Seeing God and Reimagining Trauma
Lectionary Date: February 6, 2022 [5th Sunday after Epiphany, Year C]
This week, we’re grateful to have Dr. Ethan Schwartz with us to look at Isaiah’s prophetic call. Dr. Schwartz is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Villanova University. His research focuses on the prophetic literature of the Hebrew Bible, so today’s passage is right in his wheelhouse. Ethan loves to bring biblical studies into productive conversation with contemporary religious life, in synagogues, institutes, and churches. If you’re interested in more of his work, find him on the “Politics of Scripture” blog at politicaltheology.com. Ethan’s career has reached a new high today in being the first guest scholar to appear twice on First Reading!
Jesus and Elijah
Lectionary Date: January 30, 2022 [4th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C]
Rachel drops the first reading to pick up OT references in the Gospel reading this week.
The Ideal and the Real in Worship
Lectionary Date: January 23, 2022 [3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C]
Ezra models the six-hour sermon?!
My Delight is in Her
Lectionary Date: January 16, 2022 [2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C]
Sometimes we just need to hear that God sees us and loves us.
Go Baptism!
Lectionary Date: January 9, 2022 [1st Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C]
Why go to the Old Testament for “Baptism of our Lord” Sunday?
God Delights in You
Lectionary Date: January 2, 2022 [2nd Sunday after Christmas Day, Year C]
A dip into Hebrew poetry for this first Sunday of 2022.
Hannah’s Roar
Lectionary Date: December 26, 2021 [1st Sunday after Christmas Day, Year C]
It’s a party episode! –> All 3 First Reading co-hosts together to chat about Hannah’s song!
Mary and Consent
Lectionary Date: December 19, 2021 [4th Sunday of Advent, Year C]
Rachel rounds out Advent this year with a reflection on the problem of consent in Mary’s story.
“Pure” Grace
Lectionary Date: December 12, 2021 [3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C]
Rachel starts in the Gospel and works back to the Good News in the Old Testament.
The Medium is the Messenger
Lectionary Date: December 5, 2021 [2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C]
Rachel highlights the power of the covenant this Advent.