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

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Day 298: The Gift of Life (2026)

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 reflection for those strugg

Oct 25
23 min

Day 297: Using Good Things for Evil (2026)

#2 trending · Religion & Spirituality

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 the conclusion of 1

Oct 24
20 min

Day 296: Know Your Heart (2026)

#36 trending · Religion & Spirituality

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 encouraged to know ou

Oct 23
19 min

Day 295: Israel's Expectations (2026)

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 exceeds our expectation

Oct 22
20 min

Day 294: Judea Gains Independence (2026)

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. We learn how Simon

Oct 21
20 min

Day 293: Discipline Grounded in Love (2026)

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 difference between

Oct 20
25 min

Day 292: The Power of Words (2026)

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 without providing any int

Oct 19
25 min

Day 291: The Rise of King Alexander (2026)

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 battle, and King Alexa

Oct 18
26 min

Day 290: Judas Maccabeus Dies (2026)

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 fighting fellow Jews l

Oct 17
25 min

Day 289: Wise Influences (2026)

Fr. Mike contextualizes our readings from 1 Maccabees today which covers the beginning of Roman rule over the Jewish people. Additionally, he emphasizes the wisdom from S

Oct 16
25 min

Day 288: Battling Against Gossip (2026)

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, and goodness. He emp

Oct 15
23 min

Day 287: Eleazar's Sacrifice (2026)

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 children and family members

Oct 14
28 min

Day 286: The Battle to Choose God (2026)

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 God and worship him

Oct 13
26 min

Day 285: Story of Hanukkah (2026)

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 that chasing fame a

Oct 12
27 min

Day 284: Near Occasion of Sin (2026)

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 wisdom. He also high

Oct 11
26 min

Day 283: Mattathias Attacks (2026)

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 reading of Sirach, Fr. M

Oct 10
25 min

Day 282: Antiochus Desecrates the Temple (2026)

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 led by Antiochus Epip

Oct 9
32 min

Introduction to the Maccabean Revolt (with Jeff Cavins) - 2026

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 oppression of the Je

Oct 9
32 min

Day 281: Good and Evil (2026)

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 commandments and marrying fore

Oct 8
26 min

Day 280: The People of the Covenant (2026)

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 of salvation.Fr. Mik

Oct 7
22 min

Chart trend

Position in the overall Apple Podcasts chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#35#69JulAugSepOct

all-time peak

days in the top 3 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 25, 2026).

#50 ▲ 4 All Podcasts US

#1 ▲ 1 Christianity US

#1 ▲ 1 Religion & Spirituality US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

I’ve been seeking God for the last 2+ years. Fr. Mike has helped me walk closer and closer. He has helped me understand the bible both historically and metaphorically. Even in the short 2 years of me being here, I’ve been so enlightened. I cannot wait each day to listen. Thank you to Father Mike is such an understatement.

Thigh Fire · Sep 2026

Father Mike, stop yelling at me. I’ve subscribed now… 😂😭 JKJK! I’m so grateful for this gift God has provided to me and his children through you and ascension presents with the Bible in a year podcast. I too have been someone who could never get through Genesis. And although I’m not where yall are at right now while I’m making this review, I have found myself growing in discipline and consistency in reading the living word. Your prayers have also been teaching me how to pray myself. I was feeling quite stumped in my prayer life. And through the powerful prayer Father Mike makes every episode it’s inspired my prayer in the way I speak to God everyday, praise Jesus. My request is that we all as a collective hit that subscribe button lol so that Father Mike can sleep good at night. Thank you for all your great work Father. May the Lord continue to bless you and light a fire in you. May he continue to speak through you to reach more of his lost children. Because thanks to this podcast and the show the Chosen I’ve been encourage to come back to my faith and build a true relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Blessings 🙏🏼🤍

Karo Ross · Sep 2026

I am not a Catholic; I am an Episcopalian but I am thoroughly enjoying this podcast. I have learned so much & Fr. Mike has a very soothing voice. I am so glad I found it.

Sisterbic · Sep 2026

This podcast is a blessing to me every day and helps me stay close to the Lord even through hard times.

Angie Listener · Aug 2026

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.