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

Day 245: The Faithfulness of Daniel (2022)

02 Sep 2022

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 (2022)

01 Sep 2022

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 (2022)

31 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

30 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

29 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

28 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

27 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

26 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

25 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

24 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

23 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

22 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

21 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

20 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

19 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

18 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

17 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

16 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

15 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

14 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

13 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

12 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

11 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

10 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

09 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

08 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

07 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

06 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

05 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

04 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

03 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

02 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

01 Aug 2022

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 (2022)

31 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

30 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

29 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

28 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

27 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

26 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

25 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

24 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

23 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

22 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

21 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

20 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

19 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

18 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

17 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

16 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

15 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

14 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

13 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

12 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

11 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

10 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

09 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

08 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

07 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

06 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

05 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

04 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

03 Jul 2022

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) - 2022

03 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

02 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

01 Jul 2022

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 (2022)

30 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

29 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

28 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

27 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

26 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

25 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

24 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

23 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

22 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

21 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

20 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

19 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

18 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

17 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

16 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

15 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

14 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

13 Jun 2022

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 (2022)

12 Jun 2022

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...

Day 162: Rehoboam Seeks Counsel (2022)

11 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains why it's better to seek counsel from those who don't necessarily always agree with us, using the experience of Rehobo′am as an exa...

Introduction to the Divided Kingdom (with Jeff Cavins) - 2022

11 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Divided Kingdom period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to explain the critical information needed to understand the rest of our biblical re...

Day 161: The Crucifixion of Christ (2022)

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike finishes the gospel of Mark by reflecting on the death and resurrection of Christ. He also encourages us to reflect on the redemption of our ...

Day 160: Jesus Warns the People (2022)

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike guides us through Jesus' warning of persecution to the people of Israel as we near the end of Mark's Gospel. He also touches on how Jesus' be...

Day 159: Bearing Fruit (2022)

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we read about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, Fr. Mike breaks down Jesus' interactions with his disciples and the sadducees, and his reaction to the w...

Day 158: The Reality of Sin (2022)

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike highlights the reality of sin and our capacity to choose hell as we read about Jesus' teachings on temptations, divorce, and wealth. Jesus' t...

Day 157: Following Jesus (2022)

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike emphasizes that following Jesus as his disciples requires remarkable humility, faith, purity of heart, and courage. Today's readings are Mark...

Day 156: Jesus Casts Out Demons (2022)

05 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we continue to read about Jesus' ministry, Fr. Mike focuses today on Jesus' power to cast out demons and reminds us that there is an ongoing spirit...

Day 155: Jesus is Lord (2022)

04 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we read about Jesus' teachings and miracles that confirm his identity as Lord. Fr. Mike emphasizes the divinity of Jesus revealed in his actions...

Day 154: The Baptism of Jesus (2022)

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we begin reading the Gospel of Mark, Fr. Mike points out several amazing details about the baptism of Jesus, as well as some important points about...

Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of Mark (with Jeff Cavins) - 2022

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the second Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Mark and discuss how this short Gospel helps us unde...

Day 153: The Decline of Solomon (2022)

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, as we hear about the decline of Solomon, Fr. Mike points out how the consequences of our decisions can have ramifications far beyond ourselves....

Day 152: Being Forgotten (2022)

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reminds us that, eventually, all of us will be forgotten by the world. He encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven, focusing on surrend...

Day 151: Wisdom and Folly (2022)

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike delves deeper into the lessons Ecclesiastes teaches us today about living wisely by keeping the end in mind, enjoying the present moment, and...

Day 150: The Dedication of the Temple (2022)

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains the details of Solomon's dedication of the Temple, and the power of God's presence dwelling in it. In Ecclesiastes, we continue to l...

Day 149: All Is Vanity (2022)

29 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we begin reading the book of Ecclesiastes! Fr. Mike helps us understand the central theme of this book of wisdom literature- the meaning of life...