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 reflects on the martyrdom of Stephen, whose powerful speech about Israel's history was met with hardened hearts, a warning against resisting the Holy Spirit. Fr. Mike then delves into Romans 11-12, exploring God's irrevocable covenant with Israel and the integration of Gentiles into His plan. He emphasizes the call to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, transforming our minds, and living out genuine love and Christian virtues daily.
This episode explores the early Church's initial challenges, including cultural divisions between Hellenists and Hebrews, which led to the institution of the diaconate to serve neglected widows. Father Mike also delves into St. Paul's profound anguish for his Jewish kinsmen who did not accept Jesus as the Christ, reflecting on God's election and mercy. The discussion highlights salvation through faith and the unique power derived from hearing God's proclaimed word.
Day 326 explores the profound lessons from Acts 5, including Ananias and Sapphira's hypocrisy and the apostles' unwavering faith amidst persecution and miraculous healings. Fr. Mike then dives into Romans 8, highlighting the freedom from condemnation in Christ, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and our identity as adopted children of God. The episode culminates in a powerful reflection on God's unshakeable love that no external force can separate us from.
This episode delves into Acts 4, highlighting Peter and John's courage before the council and the early Christian community's prayer for continued boldness and communal living. Father Mike then discusses Romans 6-7, explaining how believers die to sin in baptism and confront the ongoing interior conflict between their fallen nature and the Spirit. The episode also touches on Proverbs 27, offering wisdom on relationships and self-control.
Day 324 delves into Acts 3, where Peter's healing miracle proclaims Jesus's power and reminds us to use our gifts for God's glory. The episode also explores Romans 4-5, focusing on Abraham's faith as the basis for righteousness and the profound implications of justification by grace. Fr. Mike emphasizes God's unending love, purpose in suffering, and Christ's sacrifice for us while we were still sinners.
Fr. Mike reads from Acts 2, detailing the powerful coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter's sermon, the conversion of 3,000, and the four marks of the early Christian community. He then covers Romans 2-3, explaining God's righteous judgment, the universal struggle with sin for both Jews and Gentiles, and the transformative gift of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. The reflections emphasize the Holy Spirit's call to active mission and the core message of the gospel.
This episode begins the "age of the church" with readings from Acts 1 and Romans 1. Fr. Mike discusses Jesus' Ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit's "dynamite" power, emphasizing the call for believers to be witnesses and actively participate in God's mission. He also delves into Paul's Letter to the Romans, highlighting the gospel's power and its message to both Jews and Gentiles, and God's revealed wrath against those who suppress the truth.
In this episode, Father Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins launch into the Church period, the final phase of the Bible Timeline. They delve into the historical context of the early Church, emphasizing the courageous mission of Peter and Paul amidst the Roman Empire. The discussion highlights the Holy Spirit's central role, the importance of Confirmation, and offers guidance for understanding the Books of Acts, the Epistles, and the apocalyptic style of Revelation. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their role in the ongoing mission and live with the ultimate confidence that "we win" through Christ.
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.
