Episodes

  • 2 Samuel 23:1–7; John 18:33–37

    2 Samuel 23:1–7; John 18:33–37
    Nov 12 2024
    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."
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    37 mins
  • 1 Samuel 1:4–20; 2:1–10

    1 Samuel 1:4–20; 2:1–10
    Nov 4 2024
    Birth Pangs of a New RealityLectionary 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.
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    29 mins
  • Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17

    Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
    Oct 29 2024
    Uncovering and CoveringLectionary Date: November 10, 2024 [25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]Paul explores the theological impact of Ruth's vulnerability and its redemptive power.
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    16 mins
  • Ruth 1:1–18

    Ruth 1:1–18
    Oct 21 2024
    A Migrant InvasionLectionary 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.
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    20 mins
  • Job 42:1–6, 10–17

    Job 42:1–6, 10–17
    Oct 14 2024
    Peace in the Midst of Mysterious SufferingLectionary 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.
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    15 mins
  • Job 38:1–7, (34–41)

    Job 38:1–7, (34–41)
    Oct 7 2024
    Party Episode! God's (Non)Answer to JobLectionary 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.
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    26 mins
  • Job 23:1–9, 16–17

    Job 23:1–9, 16–17
    Sep 30 2024
    Honest to GodLectionary 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.
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    18 mins
  • Psalm 8

    Psalm 8
    Sep 23 2024
    God's Finger-workLectionary Date: October 6, 2024 [20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]This week, Tim explores the context, language, and imagery of a classic psalm!
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    20 mins