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.

Numbers 11:24–30 #5

Recycled episode: Eldad and Medad

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!

Psalm 1

Rooted in the Word

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.

Isaiah 50:4–9a

Recycled Episode: The Tongue of a Learner

Lectionary Date: September 15, 2024 [17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]

We’ll be back with new material next week! In the meantime, Tim sets his face like flint to offer a nonviolent interpretation of this famous text!

Proverbs 22:1–2, 8–9, 22–23

Recyled Episode: The Sharing is the Blessing

Lectionary Date: September 8, 2024 [16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]

Your beloved hosts are all busy starting up the fall semester, so here’s a recycled episode from this week’s lectionary selections! In this episode, Rachel gives an overview of wisdom literature, and tackles the prosperity gospel—all at the same time! We’ll have new material for you soon!

1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43

Party Episode! A Place for God’s Name

Lectionary Date: August 25, 2024 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]

All four hosts are back from Summer Break for a Party Episode looking at Solomon’s temple dedication scene (as well as Psalm 84, a temple psalm).

1 Kings 2:10–12; 3:3–14

Recycled Episode: A Listening Heart

Lectionary Date: August 18, 2024 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]

We’re getting ready for a “Party Episode” next week, so this time around we’re recycling a fascinating post from the FR vault: Tim’s reflection on King Solomon’s request for “wisdom”… or “a listening heart,” from the last time this text came up in the lectionary (2021).