Lectionary Date: November 24, 2024 [Reign of Christ Sunday, Year B]
It’s a special party episode of First Reading, as we celebrate our 300th episode! All four hosts take a few minutes to share what has been meaningful to them about this podcasting journey. Then, we dive into some analysis and preaching tips for the first reading: 2 Samuel 23, David’s “last words.”
Lectionary Date: November 17, 2024 [26th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Rosy opens up the story of Hannah in conversation with Jesus’s “little apocalypse” in Mark.
Lectionary Date: November 10, 2024 [25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Paul explores the theological impact of Ruth’s vulnerability and its redemptive power.
Lectionary Date: November 3, 2024 [24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Rosy encourages us to preach the story of a migrant family facing discrimination, as these themes also swirl in our own political moment.
Lectionary Date: October 27, 2024 [23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Paul and Rosy pick up our ongoing conversation in the book of Job this lectionary season. This week, Paul highlights Job’s shift in tone after an overwhelming barrage of divine questions.
Lectionary Date: October 20, 2024 [22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
In this party episode, all four First Reading hosts wrestle with God’s enigmatic response to Job out of the whirlwind.
Lectionary Date: October 13, 2024 [21st Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Rachel ventures cautiously into the book of Job. It’s a tricky book, but Rachel discovers a model for being honest to God. We recorded this before Hurricane Helene—our prayers are with all who are suffering in the aftermath of the storm. Hopefully, this episode gives an opening for a kind of honest prayer in a context of disaster.
Lectionary Date: October 6, 2024 [20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
This week, Tim explores the context, language, and imagery of a classic psalm!
Lectionary Date: September 29, 2024 [19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Rachel hosted a great little episode on “Eldad and Medad” not too long ago (Pentecost 2023). They are back in the lectionary cycle again, so we’re replaying that episode. We’ll be back with a new episode next week!
Lectionary Date: September 22, 2024 [18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
We’re back with a brand new episode! This week, Rachel walks us through “one of her favorite psalms”—for real this time… This psalm has accompanied her through some challenging times.
