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Struggling to understand the Bible?

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how the Great Adventure Bible Timeline helped him finally connect the story of salvation. Now fully refreshed, with on-location filming and expert insights, this powerful series brings Scripture to life like never before.

Whether you&#39;re new or experienced, see the big picture of God’s plan and your place in it!

Understand the Bible like never before: ascensionpress.com/bibletimeline 
Check out the free preview of the Bible Timeline: <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/pages/bible-timeline-free-preview-refresh" rel="nofollow">https://ascensionpress.com/pages/bible-timeline-free-preview-refresh</a><a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

This Teaching Will Change Your Life

As the second installation of his three-part series, Fr. John offers an introduction and overview of the second canticle of Dante's Divine Comedy - The Purgatorio. He is joined by guest host Fr. CJ Mast, a fellow companion and long time friend. If you are looking for more on Dante, check out Fr. John's nine-part lecture series at Our Lady of Lourdes: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LourdesDenver/streams" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@LourdesDenver/streams</a>.

Dante's Purgatorio

This week Fr. Jacob and Fr. John talk about the hinge pin of the liturgical year, Holy Week, the Triduum and the Easter Octave. Launching from the Easter season they discuss the liturgical year at large and how it all flow from and to the greatest of solemnities Easter!

Keep the Party Going

Fr. Mike continues to explore the joint mission of the Word and Spirit in the Old and New Testaments. Together, we unpack how the Holy Spirit has been moving the prophets, particularly the prophet Isaiah. We learn how the characteristics of the Messiah are revealed, above all, in the “Servant Songs.” We also examine the Holy Spirit’s role in John the Baptist recognizing Christ as Messiah, even from within the womb. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 711-720.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 101: Expecting the Messiah (2026)

As the Church gets ready to celebrate Easter, Jeff calls us to remember those who are absent—family members, friends, and neighbors who are not present at Mass and may be far from the faith. Jeff invites us to reach out to them and emphasizes that the Resurrection is not only something to celebrate—it’s a mission to live.

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<li>Email us with comments or questions at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a>. </li>
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Who Missed Easter?

Episode 293 - Older Son (Spiritual Sense) Have you ever been hurt by someone and struggled with what forgiveness is supposed to look like? In this episode, the friars revisit the older son in the Prodigal Son story, but now through a deeper, spiritual lens. Not just what he did, but what he felt. The loss, the frustration, the sense of being overlooked, and the real difficulty of being invited into forgiveness before you're ready. They explore the complexity of the human heart, how joy and pain can exist at the same time, how past wounds resurface in present moments, and how God meets us not with pressure, but with presence. This conversation is an honest look at what it means to carry hurt, to wrestle with forgiveness, and to let the Father meet you in the middle of it. Join us as we enter the older son's story and discover a God who doesn't rush healing, but walks with us through it. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at <a href= "https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco">https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco</a>. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi: <a href= "https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi"> https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi</a> Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints <a href= "https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home"> https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home</a> <a href= "https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page">https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page</a> 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at <a href= "https://www.pocomerch.com/">https://www.pocomerch.com/</a>

Older Son (Spiritual Sense)

Fr. Mike points out the secrecy in Judas&#39; life, and highlights Jesus&#39; words of conviction to the disciples before his death on the cross. He also explains how important it is to bring Jesus into our temptation, and to not hide our hearts from him like Judas did. Today&#39;s readings are John 13-15 and Proverbs 6:6-11.

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 103: Judas' Secrecy (2026)

As we continue reading from 1 Samuel, Fr. Mike points out how God gave the people a king like they wanted, even though it was not part of his plan. This reveals to us that even when we choose things that God does not want for us, he is still with us. The readings are 1 Samuel 11-12 and Psalm 55.

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 107: Samuel's Speech (2026)

Happy Easter! In this joyful season, as we celebrate the beauty of our faith, we’re also reminded of our human brokenness, and how at times, that brokenness can reflect poorly on the Church.

Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us not to get discouraged nor walk away, whether we’re new to the Church or have been Catholic our whole lives, but instead to refocus on what makes our faith truly unique, Jesus Christ, fully present in the Eucharist: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

My Message For All Catholics (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Homily from Divine Mercy Sunday. It’s not about your first or last confession. It’s about your next one. The Christian life doesn’t end with a first confession, baptism, or Easter moment, it continues through the next step. What keeps love alive is not looking back, but continually returning to Christ through confession, mercy, and grace. Each “next” encounter with Jesus strengthens faith and guards against a cold heart.<dl style="margin : 0; padding-top:0;"><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Mass Readings from April 12, 2026:</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Acts 2:42-47</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">1 Peter 1:3-9</dt> John 20:19-31

04/12/26 The Next...: The Next Confession

In our final reading from the Gospel of John, we hear about the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Mike points out the connection between the Paschal lamb and Jesus, and also the connection between the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Today&#39;s readings are John 19-21 and Proverbs 6:16-22.

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 105: It Is Finished (2026)

Homily from the Third Sunday of Easter. The Enemy wants to steal your heart. The Lord wants to give you His. It is possible to know the truth; the truth about the Resurrection, the truth about Christianity, the truth about Jesus...and still struggle. It is possible to know and wrestle to have the courage it requires to continue on. Courage is necessary. Heart is necessary...especially in the battle of discouragement.<dl style="margin : 0; padding-top:0;"><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Mass Readings from April 19, 2026:</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Acts 2:14, 22-33</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">1 Peter 1:17-21</dt> Luke 24:13-35

04/19/26 The Next...: The Next Mass

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they speak with Fr. Wayne Sattler again on mental prayer and the difficulties you may experience, and how God works in prayer and your life! Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/bookstudy">Remain in Me and I in You Book Study</a> - online formation</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/remain-in-me-and-i-in-you/"> Remain in Me and I in You</a> - Fr. Wayne Sattler</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/and-you-will-find-rest/"> And You Will Find Rest</a> - Fr. Wayne Sattler</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/spiritual-warfare-and-discernment-of-spirits-signup-2?utm_source=dir&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=swados&utm_content=demonic_backlash"> Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits</a> - video series</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/discernment-of-spirits-for-beginners/"> Discernment of Spirits for Beginners</a> - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett & Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/into-the-deep-sign-up?utm_source=sd.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=into_the_deep&utm_content=dir"> Into the Deep</a> - video series</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

How God Works in Prayer

Fr. Mike highlights Saul&#39;s brokenness and vanity as he makes an unlawful sacrifice and a rash oath in order to save Israel in the midst of war. Today&#39;s readings are 1 Samuel 13-14, and Psalm 58.

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 108: Saul's Vanity (2026)

Prof. Michael Krom argues that just war principles still govern contemporary warfare, especially drone warfare and autonomous weapons, and that moral judgment cannot be replaced by technology or legal convenience. This lecture was given on February 14th, 2026, at Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Michael Krom started reading Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae shortly after his conversion at the end of college. Upon learning about Flannery O’Connor’s “hillbilly Thomist” habit of reading Aquinas every night, he started studying two articles a day and completed the Summa while in graduate school at Emory University. As a professor at Saint Vincent College, he saw the urgent need for collegians and seminarians to receive a solid foundation in Aquinas’s philosophical theology. In 2020, he published Justice and Charity:&nbsp; An Introduction to Aquinas’s Moral, Economic, and Political Thought (Baker Academic Press), and teaches a Thomistic philosophy course each fall. In addition to continuing work on the moral, economic, and political topics covered in the book, his current research is on the influence of monastic spirituality on Aquinas; he is working on a monograph tentatively entitled Aquinas Among the Benedictines. Keywords: AI, Autonomous Weapons, Common Good, Conscience, Discrimination, Drone Warfare, Human Judgment, Just War Theory, Proportionality, Prudence

Applying Just War Principles in Contemporary Warfare – Prof. Michael Krom

It's Last Call! Catholic apologist, Trent Horn, is back to absolutely DESTROY Atheism (in a nice way) alongside host, Matt Fradd.
 
Pints: Last Call Ep. 9
 
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📚Resources Mentioned: 
 
Answering Atheism: <a href="https://a.co/d/0iHQHM1R">https://a.co/d/0iHQHM1R</a>
 
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Trent Horn DESTROYS Atheism | Last Call Ep. 9

When you pray with Scripture, you are not guessing what God wants, you are praying from the very words He has already given you. Jeff encourages us to bring our struggles, whether family, health, finances, or anxiety, directly to God by praying through Scripture.

<ul>
<li>Email us with comments or questions at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a>. </li>
<li>Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit <a href="https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show" rel="nofollow">https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&amp;page=2&amp;category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&amp;category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show</a> for full shownotes!</li>
</ul><a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)</a>

Praying "In" God’s Word

Are you able to recognize sin in your life? Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and the rich teaching of the Catholic Church, Jeff walks through the nature of sin, its devastating consequences, and the path toward true freedom through repentance.

<ul>
<li>Email us with comments or questions at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a>. </li>
<li>Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit <a href="https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show" rel="nofollow">https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&amp;page=2&amp;category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&amp;category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show</a> for full shownotes!</li>
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What Is Sin and How to Overcome It

Today we read about Jesus&#39; powerful teaching about the Eucharist. Fr. Mike invites us to believe that the Eucharist is truly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ because Jesus said it himself. Today&#39;s readings are John 4-6 and Proverbs 5:7-14.

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 100: This Is My Body (2026)

Pentecost marks the beginning of the age of the Church, the time in which the Kingdom is inherited but not fully consummated. Today, we dive into the meaning and significance of Pentecost for our lives. Fr. Mike explains how the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost fulfills Christ’s Passover. On that glorious day, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit fully revealed themselves in the Trinity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit heals our wounded nature and empowers us to love as God loves through the various gifts of the Spirit. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 731-736. 

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 103: The Power of Pentecost (2026)

The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God&#39;s plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father&#39;s plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary&#39;s humility is essential to her role as the &quot;masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time.&quot; Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 102: The Holy Spirit’s Mission (2026)

It’s Last Call! New York Times bestselling author, mythographer and thinker, Martin Shaw is back to tell Matt Fradd (and you) a story. Put your feet up, close your eyes, and enjoy.
 
Pints: Last Call Ep. 10
 
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📚Martin Shaw, New York Times bestselling author: 
"Liturgies of the Wild: Myths That Make Us" is available here: https://a.co/d/0eiMLCcy
 
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Mythologist Martin Shaw Tells Matt a Story | Last Call Ep. 10

As we begin the Royal Kingdom period, we hear about the first king of Israel, Saul. We discover that though Saul looks like a fearless warrior, he has a major flaw. Fr. Mike also points out the significance of the readings from Proverbs. Today&#39;s readings are 1 Samuel 9-10 and Proverbs 6:23-35.

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 106: Saul Is Chosen (2026)

Dr. John-Paul Heil argues that Christians should “elect Christ as king” by judging political institutions according to whether they actually lead people toward holiness, the common good, and heaven. This lecture was given on February 17th, 2026, at Virginia Tech. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: John-Paul Heil is a Core Fellow in history, philosophy, Catholic anthropology, English, and theology at Mount St. Mary's University. He received his PhD in history from the University of Chicago and is pursuing an MBA in marketing. He has received multiple awards from the U.S. and Italian Fulbright commissions. His writing has appeared in Time, Smithsonian, The Week, and Los Angeles Review of Books. He is the books editor at the University of Pennsylvania's Dappled Things. Keywords: Christ The King, Common Good, Catholic Politics, Florence, Holiness, Lay Engagement, Lent, Local Community, Political Reform, Savonarola

The Savonarola Option: Why We Should Elect Christ as King – Dr. John-Paul Heil

Jesus Christ established the Church, but the Holy Spirit continually sanctifies the Church with wisdom, guidance, and charismatic gifts. The Church’s mission is to proclaim and establish the beginning of God’s Kingdom on earth, and we participate in this mission through charity, humility, and self-denial. Fr. Mike helps us understand the seemingly paradoxical idea that the Church is visible and spiritual, both human and Divine. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 767-771.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 108: Revealed by the Holy Spirit (2026)

Together with Fr. Mike, we unpack the joint mission of God’s Word and the Spirit in the Old and New Testaments. Fr. Mike emphasizes the Spirit’s role in creation, the theophanies, and the Law. We conclude today’s reflection with an examination of the prefiguration of the Church in the exile of the people of God in the Old Testament. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 702-710. 

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 100: God’s Word and Spirit (2026)

The Church has no other light than Christ&#39;s, and the Holy Spirit is the source of all its holiness. We believe that the Church is &quot;holy,&quot; &quot;catholic,&quot; &quot;one,&quot; and &quot;apostolic.&quot; Fr. Mike explains that Jesus has promised to guide the Church in the truth. Members of the Church are called and uniquely belong to the Lord. We also learn that the word &#39;church&#39; has three inseparable meanings: the liturgical assembly, the local community, and the universal community of believers. The Church draws her life from the body of Christ and so becomes Christ&#39;s body. Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 748-752.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 105: Christ’s Church and its Mission (2026)

You&#39;ve made it to the first Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of John. They discuss the structure of this Gospel and what makes it so different from the other three Gospels. We learn that the Gospel of John doesn&#39;t just tell us what Jesus did, but most importantly who he is. 

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of John (2026)

Dr. Wes Siscoe argues that true happiness and the good life are not found in pleasure, wealth, fame, or even bodily health, but in a fully ordered human flourishing that culminates in union with God. This lecture was given on February 19th, 2026, at Indiana University. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Wes Siscoe is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at The Ohio State University. He is also a Thomistic Institute alum, having founded the TI chapter at the University of Arizona. With a passion for making philosophy accessible to college students and the general public, Wes founded the Philosophy Teaching Library at the University of Notre Dame and participated in the Philosophy as a Way of Life Project. When he isn’t doing philosophy, he’s hanging out with his family and two miniature dachshunds. Keywords: Aquinas, Beatitude, Fame, Happiness, Health, Human Flourishing, Union with God, Virtue, Wealth

I Want to Live a Good Life, Where Do I Start? – Dr. Wes Siscoe

Fr. Mike explains how the signs and wonders Jesus demonstrates in the Gospel point to the truth of his identity. He also touches on Proverbs 5, especially the last verse touching on discipline. Today&#39;s readings are John 7-9 and Proverbs 5:15-23.

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 101: Signs and Wonders (2026)

Welcome to the Royal Kingdom period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to set the scene for this time period. They review the major players, and why the people of Israel asked for a king.

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Introduction to the Royal Kingdom (with Jeff Cavins) (2026)

Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau presents the Catholic disagreement over honoring Truman as a serious moral dispute rooted in differing judgments about just war, innocent life, and the necessity of the atomic bomb. This lecture was given on February 14th, 2026, at Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: A native of Louisiana, Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., entered the Dominican Province of St. Joseph in 2005. After several years of pastoral work in New York City, Fr. Guilbeau began doctoral studies in moral theology at the University of Fribourg, where he completed a dissertation on St. Thomas Aquinas’s doctrine of the common good. Currently, Fr. Guilbeau serves as the University Chaplain and Vice President for Ministry and Mission at The Catholic University of America. Keywords: Atomic Bomb, Anscombe, Hiroshima, Innocent Life, Just War, Miscamble, Moral Disagreement, President Truman, Utilitarianism, War Ethics

Anscombe vs. Miscamble on Truman: Catholic Disagreement over Honoring a President – Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.

The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 107: Origin of the Church (2026)

As we continue to read about Saul&#39;s vanity and disobedience, Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of the virtue of obedience in our relationship with God. He also points out how God chose David to be anointed as king because David was a man after God&#39;s own heart. Today&#39;s readings are 1 Samuel 15-16 and Psalm 61.

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 109: A Heart of Obedience (2026)

Do we love the Church? Some of us might struggle with that idea, but Fr. Mike explains that if we are to love and live in accordance with the heart of Jesus, we must love what he loves. Jesus, the bridegroom, loves his bride, the Church, so we must love the Church. We also learn that the sacraments are not only signs but also the very instruments by which the Holy Spirit gives us the grace of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 772-780.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 109: Mystery of Union With God (2026)

Dr. Rebekah Lamb argues that St. John Henry Newman’s idea of the saint is deeply relational: saints are friends knit together in the communion of saints, and holiness is lived through prayer, hidden service, and ordinary fidelity. This lecture was given on February 19th, 2026, at Queen's University, Belfast. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Dr. Rebekah Lamb is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in theology and the arts at the University of St Andrews, specializing in religion and literature of late modernity. Her research centres on the ways in which the arts can be distinctive and timely modes of theology in their own right, especially in light of liturgical, spiritual, and existential concerns. Key figures in her work include Joseph Ratzinger, St. John Henry Newman, Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ, Christina Rossetti and the Pre-Raphaelites as well as their inheritors (JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis, among others). Prior to joining St Andrews, she was an inaugural Étienne Gilson Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto. She is a trustee of the Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst (Lancashire, UK) and frequently contributes to popular magazines and journals, including an interview with Robert Cardinal Sarah for the Catholic Herald. Keywords: Communion of Saints, Friendship, Hidden Holiness, Newman, Prayer, Sacramental Vision, Saint John Henry Newman, Spiritual Friendship, Ordinary Life, Virtue

St. John Henry Newman’s Idea of the Saint – Dr. Rebekah Lamb

Today we begin reading the Gospel of John! Fr. Mike emphasizes the significance of Jesus&#39; divinity, and explains how the story of salvation culminates in Christ as the Messiah. 

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 99: The Word Became Flesh (2026)

Fr. Mike recalls the death of Lazarus, and how Jesus not only allowed himself to be broken by the sorrow that breaks us but also how he took that hopelessness and brought forth life. He also explains how the covenants we&#39;ve seen in the Old Testament are all leading to the eternal covenant that will be instituted through Christ on the Cross. Today&#39;s readings are John 10-12 and Proverbs 6:1-5.

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.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 102: The Death of Lazarus (2026)

Dr. Lydia Dugdale argues that the “lost art of dying” can be recovered by reviving older practices of mortality awareness, community, reconciliation, and hope rather than accepting medicalized dying as normal. This lecture was given on February 16th, 2026, at University of Galway. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: Dr. Lydia Dugdale is the Silberberg Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center for Clinical Medical Ethics at Columbia University in New York City. As a medical doctor and ethicist, she cares for patients, consults on complex ethical issues in the hospital, and teaches medical trainees and undergraduate students. Her scholarly work focuses on physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia, the need to prepare well for death, and questions of moral injury and human flourishing. She is author of the book THE LOST ART OF DYING: REVIVING FORGOTTEN WISDOM (HarperOne, 2020) and is currently writing a book on hope. Keywords: Ars Moriendi, Community, Death, Hope, Hospitals, Medicalized Dying, Mortality, Palliative Care, Reconciliation, Virtue

The Lost Art of Dying – Dr. Lydia Dugdale

Is Catholicism a cult? That accusation falls apart fast. In this episode, Trent Horn shows why the word cult is often used in a sloppy, self-defeating way, and why many anti-Catholic arguments about obedience, canon law, and Church authority collapse under closer examination.