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

Day 32: Cattle, Boils, and Hail (2024)

01 Feb 2024

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 (2024)

31 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

30 Jan 2024

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 on us. Today we read Exodus 6...

Day 29: Moses Returns to Egypt (2024)

29 Jan 2024

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 can worship hi...

Day 28: The Burning Bush (2024)

28 Jan 2024

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. Today'...

Introduction to Egypt & Exodus (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)

27 Jan 2024

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 27: The Birth of Moses (2024)

27 Jan 2024

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 sacrific...

Day 26: God Responds to Job (2024)

26 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

25 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

24 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

23 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

22 Jan 2024

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 Test...

Day 21: Walking with God (2024)

21 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

20 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike talks about how God can bring great triumph from great brokenness as we read the messy story of Judah and Tamar. Today's readings are Genesi...

Day 19: Joseph and His Brothers (2024)

19 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

18 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

17 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

16 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

15 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

14 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

13 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

12 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

11 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

10 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

09 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

08 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

07 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

06 Jan 2024

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. Unlock the...

Introduction to the Patriarchs (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)

06 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

05 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

04 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

03 Jan 2024

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 (2024)

02 Jan 2024

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...

BONUS: Bringing the Bible Back to Catholics (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)

01 Jan 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: Preparing for the Bible in a Year Journey (2024)

01 Jan 2024

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...

Start Here: Introduction to the Early World (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)

01 Jan 2024

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...

BONUS: How to Hear God's Voice in Scripture (2024)

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we get ready for the Bible in a Year journey, Fr. Mike shares five tips for reading the Bible that will help us to hear God's voice in scripture. ...

Day 1: In the Beginning (2024)

01 Jan 2024

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 ...

Day 365: The Beginning and the End (2023)

31 Dec 2023

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...

Day 364: Christ's Sacrifice Once for All (2023)

30 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

29 Dec 2023

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...

Day 362: The Woman Clothed with the Sun (2023)

28 Dec 2023

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...

Day 361: Judgment and Repentance (2023)

27 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

26 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

25 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

24 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

23 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

22 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

21 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

20 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

19 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

18 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

17 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

16 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

15 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

14 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

13 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

12 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

11 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

10 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

09 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

08 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

07 Dec 2023

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 (2023)

06 Dec 2023

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...

Day 339: Priscilla and Aquila (2023)

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reminds us that God uses crooked lines to make a straight story, like Paul’s witness to Priscilla and Aquila as they encounter the person o...

Day 338: Death Defeated (2023)

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we continue along the path of our forefathers in faith, Fr. Mike reminds us that we live in the same era as the Apostles and have the same Holy Spi...

Day 337: The Importance of Love (2023)

03 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike unpacks the events in Acts 16, describing Paul’s trust in the Lord as God frees him from prison. He connects St. Paul’s conversation abou...

Day 336: The Council at Jerusalem (2023)

02 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike walks us through the Church’s first council in Acts 15 and highlights the importance of the Church’s authority in the question of circumc...

Day 335: Run the Race (2023)

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we continue to follow the missions of Paul and Barnabas, Fr. Mike highlights the fickle nature of humanity and the futility of striving for the pra...

Day 334: The Meaning of Fasting (2023)

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike highlights the importance of prayer and fasting, instructing us how to fast and empty ourselves to feel our spiritual need for Christ. He als...

Day 333: Peter Is Rescued from Prison (2023)

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today begins with Acts 12 and the miraculous rescue of Peter from prison by an angel. Reflecting on this story, Fr. Mike helps us grapple with the mys...

Day 332: Barnabas and Paul On Mission (2023)

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike begins by explaining the confusion experienced by the early Christians as they struggled to integrate the Gentiles into the Church. We also h...

Day 331: Peter Preaches to the Gentiles (2023)

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s reading from Acts, the Holy Spirit guides Peter to initiate ministry to the Gentiles, beginning with the family of Cornelius, a Roman cen...

Day 330: Saul's Conversion (2023)

26 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike breaks down Saul's miraculous conversion, explaining the significance of Jesus sending Ananias to heal Saul, and how it reveals that Jesus wo...

Day 329: The Ethiopian Eunuch (2023)

25 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike focuses on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch and how it demonstrates the importance of having guidance when reading Scripture. Alt...

Day 328: Stephen Is Martyred (2023)

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike reflects on Stephen's heroic martyrdom and points out how those around him refused to hear him and hardened their hearts, something we too ca...

Day 327: Origin of the Diaconate (2023)

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike draws our attention to the cultural division present in the early Church and the origin of the ordination to the diaconate. He also discusses...

Day 326: Life in the Spirit (2023)

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike discusses the ministry of the apostles and encourages us to allow God to work in our lives in the same way. He also reminds us that through B...

Day 325: Boldness in Faith (2023)

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike highlights the boldness of Peter and John in our reading from Acts as they stand before the council of church leaders and defend the name of ...

Day 324: The Name of Jesus (2023)

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Acts 3, Peter used God’s gift of healing to allow God to restore a lame man. Fr. Mike reminds us that God gives us gifts so he can be known in th...

Day 323: Pentecost (2023)

19 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike shares the powerful story of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles in the upper room. He emphasizes how God calls us to go out into the wo...

Day 322: The Ascension (2023)

18 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we begin the age of the church, transitioning from the Gospel of Luke to the beginning of the book of Acts. Fr. Mike draws our attention to the...

Introduction to the Church (with Jeff Cavins) - 2023

18 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Church period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context o...

Day 321: Jesus' Prayer in the Garden (2023)

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike highlights how Jesus didn't pray in order get something from God, he prayed in order to be close to God. He also points to Jesus' prayer in t...

Day 320: Peter's Denial Foretold (2023)

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we draw near to the end of the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike briefly expands on the story of the poor widow’s offering, emphasizing that the Lord care...

Day 319: Come, Follow Me (2023)

15 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

14 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

13 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

12 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

11 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

10 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

09 Nov 2023

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) - 2023

09 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

08 Nov 2023

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 t...

Day 311: God Fights for You (2023)

07 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

06 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

05 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

04 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

03 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

02 Nov 2023

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...