The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episodes
Day 14: Isaac Blesses Jacob (2026)
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike compares the sacraments with Isaac's blessing to Jacob in Genesis 27-28, Job 17-18, and Proverbs 3:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ...
Day 13: Esau Sells His Birthright (2026)
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights the mystery of our brokenness and habitual sin as he unpacks the story of Esau selling his birthright. Today's readings are Genesi...
Day 12: Isaac and Rebekah (2026)
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we read about the story of Isaac and Rebekah's marriage, and Fr. Mike reflects on God's constant providence in our lives, even when we don't se...
Day 11: The Sacrifice of Isaac (2026)
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains the significance behind the sacrifice of Isaac, and why God chose to test Abraham as he reads Genesis 22-23, Job 11-12, and Proverbs...
Day 10: Hagar and Ishmael (2026)
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reads Genesis 20-21, Job 9-10, and Proverbs 2:6-8 and shows us how we can strive for holiness, even in the midst of sin and suffering. For th...
Day 9: Sodom and Gomorrah (2026)
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike breaks down the story of Sodom and Gomorrah today as we read Genesis 18-19, Job 7-8, and Proverbs 2:1-5. For the complete reading plan, visi...
Day 8: The Surrender of Abraham (2026)
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike zeroes in on the theme of surrender as we discover how God changed Abram to Abraham and Job continues to struggle with his affliction. Today'...
Day 7: God's Covenant with Abram (2026)
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike talks about the significance of God's covenant with Abram, and how it points to God's immense love for us. Today's readings are Genesis 14-15...
Day 6: Trust in the Lord (2026)
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reads Genesis 12-13, Job 1-2, and Proverbs 1:1-7 and shows how Abram and Job, despite their brokenness, were able to trust in God. For the co...
Introduction to the Patriarchs (with Jeff Cavins) (2026)
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Congratulations, you've completed the Early World period! As we journey into the Patriarchs period, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to set the scene. They ...
Day 5: Tower of Babel (2026)
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today we read about the descendants of Noah, and the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 10-11, as well as Psalm 2. Fr. Mike reveals the errors o...
Day 4: The Flood (2026)
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today we read Genesis 7-9 and Psalm 1 and Fr. Mike reflects on the covenant God makes with Noah, and how the family of Noah becomes broken. Today's re...
Day 3: Noah's Ark (2026)
03 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reads Genesis 5-6 and Psalm 136, and explains the significance of Noah's genealogy, why God chose to send a flood, and how we can imitate Noa...
Day 2: The Fall of Adam and Eve (2026)
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's readings of Genesis 3-4 and Psalm 104, Fr. Mike draws the connection between love and sacrifice in the story of Adam and Eve and explains t...
Day 1: In the Beginning (2026)
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Day 1 of The Bible in a Year! Today we start our year-long journey by reading Genesis 1-2 and Psalm 19. Fr. Mike Schmitz breaks down these ...
Start Here: Introduction to the Early World (with Jeff Cavins)
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the official start of the Bible in a Year Podcast! We'll begin reading the Bible in the episode "Day 1: In the Beginning", but before we di...
BONUS: Fr. Mike Reflects on 5 Years of The Bible in a Year
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2026 marks the 5th anniversary of Bible in a Year! Over the past five years, the Lord has taken this podcast to extraordinary places -- reaching liste...
Day 365: The Beginning and the End (2025)
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Congratulations, you have made it to the last day of the Bible in a Year journey! Fr. Mike concludes our journey through the Bible by reflecting on th...
Day 364: Christ's Sacrifice Once for All (2025)
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike dives into the fall of Babylon described in Revelation 18, pointing out how several images and expressions of this key chapter are taken from...
Day 363: The New Covenant Priesthood (2025)
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike draws a parallel between the symbols in the book of Revelation and the persecution by the Roman empire of the first Christians and encourages...
Day 362: The Woman Clothed with the Sun (2025)
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike continues to interpret the symbols within Revelation. He compares story of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the woman in Revelation. Fr. Mike provide...
Day 361: Judgment and Repentance (2025)
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike summarizes and contextualizes the book of Philemon, addressing the tension of slavery addressed in the Bible. He provides an explanation on t...
BONUS: How to Hear God's Voice in Scripture
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we get ready for the Bible in a Year journey, Fr. Mike shares five tips for reading the Bible that will help us to hear God's voice in scripture. ...
Day 360: Heavenly Worship (2025)
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike discusses the heavenly throne room seen in our reading from Revelation and our opportunity to be brought into this throne room during every M...
Day 359: John's Apocalypse (2025)
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we begin reading from Revelation, Fr. Mike makes us aware of the symbolism found throughout this apocalyptic book and highlights its goal of streng...
Day 358: From Rebellion to Faithfulness (2025)
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike leads us through the book of Jude and discusses its main message of calling us to lives of faithfulness. He also contextualizes 2 Timothy by ...
Day 357: Truth and Love (2025)
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike emphasizes that Christian love isn't just about feelings—it's about living in God's truth by obeying his commandments. Fr. Mike also explai...
BONUS: Preparing for the Bible in a Year Journey
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you getting ready to read the Bible in a year? Fr. Mike shares why it's worth following the Bible in a Year journey and how to prepare for this li...
Day 356: God Is Love (2025)
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today Fr. Mike reminds us that God created us out of love, for love. Fr. Mike also points out where the Catholic Church draws her doctrine on the dif...
Day 355: The Things of This World (2025)
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reminds us that, unlike Adam and Eve who gave into "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life," we are called to sur...
Day 354: Partakers of the Divine Nature (2025)
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reflects on the powerful reality that the sacrament of Baptism makes us partakers of God's Divine nature, fundamentally changing us into belo...
Day 353: Sharing the Gospel (2025)
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike shares how verse 1 Peter 3:15 about being ready to give a reason for the faith that is within us has been one of the most influential Bible v...
BONUS: Bringing the Bible Back to Catholics (with Jeff Cavins)
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike Schmitz is joined by renowned Catholic Bible expert Jeff Cavins, to talk about The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, their personal experiences...
Day 352: Purified by Fire (2025)
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we begin reading 1 Peter today, Fr. Mike walks us through Peter's powerful message about persevering in trials, trusting that those sufferings puri...
Day 351: Draw Near to God (2025)
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reflects on the effects of wealth on our souls and our relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of resisting the devil and invites...
Day 350: Faith and Works (2025)
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike provides the context and background of the letter of James. Fr. Mike unpacks the beautiful truths contained in the letter of James, including...
Day 349: Holy Indifference (2025)
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we conclude the book of Acts, and Fr. Mike reflects on our deep conviction to be the Church by serving all in the world, furthering St. Paul’s...
Day 348: Rules for the New Life (2025)
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights a secret to holiness visible in Paul’s ability to see his arduous trip to Rome as the will of God. He also clears up confusion i...
Day 347: Witness to Unbelievers (2025)
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike outlines Paul’s trial before King Agrippa and his efforts to use his conversion story to convert those hearing his case. He also leads us t...
Day 346: Fruits of the Spirit (2025)
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reminds us of the context of Galatians and reiterates Paul’s admonition not to revert to our previous ways of life now that we have been fr...
Day 345: One in Christ (2025)
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Acts 24, Fr. Mike notes how Felix remained unmoved by Paul's teaching despite being compelled by it initially, showing us that unless we act on wha...
Day 344: The Thorn in Paul's Side (2025)
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike recaps Paul's trial before the chief priests and the plot to kill him in Acts 23. As we conclude 2 Corinthians today, Fr. Mike reflects on th...
Day 343: God Uses Paul's Past (2025)
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Acts 22, Paul's testimony falls on hostile Roman ears, and he narrowly escapes scourging by way of his Roman citizenship. Reflecting on this incide...
Day 342: Generous Hearts (2025)
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike comments on the growing divide between Judaism and Christianity that Paul experiences on mission in Acts 21. In 2 Corinthians, Fr. Mike expla...
Day 341: Eternal Weight of Glory (2025)
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our reading of Acts 20, Fr. Mike reflects on the healing of Eutychus, Paul's willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel, and Paul's tender a...
Day 340: The Power of the Holy Spirit (2025)
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit exemplified in Paul's interaction with those in Ephesus in Acts 19 and reminds us that God wants to f...
Day 339: Priscilla and Aquila (2025)
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reminds us that God uses crooked lines to make a straight story, like Paul’s witness to Priscilla and Aquila as they encounter the person o...
Day 338: Death Defeated (2025)
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue along the path of our forefathers in faith, Fr. Mike reminds us that we live in the same era as the Apostles and have the same Holy Spi...
Day 337: The Importance of Love (2025)
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike unpacks the events in Acts 16, describing Paul’s trust in the Lord as God frees him from prison. He connects St. Paul’s conversation abou...
Day 336: The Council at Jerusalem (2025)
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike walks us through the Church’s first council in Acts 15 and highlights the importance of the Church’s authority in the question of circumc...
Day 335: Run the Race (2025)
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue to follow the missions of Paul and Barnabas, Fr. Mike highlights the fickle nature of humanity and the futility of striving for the pra...
Day 334: The Meaning of Fasting (2025)
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights the importance of prayer and fasting, instructing us how to fast and empty ourselves to feel our spiritual need for Christ. He als...
Day 333: Peter Is Rescued from Prison (2025)
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today begins with Acts 12 and the miraculous rescue of Peter from prison by an angel. Reflecting on this story, Fr. Mike helps us grapple with the mys...
Day 332: Barnabas and Paul On Mission (2025)
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike begins by explaining the confusion experienced by the early Christians as they struggled to integrate the Gentiles into the Church. We also h...
Day 331: Peter Preaches to the Gentiles (2025)
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s reading from Acts, the Holy Spirit guides Peter to initiate ministry to the Gentiles, beginning with the family of Cornelius, a Roman cen...
Day 330: Saul's Conversion (2025)
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike breaks down Saul's miraculous conversion, explaining the significance of Jesus sending Ananias to heal Saul, and how it reveals that Jesus wo...
Day 329: The Ethiopian Eunuch (2025)
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike focuses on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch and how it demonstrates the importance of having guidance when reading Scripture. Alt...
Day 328: Stephen Is Martyred (2025)
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reflects on Stephen's heroic martyrdom and points out how those around him refused to hear him and hardened their hearts, something we too ca...
Day 327: Origin of the Diaconate (2025)
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike draws our attention to the cultural division present in the early Church and the origin of the ordination to the diaconate. He also discusses...
Day 326: Life in the Spirit (2025)
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike discusses the ministry of the apostles and encourages us to allow God to work in our lives in the same way. He also reminds us that through B...
Day 325: Boldness in Faith (2025)
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights the boldness of Peter and John in our reading from Acts as they stand before the council of church leaders and defend the name of ...
Day 324: The Name of Jesus (2025)
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Acts 3, Peter used God’s gift of healing to allow God to restore a lame man. Fr. Mike reminds us that God gives us gifts so he can be known in th...
Day 323: Pentecost (2025)
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike shares the powerful story of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles in the upper room. He emphasizes how God calls us to go out into the wo...
Day 322: The Ascension (2025)
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we begin the age of the church, transitioning from the Gospel of Luke to the beginning of the book of Acts. Fr. Mike draws our attention to the...
Introduction to the Church (with Jeff Cavins) (2025)
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Church period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context o...
Day 321: Jesus' Prayer in the Garden (2025)
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights how Jesus didn't pray in order get something from God, he prayed in order to be close to God. He also points to Jesus' prayer in t...
Day 320: Peter's Denial Foretold (2025)
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we draw near to the end of the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike briefly expands on the story of the poor widow’s offering, emphasizing that the Lord care...
Day 319: Come, Follow Me (2025)
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr, Mike compares the story of the rich young man to the story of Zacchaeus, highlighting the difference in their willingness to follow Christ with th...
Day 318: The Narrow Gate, the Lost Sheep, and the Prodigal Son (2025)
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike confronts the hard truth Jesus preaches in today's readings: Many people will ultimately choose hell over heaven. While this can be deeply di...
Day 317: Persistence in Prayer (2025)
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reflects on the goodness and providence of God the Father, emphasizing how Jesus calls us to be shamelessly persistent in prayer. Fr. Mike al...
Day 316: Absolute Surrender (2025)
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike discusses our call to deny ourselves and take up our cross, specifically focusing on God’s call to renounce all that is ours and trust in h...
Day 315: The Virtue of Mercy (2025)
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In light of a series of miracles in our readings for today, Fr. Mike focuses on our Lord’s compassion and our call to be merciful, as he is. He emph...
Day 314: My Beloved Son (2025)
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike elaborates on the significance of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. He points out that the location of the Jordan River is particular...
Day 313: The Ark of the New Covenant (2025)
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we begin reading the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike draws our attention to Mary. He clarifies the difference between Zechariah's response and Mary's resp...
Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of Luke (with Jeff Cavins) (2025)
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the last Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Luke and highlight the distinctive aspects of this syn...
Day 312: Conclusion to the Old Testament (2025)
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr Mike celebrates the accomplishment of reading the entire Old Testament and wraps up the books of 2 Maccabees and Wisdom, talking through the key th...
Day 311: God Fights for You (2025)
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Day 310: Rivals for the Heart (2025)
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
Day 309: Praying for the Dead (2025)
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pur...
Day 308: Little by Little (2025)
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Day 307: Courage in Battle (2025)
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Day 306: Wisdom Is Beautiful (2025)
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. H...
Day 305: The Defender (2025)
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 point...
Day 304: Life Beyond Death (2025)
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Day 303: Eleazar's Martyrdom (2025)
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Day 302: The Pursuit of Wisdom (2025)
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pilla...
Day 301: Rising Again (2025)
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Bi...
Day 300: Conversion of Heart (2025)
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Day 299: Jeremiah Hides the Ark (2025)
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Day 298: The Gift of Life (2025)
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 refle...
Day 297: Using Good Things for Evil (2025)
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we read from Proverbs and Sirach, Fr. Mike points out how everything God has made is good, but we can use those things for evil ends. We also reach...
Day 296: Know Your Heart (2025)
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we begin to wrap up 1 Maccabees, Fr. Mike directs our attention to how 2 Maccabees will tell the same story in a different way. In Sirach, we are e...
Day 295: Israel's Expectations (2025)
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike mirrors the story of 1 Maccabees and Israel’s expectations of continued success onto our own lives, emphasizing that God’s marvelous plan...
Day 294: Judea Gains Independence (2025)
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our reading of 1 Maccabees today, Fr. Mike highlights the the establishment of the new independent sovereign nation of Israel in the land of Judah....
Day 293: Discipline Grounded in Love (2025)
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike focuses on the theme of disciplining children, reflected in our readings from Sirach and Proverbs today. He clarifies that there is a crucial...
Day 324: The Name of Jesus (2025)
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Acts 3, Peter used God’s gift of healing to allow God to restore a lame man. Fr. Mike reminds us that God gives us gifts so he can be known in th...
Day 292: The Power of Words (2025)
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue our journey in 1 Maccabees, Fr. Mike explains that this book of the Bible is unlike others because it narrates stories and events witho...
Day 291: The Rise of King Alexander (2025)
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike breaks down the dramatic events from our reading of 1 Maccabees today, including; Jonathan's new role as high priest, Demetrius' defeat in ba...
Day 290: Judas Maccabeus Dies (2025)
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike guides us through Judas Maccabeus' last battle, his death, and his succession. We learn that part of Judas and Jonathan's victory involved fi...
Day 289: Wise Influences (2025)
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike contextualizes our readings from 1 Maccabees today which covers the beginning of Roman rule over the Jewish people. Additionally, he emphasi...