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

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...

Day 305: The Defender (2023)

01 Nov 2023

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 (2023)

31 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

30 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

29 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

28 Oct 2023

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 300: Conversion of Heart (2023)

27 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

26 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

25 Oct 2023

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 297: Using Good Things for Evil (2023)

24 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

23 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

22 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

21 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

20 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

19 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

18 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

17 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

16 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

15 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

14 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

13 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

12 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

11 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

10 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As we begin reading the first book of Maccabees today, Fr. Mike highlights the severe persecution against the Jews and the desecration of the Temple l...

Introduction to the Maccabean Revolt (with Jeff Cavins) - 2023

09 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

08 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

07 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

06 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

05 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

04 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

03 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

02 Oct 2023

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 (2023)

01 Oct 2023

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 ex...

Day 273: The Lord's Work (2023)

30 Sep 2023

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 par...

Day 272: The Call of Nehemiah (2023)

29 Sep 2023

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 (2023)

28 Sep 2023

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 (2023)

27 Sep 2023

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 (2023)

26 Sep 2023

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 (2023)

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fr. Mike continues to take us through the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, and the importance of moving on from the past to see what God is doin...

Day 267: Indifference and Apathy (2023)

24 Sep 2023

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) - 2023

24 Sep 2023

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 (2023)

23 Sep 2023

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 (2023)

22 Sep 2023

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 (2023)

21 Sep 2023

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 (2023)

20 Sep 2023

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 (2023)

19 Sep 2023

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 (2023)

18 Sep 2023

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...