logo
episode-header-image
May 2023
27m 4s

Day 149: All Is Vanity (2023)

ASCENSION
About this episode

Today we begin reading the book of Ecclesiastes! Fr. Mike helps us understand the central theme of this book of wisdom literature- the meaning of life. What truly matters in this passing life? It's only because God exists that everything matters because our choices and lives will endure into eternity. Today's readings are 1 Kings 7, Ecclesiastes 1-2, and Psalm 5.

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
Today
Day 191: The Babylonian Exile (2025)
As we finish our journey in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, Fr. Mike highlights the Babylonian exile as a critical event in the story of salvation. Although the exile is a dark and devastating part of Israel's history, Fr. Mike reminds us that it's not the end of their story. Today's r ... Show More
18m 27s
Yesterday
Day 190: Judah Is Overrun (2025)
As we near the end of 2 Kings, Fr. Mike takes us through Babylon's conquest of Judah, under the leadership of King Nebuchadnezzar. He touches on the importance of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs and revisits the sons of Josiah to explain why the people of Israel are so lost. Today ... Show More
17m 47s
Jul 8
Day 189: Follow the Lord (2025)
Fr. Mike explains why it's important to focus on our own journey with the Lord over those around us while highlighting the leadership of king Josiah. He also reminds us how the mistakes of past kings had led Israel down a dark path. Today's readings are 2 Kings 23, 2 Chronicles 3 ... Show More
22m 40s
Recommended Episodes
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
Jun 2016
Wisdom of Ecclesiastes Part 1: Not Another Proverb...
In this episode, Tim and Jon begin their discussion on the book of Ecclesiastes. This is an interesting book in Scripture, and the author is relentlessly trying to get the reader to rethink their black and white mindset. It can be a bit depressing to read, and it doesn’t quite gi ... Show More
51m 20s
May 2023
Day 143: Amen
Congratulations, we have come to the conclusion of Part One of the Catechism! Fr. Mike reviews the last “nugget” section on death and judgment, inviting us to regularly ponder the moment of our own death and judgment before our Lord. We conclude today with an explanation of the m ... Show More
16m 8s
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
Jan 2023
Day 16: Senses of Scripture
Fr. Mike examines the two senses of Scripture: the literal sense and the spiritual sense. Together, we further unpack the meaning of the literal sense of Scripture and the three subdivisions of the spiritual sense: the allegorical, the moral, and the anagogical senses. Fr. Mike p ... Show More
13m 31s
May 2023
S2: Psalm 143–145: The Greatness of God
From Eden to Eternity, the Bible tells one big story of redemption. And this year we’re walking through God’s divine story chronologically. Today we are journeying through Psalm 143–145 and exploring God’s sovereign plan as the events of Scripture unfold and point to Jesus. Today ... Show More
9m 10s
Mar 2023
Day 86: God’s Plan of Salvation
How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and hu ... Show More
21m 22s
May 2016
Intro to Wisdom Literature
In this episode, the guys give an overview of wisdom literature in the Bible. Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes are considered wisdom literature. Each book has unique ideas and ancient wisdom about the world, but all of the books are trying to teach the audience what it means to li ... Show More
31m 51s
Jan 2023
Day 21: Believing God
Fr. Mike continues reflecting on the meaning of faith and how it works in our lives. We learn that faith is a grace from God, a supernatural virtue that is not contrary to human freedom or reason. Fr. Mike reminds us that to have faith is not just to believe in God, but to believ ... Show More
14m 6s
Sep 2023
Reading the Bible Existentially
To better understand how the Bible applies to us, we should consider how it applied to its first readers. Today, R.C. Sproul invites us to enter into the vibrant and dramatic context of God's Word. Get Two Digital Teaching Series for Your Gift of Any Amount: https://gift.renewing ... Show More
30m 29s