Episodes
Monday Mar 04, 2024
The Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year B) - 3/10/24
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
The contrast between light and darkness often appears in Scripture, particularly in the appointed passages for Lent 4. These texts and this theme, however, have been used historically to praise whiteness and to denigrate those with dark skin. Jonathan and Seth discuss that pitfall, how it encourages binary thinking, how darkness can be seen as positive, and how God deigns to work with people rather than alone.
As always, we're glad you're with us!
Monday Feb 26, 2024
The Third Sunday in Lent (Year B) - 3/3/24
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
The Old Testament reading for this Sunday is the 10 Commandments. The appointed Psalm extolls the God's law. In the Gospel reading, Jesus sees money changers and sellers using the temple-goers as profit-makers. Upset, Jesus drives them out of the temple. Jonathan and Seth discuss the law, and why Jesus might be so upset at this longstanding temple practice of selling goods and services inside the temple. They pray to close the episode.
We're glad you're with us and hope you're having a meaningful Lenten journey.
Monday Feb 19, 2024
The Second Sundayin Lent (Year B) - 2/25/24
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
In this quick episode, Jonathan and Seth discuss the classic question: When is it appropriate to tell someone to take up their cross? Who should be encouraged to suffer on behalf of tier faith? And do these lectionary texts have a common thread?
This episode airs Monday (2/19) and is about the following Sunday (2/25). We hope to use that format moving forward so we’re more helpful for those creating material. As always, we’re glad you’re with us!
Thursday Feb 15, 2024
The First Sunday in Lent (Year B) - 2/18/24
Thursday Feb 15, 2024
Thursday Feb 15, 2024
There’s water everywhere in this Sunday’s texts: the flood, to 1 Peter describing baptism, and, finally, to Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. Jonathan and Seth discuss this theme, but also how these texts evidence God’s gracious love for us and why that’s particularly important during our Lenten journey.
Look for another episode next Monday (2/19) as we settle into a consistent schedule. As always, we’re glad you’re with us.
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Ash Wednesday (Year B)
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Ash Wednesday, of course, falls on Valentine’s Day this year. The celebration of love coincides with the reminder that “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Jonathan and Seth give an overview of the appointed lectionary texts for the day. They discuss how the Gospel’s admonition not to flaunt one’s piety might fit with the practice of putting ashes on one’s forehead, and end, as always, with a prayer.
Be on the lookout for more episodes in the coming days. We’re glad you’re with us.
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Reboot Teaser
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Sunday Feb 11, 2024
Jonathan and Seth reboot with a new format, new episodes, and new questions. Starting Ash Wednesday, and continuing every Sunday, they’ll discuss the appointed lectionary texts and raise questions that someone could address in a sermon or a Bible study or may want to meditate on. The new format should be shorter and more relevant for those in ministry settings, and equally engaging for those who don't 'do' church professionally.
Look for more ways to get involved soon; we’re glad you’re with us again or for the first time.
Sunday Apr 09, 2023
Easter: Matthew 28:1-10
Sunday Apr 09, 2023
Sunday Apr 09, 2023
Resurrection has an impact on the entire universe. It will involve Jesus, human beings, and all of creation. What will the future of creation look like? What small but visible resurrections are taking place in nature right now? Jonathan and Seth discuss these issues. Jonathan fails the final quiz of our series, possibly for the first time in his life!
We hope your Easter is joyful and that you, too, can experience a resurrection.
Friday Apr 07, 2023
Good Friday: Psalm 22
Friday Apr 07, 2023
Friday Apr 07, 2023
Hanging on the cross, Jesus cries out the opening line of Psalm 22. The poem starts with deep pain, punctuated by statements of trust in God's presence. A savior who utters these words offers a helpline to those suffering too, who feel abandoned, but are never alone. Jonathan and Seth explore how this psalm - and Jesus' use of it - affects how we connect to people in pain. And, appropriately for Good Friday, they sit in the tension this psalm and a crucified God create.
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Maundy Thursday: John 13:1-17, 31-35
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
John's Gospel uses "love" more than the synoptic Gospels combined; Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus' commandment to love one another. What does it look like to also love the natural world? What would it look like to regard the natural world as we love other people? Jonathan and Seth explore those seemingly simple questions in this short, Holy Week episode.
Sunday Mar 26, 2023
The Fifth Sunday in Lent: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Sunday Mar 26, 2023
Sunday Mar 26, 2023
The valley of dry bones that Ezekiel sees resembles a modern landfill. Discarded, wasted, and loose parts are strewn about. God tells Ezekiel, however, that the bones can live and recombine into bodies. It's similar to recycling programs, which use discarded, wasted, loose plastic to create new products. Sadly, very little plastic is recycled. What would it be like if God gave the recycling process new life? In this episode, Jonathan and Seth discuss precisely that.