logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
23m 38s

Day 298: The Gift of Life (2023)

ASCENSION
About this episode

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 struggling with grief and death, which serves as a reminder to all about the blessing of our lives and the lives of those we love. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 1, Sirach 40-41, and Proverbs 24:1-7.

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 287: Eleazar's Sacrifice (2025)
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 who don’t follow the Lord can bring about, and uses wisdom from Sirach to address this prevalent struggle. To ... Show More
28m 11s
Oct 13
Day 286: The Battle to Choose God (2025)
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 is worth fighting for. He also discusses the importance of spending time with virtuous people to acquire thei ... Show More
26m 50s
Oct 12
Day 285: Story of Hanukkah (2025)
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 and glory in this world are not worth our time, because they will all fade away after we are gone. The readings ... Show More
27m 54s
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
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
Feb 2023
Day 58: Man’s Spiritual Battle
Fr. Mike explores the hard battle which each and every one of us must face, the battle with sin. Together, we examine the mystery of us being both free and under the power of the Devil. Fr. Mike emphasizes that if we are unaware of our wounded nature, it can lead to grave errors ... Show More
21m 58s
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
Feb 2023
Day 39: The Father Almighty
Together, with Fr. Mike, we explore the nature of God as Almighty. Fr. Mike discusses three important points to keep in mind about the reality of God’s power. The first is that God’s power is universal. God rules over everything; it is an infinite power. He is loving, he adopts u ... Show More
20m 12s
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
Jul 2023
The Prodigal Son - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, we explore the story of the Prodigal Son. Jesus uses his story to demonstrate the steadfast forgiveness of God. No matter how far gone someone may seem, the Lord is actively waiting to restore and forgive. This story is inspired by Luke 15:1-32 & Matthew 18:1 ... Show More
20m 12s
Feb 2024
God Provides Quail - The Book of Numbers
In this Bible Story, the people of Israel grumble to God about food. Their constant complaining and ungrateful spirits drive Moses' stress and God appointed 70 men to relieve Moses of his burdens. This story is inspired by Numbers 11:4-11:35. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the ... Show More
11m 32s