Podcast Summary: BONUS: Bringing the Bible Back to Catholics (with Jeff Cavins)

Episode Release Date: December 28, 2024
Host: Ascension
Featuring: Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins

Introduction

In this special bonus episode of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz is joined by Jeff Cavins, the renowned Catholic Bible scholar and creator of The Great Adventure Bible Timeline. The episode delves into the collaboration between Fr. Mike and Jeff, highlighting the significance of the Bible Timeline and the unique approach they are taking to guide listeners through the entire Bible within a year.

The Great Adventure Bible Timeline

[00:23] Fr. Mike Schmitz:
Fr. Mike expresses deep gratitude towards Jeff for designing the Bible Timeline, describing it as "the most significant tool" he's encountered for engaging with the Bible. He emphasizes how this timeline has profoundly impacted his own spiritual journey and appreciates Jeff's collaboration in creating a podcast that leverages this tool to enrich listeners' understanding of the Bible.

[01:28] Jeff Cavins:
Jeff shares his enthusiasm for the project, noting that the Bible Timeline has similarly transformed his relationship with Scripture since the age of 25. He underscores the importance of presenting the Bible as a cohesive story of salvation history, rather than isolated narratives, making it more accessible and meaningful for Catholics.

Personal Experiences with the Bible

Fr. Mike Schmitz's Testimony:
Fr. Mike recounts personal anecdotes about his family's engagement with the Great Adventure Bible. He shares how his sister and brother-in-law began using the Bible Timeline but encountered challenges such as losing momentum. The podcast aims to support listeners in overcoming these hurdles by providing "the Word of God proclaimed out loud," facilitating deeper absorption and reflection on Scripture.

[13:03] Jeff Cavins's Journey:
Jeff narrates his initial encounter with the Bible during his first communion in 1971, where he received two Bibles but struggled to engage with them meaningfully. It wasn't until he met his mother-in-law, a devout Bible Christian, that the Bible's impact became profound. Her consistent reading and interpretation of Scripture inspired him to cultivate a personal relationship with the Word, leading to transformative changes in his life.

Podcast Structure and Reading Plan

[24:14] Fr. Mike Schmitz:
Fr. Mike outlines the podcast's structure, which adheres to the Great Adventure Bible Timeline. The Bible is divided into 12 color-coded periods, encompassing 73 books—14 narrative books and 59 supplementary ones. The podcast will guide listeners through these books in chronological order, integrating commentary, reflections, and prayers to contextualize each reading within the broader narrative of salvation history.

[27:02] Jeff Cavins:
Jeff elaborates on the inclusion of prophetic books alongside narrative ones, ensuring that listeners experience the Bible’s interconnectedness. He highlights the strategic placement of Messianic checkpoints, where entire gospels will be explored in weekly segments, providing comprehensive coverage of both the Old and New Testaments in harmony.

Engaging with the Bible: Techniques and Tools

Highlighting and Note-Taking:
Both hosts advocate for active engagement with Scripture through highlighting and note-taking. Fr. Mike shares his approach of underlining and using colored highlights to mark significant passages, fostering a personal connection with the text. Jeff demonstrates his method using colored pencils to differentiate themes such as growth and repentance, encouraging listeners to find personalized ways to interact with their Bibles.

[37:08] Jeff Cavins:
Jeff introduces his use of Karakun D’Ache colored pencils and pens for annotating the Bible, emphasizing that making mistakes is part of the process. He encourages listeners to embrace imperfection, likening Bible journaling to life’s unpredictable nature, and underscores the importance of having a "spiritual diary" that records one’s spiritual journey.

Hopes and Vision for the Listener Community

Transformation Through Scripture:
Fr. Mike shares his vision of listeners being "shaped, fashioned by the Word of God," leading to a transformed worldview, deeper rootedness in God's will, and enhanced prayer life. He emphasizes the importance of community support, where listeners can intercede and support each other in their spiritual journeys.

[30:19] Jeff Cavins:
Jeff echoes Fr. Mike's sentiments, expressing his desire for listeners to move beyond mere study to active discipleship. He envisions a movement where individuals are empowered to live out the Bible’s teachings, fostering a community that not only reads but also practices and embodies the Word of God.

Inspiring Interaction and Community Building

Sharing and Discussing Insights:
The hosts encourage listeners to share their insights and experiences with others, whether through family discussions, social media, or community gatherings. They highlight the potential for collective growth and support, drawing parallels to how the podcast can facilitate meaningful conversations about faith within various settings.

[44:50] Fr. Mike Schmitz:
Fr. Mike discusses the importance of community in maintaining engagement with the Bible. He recounts how listening to the podcast can become a daily devotional practice, inspiring listeners to incorporate Scripture into their routines and share transformative insights with their communities.

Conclusion and Prayer

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer from both Fr. Mike and Jeff Cavins, seeking divine guidance and transformation for all participants embarking on the "Bible in a Year" journey. They pray for listeners to deepen their relationship with God, be shaped by His Word, and foster a supportive community of faith.

[54:27] Jeff Cavins:
Jeff encapsulates the episode’s essence by affirming that Scripture will "accomplish that which I purposed," emphasizing the transformative power of the Word when engaged with sincerity and intention.

[55:20] Fr. Mike Schmitz:
Fr. Mike adds a final prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to share His Word through technology and expressing hope that listeners will be transformed and glorify God through their renewed understanding and relationship with Scripture.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:23]:
  "The Great Adventure Bible Timeline was the most significant tool that I've ever encountered... nothing has been better to get me more deeply into the Bible."

• Jeff Cavins [15:49]:
  "The Bible left me a legacy. Traces of His Word legacy."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [27:57]:
  "The Word of God proclaimed out loud... I learn best through my ears."

• Jeff Cavins [33:24]:
  "In the kingdom of God, to be a disciple doesn't have a lot to do with giftedness. It has to do with passion and relationship."

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:37]:
  "Here is the Voice of God vs. No, that is the voice of a counterfeit."

How to Participate

Listeners interested in joining the "Bible in a Year" journey can subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform or text "Catholic Bible" to 33777. They can also download the reading plan at ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Overall, this bonus episode serves as an inspiring introduction to the collaborative efforts of Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins in making the Bible more accessible and meaningful for Catholics. Through personal testimonies, structured reading plans, and an emphasis on community and transformation, "The Bible in a Year" podcast promises to guide believers in a comprehensive and enriching exploration of Scripture.