The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Day 67: God's Justice and Refuge (2023)

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike breaks down God's divine judgement, and the refuge he offers to those who are faithful to him. Today's readings are Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 1...

Day 66: Forbidden Forms of Worship (2023)

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike discusses the forbidden forms of worship explained in Numbers 17, and why it's important for us to understand how God desired to be worshippe...

Day 65: Revolt Against Moses (2023)

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike dives into the recurring issue of the Israelites rebelling against God and remaining stuck in their past as we read about the revolt of Korah...

Day 64: Consequences of Sin (2023)

05 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains why God would give the Israelites such drastic consequences for their sin, and how it reveals his divine plan and infinite mercy. To...

Day 63: Israel's Rebellion (2023)

04 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our reading of Numbers 14 today, Fr. Mike highlights how the rebellion of the Israelites which was marked by distrust and fear, will have consequen...

Day 62: Spies Sent to Canaan (2023)

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we read Numbers 12 and 13, Deuteronomy 11, and Psalm 94, Fr. Mike reflects on the conflict between Aaron, Miriam, and Moses and explains why Miriam...

Day 61: Complaining in the Desert (2023)

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike discusses how the Israelites complaining against God and believing they were better off in Egypt reflects our own inclination to be enslaved ...

Day 60: Intercessory Prayer (2023)

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike makes note of how the tribes of Israel travel with Judah (praise) leading the way, and explains how Moses intercedes for the people and acts ...

Day 59: Obligations to God (2023)

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we read Numbers 8-9, Deuteronomy 8, and Psalm 93, Fr. Mike reflects on how the Israelites were expected to celebrate Passover in all circumstances,...

Day 58: A Chosen People (2023)

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike breaks down the purpose of the various offerings during the dedication of the tabernacle. We are also reminded that the people of Israel are ...

Day 57: Hear, O Israel (2023)

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains the significance behind the Nazarite vow and the priestly blessing in Numbers 6. We also learn why the Great Command revealed in Deu...

Day 56: Jealous Husbands (2023)

25 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains how God elevates the dignity of women by providing new laws around husbands accusing their wives of unfaithfulness. Today we read fr...

Day 55: Obedience to God (2023)

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike underscores the importance of obeying God as he reads from Numbers 4 and Deuteronomy 4. We also read Psalm 88 and learn how it foreshadows th...

Day 54: The Tribe of Levi (2023)

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike clarifies some questions surrounding the Tribe of Levi and talks about what it means to be held to a higher standard as a leader in your comm...

Day 53: The Twelve Tribes of Israel (2023)

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike talks about the twelve tribes of Israel and explains why the book of Numbers introduces them based on the number of decedents they each had. ...

Day 52: Israel Continues to Journey (2023)

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike kicks off our reading of the book of Numbers by explaining where Israel is at in their journey with the Lord, and how they are keeping him at...

Introduction to Desert Wanderings (with Jeff Cavins) -2023

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Congratulations, you've completed the Egypt & Exodus period and you've arrived at the Desert Wanderings ! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to provide us the...

Day 51: Israel's Worship of God (2023)

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we finish our reading of Exodus, Fr. Mike recaps the events of Israel and how God shaped his people in worship. Today's readings are Exodus 39-40, ...

Day 50: Sacrificial Offerings (2023)

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike encourages us to look at how we can increase our generosity to God and neighbor, inspired by the sacrificial offerings of Israel. Our reading...

Day 49: The Year of Jubilee (2023)

18 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains why God repeats some of his instructions for worship and lays out the purpose for the year of jubilee. The readings are Exodus 35-36...

Day 48: God's Presence (2023)

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reflects on God's presence to his people, and how that makes his chosen people distinct. Today's readings are Exodus 33-34, Leviticus 24, and...

Day 47: The Golden Calf (2023)

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's reading from Exodus 32, Fr. Mike shows us how when we become uncertain, we immediate try to take control of the situation, and build up ido...

Day 46: Set Apart for God (2023)

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike points out how blessing something sets it apart for the purposes of God, and it is no longer meant for ordinary uses. So when we are filled w...

Day 45: Pray for Priests (2023)

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we read Exodus 29, Leviticus 21, and Psalm 119:121-176, Fr. Mike points out how God calls broken and imperfect men to his holy priesthood, and asks...

Day 44: Priestly Garments (2023)

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains how the holy garments for priests described in Exodus 27-28, are intentionally designed to glorify God and highlight his beauty. He ...

Day 43: The Ark of the Covenant (2023)

12 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike provides us with a mental picture of the ark of the covenant and reminds that the small details of worship matter as we read Exodus 25-26, Le...

Day 42: Moral Laws (2023)

11 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike breaks down the three types of law we find in Leviticus, including moral laws regarding sexuality. Today's readings are Exodus 24, Leviticus ...

Day 41: The Day of Atonement (2023)

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reveals the parallels between the day of atonement and the sacrifice of the mass. We learn how the temple worship practices of the old testam...

Day 40: Laws of Justice (2023)

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Fr. Mike explains how God's heart is revealed through his commandments, and how we are all called to a life of justice, as we read from Exodus ...

Day 39: Slavery in the Old Testament (2023)

08 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike gives us the historical context around the commandments on slavery to help us better grasp the concept of slavery in the Old Testament. Today...

Day 38: The Ten Commandments (2023)

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains the meaning of a covenant with God, and how The Ten Commandments strengthen this relationship. Today's readings are Exodus 19-20, Le...

Day 37: The Mystical Works of God (2023)

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode dives into the mystical works of God, and what our approach should be for explaining them in the natural world, as we read from Exodus...

Day 36: Manna from Heaven (2023)

05 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike talks about how God trains the Israelites to trust him in the wilderness, and how we can grow in our own faithfulness to the Lord. Today we r...

Day 35: Crossing the Red Sea (2023)

04 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains how all the rules of worship in Leviticus 10 point to the reality that God is holy. We also continue journeying through Exodus 13-14...

Day 34: The Passover Instituted (2023)

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we discover how the Passover foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus and how the people of Israel are transformed by God in the readings from Exodus ...

Day 33: Locusts, Darkness, and Death of the Firstborn (2023)

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's reading from Exodus 10-11, Fr. Mike explains how the ten plagues reveal that God is far greater than the Egyptian gods. We also discover mo...

Day 32: Cattle, Boils, and Hail (2023)

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we continue to read through the ten plagues of Egypt, Fr. Mike uses the example of Pharoah to show us how our hearts can either harden or melt in r...

Day 31: Frogs, Gnats, and Flies (2023)

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike points out how today's reading from Exodus can act like a mirror for us as we continue to hear the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus 8 and...

Day 30: Nile Turned to Blood (2023)

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains how God is doing something new in this period, and shows us how much God desires to pour out his mercy. Today we read Exodus 6-7, Le...

Day 29: Moses Returns to Egypt (2023)

29 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike delves deeper into Moses' call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and reminds us that God desires to make us free so we that we can worship...

Day 28: The Burning Bush (2023)

28 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reads about the powerful moment God reveals himself to Moses in the burning bush and promises to set the Israelites free from slavery. Todays...

Day 27: The Birth of Moses (2023)

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we begin our journey in Egypt and Exodus as Fr. Mike reads about the birth of Moses and the connection between burnt offerings and the sacrifice...

Introduction to Egypt & Exodus (with Jeff Cavins) - 2023

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Congratulations on completing the Patriarchs period! Today, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to explore the world of Egypt and Exodus. They discuss the comm...

Day 26: God Responds to Job (2023)

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we wrap up our journey through the Patriarchs as Fr. Mike finishes the book of Genesis and the book of Job. Fr. Mike particularly draws our atte...

Day 25: Job's Questioning (2023)

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Where is God in Job's suffering? Today, Fr. Mike dives deeper into Job's questions as he wrestles with his suffering. We learn that God always uses ou...

Day 24: Tears of Joy (2023)

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike takes a look at the dramatic moment when Joseph makes himself known to his brothers and weeps out of joy. Today's readings are Genesis 45-46,...

Day 23: Judah Changes (2023)

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We continue reading today Genesis 43-44, Job 35-36, and Proverbs 4:10-19. Fr. Mike highlights the transformation of Judah's heart and how his change s...

Day 22: Go to Joseph (2023)

22 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike shows us how the faithfulness of Joseph in the Old Testament foreshadows the faithfulness of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary in the New Testa...

Day 21: Walking with God (2023)

21 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike continues reading through Genesis 39-40, Job 31-32 and Proverbs 3:33-35 and reflects on Joseph's righteousness as he walked with God. For the...

Day 20: Judah and Tamar (2023)

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike talks about how God can bring great triumph from great brokenness as he reads the messy story of Judah and Tamar. The readings for today are ...

Day 19: Joseph and his Brothers (2023)

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike zeroes in on the dynamic between Joseph and his older brothers and shows us how the sin of envy is a distorted desire to be loved. Today's re...

Day 18: The Heart of Israel (2023)

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike talks about how God accomplishes his will through us, in spite of our brokenness, and how he is always faithful to his promises. Today's read...

Day 17: Jacob Meets Esau (2023)

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike dives into the love Jacob has for God, and how this is shown when Jacob meets Esau. Today's readings are Genesis 33-34, Job 23-24, and Prover...

Day 16: The Suffering of Job (2023)

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike highlights the mysterious role suffering in Job's life as we continue journeying through Genesis 31-32, Job 21-22, and Proverbs 3:9-12. For t...

Day 15: Leah Feels Unloved (2023)

15 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike focuses on Leah's painful struggle trying to make herself lovable as we continue to read Genesis 29-30, Job 19-20, and Proverbs 3:5-8. For th...

Day 14: Isaac Blesses Jacob (2023)

14 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

13 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we read about story of Isaac and Rebekah's marriage and Fr. Mike reflects on God's constant providence in our lives, even when we don't see it. ...

Day 11: The Sacrifice of Isaac (2023)

11 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains the significance behind sacrifice of Isaac, and why God chose to test Abraham as he reads Genesis 22-23, Job 11-12, and Proverbs 2:9...

Day 10: Hagar and Ishmael (2023)

10 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

09 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

08 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

07 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

06 Jan 2023

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) - 2023

06 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

05 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

04 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

03 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

02 Jan 2023

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 (2023)

01 Jan 2023

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) - 2021

01 Jan 2023

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...

Day 365: The Beginning and the End (2022)

31 Dec 2022

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...

BONUS: How to Hear God's Voice in Scripture (2023)

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In preparation for reading the Bible in a Year, Fr. Mike shares five tips for reading scripture that will help you better understand the Word of God. ...

Day 364: Christ's Sacrifice Once for All (2022)

30 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

29 Dec 2022

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...

BONUS: Catholics and the Bible (with Jeff Cavins) 2023

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike Schmitz is joined by renowned Catholic Bible scholar Jeff Cavins, to talk about The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, their personal experience...

Day 362: The Woman Clothed with the Sun (2022)

28 Dec 2022

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...

BONUS: Preparing for the Bible in a Year Journey (2023)

28 Dec 2022

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 361: Judgment and Repentance (2022)

27 Dec 2022

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...

Day 360: Heavenly Worship (2022)

26 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

25 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

24 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

23 Dec 2022

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...

Day 356: God Is Love (2022)

22 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

21 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

20 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

19 Dec 2022

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...

Day 352: Purified by Fire (2022)

18 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

17 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

16 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

15 Dec 2022

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, furthuring St. Paul’s...

Day 348: Rules for the New Life (2022)

14 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

13 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

12 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

11 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

10 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

09 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

08 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

07 Dec 2022

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 (2022)

06 Dec 2022

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...