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!
Podcast: First Reading
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.”
1 Samuel 1:4–20; 2:1–10
Birth Pangs of a New Reality
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.
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Uncovering and Covering
Lectionary Date: November 10, 2024 [25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
Paul explores the theological impact of Ruth’s vulnerability and its redemptive power.
Ruth 1:1–18
A Migrant Invasion
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.
Job 42:1–6, 10–17
Peace in the Midst of Mysterious Suffering
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.
Job 38:1–7, (34–41)
Party Episode! God’s (Non)Answer to Job
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.
Job 23:1–9, 16–17
Honest to God
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.
Psalm 8
God’s Finger-work
Lectionary Date: October 6, 2024 [20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]
This week, Tim explores the context, language, and imagery of a classic psalm!