22 posts tagged with "Ascension"

Description: In The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz walks you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, providing commentary, reflection, and prayer along the way. Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast follows a reading plan inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history developed by renowned Catholic Bible scholar Jeff Cavins. For each period in the timeline, Jeff will join Fr. Mike for a special episode that will help you understand the context of each reading. With this podcast, you won’t just read the Bible in a

Fr. Mike reminds us of the context of Galatians and reiterates Paul’s admonition not to revert to our previous ways of life now that we have been freed from the yoke of slavery. He also discusses the works of the flesh which separate us from Christ and the fruits of

In this episode of 'The Bible in a Year' podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses Paul's legal defense in Acts and warns the Galatians about returning to sinful behaviors. He contrasts the freedom offered through Christ with the bondage of the law, emphasizing the Fruits of the Spirit as virtues that emerge from a life centered in God. Listeners are reminded that their choices impact their spiritual journeys, encouraging them to sow good actions to reap positive rewards, thereby deepening their faith and relationship with God.

In Acts 24, Fr. Mike notes how Felix remained unmoved by Paul's teaching despite being compelled by it initially, showing us that unless we act on what we believe, there is no change. As we begin reading St.Paul's letter to the Galatians today, Fr. Mike highlights Paul's explanation of the

In Day 345 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Acts 24, focusing on St. Paul's defense before Felix, illustrating that true belief must lead to action for meaningful change. He transitions to St. Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing that through baptism, believers of all backgrounds are united in Christ and become heirs to the promises of God. The episode deepens the listeners' understanding of their faith journey within the transformative narrative of the Bible.

Fr. Mike recaps Paul's trial before the chief priests and the plot to kill him in Acts 23. As we conclude 2 Corinthians today, Fr. Mike reflects on the thorn in Paul's side, a weakness that he struggled with and begged God to take away. Fr. Mike invites us to

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses Paul's trial before the chief priests in Acts 23, where he skillfully leverages the divisions within the council for his defense. He also reflects on the 'thorn in the flesh' mentioned in 2 Corinthians, symbolizing personal struggles and weaknesses. Emphasizing that God's grace is sufficient, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to embrace their weaknesses as pathways to divine strength, reminding them of the importance of self-examination and unity among believers.

In Acts 22, Paul's testimony falls on hostile Roman ears, and he narrowly escapes scourging by way of his Roman citizenship. Reflecting on this incident, Fr. Mike reminds us that God uses Paul's past to further his ministry, and that God does the same with each of us, today. Commenting

In Day 343 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz focuses on Acts 22, where Paul shares his transformation from a persecutor of Christians to an evangelist. This invokes a reflection on how God uses our past experiences to empower our ministries today. The episode emphasizes the significance of being cheerful givers, rooted in God's grace, alongside the idea that the primary credential for ministry is being called by God. Fr. Mike also draws from readings in 2 Corinthians, highlighting the importance of generosity and the transformative power of God's Word in believers' lives.

Fr. Mike comments on the growing divide between Judaism and Christianity that Paul experiences on mission in Acts 21. In 2 Corinthians, Fr. Mike explains the difference between Godly grief that brings us to repentance, and worldly grief that leads us to destruction. We also learn about the importance of

In this episode of 'The Bible in a Year,' Father Mike Schmitz explores Paul's journey in Acts 21 and the themes of godly grief and generosity from 2 Corinthians. He contrasts godly grief, which leads to true repentance, with worldly grief that results in destruction. Fr. Mike discusses the growing divide between Judaism and Christianity, emphasizing the implications for Gentiles in the faith. He encourages listeners to embody generosity, following Christ's example and reflecting on their personal application of these values in daily life.

In our reading of Acts 20, Fr. Mike reflects on the healing of Eutychus, Paul's willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel, and Paul's tender affection for the people he ministered to. In 2 Corinthians, Fr. Mike also highlights Paul's encouragement to hold onto the hope of beholding

In Day 341 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Acts 20, focusing on Paul's unwavering commitment to the Gospel despite facing imprisonment and suffering. He reflects on the miraculous healing of Eutychus, symbolizing God's power. Additionally, Paul emphasizes the importance of ministry and the joy of giving, encouraging believers to endure temporary afflictions in anticipation of an eternal weight of glory. This episode highlights Paul's deep connection with the community and the transformative power of the Spirit in preparing believers for God's eternal promises.

Fr. Mike emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit exemplified in Paul's interaction with those in Ephesus in Acts 19 and reminds us that God wants to fill each of us with the same Holy Spirit so we can walk in his strength. Fr. Mike also highlights the power of

In Day 340 of 'The Bible in a Year', Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the transformative power of the Holy Spirit as exemplified in Paul's encounter with the Ephesians in Acts 19. After baptizing them, Paul lays hands on them, leading to their empowerment by the Holy Spirit, resulting in miracles and a deeper understanding of faith. The podcast emphasizes God's desire to fill believers with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to overcome challenges, reject harmful practices, and actively profess their faith. Moreover, Paul's heartfelt letters to the Corinthians reveal his love and corrections meant to encourage spiritual growth without causing pain.

As we continue along the path of our forefathers in faith, Fr. Mike reminds us that we live in the same era as the Apostles and have the same Holy Spirit. Just like St. Paul stood out by imitating Jesus and sharing the Gospel, we are called to do the

In Day 338: Death Defeated (2024) of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores our shared mission with the Apostles and parallels it with St. Paul's evangelization approach. He reflects on our dual nature as body and soul in light of Christ's resurrection while emphasizing the essential belief in the resurrection for faith. The readings from Acts 17 and 1 Corinthians 15 fortify the themes of perseverance amidst opposition and the transformative power of faith, urging believers to live authentically against the backdrop of a culture that often promotes meaninglessness.

Fr. Mike reminds us that God uses crooked lines to make a straight story, like Paul’s witness to Priscilla and Aquila as they encounter the person of Christ and become missionaries. Just like Apollos accepted correction, Fr. Mike invites us to courageously open ourselves up to learning and growing. Today’s

In Day 339 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz examines the pivotal relationship between Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila as they engage in missionary work together. They illustrate the importance of openness to learning and personal encounters with Christ, demonstrating how such relationships foster growth in faith, as seen in Apollos' readiness to accept correction from Priscilla and Aquila. The episode draws from Acts 18, 1 Corinthians 16, and Proverbs 28:19-21 to discuss the transformative power of God's Word in the lives of believers and the significance of collaboration and humility in ministry.

Fr. Mike unpacks the events in Acts 16, describing Paul’s trust in the Lord as God frees him from prison. He connects St. Paul’s conversation about spiritual gifts to the well-known “love” chapter in 1 Corinthians, explaining how love and donation of self gives purpose to the spiritual gifts. Today’s

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores Acts 16, focusing on St. Paul's trials and unwavering trust in God during imprisonment. The importance of love as the greatest virtue is emphasized, connecting Paul's experiences to his teachings in 1 Corinthians. Love infuses meaning into spiritual gifts and the call to self-donation is highlighted, illustrating how faith, prayer, and prophecy strengthen both believers and church communities. Paul's approach to evangelism, including Timothy's circumcision for broader outreach, showcases the essential connection between love and the practical use of spiritual gifts.

Fr. Mike breaks down Saul's miraculous conversion, explaining the significance of Jesus sending Ananias to heal Saul, and how it reveals that Jesus works through his Church just as powerfully as he worked through the incarnation. Fr. Mike also reminds us that if we belong to the Lord, we will

In Day 330 of 'The Bible in a Year,' Fr. Mike discusses Saul's miraculous conversion and the significance of Ananias being sent by Jesus to restore Saul's sight, underscoring the continued power of God's work through the Church. He emphasizes the importance of suffering as part of belonging to the Lord and encourages spreading the Gospel through family and friendship bonds. As Paul expresses pride in his ministry to the Gentiles, he stresses prayer, material support for the saints, and warns against division within the community, highlighting the unity of faith as essential for the Church's mission.

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 of the Church. Lastly, Fr. Mike

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, emphasizing the importance of proper guidance in Scripture interpretation. He discusses the infallibility of the Bible and how misunderstandings can occur without Church context. The episode also highlights the persecution faced by the early Church after Stephen's martyrdom and St. Paul's teachings on love, which encourage believers to consider how their actions affect others. The readings include Acts 8, Romans 13-14, and Proverbs 27:15-17, aimed at enriching listeners' comprehension of the Bible.

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

In this episode of "The Bible in a Year," Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the martyrdom of Stephen, emphasizing his faithful testimony amid fierce opposition, which highlights humanity's tendency to resist God's Word. The podcast underscores the significance of presenting oneself as a living sacrifice, drawing from Romans 11-12. Fr. Mike elaborates on the spiritual truth of Christians being grafted onto the tree of Israel, linking it to the broader narrative of salvation history and the importance of acknowledging God's unyielding grace for all believers, both Jew and Gentile.

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 hearts and minds

In Day 327 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the establishment of the diaconate as a response to cultural divisions within the early Church, particularly highlighted in Acts 6. He reflects on Apostle Paul's frustrations regarding Israel's recognition of Christ and offers comfort to listeners facing similar issues in their lives. The conversation emphasizes the universal call to faith found in Romans and the importance of preaching God's Word, fostering community amidst diversity while ensuring service to those in need.

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

In Day 326 of 'The Bible in a Year,' Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the essence of living life in the Spirit as derived from the apostles' ministry and the significance of Baptism. Drawing from scripture readings in Acts 5, Romans 8, and Proverbs 27:7-9, he reflects on the transformative power of faith that liberates from sin and reinforces our identity as children of God. The episode emphasizes the apostles' courage amidst persecution, the joy found in suffering for Christ, and the assurance of God's unwavering love, inviting listeners to embrace their empowerment through the Holy Spirit.

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

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the boldness of Peter and John as they defend their faith before the Jewish council in Acts 4. Despite being uneducated, they proclaim that the healing of a crippled man was done through Jesus Christ, showing the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. The early believers prayed for boldness amidst threats, committed to a shared community life. Fr. Schmitz emphasizes the importance of confronting challenges with courage and highlights Paul's teachings on grace and the internal struggle between good and evil, urging believers to live righteously.

In Acts 3, Peter used God’s gift of healing to allow God to restore a lame man. Fr. Mike reminds us that God gives us gifts so he can be known in the world and all great miracles are attributed to the name of Jesus. Fr. Mike also tells us

In this episode of 'The Bible in a Year' with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Acts 3 is explored, focusing on Peter healing a lame man in the name of Jesus Christ. Fr. Mike emphasizes the role of faith in miracles and identifies God's gifts as means to glorify Him. The episode also discusses how righteousness and justification come through faith, exemplified by Abraham, and underlines the purpose of suffering in cultivating endurance and hope. Ultimately, it highlights the transformative power of God's love revealed through Christ's sacrifice.

Fr. Mike shares the powerful story of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles in the upper room. He emphasizes how God calls us to go out into the world with his Spirit and live in community and with devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the Eucharist, and prayer just

In this episode of 'The Bible in a Year,' Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the pivotal event of Pentecost from Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles to spread God's message. He emphasizes the importance of community and the commitment to the teachings of the apostles, reflecting the early Christian experience. The readings from Romans focus on accountability and righteousness, asserting that both Jews and Gentiles are judged by their deeds. Fr. Mike highlights the transformative effect of the Holy Spirit, as exemplified through Peter's sermon, leading to the baptism of many and underscoring the essential practices of the Christian faith.

Today, we begin the age of the church, transitioning from the Gospel of Luke to the beginning of the book of Acts. Fr. Mike draws our attention to the Ascension of Jesus and encourages us to respond to Christ’s call to participate in his mission. He invites us to be

Welcome to The Church period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context of the early Church, why Rome and the early martyrs are so significant, and how the Holy Spirit takes on a major role. They also

In this episode of 'The Bible in a Year' podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins explore the early Church's establishment and the pivotal roles of Peter and Paul. They discuss the historical context of Rome and the vital influence of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the Book of Acts. The conversation emphasizes how persecution fueled the spread of Christianity and how the epistles address community issues while highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. They also delve into the Book of Revelation, its apocalyptic style, and its dual purpose of addressing immediate and future challenges, assuring listeners of Christ's ultimate victory. The theme of living confidently in faith is recurrent throughout the episode.

Fr. Mike discusses our call to deny ourselves and take up our cross, specifically focusing on God’s call to renounce all that is ours and trust in him. He also highlights the story of Mary and Martha and encourages us not to allow the cares of life to choke the