Episodes
1740 Episodes
Day 278: Power in Weakness (2024)
Fr. Mike walks us through the signing of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 and relates Israel’s collective decision to belong to God to our personal encounters with God that inspire us to follow him simply because he has called us. He also offers
Day 277: Such a Time as This (2024)
Today's readings remind us that all good things come from God, and he calls us to specific places and times for a reason. In the book of Esther, Fr. Mike points out that Esther was perfectly positioned to fulfill God's will. We too, can exa
Day 276: Haman's Plan (2024)
As Fr. Mike reads from Nehemiah today, we hear about how the hearts of the people of Israel were moved as Ezra reads the book of the law of Moses to them. In our reading of Esther, we have the beginning of the crisis that will unfold throug
Day 275: Esther Becomes Queen (2024)
Fr. Mike continues reading from the book of Nehemiah as we read of the many attempts to prevent Nehemiah from doing the great work of God. We also see the events that lead to Esther being chosen as queen and the goodness she will bring even
Day 274: Perseverance in Opposition (2024)
"Fr. Mike continues to describe Nehemiah’s process of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and encountering a variety of challenges in his calling. He explains that in doing God's work, we will often face internal or external opposition which w
Day 273: The Lord's Work (2024)
"Fr. Mike continues discussing the call of Nehemiah and how we should approach the work the Lord calls us to do. He explains why all work is divine participation in God’s Kingdom on earth and encourages us to remember our service to God and
Day 272: The Call of Nehemiah (2024)
Fr. Mike introduces the book of Nehemiah and takes us through Nehemiah’s exemplary response to the call of God as he does what God asks simply because he asks. He also encourages us to pray for our enemies and explains the need to refrain f
Day 271: Israel's Foreign Wives (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses God’s instruction to the people of Israel not to marry women from foreign lands. He explains why God would provide this instruction and how Ezra reacted when he discovered that many prominent Israelites had not obeyed it.
Day 270: God's Favor with Ezra (2024)
Fr. Mike explains how God’s favor was with Ezra because he set his heart to study God's laws, to obey his laws, and to teach his laws to others. We also learn about hypocritical fasting, and how our sacrifices should remind us that everythi
Day 269: The Day of Small Things (2024)
Fr. Mike encourages us not to be discouraged about the small things happening in our lives, because just as we see through Zechariah's visions, God takes small things and turns them into great triumphs. He also touches on the dedication of
Day 268: Rebuilding the Temple (2024)
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
BONUS: If You Feel Like Giving Up (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)
As we continue through this year-long journey Fr. Mike and Jeff Cavins offer some words of encouragement for those who might be struggling. No matter if you're listening consistently or if you're "behind", the Lord will meet you where you'r
Day 267: Indifference and Apathy (2024)
Fr. Mike introduces us to the books of Ezra and Haggai, explaining the Israelites' return to the promised land. He also warns us against apathy and indifference in our relationship with God, as we see Israel display towards the temple. Toda
Introduction to the Return (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)
Welcome to the Return period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the ninth biblical period, which covers the Israelites' return to Jerusalem, the rise of the Pharisees, and the establishment of common household practices. They explain
Day 266: Son of the Father (2024)
As we finish the Gospel of Matthew, Fr. Mike takes us through Christ's passion, explaining the meaning of "Barabbas", the importance of saints, and temptation towards false truth. He also explains the context of the gospels, and how we fit
Day 265: Sins of Omission (2024)
Fr. Mike explains sins of omission, and how these are some of the biggest deciding factors of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell: whether or not we did good works God called us to. He also reminds us that not all of the New Testament p
Day 264: Preaching Without Practice (2024)
Fr. Mike continues to explain the parables Christ recites in Jerusalem, specifically focusing on the dangers of preaching God's Word without practicing it in our lives. Jesus goes on to speak against the Scribes and Pharisees, reminding us
Day 263: The Father's Generosity (2024)
Fr. Mike takes us through various parables in Matthew such as the parable of the lost sheep, the merciful servant, and the laborers in the vineyard. He invites us not to be envious when others are blessed, but to allow the Father to be gene
Day 262: Miracle Worker (2024)
As we read about the many miracles Jesus performs in today's readings from Matthew, Fr. Mike asserts the objective reality of those miracles and reinforces that Jesus is truly the Son of God who has power over matter. We learn that in Jesus
Day 261: Ornate Souls (2024)
Fr. Mike explains the many parables we hear today in Matthew, including the return of the unclean spirit, and the danger of ornate souls. He emphasizes that when God sweeps the sin out of our souls, we must replace it with virtue, otherwise