logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2024
20m 15s

Day 118: King Saul Despairs (2024)

ASCENSION
About this episode

Fr. Mike reflects on King Saul's despair in the face of trial, and how he seeks other means of comfort when he feels like God has abandoned him. God never abandons us, especially in the midst of danger. Fr. Mike invites us to place our trust in God's promise, instead of resorting to sinful acts. Today's readings are 1 Samuel 27-28 and Psalm 34.

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 329: The Ethiopian Eunuch (2025)
Fr. Mike focuses on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch and how it demonstrates the importance of having guidance when reading Scripture. Although God's Word is infallible, we can easily misunderstand it without proper interpretation, which is why we have the Magisterium ... Show More
21m 7s
Yesterday
Day 328: Stephen Is Martyred (2025)
Fr. Mike reflects on Stephen's heroic martyrdom and points out how those around him refused to hear him and hardened their hearts, something we too can do with the Word of God. In the book of Romans, Fr. Mike also highlights the importance of offering our bodies as a living sacri ... Show More
24m 46s
Nov 23
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
Recommended Episodes
May 2023
Jesus on Objectification and Oppression | Gospel of Matthew
When Jesus recounts the Laws from the Torah, he doesn’t simply address the behavior, he gets to the heart of sin. John Mark explores Jesus's commandments surrounding lust and divorce and highlights how God's heart is for us to honor one another as brothers and sisters in ... Show More
54m 35s
Jan 2023
Day 22: Wrestling with Faith
In our Catechism readings today, Fr. Mike reflects on the motives of credibility for believing in God. We learn that God offers us signs and proofs that show us that he truly is who he says he is. Fr. Mike also clarifies the difference between doubting the Faith and struggling wi ... Show More
17m 26s
Sep 2022
This One Thing Makes Christianity Different From Every Other Religion
(Today's video/podcast is an excerpt from "Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God." To learn more about this amazing resource visit: https://tinyurl.com/2gscjojo ) Is Jesus who He says He is? How do we know he's not a liar or a lunatic? Today, Fr. Mike shares a story from his o ... Show More
12m 39s
Sep 2022
"Judgmental, Bigoted, Homophobic, Elitist, and Hypocritical" (The World’s Perception of Christians)
(Today's video/podcast is an excerpt from "The 99, A New System for Evangelization." To learn more about this amazing resource visit: https://tinyurl.com/2fwtspve ) One of the most difficult groups to bring the Gospel to right now is young adults. Fr. Mike proposes that it's not ... Show More
7m 36s
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
Jul 2023
Day 202: How Confession Heals
What happens to us when we go to Confession? Fr. Mike explains the powerful ways the Sacrament of Reconciliation spiritually restores and perfects us. We also learn about the eternal and temporal consequences of sin, and finally, Fr. Mike discusses the four aspects to an indulgen ... Show More
24m 36s
Jan 2023
The Stories We Tell Our Children Have Consequences
Stories matter. We tell them to help us understand the world around us. But what if the stories we tell don't mirror our Catholic morals? What if the lessons that they teach don't agree with our values? Should we keep telling those stories? Today Fr. Mike wrecks your childhood ve ... Show More
9m 41s
Apr 2023
Origin Story | Gospel of Matthew
What can Jesus's origin story tell us about Him? John Mark explores Matthew's story of Jesus's conception and His calling to "save their people from their sins." He invites us to recognize where we need saving, healing, and rescue in our own lives. Key Scripture Passa ... Show More
36m 55s
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 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