The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episodes
Day 260: Carrying the Cross (2023)
17 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reinforces Jesus' divinity as we read about how Jesus heals people physically, mentally, and spiritually and frees them from the enemy's king...
Day 259: The Sermon on the Mount (2023)
16 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reads the Sermon on the Mount and explains how Jesus' teachings powerfully fulfill the old testament law, and identify the broken human heart...
Day 258: The Kingdom Is Here (2023)
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike introduces us to the Gospel of Matthew, including his genealogy, nativity, and the first days of his ministry. He pulls it all together to sh...
Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of Matthew (with Jeff Cavins) - 2023
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the third Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Matthew and explain what makes this gospel unique, su...
Day 257: Choose to Love (2023)
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike finishes the book of Jeremiah and highlights the final moment of hope at the conclusion. We also read the book of Obadiah and Fr. Mike chall...
Day 256: Hard Seasons (2023)
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike encourages us to never stop talking to God, even in the hardest seasons of our lives. Much like yesterday's readings, we're seeing a lot of p...
Day 255: God Is Good (2023)
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike guides us through another chapter of Jeremiah and connects it to the sorrow and pain we hear in Lamentations. He reminds us that, even with s...
Day 254: Judgment of Nations (2023)
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike continues reading from the book of Jeremiah and emphasizes God’s judgment against the nations surrounding Israel. Fr. Mike also invites us ...
Day 253: Lamentations of Jeremiah (2023)
10 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As Fr. Mike begins the book of Lamentations, we read about Jeremiah’s sorrow as he witnesses the siege and suffering of Jerusalem. In the book of Je...
Day 252: Queen of Heaven (2023)
09 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out Israel's continual disbelief in the prophet Jeremiah, and also explains who the queen of heaven refers to. We also conclude the bo...
Day 251: Judith and Holofernes (2023)
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our reading of Jeremiah today, Fr. Mike highlights Ishmael’s insurrection against Gedaliah and Jeremiah’s response. We also read about the defe...
Day 250: Final Wave of Exile (2023)
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike expands on our reading today from Proverbs about the need to guard our speech toward one another. In Jeremiah, we see the final wave of destr...
Day 249: Prayer of Judith (2023)
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights the wisdom and faith of Judith, heroine of the Old Testament, and shows us how her prayer in not just a prayer of intercession, bu...
Day 248: Cut to the Heart (2023)
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out how, like King Jehoiakim, we too can dismiss God's teachings instead of letting them cut into our hearts. The readings are Jeremia...
Day 247: True Repentance (2023)
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out the difference between the insincere repentance of King Zedekiah and the people in Jerusalem, and the true repentance of the peopl...
Day 246: Rejoice in Doing Good (2023)
03 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's reading from Jeremiah, Fr. Mike points out how God rejoices in doing us good, and wants to pour out his grace and mercy upon us. As we begi...
Day 245: The Faithfulness of Daniel (2023)
02 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike takes us through the last chapter of Daniel and explains how Daniel models for us on how to live in exile and still be faithful to the Lord. ...
Day 244: Susanna's Righteousness (2023)
01 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reflects on the story of Susanna's righteousness in the book of Daniel. While celebrating Susanna's virtue, Daniel's wisdom, and God's faithf...
Day 243: The Lord's Plans (2023)
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights verse 11 from Jeremiah 29: "I know the plans I have for you...plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope....
Day 242: The Role of King Nebuchadnezzar (2023)
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains why God asks his people to surrender to King Nebuchadnezzar even though it seems contradicting. We learn that God can use evil circu...
Day 241: Daniel and the Den of Lions (2023)
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we read the epic story of Daniel in the den of lions, Fr. Mike points out Daniel's valor and faithfulness in the midst of his powerless. We also le...
Day 240: Remaining Humble (2023)
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike touches on Proverbs 16:3, which is about giving everything in our lives to the service of the Lord. He also emphasizes how important it is to...
Day 239: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (2023)
27 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike shares one of his favorite Bible verses, and guides us through the story of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah as they are thrown into the fiery ...
Day 238: Fall of Jerusalem (2023)
26 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike walks us through the fall of Jerusalem, and the intense lament of Jeremiah as he watches the people of Israel fall into captivity. He also in...
Day 237: Water from the Temple (2023)
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike guides us through the last two chapters of Ezekiel, explaining the biblical significance of the water flowing from the right side of the temp...
Day 236: Rich in Love (2023)
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike focuses on the concept of being rich in love instead of rich in wealth today, as we read about the heart of a mother and father in our verse ...
Day 235: Lying Prophets (2023)
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike focuses on the prophet Jeremiah’s continued sorrow and explains how lying prophets bring forth destruction. He invites us to examine what l...
Day 234: Jeremiah Complains (2023)
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike teaches us about recognizing our limitations especially when trying to compete with God. We also see how the Lord listens to Jeremiah’s com...
Day 233: Correct me, O Lord (2023)
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike shows us from our reading of Jeremiah that when we give our hearts and minds over to idols we become foolish. The way of man is not in himsel...
Day 232: Glory in Knowing God (2023)
20 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reflects on Jeremiah’s sorrow for the people of Israel while reminding us that the one thing we ought to find glory in, is in understandin...
Day 231: The Valley of Dry Bones (2023)
19 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains the significance behind the mention of bones in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. In Jeremiah, we learn that the bones of God's people are scat...
Day 230: A New Heart (2023)
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Reflecting on the stubbornness of the Israelites' hearts from today's readings, Fr. Mike teaches us that we cannot always trust our imperfect hearts, ...
Day 229: Shepherds of Israel (2023)
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains the beautiful connections between all of our readings today. He emphasizes how good shepherds are willing to face the truth, and als...
Day 228: The Watchman's Duty (2023)
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike expands on Ezekiel 33 and emphasizes that the role of a prophet, is to be God's watchman and speak whatever it is God wants to be spoken. He...
Day 227: The Towering Cedar (2023)
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights the people of Israel's flaw in trusting in the strength and power of Egypt, not realizing that although Egypt is like a towering c...
Day 226: Unfaithful Israel (2023)
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our reading of Proverbs 14, Fr. Mike reinforces that freedom is not the same thing as license, true freedom is the power to do what we ought. Fr. M...
Day 225: Our Will Versus God's Will (2023)
13 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reviews one of the most powerful verses in Proverbs, dealing with personal discernment and wanting to follow our own will instead of God's. H...
Day 224: The Weeping Prophet (2023)
12 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike introduces us to the prophet Jeremiah, who is also known as the Prophet of Doom and the Weeping Prophet. He explains what makes Jeremiah diff...
Day 223: Responding Well (2023)
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike takes us through the last chapter of Isaiah by explaining how our emotions can sometimes get in the way of us responding well to those around...
Day 222: Idolatry and Adultery (2023)
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains the relationship between idolatry and adultery, and how one can easily lead to another, especially in our relationship with God. He ...
Day 221: Walking with Wise Men (2023)
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike expands on the passage we read in Proverbs, and emphasizes how important it is to surround ourselves with people who are striving towards hol...
Day 220: Prophecy Fulfilled (2023)
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out that the prophecy from Isaiah 61 is fulfilled by Jesus (as described in Luke 4). In Ezekiel, Fr. Mike draws our attention to the i...
Day 219: Separation from God (2023)
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out that separation from God is not due to a lack of power or love on God's part, but is a consequence of our willful refusal to follo...
Day 218: Each Will Be Judged (2023)
06 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reflects on some of the ways that people turn away from God, including: worshipping idols, fasting for selfish reasons, and not honoring the ...
Day 217: The Everlasting Covenant (2023)
05 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights the rich text in Isaiah 55 and 56 which reveals that the house of the Lord will not only be for the chosen people, but for all peo...
Day 216: The Suffering Servant (2023)
04 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike marvels at the beauty of Isaiah 53, which reveals that Jesus is the Lord's suffering servant and also zeroes in on Ezekiel 15, which reminds ...
Day 215: False Prophets (2023)
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike focuses on Ezekiel's warnings about false prophets misleading the people of Israel, and challenges us to reflect whether we choose to listen ...
Day 214: The Hidden Glory of God (2023)
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reflects on how Isaiah's prophecies in chapters 49-50 point to the immediate reality of God's promise of redemption for Israel, as well as to...
Day 213: The Redeemer (2023)
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike touches upon the prophecy of judgment against Babylon and Israel, and how God still promises to be Israel's redeemer despite their disobedien...
Day 212: God's Instrument (2023)
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights the works of King Cyrus, who we met yesterday, and how he is able to contribute to the will of God without actually knowing him. C...
Day 211: Called by Name (2023)
30 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike emphasizes our title as children of God as we read about the tragedy of the Babylonian exile. Even in our lowest moments, God wants us to kno...
Day 210: Speaking God's Word (2023)
29 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike compares the messages of Isaiah and Ezekiel, one coming from a pre-exile time and the other from a post-exile time. Even though they are comi...
Day 209: God Comforts His People (2023)
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike brings us into the book of Consolation as we continue through Isaiah, and learn about how God never fails to comfort his people, even in the ...
Day 208: The Futility of Idols (2023)
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains the three ways the people are tempted to turn away from God while in exile: by not worshipping God the way He has asked, by worshipp...
Day 207: The Lord Will Come (2023)
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out the passages that highlight the coming of God, and asks us to reflect on whether our response is hope and excitement, or fear and ...
Day 206: The Book of Baruch (2023)
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains the context of the book of Baruch, he also highlights Isaiah's warning against complacency and how God's justice applies to everyone...
Day 205: Promise to Zion (2023)
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike breaks down God's incredible promise of redemption to Zion and reminds us that God always wants to fight for us, so that our shame may be tu...
Day 204: Zephaniah's Warnings (2023)
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we begin reading the Book of Zephaniah, Fr. Mike draws our attention to the first five accusations Zephaniah declares against the people of Judah; ...
Day 203: Rejoice in the Lord (2023)
22 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out God's remarkable promise of deliverance to Israel even in the midst of their captivity and apparent hopelessness. Even when we don...
Day 202: God's Judgment (2023)
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue journeying through the prophets, Fr. Mike helps us understand the oracle concerning Tyre and also points out that God's judgment will ...
Day 201: Keys to the Kingdom (2023)
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike focuses on Isaiah 22 today and explains how the role of the pope in the Catholic Church goes all the way back to this important chapter in Is...
Day 200: Egypt, Assyria, and Israel (2023)
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike celebrates Day 200 of our journey by highlighting the relationship between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel according to the Lord's plan. We have a...
Day 199: Times for War (2023)
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains why Joel would say that there are certain times for war, even within God's plan. In a broken world, we are sometimes going to be cal...
Day 198: The Day of the Lord (2023)
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike introduces us to the prophet Joel, and the unique timing of his ministry in the midst of tragedy. He also touches on the prophecy concerning ...
Day 197: Woe and Consolation (2023)
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reveals yet another prophetic message that points towards the coming of Christ, explaining why the Book of Isaiah is often called the Book of...
Day 196: Destruction of Israel (2023)
15 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike talks about the destruction of Israel and explains how Jesus becoming man is the fulfillment of this prophesy we hear in Isaiah. He also poin...
Day 195: Tobias and Sarah Pray (2023)
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights the purity of Tobias and Sarah's love, and the power of their prayer as a married couple. Today we read Isaiah 7-8, Tobit 7-9, and...
Day 194: Holy Is the Lord (2023)
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike zeroes in on Isaiah 5-6 today. He emphasizes the literary masterpiece of the parable of the vineyard in Isaiah 5 and how it represents the s...
Day 193: The Book of Tobit (2023)
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike focuses on the book of Tobit today and explains why this beautiful book is missing from non-Catholic Bibles. He dives into the history behind...
Day 192: The Prophet Isaiah (2023)
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we begin reading the book of the prophet Isaiah and the book of Tobit! Fr. Mike helps us understand the historical context of Isaiah's ministry ...
Day 191: The Babylonian Exile (2023)
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we finish our journey in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, Fr. Mike highlights the Babylonian exile as a critical event in the story of salvation. Although...
Day 190: Judah Is Overrun (2023)
09 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we near the end of 2 Kings, Fr. Mike takes us through Babylon's conquest of Judah, under the leadership of King Nebuchadnezzar. He touches on the i...
Day 189: Follow the Lord (2023)
08 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains why it's important to focus on our own journey with the Lord over those around us while highlighting the leadership of king Josiah. ...
Day 188: The Book of the Law (2023)
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike introduces us to the Book of Proverbs, while reflecting on the lack of devotion Israel has shown towards God and the Book of the Law. Much li...
Day 187: Praying for Time (2023)
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike recalls Hezekiah's prayer for more time and reveals how Hezekiah did not use that time wisely. We all are only given a specific amount of tim...
Day 186: Struggles with Self-Interest (2023)
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights the goodness of Hezekiah as king of Judah but also points out his failure to protect the future of his people. While Hezekiah let ...
Day 185: Hezekiah's Prayer (2023)
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike continues to emphasize Hezekiah's faithfulness as he turns to God in prayer in the midst of battle, and reinstitutes the Passover feast. Toda...
Day 184: Hezekiah Reigns (2023)
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike reflects on Hezekiah's righteousness as king of Judah, and his pivotal work of restoring true worship and removing false idols. By undoing al...
Introduction to the Exile (with Jeff Cavins) - 2023
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Exile period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the eighth biblical period, which covers the fall of the Southern Kingdom, Judah,...
Day 183: Israel Falls to Assyria (2023)
02 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we read about the critical moment when Assyria destroys the Northern Kingdom, and the ten northern tribes are exiled and assimilated among the n...
Day 182: The Inescapable God (2023)
01 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Congratulations, you've made it about halfway through the Bible in a Year journey! Today, we read again about king Ahaz's unfaithfulness in 2 Kings. W...
Day 181: Jonah and the Whale (2023)
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we hear the story of the prophet Jonah, who, unlike Amos, does not want the people to repent. The readings are 2 Kings 15, Jonah 1-4, and Psalm...
Day 180: Giving Time to God (2023)
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we conclude the book of Amos, we hear Amos rebuke the people for grudgingly giving their time to God, as in prayer or on the sabbath, and counting ...
Day 179: Blinded by Comfort (2023)
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out how Amos' warning against being overly preoccupied with comfort and thus blinded to the needs of others can be especially relevant...
Day 178: Called Back (2023)
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out how Jehu followed God half-way, but God wants us to follow Him with our whole hearts. He also explains the prophecy of Amos, who i...
Day 177: Return, O Israel (2023)
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike shortly touches on David's honest prayer in Psalm 109 before diving into the unending love God has for his people. As we continue to journey ...
Day 176: Choosing Eternal Life (2023)
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains why all of us are called to listen to the prophets of the Old Testament, and why their role is so important in salvation history. Ea...
Day 175: Knowledge of God (2023)
24 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of knowing God and knowing his love for us as we read about the devastation of war and the lack of faith displayed ...
Day 174: The Prophet Hosea (2023)
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike takes a break from 2 Chronicles to enter into the book of Hosea. We learn that Hosea was a prophet called to not only witness to God's words,...
Day 173: Confidence in God (2023)
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike talks about how we see both an abundance of faith, and a great lack of faith in our readings today. While the widow Elisha visits shows us a ...
Day 172: Uzziah's Pride (2023)
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike zeroes in on how Uzziah's prideful desire to worship God in his own way led to his tragic death. We are reminded once again how easily the ki...
Day 171: Elijah and Elisha (2023)
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike breaks down the moment Elijah is taken up to heaven, and the miracle Elisha performs at the spring. In 2 Chronicles, we also read about how k...
Day 170: Joash's Downfall (2023)
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike looks at Joash's downfall and disobedience after the death of Jehoida. We learn how important it is to have good mentors in our lives who kee...
Day 169: Joash Is Crowned (2023)
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains how Athaliah's death, Jehoiada's covenant, and the crowning of Joash as king was pivotal for the restoration of the Temple. Today's ...
Day 168: Wicked Kings (2023)
17 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike highlights the wickedness and unfaithfulness of king Ahab, king Jehoram and king Azaiah. We learn that their selfish and disobedient actions ...
Day 167: Viaticum (2023)
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we read about Elijah's discouragement after fleeing from Jezebel, and how God tells him to "arise and eat" to strengthen him for the journey ahe...
Day 166: Responding in Faith (2023)
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we are introduced to the prophet Elijah, who again and again responds to God's invitations with faith. The readings are 1 Kings 17-18, 2 Chroni...
Day 165: The Lover and the Beloved (2023)
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike connects today's reading from Songs to the teachings of St. John Paul's Theology of the Body. He also points out how helpful it is to track t...
Day 164: Tearing Down Idols (2023)
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out the results of what happened to the kings who built idols, and what happened to the kings who tore them down. He encourages us to ...
Day 163: Faith Over Success (2023)
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike touches on the last acts of King Rehobo'am and the rise of his son, Abi′jah. He also explains how we can see the importance of faith over s...