The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episodes
Day 319: Come, Follow Me (2024)
14 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
13 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
12 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
11 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
10 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
09 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
08 Nov 2024
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) (2024)
08 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
07 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
06 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
05 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
04 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
03 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
02 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
01 Nov 2024
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 (2024)
31 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
30 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
29 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
28 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
27 Oct 2024
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 298: The Gift of Life (2024)
27 Oct 2024
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 300: Conversion of Heart (2024)
26 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
25 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for childr...
Day 297: Using Good Things for Evil (2024)
23 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
22 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
21 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
20 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
19 Oct 2024
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 292: The Power of Words (2024)
18 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
17 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
16 Oct 2024
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 (2024)
15 Oct 2024
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...
Day 288: Battling Against Gossip (2024)
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains the importance of wisdom in our everyday lives when we face temptations to gossip, encouraging us in the battle for virtue, wisdom, ...
Day 287: Eleazar's Sacrifice (2024)
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike illustrates the story of Eleazar and the abandonment of peace terms between the Jews and the Greeks. He also recognizes the pain that childre...
Day 286: The Battle to Choose God (2024)
12 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike walks us through the current battles of Judas Maccabeus and the Israelite people, emphasizing that while war is violent, freedom to belong to...
Day 285: Story of Hanukkah (2024)
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's reading from 1 Maccabees, we hear about the victory of Judas Maccabeus, which is also the story of Hanukkah. In Sirach, Fr. Mike points out...
Day 284: Near Occasion of Sin (2024)
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike points out how advice from books like Proverbs and Sirach may not apply perfectly to every situation, but are meant to help guide us towards ...
Day 283: Mattathias Attacks (2024)
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike clarifies the meaning behind Mattathias' zealous attack against the Greeks and his fellow Jews who were not obeying God's laws. From our read...
Day 282: Antiochus Desecrates the Temple (2024)
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for childr...
Introduction to the Maccabean Revolt (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Maccabean Revolt period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the tenth biblical period in our journey, which begins with the Greek ...
Day 281: Good and Evil (2024)
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike summarizes the final moments of the book of Nehemiah, when Nehemiah returns to find the people of Israel being unfaithful to God’s commandm...
Day 280: The People of the Covenant (2024)
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike concludes the book of Esther and the book of Nehemiah by reflecting on the journey and resilience of the Jewish people thus far in the story ...
Day 279: Blessings and Burdens (2024)
05 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike offers a brief recap of today’s chapter from Nehemiah, identifying the difference between those who were able to live in Jerusalem and thos...
Day 278: Power in Weakness (2024)
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike walks us through the signing of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 and relates Israel’s collective decision to belong to God to our personal encou...
Day 277: Such a Time as This (2024)
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's readings remind us that all good things come from God, and he calls us to specific places and times for a reason. In the book of Esther, Fr. M...
Day 276: Haman's Plan (2024)
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Fr. Mike reads from Nehemiah today, we hear about how the hearts of the people of Israel were moved as Ezra reads the book of the law of Moses to t...
Day 275: Esther Becomes Queen (2024)
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike continues reading from the book of Nehemiah as we read of the many attempts to prevent Nehemiah from doing the great work of God. We also see...
Day 274: Perseverance in Opposition (2024)
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Fr. Mike continues to describe Nehemiah’s process of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and encountering a variety of challenges in his calling. He e...
Day 273: The Lord's Work (2024)
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Fr. Mike continues discussing the call of Nehemiah and how we should approach the work the Lord calls us to do. He explains why all work is divine pa...
Day 272: The Call of Nehemiah (2024)
28 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike introduces the book of Nehemiah and takes us through Nehemiah’s exemplary response to the call of God as he does what God asks simply becau...
Day 271: Israel's Foreign Wives (2024)
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike discusses God’s instruction to the people of Israel not to marry women from foreign lands. He explains why God would provide this instructi...
Day 270: God's Favor with Ezra (2024)
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains how God’s favor was with Ezra because he set his heart to study God's laws, to obey his laws, and to teach his laws to others. We...
Day 269: The Day of Small Things (2024)
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike encourages us not to be discouraged about the small things happening in our lives, because just as we see through Zechariah's visions, God ta...
Day 268: Rebuilding the Temple (2024)
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for childr...
BONUS: If You Feel Like Giving Up (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue through this year-long journey Fr. Mike and Jeff Cavins offer some words of encouragement for those who might be struggling. No matter ...
Day 267: Indifference and Apathy (2024)
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike introduces us to the books of Ezra and Haggai, explaining the Israelites' return to the promised land. He also warns us against apathy and in...
Introduction to the Return (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Return period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the ninth biblical period, which covers the Israelites' return to Jerusalem, the...
Day 266: Son of the Father (2024)
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we finish the Gospel of Matthew, Fr. Mike takes us through Christ's passion, explaining the meaning of "Barabbas", the importance of saints, and te...
Day 265: Sins of Omission (2024)
21 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains sins of omission, and how these are some of the biggest deciding factors of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell: whether or not ...
Day 264: Preaching Without Practice (2024)
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike continues to explain the parables Christ recites in Jerusalem, specifically focusing on the dangers of preaching God's Word without practicin...
Day 263: The Father's Generosity (2024)
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike takes us through various parables in Matthew such as the parable of the lost sheep, the merciful servant, and the laborers in the vineyard. H...
Day 262: Miracle Worker (2024)
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we read about the many miracles Jesus performs in today's readings from Matthew, Fr. Mike asserts the objective reality of those miracles and reinf...
Day 261: Ornate Souls (2024)
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike explains the many parables we hear today in Matthew, including the return of the unclean spirit, and the danger of ornate souls. He emphasize...
Day 260: Carrying the Cross (2024)
16 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
15 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
14 Sep 2024
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) (2024)
14 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
13 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
12 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
11 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
10 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
09 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
08 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
07 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
06 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
05 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
04 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
03 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for childr...
Day 245: The Faithfulness of Daniel (2024)
01 Sep 2024
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 (2024)
31 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
30 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
29 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
28 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
27 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
26 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
25 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
24 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
23 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
22 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
21 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
20 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
19 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
18 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
17 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
16 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
15 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
14 Aug 2024
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 (2024)
13 Aug 2024
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...