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

Day 192: The Prophet Isaiah (2025)

11 Jul 2025

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 (2025)

10 Jul 2025

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 (2025)

09 Jul 2025

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 (2025)

08 Jul 2025

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 (2025)

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike introduces us to the Book of Proverbs while reflecting on Israel's lack of devotion to God and the Book of the Law. Much like God gave the Bo...

Day 187: Praying for Time (2025)

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike recalls Hezekiah's prayer for more time and reveals how Hezekiah did not use that time wisely. We are all only given a specific amount of tim...

Day 186: Struggles with Self-Interest (2025)

05 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike highlights Hezekiah's goodness as king of Judah, but also points out his failure to protect his people's future. While Hezekiah let his self-...

Day 185: Hezekiah's Prayer (2025)

04 Jul 2025

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 (2025)

03 Jul 2025

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) (2025)

03 Jul 2025

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 (2025)

02 Jul 2025

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 (2025)

01 Jul 2025

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. ...

Day 181: Jonah and the Whale (2025)

30 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

29 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

28 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

27 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

26 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

25 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

24 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

23 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

22 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

21 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

20 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

19 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

18 Jun 2025

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 Kinds (2025)

17 Jun 2025

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 167: Viaticum (2025)

16 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we are introduced to the prophet Elijah, who repeatedly responds to God's invitations with faith. The readings are 1 Kings 17-18, 2 Chronicles ...

Day 165: The Lover and the Beloved (2025)

14 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

13 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike touches on King Rehobo'am's last acts and the rise of his son, Abi′jah. He also explains how the mistakes of Israel's leaders show the impo...

Day 162: Rehoboam Seeks Counsel (2025)

11 Jun 2025

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)-2025

11 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

10 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

09 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

08 Jun 2025

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 wi...

Day 158: The Reality of Sin (2025)

07 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

06 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

05 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

04 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

03 Jun 2025

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) -2025

03 Jun 2025

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 (2025)

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Day 152: Being Forgotten (2025)

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reminds us that, eventually, the world will forget us. He encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven, focusing on surrender and trust in ...

Day 151: Wisdom and Folly (2025)

31 May 2025

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 (2025)

30 May 2025

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 (2025)

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Day 148: Solomon's Wealth (2025)

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains the purpose behind the beauty and extravagance of the Temple Solomon built for the Lord. On the other hand, he also points out the i...

Day 147: Temple Worship (2025)

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reinforces the power of God's presence in the Temple, and the importance of worshipping God the way he desires to be worshipped. We also begi...

Day 146: The Universal Church (2025)

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reveals Solomon's plan of leadership, and how he is aiming to unite the people. He also foreshadows the importance of the temple as a place w...

Day 145: Solomon Builds the Temple (2025)

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reads the story of Solomon's greatest action as king: building a temple for the Lord, showing us how important it is to give glory to the Lor...

Day 144: David's Last Words (2025)

24 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike looks into David's last words to his son Solomon and explains why it could have been hard for him to take David's advice. He also points out ...

Day 143: Solomon Asks for Wisdom (2025)

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike starts to unpack the character of Solomon and explains how we can see the beginning of his downfall in today's readings. Although Solomon has...

Day 142: Whole and Joyful Hearts (2025)

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike uses the readings today to ask the question, how can we love the Lord joyfully, and with our whole hearts? In scripture today we see David su...

Day 141: The Life of David (2025)

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike touches on one of his favorite bible stories about David's mighty men and discusses his attitude in old age. At the end of his life, David ch...

Day 140: David's Prayer of Thanksgiving (2025)

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reflects on the significance behind David's prayer of thanksgiving at the end of his life. There's something so moving about David's gratitud...

Day 139: Reparation to the Gibeonites (2025)

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's readings, Fr. Mike highlights David's humility in two instances: when David asked the Gibeonites how he could repair their relationship aft...

Day 138: The Effect of Sin on Others (2025)

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike points out how violence begets violence in the reading from 2 Samuel, and shows us how the sins we commit extend much further than ourselves....

Day 137: David Mourns Absalom (2025)

17 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's readings, Fr. Mike points out how the loss of David's son overshadows everything else for a time. The readings are 2 Samuel 19, 1 Chronicle...

Day 136: Absalom Is Defeated (2025)

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we hear about the downfall of Absalom, and how David reacts to the news of his death. In Chronicles, we read about David changing some of the r...

Day 135: The Counsel of Hushai (2025)

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains the events of today's readings, breaking down Hushai's advice to Absalom, David's warning and charge of Solomon, and the theme of ce...

Day 134: Devastating Effects of Sin (2025)

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike talks about the horrible things that can happen when we turn away from God and stop asking him "what's the next step?" In today's readings we...

Day 133: Persevering in Trust (2025)

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike focuses on trust today, specifically trusting God in difficult times. Like David, we need to learn to trust God in the midst of the battle, r...

Day 132: David and Absalom (2025)

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reflects on the story of David and Absalom, and points out the lack of forgiveness and repentance on both men's part. God forgives us no matt...

Day 131: Hope for the Future (2025)

11 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike preaches hope for the future of those with wounded hearts as we read the stories of Tamar, Amnon, and David. No matter what's in your past - ...

Day 130: Nathan Condemns David (2025)

10 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike touches on the sins of David, and how we can see ourselves in these fallen characters in scripture. God desires a relationship with us free f...

Day 129: David Commits Adultery (2025)

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike breaks down David's tragic downfall as he commits adultery with Bathsheba and kills her husband, Uriah the Hittite. We learn that David's roa...

Day 128: Mighty Men of Valor (2025)

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we continue to read about how King David expands his kingdom, Fr. Mike points out the mighty men of valor, who were men of great courage, honor and...

Day 127: Kindness for the House of Saul (2025)

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike draws our attention to David's kindness towards the house of Saul, including Jonathan's lame son Mephibosheth. We learn that even though Saul...

Day 126: David's Victories (2025)

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike emphasizes how King David's victories in battle are part of his calling to establish Israel as a kingdom. He also reminds us that the recapit...

Day 125: Covenant with David (2025)

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike highlights the moment God makes a covenant with David, promising him an everlasting dynasty, but reserving the building of the Temple to Davi...

Day 124: King David Rules (2025)

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we read about the moment David is made king over all Israel. Fr. Mike reveals that as David begins his rule, he has both strengths and weaknesse...

Day 123: The Death of Ish-bosheth (2025)

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike highlights the importance of David's reaction to the death of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. Today we read 2 Samuel 4, 1 Chronicles 5-6, and Psalm ...

Day 122: Abner Is Killed (2025)

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's readings, we hear about the death of Abner, and Fr. Mike points out how David publicly mourns Abner, and instructs his people to do the sam...

Day 121: Cycle of Violence (2025)

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike talks about how revenge and violence can become a cycle that doesn't end until someone chooses to end it. He also points out how the genealog...

Day 120: David Mourns Saul (2025)

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we begin two new books as we read 2 Samuel 1, 1 Chronicles 1, and Psalm 13. Fr. Mike shows us how nothing in scripture is wasted space, and also...

Day 119: David's Wisdom (2025)

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the last chapters of 1 Samuel, Fr. Mike focuses on David's wisdom in battle through his prayer and ability to unite the people of Israel. He also t...

Day 118: King Saul Despairs (2025)

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reflects on King Saul's despair in the face of trial, and how he seeks other means of comfort when he feels like God has abandoned him. God n...

Day 117: Reverence and Faithfulness (2025)

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reveals how David exemplifies the virtues of reverence and faithfulness. David walks both as a man of faith and as a fallen son of God, but w...

Day 116: David and Abigail (2025)

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reflects on the relationship between David and Abigail, and how the Lord calls David to be a better man through Abigail. Where has God put th...

Day 115: King Saul is Spared (2025)

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike uses King Saul as an example that God does not unchoose those he has chosen, and never loses faith in us. Even if we feel someone is in power...

Day 114: David Saves Keilah (2025)

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explores the actions of David before saving the city of Keilah, and how he sets an example for us while discerning God's will. He also points...

Day 113: Broken Trust (2025)

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's readings, we learn how Doeg the Edomite betrayed David, the priests, and the Lord. Fr. Mike explains that betrayal is painful because our h...

Day 112: True Friendship (2025)

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike zeroes in on the deep friendship between Jonathan and David and the enduring power of their brotherly bond. He breaks down the different kind...

Day 111: Saul Tries to Kill David (2025)

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike contrasts Jonathan's brotherly friendship with David, and Saul's bitterness and envy towards David. We also learn from Psalm 59 that David st...

Day 110: David and Goliath (2025)

20 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we read the epic story of how David defeats Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior. Fr. Mike points out that David's heroic courage in this battle ...

Day 109: A Heart of Obedience (2025)

19 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we continue to read about Saul's vanity and disobedience, Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of the virtue of obedience in our relationship with Go...

Day 108: Saul's Vanity (2025)

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike highlights Saul's brokenness and vanity as he makes an unlawful sacrifice and a rash oath in order to save Israel in the midst of war. Today'...

Day 107: Samuel's Speech (2025)

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we continue reading from 1 Samuel, Fr. Mike points out how God gave the people a king like they wanted, even though it was not part of his plan. Th...

Day 106: Saul Is Chosen (2025)

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we begin the Royal Kingdom period, we hear about the first king of Israel, Saul. We discover that though Saul looks like a fearless warrior, he has...

Introduction to the Royal Kingdom (with Jeff Cavins) (2025)

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Royal Kingdom period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to set the scene for this time period. They review the major players, and why the peop...

Day 105: It Is Finished (2025)

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In our final reading from the Gospel of John, we hear about the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Mike points out the connection betw...

Day 104: The Priestly Prayer of Jesus (2025)

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reflects on the prayer of Jesus before his sacrifice, where he not only prays for all his disciples but for us as well. We also dive into Chr...

Day 103: Judas' Secrecy (2025)

13 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike points out the secrecy in Judas' life, and highlights Jesus' words of conviction to the disciples before his death on the cross. He also expl...

Day 102: The Death of Lazarus (2025)

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike recalls the death of Lazarus, and how Jesus not only allowed himself to be broken by the sorrow that breaks us but also how he took that hope...

Day 101: Signs and Wonders (2025)

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike explains how the signs and wonders Jesus demonstrates in the Gospel point to the truth of his identity. He also touches on Proverbs 5, especi...

Day 100: This Is My Body (2025)

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we read about Jesus' powerful teaching about the Eucharist. Fr. Mike invites us to believe that the Eucharist is truly the Body, Blood, Soul, an...

Day 99: The Word Became Flesh (2025)

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we begin reading the Gospel of John! Fr. Mike emphasizes the significance of Jesus' divinity, and explains how the story of salvation culminates...

Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of John (2025)

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You've made it to the first Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of John. They discuss the structure of this Gospe...

Day 98: Israel Asks for a King (2025)

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike draws our attention to Samuel's sons who turned away from God as they ruled over Israel and how the people of Israel rejected God from being ...