Reading and Interpretation
Lectionary Date: January 26, 2025 [3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C]
Three of our hosts are together for a party episode about the public proclamation of God’s word!
Isaiah 62:1–5
That’s “Right”!
Lectionary Date: January 19, 2025 [2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C]
Rosy is up, and she explores the “rightness” of this beautiful prophetic text.
Isaiah 43:1–7
You are My Beloved
Lectionary Date: January 12, 2025 [Baptism of the Lord, Year C]
Tim peeks under the hood of a beautiful poem about God’s love.
Jeremiah 31:7–14
Looking Back … Looking Forward
Lectionary Date: January 5, 2025 [2nd Sunday after Christmas, Year C]
Rosy sets the context for contemplating a new season … or new year?
1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26
And He Grew Up…
Lectionary Date: December 29, 2024 [1st Sunday after Christmas, Year C]
For this Christmas lection, we look at the stories of two boys who grew up in preparation for their special callings.
Micah 5:2–5a
Advent is here!!!
Lectionary Date: December 22, 2024 [4th Sunday of Advent, Year C]
In our final Advent episode of 2024, Paul and the gang (recording in person at the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting in San Diego) take a look at the political context and powerful imagery of the reading from Micah.
Zephaniah 3:14–20
Advent is here!!!
Lectionary Date: December 15, 2024 [3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C]
For the 3rd week of Advent, Rachel takes us to the lesser-known prophet Zephaniah, who introduces a new aspect of God’s profile.
Malachi 3:1–4
Advent is here!!!
Lectionary Date: December 8, 2024 [2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C]
For the 2nd Sunday in Advent, Rosy highlights the tension in the coming of God’s “messenger.” We’re coming to you from our conference in San Diego!
Jeremiah 33:14–16
Advent is here!!!
Lectionary Date: December 1, 2024 [1st Sunday of Advent, Year C]
Advent is here! And First Reading has you covered, with episodes recorded in person at our professional convention in San Diego. For Advent 1, Tim looks at the prophet Jeremiah’s claim that God will hold unfaithful leaders to account.
2 Samuel 23:1–7; John 18:33–37
First Reading Episode #300!!!
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.”