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PhD; Rosy Kandathil

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First Reading
First ReadingAmos 8:4–7God Remembers Lectionary Date: September 21, 2025 [15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Paul and Rosy are back for a conversation about economic exploitation—nothing new under the sun! Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-09-0822 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 32:7–14Repentance Lectionary Date: September 14, 2025 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy and Paul discuss the theme of repentance in all of this week's readings. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-09-0217 minFirst Reading
First ReadingProverbs 25:6–7Genuine Humility Lectionary Date: August 31, 2025 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] What do pride and humility actually look like? Rosy sees a theme in this week's lectionary readings! Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-08-2019 minFirst Reading
First ReadingSummer Shorts: Genesis 15:1–3Faith that Does No Harm Lectionary Date: August 10, 2025 [9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy traces the theme of faith through all of this week's readings. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-07-2908 minFirst Reading
First ReadingSummer Shorts: 1 Kings 19:15–16, 19–21Commitment Issues Lectionary Date: June 29, 2025 [3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy is back again with a few thoughts about "commitment issues" in this week's readings. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-06-1610 minFirst Reading
First ReadingSummer Shorts: Isaiah 65:1–9Summer Shorts are Back! Lectionary Date: June 22, 2025 [2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy kicks off our summer series with some thoughts on Isaiah, Luke, and the Psalm. Please take a moment to subscribe to the First Reading YouTube channel, and consider sharing with your networks and social media platforms. Thanks so much!
2025-06-1111 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 55:1–9Hoi! Listen Up: It's a Message of Generosity Lectionary Date: March 23, 2025 [3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C] Rosy digs into the covenantal flavor of Isaiah's soaring prophetic song.
2025-03-1922 minFirst Reading
First ReadingDeuteronomy 26:1–11My Ancester was a Perishing Aramean Lectionary Date: March 9, 2025 [First Sunday in Lent, Year C] Rosy explores the firstfruits liturgy from Deuteronomy—but stick around for her masterful connection to the temptation scene in Luke's Gospel!
2025-02-2525 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 62:1–5That's "Right"! Lectionary Date: January 19, 2025 [2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Rosy is up, and she explores the "rightness" of this beautiful prophetic text.
2025-01-0618 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 31:7–14Looking Back ... Looking Forward Lectionary Date: January 5, 2025 [2nd Sunday after Christmas, Year C] Rosy sets the context for contemplating a new season ... or new year?
2024-12-2817 minFirst Reading
First ReadingMalachi 3:1–4Advent 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!
2024-12-0513 minFirst Reading
First Reading1 Samuel 1:4–20; 2:1–10Birth 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.
2024-11-0428 minFirst Reading
First ReadingRuth 1:1–18A 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.
2024-10-2119 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJob 42:1–6, 10–17Peace 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.
2024-10-1415 minFirst Reading
First Reading2 Samuel 18:5–9, 15, 31–33First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: August 11, 2024 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rosy reflects on the sad story of the collapse of David's family and his failures as a parent.
2024-07-2907 minFirst Reading
First Reading2 Samuel 6:1–5, 12b–19First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 14, 2024 [8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rosy considers how we might embody a bit more joy in our worship this summer.
2024-07-0107 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 6:1–8Tuning Into the Voice of God Lectionary Date: May 26, 2024 [Trinity Sunday, Year B] Rosy and Tim are back with an all-new episode on Isaiah's dramatic vision of God's holiness!
2024-05-1336 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 22:1–14, with Ethan SchwartzThe "Best of" First Reading Easter Series We hope you’ve enjoyed this Easter season “Best of" First Reading series. We’re rounding it out this week with one of our favorite conversations, this time with Dr. Ethan Schwartz, who teaches Hebrew Bible at Villanova University. Rachel and Tim enjoyed their deep dive with Dr. Schwartz so much that they invited him back for another episode—to date he is our only repeat guest! So here is a reprise of that first conversation, a discussion about the "Akedah," the "Binding of Isaac," in Genesis 22. We’ll be back next...
2024-05-0643 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, with Carol NewsomThe "Best of" First Reading Easter Series If you’ve been following First Reading during Easter season this year, then you know that we are using this time when the Lectionary draws from the Book of Acts as the first reading, to replay some of our favorite First Reading conversations with leading biblical scholars. This week, we want to share another personal favorite episode of ours, with one of our favorite people, the one and only Dr. Carol Newsom. Rachel, Rosy, and I all had the privilege of learning from Carol just before her retirement from teaching at...
2024-04-2951 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 30, with Stephen Breck ReidThe "Best of" First Reading Easter Series During Easter season this year, when the lectionary pulls from Acts as the “first reading,” we are re-releasing some of our favorite interviews with biblical scholars from the First Reading podcast vault. This week, we’re sharing another of our very early episodes, a conversation with the inimitable Stephen Breck Reid. Dr. Stephen Breck Reid joins Rachel and Tim for a long-form episode, focusing on Psalm 30. Steve is Professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University (and Vice Provost for Faculty Diversity and Belong...
2024-04-0848 minFirst Reading
First ReadingEsther 7:1–6, 9–10; 9:20–22, with Rosy KandathilThe "Best of" First Reading Easter Series Easter is a strange season in the Lectionary for us here at the "Old Testament Lectionary Podcast," because during Easter the first reading is drawn from the New Testament book of Acts. So, this year, we’ve decided to use this season to re-release some of our favorite episodes from the vault, conversations with leading scholars in the field. This week, since we just passed the Jewish holiday of Purim, we are featuring our 2021 interview with Rosy Kandathil, who (not long after this interview) became one of our regular hosts! Ou...
2024-03-2650 minFirst Reading
First ReadingNumbers 21:4–9The Hurt Becomes the Healing Lectionary Date: March 10, 2024 [4th Sunday in Lent, Year B] Rosy explores the New Testament symbolism of an Old Testament image.
2024-02-2616 minFirst Reading
First ReadingDeuteronomy 18:15–20The Prophet's Accountability Lectionary Date: January 28, 2024 [4th Sunday after Epiphany, Year B] Rosy thinks through the role of prophets and the role of the people to hold them accountable.
2024-01-1518 minFirst Reading
First Reading1 Samuel 3:1–10, (11–20)Hearing the Voice of God Lectionary Date: January 14, 2024 [2nd Sunday after Epiphany, Year B] Rosy calls our attention to God’s voice, speaking to a young person.
2024-01-0225 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 40:1–11Live, from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, it's First Reading: Advent! Lectionary Date: December 10, 2023 [2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B] Our advent episodes this year were recorded live at Trinity Lutheran Seminary's "Trinity Days" event, with an encouraging studio audience! In this episode, for Advent 2, Rosy explores the music of Isaiah 40.
2023-11-2713 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 12:1–14Pause to Remember Lectionary Date: September 10, 2023 [15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rosy helps us slow down to appreciate the gravitas of the Passover remembrance in Exodus.
2023-08-2811 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 1:8–2:10Scheming Women Lectionary Date: August 27, 2023 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] We're back! And Rosy is up with a feminist-postcolonial perspective on the midwives of Exodus.
2023-08-1420 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 22:1–14Abraham's Covenant Choice Lectionary Date: July 2, 2023 [5th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rosy goes for the jugular in this challenging biblical text.
2023-06-1926 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 18:1–15(S)he Laughs Lectionary Date: June 18, 2023 [3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rosy has some great insights into a mysterious birth announcement.
2023-06-0519 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 12:1–9; Hosea 5:15–6:6Party Episode! Lectionary Date: June 11, 2023 [2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rachel, Rosy, and Tim talk about Abram's call and Hosea's sin-sickness.
2023-05-2934 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 31:1–5, 15–16, with Bill BrownLet Your Heart be Emboldened, You who Wait for the Lord Lectionary Date: May 7, 2023 [5th Sunday of Easter, Year A] Rosy and Paul are joined this week by special guest, Bill Brown. Bill is Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA, and an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He is also the author of several books, including Seeing the Psalms: A Theology of Metaphor (2002), God and the Imagination: A Primer to Reading the Psalms in an Age of Pluralism (2001), and Deep Calls to Deep: The Psalms in Dialogue amid...
2023-04-2446 minFirst Reading
First ReadingEzekiel 37:1–14I am the Resurrection and the Life Lectionary Date: March 26, 2023 [5th Sunday in Lent, Year A] Rosy puts the first reading and gospel reading into conversation.
2023-03-1316 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJohn 4:5–42A Model Disciple Lectionary Date: March 12, 2023 [3rd Sunday in Lent, Year A] Rosy listens for Hebrew Bible resonances in a famous Gospel text.
2023-02-2718 minFirst Reading
First ReadingDeuteronomy 30:15–20Looking Back at a Fork in the Road Lectionary Date: February 12, 2023 [6th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] Rosy highlights the message of Moses's sermon for future audiences looking back.
2023-01-3012 minFirst Reading
First ReadingMicah 6:1–8What Prophecy Is and Is Not Lectionary Date: January 29, 2023 [4th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] Guest host, Paul Essah (PhD student at Yale), hits the high points of this famous text.
2023-01-1615 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 9:1–4Treasures Old and New Lectionary Date: January 22, 2023 [3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] Rosy explores the interpretive backdrop of the NT reading with a review of Isaiah's 8th-century prophecy.
2023-01-0917 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 42:1–9We Are Part of Something Bigger Lectionary Date: January 8, 2023 [Baptism of the Lord, Year A] Rosy explores the multivalence of an ancient prophetic song.
2022-12-2615 minFirst Reading
First ReadingMalachi 4:1–2aHot, Hot, Hot! Lectionary Date: November 13, 2022 [23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy finds a wealth of sermon material in a very short text.
2022-11-0413 minFirst Reading
First ReadingDaniel 7:1–3, 15–18Enthroned over the Monsters Lectionary Date: November 1, 2022 [All Saints Day, Year C] Rosy explores the strange imagery of Daniel's vision.
2022-10-1712 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJoel 2:23–32, with Mari JoerstadThe Many Days of the Lord Lectionary Date: October 23, 2022 [20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Locusts? Armies? Shame, vindication, and salvation? Peter's speech at Pentecost? There is a ton going on in this short reading. This week, Rosy and Tim are joined by Dr. Mari Joerstad, Academic Dean and Professor of Hebrew Bible at Vancouver School of Theology. Dr. Joerstad’s work focuses on issues of environment, land, migration, and belonging in the Hebrew Bible. A native of Norway, she did her doctoral work at Duke University in North Carolina, where she studied with one of...
2022-10-1041 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 32:22–31Wrestling in the Ambiguity Lectionary Date: October 16, 2022 [19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy takes us deep into a story of messy encounter with God.
2022-10-0321 minFirst Reading
First ReadingHabakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4Questions without Answers Lectionary Date: October 2, 2022 [17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy connects Habakkuk's battery of questions to a traumatic historical context.
2022-09-1927 minFirst Reading
First ReadingAmos 8:4–7Selling the Poor for a Pair of Sandals Lectionary Date: September 18, 2022 [15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy challenges our spending habits (and their human cost) as she channels the prophet Amos.
2022-09-0511 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 18:1–11, with Steed DavidsonThe Slipperiness of Clay Lectionary Date: September 4, 2022 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Steed Vernyl Davidson. Dr. Davidson is the Dean of the Faculty, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and a Professor of Hebrew Bible / Old Testament at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. He is also an ordained elder within the United Methodist Church. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Davidson he earned his PhD in Hebrew Bible from Union Theological Seminary in New York. He is an expert on postcolonial dynamics in the...
2022-08-2236 minFirst Reading
First ReadingProverbs 25:6–7Genuine Humility Lectionary Date: August 28, 2022 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy percolates in a deceptively simple proverb.
2022-08-1517 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 18:1–10aThe Ministry that Happens at Tables Lectionary Date: July 17, 2022 [6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy puts Abraham and Sarah's pop-up dinner party in conversation with Martha's ministry.
2022-07-0409 minFirst Reading
First Reading1 Kings 19:15–16, 19–21First, Let Me Say Good-bye Lectionary Date: June 26, 2022 [3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] Rosy explores Elisha's transition when he decided to follow a new divine call.
2022-06-1320 minFirst Reading
First ReadingActs 16:16–34Slaves Set Free Lectionary Date: May 29, 2022 [7th Sunday of Easter, Year C] Rosy draws our attention to the enslaved girl who is overlooked in this story.
2022-05-1614 minFirst Reading
First ReadingActs 9:36–43Life Restored Lectionary Date: May 8, 2022 [4th Sunday of Easter, Year C] Rosy highlights the key elements surrounding the resurrection of a disciple from Joppa.
2022-04-2515 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 50:4–9aA Suffering Servant Lectionary Date: April 10, 2022 [Palm/Passion Sunday, Year C] Rosy has the scoop on the influence of Isaiah on Christian tellings of Jesus's suffering
2022-03-2812 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 55:1–9, with Roger NamSatisfaction in the World Before Money Lectionary Date: March 20, 2022 [3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C] This week, we’re grateful to welcome Dr. Roger Nam as our guest on First Reading. Dr. Nam is Professor of Hebrew Bible and Director of the Graduate Department of Religion at Emory University. (That’s homebase and training ground for Rachel, Tim, and Rosy!) A former economic analyst, pastor, and a second-generation Korean American who has lived and worked abroad in Korea, Roger’s recent research focuses on the social structures and economics behind wealth and poverty in the biblic...
2022-03-0745 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 15:1–12, 17–18Between the Pieces Lectionary Date: March 13, 2022 [2nd Sunday in Lent, Year C] Rosy explores meaningful themes embedded in an ancient covenant ritual.
2022-02-2820 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 45:3–11, 15Forgiveness, But Also Grief Lectionary Date: February 20, 2022 [7th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C] Rosy points us toward a more complex reading of the Joseph story.
2022-02-0710 minFirst Reading
First ReadingRuth 3:1–5; 4:13–17, with Ashley WilcoxFirst Reading Takes On the Bechdel Test Lectionary Date: November 7, 2021 [24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] It's a big week for First Reading! As we dive into the resolution to the Book of Ruth, we have invited a guest to help us unpack the context of this story—special for its unusual focus on female protagonists. Ashley M. Wilcox is a Quaker minister and the author of The Women’s Lectionary: Preaching the Women of the Bible throughout the Year, a handbook for feminist preachers. You (yes, you!) can hire Ashley as a prea...
2021-10-2538 minFirst Reading
First ReadingEsther 7:1–6, 9–10; 9:20–22, with Rosy KandathilFor 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...
2021-09-1350 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 16:2–15Manna From Heaven Lectionary Date: September 20, 2020 [16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Tim helps us see how this "grumbling" story is about a growing relationship of trust.
2020-09-0811 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 14:19–31Horse and Rider Thrown Into the Sea Lectionary Date: September 13, 2020 [15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rachel offers some reflections on preaching an (in)famous war text.
2020-08-3112 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 12:1–14Liberation and Decimation Lectionary Date: September 6, 2020 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Tim finds some helpful angles into a text about massive loss of life.
2020-08-2410 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 3:1–15, with Debra MumfordDivine Invitation to Critique Lectionary Date: August 30, 2020 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] This week, Rachel and Tim tackle a rich passage with the help of the podcast's first professional homiletician, Rev. Dr. Debra Mumford. She is Professor of Homiletics at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Tim's alma mater). Debra is an ordained American Baptist minister, and has served in several church ministry contexts. Her academic work has centered around the topics of African American prophetic preaching, prosperity preaching, eschatology and the reign of God, and the intersections between preaching and health. And, as of this...
2020-08-1733 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 1:8—2:10Unexpected Allies Lectionary Date: August 23, 2020 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rachel walks us through the moment when everything changes for Israel in Egypt.
2020-08-1011 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 45:1–15God Meant it for Good? Lectionary Date: August 16, 2020 [11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] How do we square the evil of what Joseph's brothers did to him with the good that came out of it?
2020-08-0310 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 37:1–4, 12–28Joseph's Fashion Statement Lectionary Date: August 9, 2020 [10th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Another sibling rivalry rehearses generations of family trauma in Abraham's descendants.
2020-07-2713 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 32:22–31Wrestling with God Lectionary Date: August 2, 2020 [9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Jacob wrestles with a mysterious divine representative.
2020-07-2010 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 29:15–28, with Cameron HowardEverything is Changing Lectionary Date: July 26, 2020 [8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Dr. Cameron Howard joins us on the show this week. Cameron is an associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. She is a graduate of Emory University, and has contributed to several commentaries and journals, including the Women’s Bible Commentary, WorkingPreacher.org, and the BibleOdyssey.org. Her current project is especially appropriate for our current situation, because it’s about how the Bible models faithful innovation for the twenty-first century.
2020-07-1333 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 28:10–19aGod is in this Place! Lectionary Date: July 19, 2020 [7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] On the run, Jacob has a dream with words from God.
2020-07-0716 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 25:19–34Family Drama Lectionary Date: July 12, 2020 [6th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Warring brothers jostle for advantage, with a divine birthright in the balance.
2020-06-2913 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 24:34–38, 42–49, 58–67Cooperating with Divine Providence Lectionary Date: July 5, 2020 [5th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Abraham's story isn't quite done: we need to find a wife for the miracle child, Isaac.
2020-06-2311 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 22:1–14, with Ethan SchwartzInvitation to an Experience Lectionary Date: June 28, 2020 [4th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] To chat about one of the most famous stories in all three of the Abrahamic faiths (the binding of Isaac), Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Ethan Schwartz. Ethan earned his PhD at Harvard University, where he studied how the Bible presents and formulates prophetic speech. He also studies how the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible) came together and how the Hebrew Bible was interpreted in the first century, especially in early Christian communities and sectarian Jewish communities. Ethan...
2020-06-1642 minThe Bible Project 2020
The Bible Project 2020Episode 28 // Proverbs 31 // Rosy KandathilToday's episode is a final look at the Proverbs with Rosy Kandathil, a second year PhD student in Hebrew Bible at Emory University in Atlanta.  Rosy, Mat and Nicki dive into Proverbs 31:10-31, or better known as the Proverb of the virtuous wife.  The conversation tackles common unhelpful interpretations of the text, in order to uncover how this text can be uplifting and encouraging for all who read - not just women!Learn more about The Bible Project 2020.Join our Facebook discussion group. *Facebook account required.#HydeParkUMC
2020-06-1523 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 21:8–21God Hears those on the Margins Lectionary Date: June 21, 2020 [3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] The story shifts from Abraham and Sarah to an unlikely hero: Hagar.
2020-06-0814 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 18:1–15; 21:1–7Sarah's Pleasure Lectionary Date: June 14, 2020 [2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rachel eavesdrops on a special visit to Abraham and Sarah.
2020-06-0317 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 1:1–2:4aBeginnings Lectionary Date: June 7, 2020 [Trinity Sunday, Year A] Tim tackles a few preaching pitfalls, and gives some preaching angles on the opening text of the big book.
2020-05-2615 minFirst Reading
First ReadingNumbers 11:24–30, with Reed CarlsonAnother Outpouring of the Spirit Lectionary Date: May 31, 2020 [Day of Pentecost, Year A] For this Pentecost episode, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Reed Carlson. Reed is an Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at the United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia and in Gettysburg, PA. He is also an ordained minister in the Episcopal Church and has Pentecostal roots, so he’s the perfect person to be talking to today! He earned his ThD at Harvard University, and his scholarly and church-ly interests include spirit possession in the Bible and how it relates to similar ph...
2020-05-1946 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 68:1–10, 32–35God's Victory in a Time of Death Lectionary Date: May 24, 2020 [7th Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, Rachel opens up a psalm of praise—with some cautions about its war-talk.
2020-05-1116 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 66:8–20Psalm of Thanks Lectionary Date: May 17, 2020 [6th Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, Tim traces some of the contours of a thanksgiving psalm.
2020-05-0417 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 31: 1–5, 15–16Don't Curate Out the Grit Lectionary Date: May 10, 2020 [5th Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, Rachel helps us see the big picture of gritty faith.
2020-04-2716 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 23With Us in the Valley Lectionary Date: May 3, 2020 [4th Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, a song, a poem, and climate change.
2020-04-2119 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 116Precious Death Lectionary Date: April 26, 2020 [3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, Rachel takes on some of the beauty and difficulty of Psalm 116.
2020-04-1414 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 16Gut Check Lectionary Date: April 19, 2020 [2nd Sunday of Easter, Year A] This week, Rachel explores insights from the body language of Psalm 16.
2020-04-0613 minFirst Reading
First ReadingJeremiah 31:1–6, with Michael ChanResurrection Hope in the OT Lectionary Date: April 12, 2020 [Easter Sunday, Year A] For this Easter episode, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Michael Chan. Michael is an Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He did his PhD at our own Emory University. His research interests are wide ranging, from iconography to biblical emotion to Ancient Near Eastern comparative data. He is the coauthor of the book, Exploring the Bible, with Eric Barreto, and hosts the podcast, Gospel Beautiful, an interview-based podcast that features theologians, artists, and thinkers who...
2020-03-3140 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 118:1–2, 19–29Hosanna: Oh Save Us! Lectionary Date: April 5, 2020 [Palm/Passion Sunday, Year A] Thank you, preachers, for the creative work you are doing in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis! This week, Tim leads us with a peek at the psalm that inspired the Palm Sunday shouts of "Hosanna!"
2020-03-2316 minFirst Reading
First ReadingEzekiel 37:1–14Dem Bones: Hear the Word of the Lord! Lectionary Date: March 29, 2020 [5th Sunday in Lent, Year A] This week, Rachel walks us through an iconic text of hope.
2020-03-1617 minFirst Reading
First Reading1 Samuel 16:1–13How God Sees Lectionary Date: March 22, 2020 [4th Sunday in Lent, Year A] This week, Tim looks at a text that usually gets translated backwards.
2020-03-0916 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 17:1–7Testing and Quarreling Lectionary Date: March 15, 2020 [3rd Sunday in Lent, Year A] This week, Tim explores a reassuring text.
2020-03-0208 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 12:1–4aLekh Lekha—Get Going! Lectionary Date: March 8, 2020 [2nd Sunday in Lent, Year A] This week, Rachel gives some preaching tips for a foundational text.
2020-02-2411 minFirst Reading
First ReadingGenesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7Becoming Human Lectionary Date: March 1, 2020 [1st Sunday in Lent, Year A] This week, Tim defamiliarizes a familiar text.
2020-02-1716 minFirst Reading
First ReadingExodus 24:12–18, with Amanda MbuviExperiencing God's Glory Lectionary Date: February 23, 2020 [Transfiguration Sunday, Year A] This week, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Amanda Mbuvi, Assistant Professor of Religion at High Point University in High Point, NC. She holds a BA in Philosophy and Literary Theory from Bryn Mawr College, an MTS in Biblical Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Religion from Duke University—as well as a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Duke University! She was drawn to the Hebrew Bible because of its vivid stories and rich language, and because of the way it connects th...
2020-02-1032 minFirst Reading
First ReadingDeuteronomy 30:15–20Choose Life Lectionary Date: February 16, 2020 [6th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Tim attempts to put a familiar text into context.
2020-02-0313 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 58:1–9a (9b–12)Cry Out! Lectionary Date: February 9, 2020 [5th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Rachel helps us hear the prophetic call to stop hurting ourselves by hurting others.
2020-01-2812 minFirst Reading
First ReadingMicah 6:1–8First Steps in a Journey toward Justice Lectionary Date: February 2, 2020 [4th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Rachel's up with an encouragement to begin the conversation about racial justice with this beloved text.
2020-01-2012 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 27:1, 4–9, with Kristin WendlandWith Us in the Midst of the Wilderness Lectionary Date: January 26, 2020 [3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Rachel and Tim are joined by Dr. Kristin J. Wendland for a rich discussion about this week’s psalm. Kristin is Assistant Professor of Old Testament at her alma mater, Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Her work focuses on personification, gender, and the divine-human relationship in exilic and post-exilic literature. She is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and holds degrees from Luther Seminary (where she overlapped with Rachel) and Princeton The...
2020-01-1437 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 49:1–7A Greater Calling Lectionary Date: January 19, 2020 [2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Tim explores the power of God's calling.
2020-01-0617 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 42:1–9Just Service Lectionary Date: January 12, 2020 [1st Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A] This week, Rachel goes deep in the mishpat.
2019-12-3018 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 60:1–6Arise! Shine! Lectionary Date: January 6, 2020 [Epiphany of the Lord, Year A] This week, Tim orients us to some of the themes of a classic Epiphany text.
2019-12-2316 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 9:2–7Unto Us a Child is Born! Lectionary Date: December 24, 2019 [Nativity of the Lord, Year A] This week, Rachel takes a historical look at one of the most famous "Christmas" texts of the Bible. As a supplement to this episode, check out her commentary on this same passage over at WorkingPreacher.org.
2019-12-1610 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 7: 10–16Invitation to Trust Lectionary Date: December 22, 2019 [4th Sunday of Advent, Year A] This week, Rachel explores a fresh approach to Advent 4. As a supplement to this episode, check out her commentary on this text over at WorkingPreacher.org.
2019-12-0912 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 35:1–10Reversal of Fortunes Lectionary Date: December 15, 2019 [3rd Sunday of Advent, Year A] This week, Tim and Rachel chat about Advent from sunny San Diego.
2019-12-0306 minFirst Reading
First ReadingIsaiah 11:1-10A Shoot from Jesse's Stump Lectionary Date: December 8, 2019 [2nd Sunday of Advent, Year A] This week, Tim and Rachel chat about Advent from sunny San Diego.
2019-11-2609 minFirst Reading
First Reading2 Kings 5:1–14, with Justin ReedGod's Power Manifested Through the Marginalized Lectionary Date: July 7, 2019 [4th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C] This week, Justin Reed joins Rachel and Tim for a conversation all about the healing of Naaman in 2 Kings 5. Justin is Assistant Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in KY, and an ordained Baptist minister. A PhD candidate at Princeton Theological Seminary, his research and teaching interests include ethnicity in the Hebrew Bible, inner-biblical interpretation, Bible in popular culture, and reception history. Justin’s dissertation explores Genesis 9:18-29, the passage about “Noah’s curse.” Throughout millennia...
2019-06-2550 minFirst Reading
First ReadingPsalm 30, with Stephen ReidMourning and Dancing: the “Rhythm & Blues” of Life Lectionary Date: May 5, 2019 [3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C] Dr. Stephen Reid joins Rachel and Tim this week for a long-form episode, focusing on Psalm 30. Steve is Professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University. He earned his PhD at Emory University and has held a number of academic positions during his career. Dr. Reid is ordained in the Church of the Brethren, and you can find his preaching tips and exegetical work on WorkingPreacher.org. His areas of expertise include the Psal...
2019-05-1048 min