Israel's historical figures, from David to Adam. The episode culminates with a powerful reflection on Proverbs 24:16, emphasizing that even the righteous fall but are called to rise again through God's abundant mercy and grace.
Fr. Mike reflects on 2 Maccabees, highlighting God's direct intervention in history and daily life, a stark contrast to the perspective of 1 Maccabees. He recounts the miraculous protection of the temple treasury in the story of Heliodorus and shares the inspiring conversion of St. Mary of Egypt, encouraging listeners to acknowledge God's presence and grace in their own stories. Today's readings include 2 Maccabees 3, Sirach 45-46, and Proverbs 24:10-12.
Day 299 explores 2 Maccabees 2, revealing Jeremiah's act of hiding the Ark of the Covenant, tent, and altar in a secret cave before the Babylonian exile. Fr. Mike then delves into Sirach 42-44, offering practical wisdom, celebrating God's majesty in creation, and praising famous ancestors. The episode concludes with a profound reflection on the legacy we leave and the infinite nature of God.
Father Mike delves into 2 Maccabees, providing historical context for Hanukkah and the miraculous sacred fire story of Nehemiah, symbolizing God's faithfulness. He then explores Sirach's wisdom on life's joys, sorrows, and prioritizing what is "best," culminating in a powerful reflection on death as a precious, undeserved gift, offering solace to those experiencing grief and loss.
Today marks day 297, concluding 1 Maccabees with John's military success and the tragic assassination of Simon. The episode delves into Sirach 38-39, offering wisdom on honoring physicians, navigating grief, and appreciating the diverse skills of craftsmen, contrasting it with the profound insights of a student of the law. Father Mike also presents Proverbs 23's stark warning against the destructive nature of excessive wine, prompting a reflection on how all of God's good creations, from wine to the elements, can be perverted for evil ends when prudence and temperance are lacking.
Day 296 delves into 1 Maccabees 15, recounting Antiochus VII's attempts to assert control over Judea, Simon's steadfast refusal, and unexpected Roman support for the Jews. The episode then transitions to Sirach 36-37, offering profound wisdom on identifying true friends, being cautious with counselors, and the invaluable process of understanding one's own heart. Father Mike concludes with a reflection on these themes and hints at the "juicy" narrative of 2 Maccabees.
Today's readings include 1 Maccabees 14, Sirach 34-35, and Proverbs 23. Fr. Mike reflects on Simon's successful rule in Maccabees, contrasting Israel's expectation of continued political power with God's ultimate, unexpected plan to send Jesus. He also delves into Sirach's wisdom on living prudently, distinguishing vain hopes from true experience, and emphasizing the importance of generous, heartfelt worship over bribery. The episode encourages trusting God's greater design.
Day 294 explores 1 Maccabees 13, detailing Simon's rise to power, Trifo's treachery, Jonathan's death, and Judea's hard-won independence, including Simon's fortification efforts and reclamation of the citadel. The episode also features practical wisdom from Sirach 32-33 on leadership and conduct, alongside guidance from Proverbs 23. Father Mike concludes with a reflection on how Christians are governed by Jesus, emphasizing God's personal care for each individual.
This episode explores passages from Sirach and Proverbs on child discipline, clarified by Father Mike as a loving act meant to shape character, not inflict harm. He distinguishes true discipline from destruction, highlighting its role in fostering social skills and preparing children for life, while also offering comfort to those who have experienced abuse in the name of discipline.
