logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2022
19m 30s

Day 279: Blessings and Burdens (2022)

ASCENSION
About this episode

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 those who were not. He explains the ancestral gifts that each tribe of Israel received and applies this concept to the vices and virtues of our families, as well as our freedom to adopt or reject them. Today we read from Nehemiah 11, Esther 8, 16, and Proverbs 21:17-20.

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.

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

Up next
Yesterday
Day 327: Origin of the Diaconate (2025)
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 Paul’s frustration with those who didn’t recognize Jesus as the Christ and offers consolation to those who experience this in the ... Show More
22m 47s
Nov 22
Day 326: Life in the Spirit (2025)
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 Baptism, we are set free from our fallen human nature and given the freedom to live according to the spirit. Today’s readings are f ... Show More
25m 22s
Nov 21
Day 325: Boldness in Faith (2025)
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 Jesus. He also addresses Paul’s writings on God’s grace given to us in our sinfulness and the war between good and evil present wi ... Show More
25m 12s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2023
Day 18: The Unity of the Testaments
Fr. Mike unpacks the vital unity between the Old and New Testaments. Together, we examine prefigurements and types from the Old Testament being fulfilled in the New. We also examine the importance of the study of Scripture for each and every Catholic. Today’s readings are Catechi ... Show More
15m 43s
Jan 2023
Day 8: God Forms His People
God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his peopl ... Show More
16m 35s
Jan 2023
Day 17: The Canon of Scripture
Fr. Mike explores the formation of the canon of Scripture. He emphasizes the importance of contemplating and venerating all 73 books of both the New and Old Testaments given to us through Sacred Tradition. Together, with Fr. Mike, we further examine the definition of the canon of ... Show More
18m 43s
Mar 2021
Ezra and Nehemiah - part 2 - Unlocking The Bible
Part 26 of the David Pawson 'Unlocking the Bible' Podcast series In this talk, David Pawson gives more emphasis to the book of Nehemiah – the story of the man of prayer and faith given permission to return to Jerusalem to organize the rebuilding. Despite opposition, he encouraged ... Show More
31m 20s
Oct 2022
Jacob and Esau - The Book of Genesis
In this Bible Story, Jacob robs his brother by deceiving his father into giving him his blessing instead of Esau. Then Rebekah tells Jacob to go stay with her brother Laban, until it is safe to return. This story is inspired by Genesis 27:1-28:9. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn ... Show More
18m 51s
Jan 2023
Day 19: Summary of Sacred Scripture
Today, we arrive, with Fr. Mike, at the In Brief section for Article III. Together, we revisit eight of the main ideas or “nuggets” from the readings of the past six days. Fr. Mike concludes this section by reminding us of the importance of the unity between and veneration of the ... Show More
10m 32s
Apr 2023
Joash - The Books of 2 Kings & 2 Chronicles
In this Bible Story, we learn about the rise and fall of Joash who began his rule as a young child, growing under the love and care of the high priest. However, when the priest dies, Joash’s heart grows sour and against the things of God. He causes the people to stumble, and is u ... Show More
19m 23s
Mar 2023
Day 75: Jesus’ Infancy and Hidden Life
Fr. Mike explores the mystery of Jesus’ infancy and hidden life. We first take a look at Jesus’ Baptism, circumcision, and the Epiphany. Fr. Mike discusses that Jesus’ circumcision shows us that salvation comes from the Jews. The Epiphany shows us that salvation does not stop the ... Show More
23m 31s
Jan 2023
Day 20: Stepping in Faith
As we dive into a new chapter today, we learn about how we are called to respond to God’s Revelation. In particular, we discover that Mary and Abraham are models of faith who show us how to be obedient by submitting our intellect and will to God. Fr. Mike assures us that even tho ... Show More
15m 13s
Jan 2023
Day 14: The Eternal Word of God
Fr. Mike reflects on the sacredness of Scripture and why the Church venerates Scripture with great reverence. He helps us understand the mystery behind the powerful reality that God speaks to us through human authors. Most importantly, Fr. Mike reminds us that the eternal Word of ... Show More
17m 8s