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

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 readings to discover what the story of creation means for God's plan in your life. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental dis...

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 dig into scripture, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to lay out the context for the Early World period (Genesis 1-11). They discuss the type of scripture we'll encounter (Hebrew poetry) and how that affects our understanding of the Word. This episode...

2026 marks the 5th anniversary of Bible in a Year! Over the past five years, the Lord has taken this podcast to extraordinary places -- reaching listeners in more than 150 countries, becoming the #1 podcast in the U.S., and remaining the #1 religious podcast in the world, even five years later. Through Bible in a Year, God has transformed hearts and minds, and we are deeply grateful to every liste...

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 the promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation 21. It is this profound promise that reassures us that Christ is the beginning and the end, the one who makes all things new, the one who wipes away every tear, the one who conquers death, and t...

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 the judgmental oracles in the old testament, particularly those from the prophet Jeremiah. Fr. Mike also emphasizes the reality of God’s judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and how Christ’s sacrifice is presented to God in the heavenly sanctuary...

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 us to hold firm in our faith. Additionally, Fr. Mike reveals the beauty of the new covenant priesthood established by Jesus and explained in Hebrews. Today’s readings are Revelation 15-17, Hebrews 5-8, and Proverbs 31:23-25. For the complete reading...

Fr. Mike continues to interpret the symbols within Revelation. He compares story of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the woman in Revelation. Fr. Mike provides context to the letter to the Hebrews, a letter that makes the case for Jesus, explaining who he is and the beauty of what he did for us. Today’s readings are Revelation 12-14, Hebrews 1-4, and Proverbs 31:16-18. For the complete reading plan, visit...

Fr. Mike summarizes and contextualizes the book of Philemon, addressing the tension of slavery addressed in the Bible. He provides an explanation on the continued destruction depicted in Revelation as the visions of the apostle John, holding it up to the light of the Gospel. Today’s readings are Revelation 8-11, Philemon, and Proverbs 31:16-18. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.c...

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 Mass. He also focuses on our ability to glorify God and exalt him into eternity through the righteous deeds we perform on earth. Today’s readings are Revelation 4-7, Titus 1-3, and Proverbs 31:10-15. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress...

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. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we begin reading from Revelation, Fr. Mike makes us aware of the symbolism found throughout this apocalyptic book and highlights its goal of strengthening the Church through the worship that happens at Mass. He also encourages us to find strength in God when facing challenges, just as Paul did. Today’s readings are Revelation 1-3, 2 Timothy 3-4, and Proverbs 31:8-9. For the complete reading pla...

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 highlighting Paul’s imprisonment and his final message to rekindle the gift of God within us. Today’s readings are from Jude, 2 Timothy 1-2, and Proverbs 31:1-7. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The B...

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 explains the context for St. Paul's words to St. Timothy about asceticism and caring for widows, and he ends today's reflection by encouraging us to keep fighting the good fight of faith. Today's readings are 2 John, 3 John; 1 Timothy 4-6; Proverbs 30:29-33....

Are you getting ready to read the Bible in a year? Fr. Mike shares why it's worth following the Bible in a Year journey and how to prepare for this life-changing adventure. He explains how the reading plan works, how to build a listening habit, and how to persevere along the year when it gets tough. He reminds us that it is our "why" that ultimately shapes our "way" through the Bible. He also shar...

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 difference between mortal and venial sin, as well as what St. Paul means when he teaches that there is only "one mediator" between God and man. Today's readings are 1 John 4-5, 1 Timothy 1-3, and Proverbs 30: 24-28. For the complete reading plan, visit a...

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 surrender our hearts and minds to the Lord and reject the things of this world. Today's readings are 1 John 1-3; 2 Thessalonians 1-3; Proverbs 30:20-23. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contain...

Fr. Mike reflects on the powerful reality that the sacrament of Baptism makes us partakers of God's Divine nature, fundamentally changing us into beloved sons and daughters of God the Father. He also highlights how the second coming of Christ will come like a thief in the night, how Christians grieve with hope, and how we have to test the prophecies we hear from seers. Today's readings are 2 Peter...

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 verses for him. As we start reading 1 Thessalonians today, Fr. Mike also highlights how Paul is encouraged by the faith of the Thessalonians and stresses the importance of not only sharing the gospel but also sharing our very selves. Today's readings...

Fr. Mike Schmitz is joined by renowned Catholic Bible expert Jeff Cavins, to talk about The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, their personal experiences with the Bible, and what it means to live life through the lens of Scripture. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discret...

As we begin reading 1 Peter today, Fr. Mike walks us through Peter's powerful message about persevering in trials, trusting that those sufferings purify our love and faith by teaching us to love God for his own sake and not just the gifts he blesses us with. Finally, as we wrap up Colossians, Fr. Mike highlights St. Paul's call to uphold the obligations we have to others in society, in our family,...

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 us to draw near to God because he is constantly pursuing us, especially as we share in his suffering. Today’s readings are James 3-5, Colossians 1-2, and Proverbs 30:7-9. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please n...

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 a discussion of faith and works and addressing the importance of demonstrating our intrinsic belonging to the Lord through our actions. Today’s readings are James 1-2, Philippians 3-4, and Proverbs 30:1-6. For the complete reading plan, visit ascens...

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, furthering St. Paul’s legacy of ordinary service, a willingness to share the gospel, and a dedication to following God’s will. Today’s readings are Acts 28, Philippians 1-2, and Proverbs 29:25-27. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please...

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 in regards to Paul’s direction for wives to be subject to their husbands, again drawing our attention to our call to love and serve while being subject to each other out of reverence for Christ. Today’s readings are Acts 27, Ephesians 4-6, and Proverbs...

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 through the first half of Ephesians, emphasizing Paul’s main theme of unity in the spirit. Today’s readings are from Acts 26, Ephesians 1-3, and Proverbs 29:18-21. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bi...