Divine Intervention
Lectionary Date: October 10, 2021 [20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Rachel hears the voice of a concerned friend in this challenging text.
Genesis 2:18–24
They will Become One Flesh
Lectionary Date: October 3, 2021 [19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Tim revisits the garden to rethink the creation of gendered humans.
Esther 7:1–6, 9–10; 9:20–22, with Rosy Kandathil
For Such a Time as This
Lectionary Date: September 26, 2021 [18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Esther is a rich and complex biblical story—which is why it’s unfortunate that it only appears once in the 3-year lectionary cycle. But to help us make the most of this occasion, we invited Rosy Kandathil to join us for a deep dive into Esther. Rosy is a PhD candidate in Hebrew Bible at Emory University, where she is writing a dissertation on the collision of humor and violence in the book of Esther. Rosy’s insights help us get to the core relevant issues of the book: how it navigates multiple identities at once, deals with the challenges of thriving in diaspora, and hosts some of our own deep questions about violence and vengeance. Buckle up for a great episode!
Proverbs 31:10–31
A Person of Valor
Lectionary Date: September 19, 2021 [17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Rachel explores the expansive meaning of an often-pigeonholed text.
Isaiah 50:4–9a
The Tongue of a Learner
Lectionary Date: September 12, 2021 [16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Tim sets his face like flint to offer a nonviolent interpretation of this famous text!
Proverbs 22:1–2, 8–9, 22–23
The Sharing is the Blessing
Lectionary Date: September 5, 2021 [15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Rachel gives an overview of wisdom literature, and tackles the prosperity gospel—all in one episode!
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6–9
Carrot and Stick?
Lectionary Date: August 29, 2021 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Tim explores the gift (and threat?) of God’s instruction.
1 Kings 8:(1,6,10–11), 22–30, 41–43
Dialogue with God
Lectionary Date: August 22, 2021 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Rachel does her best to turn this monologue of a prayer into a dialogue with God.
1 Kings 2:10–12; 3:3–14
Lead With a Listening Heart
Lectionary Date: August 15, 2021 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Tim traces the two perspectives on Solomon and finds a key leadership skill.
1 Kings 19:4–8
Eat or the Journey Will Be Too Much
Lectionary Date: August 8, 2021 [11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Rachel cautions against an overly psychological interpretation of Elijah’s depressed state.